Author Archives: Meridian Beekeepers’ Association

Meridian members gathered at Swanmore today for our second apiary meeting of the season. The weather and bees were both kind for which we were grateful; we had several new members in attendance including Kate, Pete, Patrick, Rachael and Jake. In all, three hives were opened including Robin’s colony housed on twenty-two frames in twoContinue reading “Apiary meeting, 21 May”

I am pleased to say that both Meridian colonies at West End apiary survived the winter and as soon as the weather warmed up, in March, we were eager to open the hives and evaluate their progress. It was noted that there was brood and eggs present but the bees were only using 6 framesContinue reading “Denise: Spring update, West End apiary”

On Sunday 8 May, Louise and Denise hosted the second of the practical sessions; the culmination our most recent introduction to beekeeping course. There were eight new beekeepers present; Jane Dunham, Rachel Cole, David Bence, Tom Wells, David Redman, Paul and Alex Whitfield and Eileen Mansfield. The sun shone, the bees were on their bestContinue reading “Practical day, 8 May”

Post event notes and suggested way forward From: Louise Evans, 22 March 2022 To: Meridian members Subject: Asian hornet briefing Dear all, Thank you to those who attended the briefing on the Asian Hornet. Together, with the education of members and spring queen trapping (with traps adapted to prevent the slaughter of other beneficial species)Continue reading “Asian hornet talk”

It was a beautiful day for an apiary meeting; warm enough to keep our bees happy but cool enough to be comfortable in a bee suit. These two short videos give a flavour of the day. Denise led us through the Meridian colonies, both of which were looking good. Denise had successfully completed Bailey combContinue reading “Apiary meeting, West End, 24 April”

Sunday 3 April began with sunshine, coffee and bee chat. Chris, Denise, Phil, Louise, Richard and Bryn gathered at Richard’s home in West End to clean kit and prepare equipment for the forth-coming season. Chris Jordan had kindly bequeathed his equipment to Meridian. Louise attended the funeral and Richard collected the kit from the family.Continue reading “Preparation day”

By Colin Bowsher, March 2022 On Friday 11th March, Louise, Terry Lacey (former Meridian Treasurer) and I attended the funeral of Scott Peters, aged 95 years. My association with him had begun on a Meridian course in 2005. ‘Scottie’, eight years my senior, was a character and my ‘bee buddy’ who I shared many happy,Continue reading “Scott Peters, a dear friend”

Our ‘drop in’ practical training day was held at the Botley Centre on Saturday 23 April. There were topics designed to appeal to newer beekeepers as well as other subjects for those with more experience. The idea was that members could drop in for the topics they wanted to learn about but in practice, mostContinue reading “Practical training day”

Monday, April 04, 2022 Louise Tony Monday, April 18, 2022 Denise Nicky Monday, May 02, 2022 Louise Richard S Monday, May 16, 2022 Tony Denise Monday, May 30, 2022 Tony Nicky Monday, June 13, 2022 Louise Richard S Monday, June 27, 2022 Denise Louise Monday, July 11, 2022 Louise Nicky Monday, July 25, 2022 RobinContinue reading “Fireside chats”

Bee Disease Insurance Limited (BDI) provides insurance for the replacement of beekeeping equipment should it have to be destroyed due to an incidence of a notifiable disease such as European or American Foul Brood. Public and product liability insurance is also provided through your membership via other policies. Registered, Partner, Honorary and Junior members areContinue reading “Bee Disease Insurance”