Author Archives: Meridian Beekeepers’ Association

A nucleus colony, or nuc for short, is a small honey bee colony created from a larger one. It’s so named because it’s smaller than a full-sized colony and is centred on a queen bee and a nucleus of worker bees. The value of nuclei. A good quality nucleus is like gold dust and canContinue reading “obtaining a nucleus”

In Britain, we have a maritime temperate climate which is one of the most varied weather systems in the world. British bees are best adapted to cope with our climate and the resultant vegetation. Local bees are better still. Maritime temperate regions are found in areas near coasts where the sea and onshore winds provideContinue reading “Our temperate climate”

BeeBase is offered free to beekeepers by the National Bee Unit. It is funded by DEFRA, the Welsh Government and Scotland’s Bee Health Programme. The website provides a wide range of apicultural information to help beekeepers maintain healthy and productive colonies. It provides a wide range of beekeeping information including honey bee related legislation, informationContinue reading “Beebase”

You’re excited to get started, you’ve searched the internet. You’ve found some bees you can immediately send off for or go and collect. We understand, we’ve all been there, but before you rush off, there’s a few things you may wish to consider. Not all honey bees are the same. There are different strains; theyContinue reading “Getting your bees”

Meridian Beekeepers’ Association Meridian was set up over twenty five years ago by a group of enthusiasts with the aim of encouraging new and existing beekeepers to look after their bees by means of good husbandry and increased knowledge. A great deal of effort has been put in by many members to increase public awarenessContinue reading “History”

The association has some essential equipment for loan but it is important that members return the equipment in a clean and fully working state. A deposit may be required for each piece of equipment borrowed which is returnable on completion of the loan. Item                         Extractor (3 units) Settling tank Lightweight plastic uncapping tray                    WarmingContinue reading “Equipment loan”

Chris ParkerChair chris.parker939@gmail.com 07917 264269 Richard SkinnerSecretary secretarymeridianbees@gmail.com 07812 642970 Philip SmithTreasurer treasurer@meridianbeekeepers.com 07966674610 Louise EvansEducation and training louisewithbees@gmail.com 07434 952900 Denise SmithSocial secretary denise.smith@meridianbeekeepers.com 07525 753025 Howard TowlWebsite howard.towl@meridianbeekeepers.com 07832 185913 Richard SkinnerHBKA representative secretarymeridianbees@gmail.com 07812 642970 John Hammond john@discoverysa.co.uk 07886 086922 Nicky Kakkar nicolakakkar@hotmail.com 07983 549551 Apiaries: Old Dairy House, Mayhill Lane, Swanmore,Continue reading “Your committee”

1.Title The Association shall be called the Meridian Beekeepers’ Association hereinafter referred to as the MBA or the Association. 2. Objective a. The Objectives of the MBA are to promote and encourage the craft of beekeeping in the community by means of education, information and co-operation. b. To encourage and foster the highest standards ofContinue reading “Constitution”

Meridian’s shop has British wax foundation purchased by the association from Kemble Bees. Buying this high quality foundation in bulk means we are able to offer it for sale to members at a reduced cost. Wired British Standard National brood foundation is £1.33 per sheet and unwired National foundation (which can be used for superContinue reading “Shop”

Moisture content in honey Ideally, honey should contain less than 17.8% water. If the moisture content is higher than 20%, it may ferment due to the presence of yeasts in the honey. Honey is hygroscopic and if it is not carefully stored in a sealed container it will absorb moisture from the air. The internationallyContinue reading “Preparing Honey for Sale and Show”