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This event on 30th October 2005 was organised by the National Bee Unit and was held at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane.
It was held at a cost of £8 per head and this included a lunch of soup and rolls, cheese and biscuits and tea or coffee – worth every penny.
The numbers were limited to 40, although in the end 44 turned up. The day ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM; the lecturers were Ian Horner, Dave Sutton, Stuart Beattie and Ian Molyneux.
We were split into three groups – A, B and C and the topics covered were Varroa control through Artificial Swarming, Pyrethroid resistance Testing, Open Mesh Floors and Mite monitoring, Varroa control through Queen caging, The use of Apiguard, Varroa Control by Drone Brood Removal.
Following an opening address and lecture we were split into our three groups and separate practical workshops were held before lunch.
Pam Hatton and her team performed wonders in providing a splendid lunch which was enjoyed by all and then it was back to our groups for more workshops before a final assessment of the day’s proceedings. After each practical workshop we were handed explanatory leaflets covering all the information we had received during the session.
All the lecturers had brought a large amount of equipment which helped to illustrate the lectures more clearly – “One showing is worth a Thousand Tellings.”
In summing up the day’s proceedings, I must applaud those responsible for setting up the most informative day’s beekeeping advice it has been my pleasure to be part of. The whole idea was to instruct us on being prepared to monitor mite drops on a regular basis and to use other methods of mite control instead of relying on the use of Apistan and Bayvarol. Even to make an attempt to steer clear of chemicals entirely. Ten years ago, such an event was unheard of. Congratulations to all concerned.
Bob Parsonage
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