Hon. Newsletter Editor:
Peter Edwards
E-mail: beekeepers@stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk

2001 eventually proved to be a productive season for most local beekeepers. After a slow start in the spring, the weather improved from the bee's point of view and we seem to have learned to live with the threat of varroa, although EFB rumbles around us. Foot and Mouth disease restrictions resulted in difficulties in access to out-apiary sites, but locally these problems were slight compared to those in other parts of the UK.

The Secretary's annual report at our November AGM gave those of us that were present a good impression of the wide range of activities of the Association. I thought these remarkable for the relatively small number of members that we now have. This is in no small measure due to the enthusiasm and activity of the small group of very committed office holders and committee members that do so much for the Association and we thank them for all the efforts they make on our behalf.

In addition to the indoor winter meetings held on a range of themes, which unfortunately only a small number of our members attend, the Association apiary at Hampton Wood has been transformed and following the planned equipment replacement will be an ideal facility for demonstration and education which will serve the members well.

The honey show was a successful event this year - giving us all something to aim at! Will Spencer, in particular, is to be congratulated for his entries.

The Association's social events included something for everyone again this year, be it the dinner, the evening ramble or the skittles evening. We must also remember the various services available to members. These can be particularly useful for those of us with small numbers of hives, who form a large proportion of our membership.

The prospects for SBKA in 2002 look positive in spite of our small numbers. We must always remember, however, that the more members that take an active part in the Association's events the better these can be maintained and developed.

Julie and I wish you all a happy Christmas and plenty of honey with healthy bees and no swarming problems in 2002.

MH

The AGM on 16th November was attended by 14 members, during which the year's activities were reviewed, the accounts discussed and the various officers of the Association elected. Membership has declined slightly over the year, losing some and gaining some. Considering that we now are down to 46 members the percentage that have attended meetings during the year have been reasonable, though it would be nice to see a few more, particularly at the apiary meetings at which there is always something of interest to see and discuss. Brian and Jim were congratulated on having successfully revived the bees and greatly improved the apiary site. The spending of some of the funds on new equipment was discussed and considered worthwhile in view of the very healthy state of the accounts, thanks to Will. Although we did make a small loss this year, on average the Association breaks even over the years. MW thanked the Association for the help that she has received as a beginner. Particularly encouraging were the efforts of the newer members at the Annual Honey Show, where the number of entries was up, including some of the usually less popular classes.

The existing committee were all re-elected unopposed, the only change being that Peter Edwards has taken over the post of Newsletter Editor from Mike Osborne who will now concentrate on new members.

Available in bulk at £1.25 per lb - contact me if you would like some.

PE

The cost of posting out the newsletter and other items was discussed at the AGM. Next year, Bee Craft and, possibly, BBKA News will be sent direct to members. This means that for most of the year members will be receiving only the newsletter each month. There would be a considerable saving in postage if as many members as possible read it via e-mail or on the website. We have one of the lowest subscriptions in the country and this is one way that we can help to keep it so. (Let me know if you would be happy to receive the newsletter this way - PE).

Several members attended Dr. Ian Puddephat's talk on 9 November about his work on genetically modified crops at the Horticultural Research Institute in Wellesbourne. To begin with he gave some basic information on genes and how these determine a plant's characteristics. Gene transfer occurs naturally when one plant type is crossed with another. As an example wild lettuce is disease resistant, so that by crossing with cultivated varieties it is possible to produce a lettuce which does not require spraying with pesticide. The problem is that undesirable features are liable to appear in the process, such as an unacceptable loss of quality due to changes in the plant's appearance. This meant that in practice the work to produce the required lettuce variety took 15 years. GM provides gene transfer in which results are obtained quicker and in a more precise way, since specific known genes can be used to give just the required result. Unlike the natural crossing of plants, such artificial transfer can be carried out with unrelated plants, bacteria, fungi and animals. Thus the object is to insert specific genes with defined functions into a crop species in order to promote desirable characteristics, e.g. herbicide or pesticide resistance. In practice a gene can't be isolated, but the same effect is obtained by 'cutting' DNA into very small bits. At this point the ease with which some DNA can be produced was demonstrated using an onion mashed up with detergent and salt, and drops put into alcohol till it became cloudy, the white wispy strands formed being DNA. Information was briefly given on the various committees that oversee such work and provide permission for it to be carried out, either in the laboratory or in field trials. The laboratory work done by scientists such as Dr. Puddephat investigates the process of transformation. An example, which Dr. Puddephat considered to be 'a sensible way to use the technology', was to reduce the ageing effects of broccoli so that supermarkets can keep it on the shelf for a longer time. At present by far the largest producer of GM crops is the States, with Argentina next, followed by Canada. The commercial benefit will be an increased yield per acre at a lower cost, leading to cheaper food, but this could lead to increasing control of the production process by the large companies that supply the seed, chemicals, etc., which in the long term could act against the interests of the smaller producer. The consumer should get improved quality, shelf life, flavour and texture, but will increasingly find it difficult to avoid GM food should he want to. It is a fact that GM genes will flow into the environment, but Dr. Puddephat considers that it is not the escape into the surrounding area of the GM crop that is the main problem, since the genetic material is no longer present after three generations. A bigger problem is that 'outcrossing' can occur to wild relatives - for rape this includes all the brassicas - and being a natural transfer these become permanently affected. Several undesirable effects have come to light during the work on GM crops. Lethal genes were introduced to ensure seeds produced were sterile, thus preventing farmers retaining some seeds to sow for next year's crop. Monsanto have now agreed not to proceed further with this. Self-regenerating pathogens associated with certain viruses were introduced to give virus resistant plants, by 'coating' the viral DNA. Because of the fear of these getting into the environment this work has now stopped in this country. Allergens and antibiotics have been introduced and bacteria are commonly also used to facilitate the gene transfer process. Work at Wellesbourne shows it should be possible to remove this 'junk' afterwards - too late for the crops now on trial. It would appear that the field trials now in process have been introduced too soon and without sufficient care.

MO

Friday 7th December, 7.30pm. Skittles Match with the Shipston Beekeepers at the Lygon Arms, Chipping Camden. Just turn up. Refreshments available. Come along and see if we can make this the year that we win!

Friday 11th January, 7.30pm. Committee Meeting at Mike Osborne's house.

Thursday 31st January, 7.15pm for 7.30pm. Annual Dinner at Stratford College. Always enjoyed by those who attend. Excellent food and excellent company. Contact Terry to reserve your places. Cost to be decided, but should be similar to last year at £18.00 each.

Friday 8th February, 7.30pm. National Beekeeping Centre, Stoneleigh. Arranged by the Warwickshire Association, this is an opportunity to hear Dr. Ruth Spinks, one of the country's acknowledged experts, bring us up-to-date with the work being done at the NBU on European Foulbrood. Robin Hall, our Regional Bee Inspector will also be attending.

Friday 22nd February, 7.30pm. Talk by John Home entitled "Bees are my Business", at Stratford College. John will give us the low-down on how to make a living from beekeeping.