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

Although our hives were doing well at the end of April this year, the weather during May and June was terrible, particularly for the bees. All too frequently the consequences were swarms and starvation. Colonies that survived this difficult period did, however, have an opportunity to build up their strength at the end of the season. The overall result has been lower honey yields this year for many of us. We must be optimistic so let us hope for a better season next year.

In spite of the seasonal problems SBKA had another active year. I estimate that the association has organised 16 events for members, in addition to keeping us informed of various beekeeping events being run by BBKA and other organisations. Our Association's programme contained events in every month of the year and included a range of educational and social events in addition to a major demonstration programme of monthly meetings from April to September based at the Association's apiary at Hampton Wood. Dennis Keyte also offered members the opportunity to visit his apiary on a monthly basis to see something of the seasonal management. These meetings gave members an ideal opportunity to see the details of the seasonal management of the hives and pick up experience at someone else's expense. Always the best way to learn!

Our indoor winter meetings added to our interest and knowledge. The honey show was again a successful event, attracting plenty of entries. Dennis Keyte had a particularly successful evening. We must also thank Julia Seymour-Smith for taking over the job of Honey Show Secretary this year. The Association's social events again included something for everyone. The dinner, the evening ramble and the skittles evening provide a wide choice. Many of us also find the various 'commercial' services to members an extremely useful activity.

I am sure that members would wish me to thank our office holders and committee members for all the work they have contributed in organising and running the varied activities of SBKA during 2002.

Julie and I wish you all a happy Christmas and successful beekeeping in 2003.

Michael Helps

Only 11 members attended this year's AGM, so we assume that the majority of you are happy with the way that the Association is run!

The most significant change to the committee (as forecast in the October newsletter) was the change of Secretary. Denis Keyte first became secretary in 1969 and has since then served a total of 23 years in the post. He had a nine year sabbatical when John Sheppard, John Cook and Mike Osborne took over the reins, so presumably may be open to nomination in 2011! Denis was warmly thanked for the great deal of work that he has undertaken for the Association in that time. We are pleased that he will continue as a committee member. Mike Osborne will replace Denis as Secretary and Terry Hitchman will act as BBKA delegate.

John Sheppard and Ron French also resigned from the committee and, following a minor twisting of arms, we were pleased to be able to welcome David Titcomb back on to the committee together with one of our newer members, Margaret Woodhams. Margaret has been a regular at both indoor and outdoor meetings and we hope that she will bring new ideas to the committee - particularly from a beginner's viewpoint - as well as helping to redress the male/female balance. The remaining committee members were returned unopposed, although Will Spencer indicated his wish to retire as Treasurer next year.

Considerable discussion centred on the Association's finances which, although strong, have now shown a deficit for two consecutive years. It is clear that the income from our apiary is the most significant factor in determining whether we make a profit or a loss and our decision to invest in new equipment and a new queen this year, together with a poor honey crop, produced the first loss from the apiary in over ten years. We expect this to be reversed next year, but the point was made that we should not expect our apiary manager to do all of the hard work to produce income that benefits all of the members. One of the tasks for the new committee will be to ensure that apiary work is shared out fairly, but there is a need now for volunteers to help Brian during the winter with jobs like renovating equipment and tidying up the apiary site and the shed. Please ring Brian if you are able to spare a few hours.

And so another season ends. How well did your bees do? Did you get a good crop? Did you achieve all your objectives? If so, well done! If not, do you know why?

At the start of the season (April newsletter) I set out my three main objectives for the year. How well did I do?

In May I reported that I had found two more colonies with EFB at Ailstone - not unexpectedly - and that these were dealt with by the 'shook swarm' method. These colonies were moved to an isolated hospital site and are now looking very good. There have been no further cases of EFB at any of my apiaries and full hygienic handling (rubber gloves and soda wash) should ensure that if there is any remaining inapparent infection then it will be contained.

I did make increase - over 40 colonies - but the appalling weather in May and June, and the resulting large number of drone laying queens, forced me to reunite many of the splits to their parent colonies. However, I now have around 20 more colonies than at the start of the season and managed to produce an above average crop. Barrels of bulk honey have been despatched to First Honey Co-operative who are paying an excellent price this year.

I cheated on this one! Given the very difficult season and the extra work caused by the bad weather in May and June, I did not rear any queens and decided to buy in some good black, near-native, bees from two breeders in Derbyshire. This has enabled me to re-queen one apiary completely and another one partially; in addition, I have identified some of my own stocks from which I think it worth breeding. The effect on temper of re-queening one apiary was dramatic - when I removed the crop with the blower I was totally ignored; previously I had always been 'seen off the premises' by quite a number of very aggressive bees.

So was Shaw right when he said: 'Happy is the man who can make his hobby his profession'? Well, so far I think that I have to say 'yes' - it has been an interesting year - a great deal of hard work - not a little frustration with the weather - but very satisfying. However, I will reserve judgement, for the time being, on the financial viability of a career as a beekeeper. Whilst it may provide a useful supplementary income - and a great deal of fresh air and exercise - following early retirement, I think that it would been a very hard way to pay a mortgage and provide for a young and growing family.

Plans for next year? 'Watch this space', as they say!

We have been invited to the Warwickshire Inter-branch quiz evening. This will be held at the Old Leamingtonians Rugby Club (as before), Bericote Rd, Leamington Spa at 7.30 pm. on Friday 6 December. The cost is £5.00 per person to include food. Please contact Mike Osborne 01789 731745 immediately if you wish to join one of our teams. The questions are not restricted to beekeeping, so please come for a great evening and an opportunity to meet other beekeepers in the county.

These will be held on Wednesday evenings starting 15th Jan. 2003 at The Countryside Centre, County Hall, Worcester. The cost is £55. Contact Martyn Cracknell, 01386 462385, for full details.

Sherriff Honey Rustler (jacket and veil combined) - only worn once - £35.

Contact Mrs Page 01789 204319.

Mr Walter Pettifor, a member for many years, has moved from Claverdon to Chippenham. He didn't take his bees with him, but may start again when he and his wife have settled down in their new surroundings. Older readers may remember their son Peter, who as a teenager was a keen follower of our activities.

DNK