Posted by Surreybeekeeper | Posted in Beehaus, Beehives, Beekeeping, Bees | Posted on 17-05-2010
Concern is mounting by the day as my bees fail to materialise. Here I am ready and waiting with a sparkly new bee hive and nothing to go in it. I have talked to Aussies, Americans, Kiwis, Brazilians, Mexicans, Canadians, Indians, Danes, Norwegians, Germans, Swedes and even moustache wearing Polish beekeepers about it all but still I haven’t any of my own. What am I to do? Read the rest of this entry »
Just come back from another war story session at the local pub to the apiary having done another practical session with the local beekeeping association. To be honest it was more concerned with the upcoming General Election than talking about beekeepers being stung in the eyes this week – maybe it was some sort of initiation ceremony rather than the status quo – in fact, imagine if there was an initiation ceremony like those that are renowned in rugby clubs or fraternities at US universities.
Would these initiation ceremonies consist of being stung in the eye or maybe just going into an apiary naked covered in honey or maybe just simply having to recreate the bee beard that I have seen done in the past (now that would top the morris man beard that I have talked so often about wouldn’t it!).
Anyway, it really was a fascinating session this week and I probably learnt more this week than ever before and really made me anxious to get my own bees as soon as possible (oh when will they come)….. Read the rest of this entry »
No news yet about the bees….I am hoping it won’t be too long but to be honest I am not really ready yet. Most of my 
frames are now built now that I am approaching my third evening (though I cannot complain as the combination of the TV – invariably something football related – beer and general excitement is keeping me going – though not all of those factors are making it particularly good for my fingers while using the hammer) Read the rest of this entry »
I hope you can all help here as I want to make sure I get it right. I have picked several places where I could put my hive but want others opinions on exactly where. I hope you can help me as I have produced a video showing the areas and also a very basic plan to go with it with the areas marked. Read the rest of this entry »
So, the volcano continues to throw ash into the atmosphere and so have not been able to fly to Finland but as a
consequence, I have gained a weekend. What a lovely feeling that is incidentally, it means i have had more chance to think about my beekeeping escapades. I have long been considering getting a second hive and a modern beehive was my consideration; the Beehaus made by Omlet. Though it seems expensive (£465 all included) at first I was tempted as it is completely different and something that would be a complete contrast to the traditional methods. What a comparison especially as a beginner. Would the new, fancy but expensive equipment, trying to muscle its way into the market place be better than the older more trusted equipment. It is quite funny in the beekeeping circles the cynicism given to this product. Beekeeping is a traditional pursuit and new fangled technology is often viewed with scepticism. This is the same the world over however if you consider it whether you are talking about beehives or the invention of a new bit of technology in the car industry. Therefore I want to view it with fresh eyes because, after all, I have never used the traditional hive anyway. What a good comparison as I have no bias either way and therefore no expectation. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Surreybeekeeper | Posted in Beehives, Beekeeping Equipment | Posted on 25-04-2010
This is unprecedented, the volcano keeps erupting, as you might expect, and the cloud of ash still seems to want to make its way toward Europe rather than in any other direction. Flights are grounded again and therefore, living near Gatwick, it is sheer bliss! To top it all we also have the most beautiful weather as well, so much for April Showers – I bet this means there are some pretty active bee hives out there. So overall this Friday I have clear blue skies and complete silence. Bliss. A great opportunity for beekeeping jobs! Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Surreybeekeeper | Posted in Beehives, Beekeeping, Bees | Posted on 29-03-2010
The Ideal Home Show
Feeling quite exhausted today due to a hectic three day schedule at an Exhibition in London for my corporate life. I have forgotten how tiring it is to stand up continually for 12 hours and just talk to people. To add to the intensity I was asked to be on a panel as an expert speaker. How that happened I do not know! Quite fun however and good experience.
What was quite fun however, and I only realised this when I got there on the Friday morning was that it was being held at Earls Court. It had genuinely not really sunk in until that point and, as with my nature of dealing with things when they happen, I suddenly got quite excited as I realised it was the Ideal Home Show at the same time! Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Surreybeekeeper | Posted in Beehives, Gardening | Posted on 25-03-2010
The hysteria and excitement similar to that experienced by a four year old at Christmas has now
My jigsaw puzzle hive!
subsided. The realisation that I actually ordered a flat packed hive has actually set in! What was I thinking…….How on earth do I build this thing especially considering my “Dry Run” was a complete disaster, having now looked at the actual instructions! If I was running a B&B for Bees the AA would simply not even bother coming out to give me a rating. It was all wrong! Read the rest of this entry »
