Guildford Division
2016 has been another busy year for Guildford Division. My thanks to all the Committe members and others that have helped run our events and look after the bees. The apiary at Birtley is a great asset. Most of the divisions hives are now in the orchard with only 2 remaining in the garden. Last spring we planted a hedge around the hives to protect them from the wind. We now have 12 colonies at the apiary. The Barn has proved very useful allowing us to build hives and clean old equipment and store the equipment when not in use. It also provides shelter when the weather is not so good and is a good place for a cup of tea and chat about bees.
This year we had a group of last year's beginners take their basic and we're delighted that they all passed. We hope to have a larger group this year.
We ran a beginners theory course in January followed by practical in April. Both courses were well received and we are delighted to welcome our new members and thank them for their help looking after the bees. We introduced a plant sale this year so that members could sell their excess plants and purchase plants that they liked. It was a great success and brought members to the apiary that have not been before. Our taster day was well received and several people from the taster day have signed up for our next course.
The Wood fair at Birtley was great fun, those of us that were there on Saturday got rather wet but the sun came out on Sunday and there were many visitors to our bee tent. The event was enhanced by the little cow that was placed beside our tent that was painted with bees, next year we may introduce a guess the number of bees on the cow competition. We continue to be asked to give talks to various groups on bees which is always worthwhile.
I'm delighted that a new quiz master is taking over the quiz night from my husband and I, variety is the spice of life an it means that we can participate in the event.