 WDBKA completes a successful beginners’ course
On March 13th WDBKA hosted about 25 potential new beekeepers for a day. Throughout the day attendees listened to experienced members talk about honey bees, apiaries, equipment, inspections, diseases, and many other topics..
This was the first course the association has held, and it was very well received.
Subscriptions for 2010 are now due!
Members will be pleased to hear that there is no increase in the WDBKA subscription rate for 2010. Membership of the association is available as a primary beekeeper, partner member, junior member, or associate member.
Please complete the application form and return to the association treasurer.
WDBKA to feature on Radio 4 “Gardeners’ Question Time”
 The BBC recently visited Winchester BKA to record a segment that will air on the popular Radio 4 programme Gardeners’ Question Time.
We were delighted to host Anne Swithinbank for the day and explain why beekeeping is important to the environment, and how people can start safely.
The radio program is scheduled to be broadcast on Friday 16th October at 3pm and repeated on Sunday 18th October at 2pm.
WDBKA member subject of “The amber nectar” article
Hampshire Society Magazine includes an article on Winchester Beekeeper Avril Burt. You can read the article on-line.
Bee day at Intech 
Friday 14 August. As part of the national "Save our Bees" campaign, members of the Winchester Beekeeping Association will display an observation hive and beekeeping equipment and talk informally about bees, beekeeping, and honey. We will be explaining how the you can help nurture the bee population. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try making beeswax candles and use computer microscopes to examine bees in great detail.
Bob’s bit - live!
WDBKA’s own Bob Geary was interviewed by Wave 105 radio station yesterday (5th August 2009). Bob, who writes a regular column in the WDBKA newsletter, gave his opinion on the national news about the plight of the honey bee. He encouraged people to show their support for bees by becoming a beekeeper, becoming better educated, and supporting local beekeepers.
You can contribute directly to the work of the WDBKA through an on-line donation.
New membership-only area
The WDBKA website now features a new “Members-only area”. Links from that area require a user name and password to access the documents and resources. The username and password are available from the association secretary and will be sent out to all members.
WDBKA will continue to make as much information as possible publicly available. The new private area was initially created to host the HBA handbook that is now available in electronic form, making searching and access much easier!
WDBKA in the news
It looks like 2009 is a particularly busy year for swarming, and honey bee swarms have been collected from across the region. The Hampshire Chronicle reported on a swarm taken from a primary school by WDBKA Member Avril Burt. The full story is available on-line.
Winchester City Mill Exhibition
 Winchester Beekeepers are delighted to join the National Trust for the “Week of Bread and Honey Event” being held at Winchester City Mill from 23rd May to 30th May.
The event is a wonderful opportunity to promote the value of honey bees and wholesome foods using cookery, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to suit all ages.
Come along to see our bees and talk to our beekeepers on Monday 25th May and Tuesday 26th May.
Membership subscriptions are due - now!
Members are asked to complete a 2009 application form and return it promptly to the association Treasurer with your remittance.
The latest date for continuous 2008-2009 membership is 28th February 2009. If your renewal is not received by that date you could be without Bee Diseases Insurance for the coming season!
National Science and Engineering Week
The Winchester and District Beekeepers’ Association will be participating in the National Science and Engineering Week “Save our Bees” campaign.
Join us on Saturday 7th March 2009 at the INTECH Science Centre near Winchester for a full programme of bee-related activities.
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