A big thank you to those who prepared and entered exhibits.
Well done to those who’s entries earned placings
Very well done if you have earned a First (or two …)
Congratulations if you have a Trophy to collect.

Keeping Reigate Beekeepers in touch with each other and events.
Well done to those who’s entries earned placings
The notes below amend Rules 1, 2, 4 & 14 in the 2021 Schedule.
All exhibits will be displayed and judged in the normal manner, initially behind closed doors during the 2nd October, under the watchful eyes of our Show Bench Secretary and Stewards.
From 1:30pm, the pavilion will be open for members and their guests to visit and view the Show Benches. Some sections of the Show Benches may be cordoned off at times whilst any remaining judging of Classes is being undertaken.
[Read more…]A useful mechanism for IPM Varroa control, as described by Steve Riley at our 2019 December Winter meeting and demonstrated by Vince in presentation RBKA Online No7 during June 2020.
The plan is to hold with Queen Cage session under gazebos outside with workbenches. Vince will take you through the process of you building with materials supplied, firstly, one for the hives at Henfold; and then to refine your skills, so you can build your own.
(Material used may differ from those shown in the photo and video)
The cost is £20 which covers the materials for your own cage.
The session starts at 13:30pm, and should take about 2 hours.
This is being run in the afternoon so that, if you wish, you may also attend the Wax Wrap Workshop in the morning. Pre-booking for the Wax Wrap Workshop is separate and it’s cost is additional if participating.
More details about the Wax Wrap Workshop HERE.
We will show you the method we have found to be easiest and pass on our top tips for success.
You will go home with a set of three wax wraps and the recipe so you can make more at home.
Tea, coffee and cake is included in the cost of £20 for the session starting at 10.00am and ending at 12.30pm.
If there is sufficient interest in the wax wrap making , we may run a second session during the afternoon
The cost will be £20 and participants will go home with their own Queen Cage.
The plan is to hold with Queen Cage session under gazebos outside with workbenches.
Morning attendees of the Wax Wrap Workshop could stay to attend, but pre-booking for the Queen Cage Workshop and it’s cost is additional if participating.
In another departure from previous summer parties, there was no BBQ involvement or requirement for participants to bring their own food.
Instead, platters of Meat & Vegetarian Sandwiches, Wraps, Mini Sausage and Mini Cheese & Onion Rolls, Fruit Kebabs, Fruit Fingers, as well as Cakes and Profiteroles were all provided in a buffet spread.
Participants brought their own light (or heavy) liquid refreshments and were requested to make a donation to RBKA towards the food provided. And of course Tea & Coffee was on constant supply from Ernie.
The grounds, as ever, looked terrific, and the pavilion was resplendent in its fresh coats of protective treatments.
During the afternoon, a few presentations and unveiling ceremonies were conducted as parts of a welcoming address from Chairman, Richard Bradfield.
[Read more…]At the time when venue booking, planning and promotion of our usual public Beekeeping and Honey Show event needed to commence, uncertainties remained about when and to what extent pandemic constraints on gatherings and social distancing would be lifted. There also remained uncertainty about how quickly we and the public would feel comfortable about being within a potentially crowded hall.
All exhibits will be displayed and judged in the normal manner behind closed doors during the 2nd October, under the watchful eyes of our Show Bench Secretary, Stewards and the lenses of cameras. This year however, hopefully there may be some additional scope for members to more freely visit Henfold and view the Show benches after the judging has been completed, and before entries are collected. Meanwhile, as last year, photos and video footage of the Show Bench, Judging activity and the awarding of certificates for entries will be published on our Members website.
This will be the first opportunity for over 15 months for many of us to meet, other than via monitor or smart phone screens or for a very fortunate few, whist wearing bee-suits.
The Basic Assessment Study Group commenced weekly online meetings on Tuesday 6th April, at 7pm, with subsequent sessions each Monday at 7pm.
The first phase (all on-line) of Weekly Summer Members Meetings provided live inspections of a colony beamed via Zoom followed by Q&A’s.
The current second phase is providing the opportunity for the Basic Assessment Study Group to conduct colony inspections with Hive Tutors; as well as maintaining on-line Zoom meetings for Q&A’s and exchanges of advice and guidance for all other members to participate in.
[Read more…]The 2021 BBKA Spring Convention, 16-18 April, is a great ‘Virtual’ event to look forward to. The bonus of being virtual is that the Convention will come to you, wherever you are, via your choice of device: computer, tablet or smartphone. Despite all the challenges, we will as usual offer a mix of practical and scientific lectures and presentations, on the topics most requested, directed at a range of beekeeping experience, presented by the very best of speakers.
The electronic Convention programme is available on the BBKA website, with full details of speakers and their talks ….
Download BBKA SC 2021 Presentations Timetable Final.pdf (issued 30th March 2021).
Entry to the Virtual Tradeshow (AKA The Marketplace) will be free and this will be everyone’s opportunity to browse the latest beekeeping kit from multiple suppliers, all under one ‘virtual’ roof and to take advantage of special Convention offers!
In addition … the More Social programme gives an opportunity to learn more about current issues in and around beekeeping presented by key influencers.
Download BBKA SC 2021 More Social Details Final.pdf (issued 30th March 2021)
The programme includes the presentation by Julian Routh of the Bees-A-Buzzing Quiz final, a light-hearted team quiz between Association ‘teams’.
The members of the Convention Committee look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Convention, with something for all! For more information, programme updates and participation details, please see BBKA News and the Spring Convention pages www.bbka.org.uk/Pages/Category/about-spring-convention
Joyce Nisbet, BBKA Trustee and Spring Convention Chair: joyce.nisbet@bbka.org.uk
There seem to have been a lot more colony losses than usual during this Winter. This EXTRA meeting will be an open forum for members to share their thoughts and ideas about why so many of us have lost colonies this winter and maybe why some havn’t.
There will NOT be a presentation – this is an informal meeting.
So if you have any thoughts join us on Wednesday evening 24th March at 7pm
Invitations and joining instructions to join THIS Zoom Meeting have already been delivered by Jim Wynn from noreply@membershipservices.org.uk to ALL our RBKA paid-up members with email addresses. The instructions are applicable ONLY FOR THIS meeting and are ESSENTIAL for you to follow to be able to either log-in via smartphone or computer for 2-way video & audio capability.
[If you have not received your invitation, click to go to the foot of this post ]
RBKA OnLine meetings will commence promptly at the scheduled time, and start with a very minutes of general notices and announcements. Do aim to log into the Zoom conference 5 to 10 minutes before the published start time ensure your have your system set-up adequately and to not miss any announcements and introductions.
Note that a new, unique, Meeting ID is issued ahead of each successive RBKA On-Line Meeting via Zoom.
All event details and timings remain subject to amendment at short notice. Keep in touch by referring back to the Members Website.
The 2021 BBKA Spring Convention, 16-18 April, is a great ‘Virtual’ event to look forward to. I hope your Association will encourage its members to put the dates in their diaries and be ready to book once the website opens in early April. To help with this, we attach adverts in different sizes and formats that you can choose to circulate or include in any local newsletter. The bonus of being virtual is that the Convention will come to you, wherever you are, via your choice of device: computer, tablet or smartphone. Despite all the challenges, we will as usual offer a mix of practical and scientific lectures and presentations, on the topics most requested, directed at a range of beekeeping experience, presented by the very best of speakers.
The electronic Convention programme will be available on the BBKA website from early March, with full details of speakers and their talks. Entry to the Virtual Tradeshow (AKA The Marketplace) will be free and this will be everyone’s opportunity to browse the latest beekeeping kit from multiple suppliers, all under one ‘virtual’ roof and to take advantage of special Convention offers!
Additionally, we are seeking expressions of interest from BBKA Area Associations wishing to have a free ‘stand’ in an ‘Associations Area’ of the Convention website. This would enable you to provide contact details, a weblink, a brief text overview and up to four photographs of Association activities. Optional video upload for a small additional charge (£80 + VAT per video) will also be possible. Our latest research has revealed significant numbers of new recruits to beekeeping during lockdown, keen to take part in the Convention. The Association Area will be an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of Association membership – and to share ideas. There will also be a prize for the ‘best’ still photograph uploaded in this area. If your Association is interested, please contact Ray Green, conventionstewards@gmail.com for further details, by 19th February.
It is intended to have a light-hearted team quiz at the Convention. Ideally this will be between Association ‘teams’. Julian Routh julian.routh@bbka.org.uk would be pleased to hear from budding (or buzzing) quiz ‘teams’ of three members from Associations. The intention is to hold preliminary virtual heats to identify two teams with the best combination of general and beekeeping knowledge. Places will by necessity be limited, so if you would like to take part, please contact Julian ASAP – and certainly by 19th February.
The members of the Convention Committee look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Convention, with something for all! For more information, programme updates and participation details, please see BBKA News and the Spring Convention pages www.bbka.org.uk/Pages/Category/about-spring-convention
Joyce Nisbet, BBKA Trustee and Spring Convention Chair: joyce.nisbet@bbka.org.uk
Attendance on Monday 30th November 7:30 – 8:30pm is free but you do need to pre-register to receive the zoom link (below).
Details from BBKA…
Pam Hunter’s next talk in the current series will take place Monday 30th November 7.30-8.30pm.
Viruses – What are they and what impact do they have on bees and human life?
Discusses how viruses were first discovered in plants (Tobacco Mosaic virus) long before they could be visualised. Early days of discovering infective organisms and using microscopes. Mentions Robert Hooke, Van Leeuwenhoek and Pasteur. How viruses such as smallpox, polio, yellow fever, foot and mouth, flu and now Corona SARS 2 have impacted the history of the world. Are viruses really alive and how do they get into cells? The impact of viruses on honey bees, including DWV and CBPV. Is there any treatment for viruses and if not why not?
Pam Hunter is a Master Beekeeper and her background is in biological sciences. She was employed in microbiological research in the pharmaceutical industry for 30 years before becoming a freelance consultant and writer. Pam is Chair of the BBKA Research, Technical and Environmental Committee.
The last of Pam’s talk was fully subscribed so please book early to reserve your place. Attendance is free but you do need to pre-register to receive the zoom link:
https://www.bbka.org.uk/Event/pam-hunter-talk-on-viruses
Kind regards
Leigh Sidaway, General Manager
… then Click Here to watch and listen to Pam Hunter’s presentation ‘The Mysterious World of Viruses’ – to Reigate Beekeepers on the 15th July 2020.
The ADM is the policy making forum for the BBKA and members are encouraged to have a look at what is proposed.
The Surrey BKA Council will be meeting before the 16th January to discuss and agree upon SBKA’s position on all the Propositions. [Read more…]
Invitations and joining instructions to join each Zoom Meeting are delivered about 5 days beforehand from Jim Wynn <noreply@membershipservices.org.uk> to ALL our RBKA paid-up members with email addresses. The instructions are ESSENTIAL for you to follow to be able to either log-in via smartphone or computer for 2-way video & audio capability, or by standard phone for audio only. Reminders may also be sent on the day of, or the day before each Zoom Meeting.
[If you have not received your invitation, click to go to the foot of this post
Wednesday 3rd March – No. 29 ‘Preparing for Spring’ presented by Simon Ford, with Q&A’s to follow. Commences at 7:00pm.
Wednesday 3rd February – No. 28 ‘In Self Defence’ presented by Celia Davis followed by Q&A’s. Commences at 7:00pm.
Wednesday 6th January – No. 27 ‘Recognising and Addressing Queen Events’ a new talk presented by Jamie Ellis Phd from Florida, USA. Commences at 7:00pm
Wednesday 2nd December – No. 26 ‘Winter Feed and Treatments’ presented by Adam Leitch + we are joined by Richard and Jane Ridler from Bees Abroad to hear the Bees Abroad Donation total being announced + Q&A’s to follow. Commences at 7:00pm (Recording to be published)
Wednesday 4th November – RBKA’s AGM Commences at 7:30pm (This event was not recorded for catch-up viewing.)
Wednesday 7th October – No. 25 ‘Products of the Hive’. Numerous members talk about how they produce their speciality products. Possible inspiration to keep occupied during the winter months, followed by Q&A’s. Commences at 7:00pm.
Each RBKA OnLine ‘meeting’ will commence promptly at the scheduled time, proceeded only by a very few minutes of general notices and announcements. Do aim to log into the Zoom conference 5 to 10 minutes before the published start time to ensure your video and audio settings are working OK and to not miss any announcements and introductions.
Note that a new, unique, Meeting ID will be issued ahead of each successive RBKA On-Line Meeting via Zoom.
All event details and timings remain subject to amendment at short notice. Keep in touch by referring back to the Members Website.
All exhibits will be transferred from the drop-off locations to Henfold for display and judging – behind closed doors – during the 26th September, under the watchful eyes of our Show Bench Secretary, Stewards and camera lenses ONLY.
Recordings of the Show Bench, Judging activity and the allocation of certificates, will be available for viewing by members and possibly the pubic.
These measures are due to the ongoing restrictions related to public events. It had been decided to cancel the Beekeeping display and public element of our usual ‘Beekeeping & Honey Show’ that was scheduled to be in Dorking again this year and instead, relocate the Honey Show (Bench Exhibits) element only of the event to our Henfold pavilion.
Necessarily, the Henfold site will need to remain CLOSED to all Members, other than those managing the event and designated to bring exhibits from and later return exhibits to the Drop-Off locations.
◊
Click on the PDF icon to download and open the presentation.
◊
Look for emails from RBKA-online@hotmail.com arriving in your Inbox during the weeks ahead.
Due to the increased frequency with which we will be needing to circulate virtual meeting invitations and notices to all our members by email, Reigate Beekeepers has commenced using Mailchimp as a secure means of storing and using an email circulation list derived from our Membership records. Please be assured that we will continue to ONLY use email addresses that you have provided in the communication of Reigate Beekeepers activities and events.
Invitations and joining instructions to join each Zoom Meeting are delivered about 5 days beforehand from rbka-online@hotmail.com to ALL our RBKA paid-up members with email addresses. The instructions are ESSENTIAL for you to follow to be able to either log-in via smartphone or computer for 2-way video & audio capability, or by standard phone for audio only. Reminders may also be sent on the day of, or the day before each Zoom Meeting.
[If you have not received your invitation, click to go to the foot of this post
Wednesday evening events have been scheduled for the rest of July, August and September, taking us to the end of the Summer season.
More Wednesday evening events are being scheduled for the rest of August and beyond as needed …
Each RBKA OnLine ‘meeting’ will commence promptly at the scheduled time, proceeded only by a very few minutes of general notices and announcements. Do aim to log into the Zoom conference 5 to 10 minutes before the published start time to ensure your video and audio settings are working OK and to not miss any announcements and introductions.
Note that a new, unique, Meeting ID will be issued ahead of each successive RBKA On-Line Meeting via Zoom.
All event details and timings remain subject to amendment at short notice. Keep in touch by referring back to the Members Website.
“There is growing interest in honey bees and their ability to deal with varroa.
BIBBA has organised a one-day event to bring together a range of presentations from experienced beekeepers who have reduced the use and reliance on chemical interventions to varying degrees. See accompanying pdf for details.
It is not yet the time to leave the bees to their own devices to live with varroa but we, as beekeepers, can help the bees on their journey with this pest.”
The flyer (below) provides details of the event (click on it to open and download as a pdf file)
Bookings are available via www.bibba.com/event-list/
or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/helping-bees-live-with-varroa-tickets-97161098461
Unauthorised use/duplication of this material, without express & written permission from the owner is prohibited. Excerpts & links may be used, provided full, clear credit is given to ‘Reigate Beekeepers’ & it’s website ‘rbkbblog.com’, with specific direction to the original content.
All Rights Reserved
Founded 1879
Charity No. 1026386