Kent 'KSRC' Classes 2015

Firstly, although the relocation saga of KSRC itself continues, and classroom/laboratory classes can't be organised until firm site availability can be guaranteed, the definite intention is that these classes will continue - but only after the new site is definitely up-and-running.


IN THE MEANTIME, a couple of practical (hands-on bees) sessions have been arranged - at Bridge near Canterbury (Mann Lake). As before, booking priority is for beekeepers from Kent.

Practical Bee Handling
A one-day class to be run on Sat 23rd May 2015 & again on Sat 25th July 2015

The aim is to provide coaching in reading the bees, proactive management, apiary hygiene and smooth, confident handling. You will get plenty of access to hives, working in small groups so that there’s practical learning for each delegate.

Students : minimum pass in BBKA Basic, no exceptions to that. Freshly laundered bee suit, clean footwear and disposable gloves essential. Maximum 6 students in the session. Bring packed lunch

£25

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Two tutors, six students.
Tutors are Bob Smith NDB and Patrick Murfet, beefarmer & Mann Lake.

More details on the website http://ksrcbees.org.uk/?page_id=4

UPDATE

1/ - The insistence on holding the BBKA Basic for the "Practical Bee Handling" classes has been dropped. So now open to anyone interested in upping their handling skills.

2/ - The website is now live, and also lists two additional 'classroom' classes -- Terry Clare on Queen rearing for the small-scale beekeeper, on Thursday 26th April, and Bob Smith doing a practical on Pollen Identification (microscopes provided) on Sunday 31st May.
These classes are to be held at the Uni of Greenwich site at Chatham Dockyard

Terry Clare will open proceedings with his popular "Introduction to Queen Rearing" course on Sunday 26th April. This full day course (10-4) will cover all you need to know to get started and is particularly aimed at beekeepers with a modest number of colonies, who wish to improve the quality of their stock. Terry is much in demand all over the UK and has strong connections to Ireland too; we are fortunate to be able to call upon his vast experience and expertise. This course does not involve work with the bees but there may be a follow-on course where these skills can be practiced.

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Having done this class last year, I can confirm that it 'does what it says on the tin'.

Two more dates have appeared on the site.


One is a third "Practical Bee Handling" day. But this one is being held near Maidstone - tutors are Bob Smith and David Rudland.

The other is "Practical Queen Rearing" with Terry Clare on Monday 13th July at Detling

A workshop especially for beekeepers with a limited number of colonies. An ideal introduction to anyone with a few hives who wishes to produce replacement queens for themselves and friends.

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Note that this is billed as a 'workshop' NOT a classroom session.

itma said:

... a couple of practical (hands-on bees) sessions have been arranged - at Bridge near Canterbury (Mann Lake). As before, booking priority is for beekeepers from Kent.

Practical Bee Handling
A one-day class to be run on Sat 23rd May 2015 & again on Sat 25th July 2015

The aim is to provide coaching in reading the bees, proactive management, apiary hygiene and smooth, confident handling. You will get plenty of access to hives, working in small groups so that there’s practical learning for each delegate.

... Freshly laundered bee suit, clean footwear and disposable gloves essential. Maximum 6 students in the session. Bring packed lunch

£25

Click to expand...

Two tutors, six students.
Tutors are Bob Smith NDB and Patrick Murfet, beefarmer & Mann Lake.

More details on the website http://ksrcbees.org.uk/?page_id=4

Click to expand...

Last I heard there were still places available for next Saturday's (the 25th) class.
This the last 'practical' class this year.
Now NO need to have passed the Basic, but not really suitable for absolute beginners.
Worth a punt at this point if you are interested but outside Kent.