Avon Beekeepers Website

A Registered Charity - No. 271717

Weston-super-Mare Branch

President:	John Wescombe	tel: 01934 623671
Chairman:	Brenda Davies	tel: 01934 843951
vice Chairman	Mike Westwood	tel: 01934 624092
Treasurer	Steven Sands	tel: 01934 413053
ABKA Delegate	Brenda Davies	tel: 01934 843951
Swarm Liaison	Mark Tilley	tel: 01934 822210 mob: 07976 637131
Secretary:	Ann Westwood	tel: 01934 624092

The aim of Weston-super-Mare Beekeepers is offer an educational programme in order to improve the standard of beekeeping in the area and to keep members up to date with the ever changing world of bees and beekeeping. We also have an educational stand at various events during the year in order to help the public understand more about the importance of honey bees in the environment.

We are a small friendly group of enthusiasts of varying abilities and we all try to help each other to develop the skills required to look after bees properly and to harvest good crops of honey. Regular meetings are held at various apiaries in and around Weston during the summer months. Study groups and occasional social events are arranged during the winter.

New beekeepers are always welcome but it must be emphasised from the beginning that beekeeping is a craft and it does take a long time to learn. After about two years members are encouraged to study for the ‘Basic Beekeeping Assessment’ which is a certificate of competence.

Weston-super-Mare Beekeepers have a number of new members this year and we are in the process of setting up a new branch apiary with teaching hives so that new beekeepers can learn by having some hands-on experience.

Annual subscription for 2009/10 is:

£21 for full members
£14 for partner members
£10 for associate members

For more information on:

Beekeeping equipment: contact Brenda Davies
Details of courses: contact Brenda Davies

Swarm collection:

contact Mark Tilley. Please note that there may be a charge for collecting swarms.

Answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q. How much honey will I get from a hive of bees?
A. The average harvest is about 40 lbs (18 kilos) but in a good year, bees that are
well looked after should produce more.

Q. How much does it cost to start keeping bees?
A. Allow £200-£300 to start with new equipment. Less if you buy second hand.

Q. How do I start?
A. It is recommended that you start by going on a course to learn the basics before
you get bees of your own. Then attend some hands-on apiary meetings to get your
confidence.