Recent activity at the apiary
On the 16th of August 2025 we had our apiary honey extraction - not such a big affair this year as the weather during the Summer led the bees to consume much of the stores they had built up in the early season. However there was a good turnout both of members and entries for the club honey show in September and it was good to see many of the prizes going to newer members. A barbecue made the whole afternoon one to enjoy, and the "Best in Show" prize went to Theo and Karen for their joint entry in the light honey category. Our thanks to members of Thurrock Beekeepers for being our show judges.
The education and training brief continued with eleven people attending one of the beginners' courses. Congratulations to Theo and Amy who passed their Basic Assessment, and to Alan who passed the Honeybee Health Assessment
As the beekeeping year wound down, we had a lecture by John on hive preparation for Winter and Winter treatments on the 18th of October, and then in November it was time for our AGM: John stepped down as Apiary manager and was replaced by Alan. John moved on to the chairman's job, replacing James who is carrying on as one of our reps to the KBKA.
Work on the apiary stepped up a gear in February 2026 with sessions removing accumulated rubbish at the apiary, renovating the paths and repairing and painting the sheds. The old water tanks have been removed and a soakaway is being dug. The old rotting generator shed has been removed and new hard standing laid in preparation for a new one.
The lecture season got off to a good start with a talk by Rudy Repka of Ruxley beekeepers on queen rearing. The lecture was well attended and many of those present are developing plans to rear their own queens this year.
Theo receives his Basic Assessment certificate
.....as does Amy
.. and Alan receives his for Honeybee Health
Cakes at the honey show
...and candles
.... and jams and chutneys
Debbie receives her certificate for best photo
Tim gets his for best dark honey
Our judges from Thurrock Beekeepers
Karen and Theo get "Best in Show"
Rudy Repka giving his lecture
Repairs underway on the back shed
The bee wall gets a makeover
Taking a break
