WITH the beginning of spring only a few weeks away, members of the Somerset Beekeepers Association, (S.B.K.A.), will be turning their thoughts to the beekeeping season ahead. The Annual Lecture Day, organised by the S.B.K.A., is a timely reminder. This year Dr Jamie Ellis and his wife Amanda Ellis from Florida will be giving talks on aspects of the varroa mite and the small hive beetle and their effects upon our bees. Glyn Davis from Devon and a former President of the British Beekeepers Association, will give a talk entitled, 'Looking at Eggs' whilst Ceri and Chad Cryer will talk about managing the 40 hives that they have established over the past three years. Ceri is also the current World Honey Queen. Finally, Richard Ball the National Bee Inspector, will give his regular analysis of the developments being undertaken to improve the health of beekeeping in the region. All these talks will be given on Saturday 17th February at the War memorial Hall, Draycott. Further information can be found by telephoning Caroline Butter on 01934 742075.

One of the talking points amongst those present will undoubtedly be the effects the warm but wet winter is having upon bee colonies. There is no doubt that the queens have been laying throughout the winter months. Generally, queens have a break from egg laying, particularly when the weather is cold and frosty for a length of time. This year with new brood to feed, albeit just a few hundred, it means that the winter stores have been deleted at a faster rate than normal. The high rainfall could have introduced a damp environment into the colony if the hives were not fully protected against the weather. The next few weeks could be critical for many colonies. Any reduction in the number of hives that will be producing a crop of honey later in the year, will make our task of meeting the increased demand for honey that much more difficult if not impossible.

David Morris the S.B.K.A. Publicity Officer, says, ' It is estimated that almost half a million new customers started buying honey for the first time last year. Honey, as a natural food, is now out-selling sales of marmalade and jam. The demand for local Somerset honey continues to increase as customers have confidence in its origin'.

Many interesting facts, and details of future events can be seen on the website www. somersetbeekeepers.org.