ADBKA

January Talk – The Truth about Honey

Published on January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 by ADBKALeave a comment

Tuesday 17 January, 7.30 pm, online via Zoom.

Honey fraud is the third biggest food fraud in the world. This fascinating talk lifts the lid on the how, why and wherefore of honey fraud and adulteration, and the way that it impacts on the livelihoods of beekeepers around the world. We will also take a look at what is happening in the UK.

About the Speaker: Lynne Ingram has kept bees for over 30 years, and runs 15-20 colonies in Somerset. She is a Master beekeeper, holds the National Diploma in Beekeeping, and is an examiner for the BBKA written and practical exams. Lynne is involved in educating beekeepers in Somerset, running study groups and curating the popular Somerset Lecture series.

This is a members-only event. See the January Newsletter for the Zoom link.

If you’re not a member, and wish to join the ADBKA, please see the Membership page – here.

Integrated Pest Management by Graham Torrie

Published on December 7, 2022December 7, 2022 by ADBKALeave a comment

Thursday, 8 December 2022 at 7pm – Kinellar Hall, Fintray Rd, Blackburn, Aberdeen

Vital information for the wellbeing of your overwintering colonies and their ongoing health, and your honey harvest!

ADBKA Annual Convention 2022

Published on October 16, 2022October 27, 2022 by ADBKALeave a comment

5 November 2022
09:30 – 16:30
TECA Hilton Hotel, East Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen AB21 9FX

Booking: Eventbrite

A fascinating day is in prospect at this year’s members’ convention. The UK’s largest bee farmer, Murray McGregor, will talk about his life in beekeeping, and will highlight some of the differences in approach between hobbyists and professionals. Many members have previously visited Murray at his base in Coupar Angus or at one of his out-apiaries, and others have improved their stocks by purchasing “Jolanta’s queens”. Our second speaker is well known local beekeeper, Stephen Palmer, who will talk about the challenges of beekeeping in Aberdeenshire’s ‘arable desert’, and also about some of the special equipment that he has found useful in his 40 years’ practice of the craft. The day will be rounded off with a panel discussion, a quiz and a prize draw – the full programme will be available shortly. This is an opportunity to get together and discuss beekeeping with like-minded friends and experts in comfortable surroundings – the event will take place from 09:30 till 16:30 at the TECA Hilton hotel which is located beside the new P&J Live Conference Centre in Dyce. The Convention will cost £30 to attend. This rate is being subsidised by the Association, and includes lunch, refreshments throughout the day, and parking. It would help the committee if those wishing to attend could book early, so that numbers can be managed. To book your place please use this link to the Eventbrite system.

Ian Forbes and John Beedie Memorial Library

Published on January 4, 2022January 22, 2023 by ADBKALeave a comment

We are very pleased to be able to offer our members the opportunity to borrow a wide range of books on bees and beekeeping free of charge. Our library collection is approaching 200 titles, dating back as far as 1912. We also hold many up-to-date publications. Whether you’re studying for your beekeeping examinations or just seeking more information on our shared passion, there’s sure to be something here to meet your needs. Members can view the catalogue by following the link from the Members’ Index Page.

Continue reading →

Visit to Murray McGregor’s queen-rearing apiary

Published on September 7, 2021 by ADBKA3 Comments

By Olga Macaulay

Every year Murray McGregor invites members of ADBKA to visit his queen-rearing apiary in Blairgowrie. This year, due to some Covid restrictions, only thirty lucky visitors were allowed to come. Most of us know Murray and his colleague, Jolanta, who is the “Chief” of the “queen-rearing factory”. This year we were pleased to also meet Murray’s daughter Linnet.

Continue reading →

2020 Review

Published on February 7, 2021 by ADBKA1 Comment

We will probably look back at 2020 as one of the strangest years anyone can remember. It affected all our lives – for some more profoundly than for others.

As the world started to wake up to the emerging Covid pandemic, Association activities in the first couple of months of 2020 proceeded as usual with a demonstration and a talk. We held a normal AGM, but national lockdown restrictions were imposed shortly thereafter and the annual beginners’ course was suspended half way through. Meetings for the foreseeable future were reluctantly cancelled. The Apiary and its bees were maintained, but member visits were not possible.

Continue reading →

Ode to the Beekeepers

Published on February 6, 2021February 6, 2021 by ADBKALeave a comment

See Ode to the Beekeepers here.

January 21^st saw the premiere of a new film about beekeeping in the North East called ‘Ode to the Beekeepers’. Unfortunately, there could be no red carpet or champagne, because to comply with social distancing requirements the event was held online.

Continue reading →

Late-season events round-up

Published on January 2, 2020January 2, 2020 by ADBKA

The last term of our honey year started 14 September with the SBA Convention hosted by us – the ADBKA – and a wonderful contribution by our committee members that helped to make the day such a success.

Continue reading →

Days out: the museum, the barbeque and the heather visit

Published on October 24, 2019October 24, 2019 by ADBKALeave a comment

This year’s ADBKA days out started in July with a visit to the Zoology Museum on St Machar Drive, with a special treat arranged by Hannah to see some trays of insect displays that aren’t usually on view to visitors.

Continue reading →

Meet the ADBKA Committee Members