Bee buddy

[legalbeagle]

Hello - I have an allotment nearby, and was thinking about asking the allotment committee whether I can keep bees there. I am a complete novice and would have to go on a course first etc, but one thing I do know is that I won't have the time to look after them on my own, not least because someone would have to check them if I'm on holiday etc. Anyone interested in sharing a hive? Or being a bee buddy in exchange for free honey? If so I might try and get this plan off the ground!

[iaineasy]

YES DEFINATELY!! But knowing nothing about them I would have to go on a course too, let me know if you have any luck joining one as I would go for sure, also I would love to get an allotment, how do I go about it?

[legalbeagle]

Thanks Ian - I have had a couple of PMs too, it's really nice that there's some enthusiasm! I'll ask allotment committee first and if I can get some Bees I'll take it from there. Meantime allotments are hard to come by I think. Ours has a waiting list of almost two years, which is how long it took me to get mine. I think it's just a case of getting your name on waiting lists and keeping your fingers crossed.

[iaineasy]

2 years blinking heck I only wanted to grow a few veg and stuff:'( . would still love to learn how to keep bees though there must be a local club and I bet there must be some local honey to be had. I like trying local honey there was a great little place I used to get honey from when I lived in Hampton. Maybe it will be you in due course LE.

[legalbeagle]

I hope so Iain! In the meantime I gather there is a bee keeping association in Sydenhman, though I don't know much about them. I know waiting for an allotment is a pain, but don't forget you can grow all sorts of things in tubs (I grew fantastic tomatos and courgettes in tubs one year) or back gardens or even just in window boxes (try salad leaves at this time of year in a window box, they do really well). Give it a try!

[Chick]

Have a look at this site:

http://www.lbka.org.uk/

Even though I have had a successful summer and my colony is doing well I may still do a course. It takes about an hour per week and there is a lot to it, you can?t just leave them so I was very lucky having someone to mentor me. If you and Ian get a hive I will be happy to mentor you as best I can.

Chick.

[woofmarkthedog]

Chick Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Have a look at this site:

>

> http://www.lbka.org.uk/

>

> Even though I have had a successful summer and my

> colony is doing well I may still do a course. It

> takes about an hour per week and there is a lot to

> it, you can?t just leave them so I was very lucky

> having someone to mentor me. If you and Ian get a

> hive I will be happy to mentor you as best I can.

>

> Chick.

________________________________________________________________

You know this was coming

"Chick is the queen bee "

Bzzzzz.....zzz

[legalbeagle]

Thanks Chick, that's really kind. I have to get confirmation from my allotment site first and then work out what to do next but if I do go ahead with the plan I'll be in touch!

[iaineasy]

yeah coolidge!!