Beekeeping Calendar
The 2012 Gloucestershire Beekeepers Calendars sold exceptionally well last year. If you missed out, don't worry, as we have managed to find some spare stocks from elsewhere in the County and are offering them at a reduced price of only £6!

The calendar features photos taken by member of the County (including several from our branch) and are printed on a large format to a very high quality. As well as being a calendar, I have also found them really useful to help explain to non-beekeepers about some of the things we do. There are photos of queen marking, swarms, inspections and Winter hives to name but a few.

If you are interested, you can reserve a copy by sending me an email, or we'll try to have some for sale at next month's Branch meeting.

January Branch Meeting News
It was great to see so many of you at our January branch meeting last week for an entertaining and informative talk on Microscopy from Alan Kime. He explained the different types of microscope and how they work, and gave a gruesome description of how to disect a bee to search for acarine! If you are interested in getting more involved, Nick Lambert did some research on the Brunel Microscopes packages that start at £106.23 + VAT for a primary package of stereoscopic and high power microscopes. If there is sufficient interest, we may be able to negotiate a volume discount. Let us know if you would be interested. You can, of course, also pick up microscopes second hand.

Branch Business
Winter Training starts shortly, and those who have already signed up should already have seen Will Messenger. As there is plenty of space at the venue, other branch members can turn up for specific sessions if you are interested for only £5.

Brian Durk, founder of Bees Abroad and branch member is involved with a Nature In Art exhibition from 3rd - 9th April (the week before Easter). The exhibition involves Val Littlewodd, the artist in residence, and is supporting several bee related charities. GBKA will have a stand there, and we are looking for volunteers to spend some time at the stand chatting to visitors about bees and beekeeping. Experience isn't necessary, just an enthusiasm for the subject, which I know you all have! Let any of the committee know and we will pass your details on.

Simon Girvan
(Branch Chairman)
 

Upcoming Events

10 February
Brains Trust Event
Panel style Q&A Sessions. Please submit questions to Debbie Harding

16 March
Richard Ball - "The Fine Art of Reading the Bees"

18 March
Advanced Tools Expo
3pm, AGCC

Copyright © 2012 Cheltenham & Gloucester Branch - Gloucestershire Beekeepers Association, All rights reserved.