01 October 2024
The October 2024 edition of our newsletter
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It feels like autumn has well and truly arrived here in Lincolnshire, and we are ready; armed with feed and mouseguards!
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October will see the two last events of the year for us. At our Rand Sale & Open Day we will have all the usual bargains. You will also be able to shop thirds, other sale items in our bargain shed, join a tour of our site, visit the on-site museum, convert your wax to foundation, and grab a drink and bite to eat in our Buzz Stop restaurant. We will also be hosting Tony Jefferson for a talk about Simple Artificial Swarming. Tony is a 3rd generation beekeeper, and has been involved in beekeeping since given his first pair of wellies, so probably since the age of four. Tony manages anywhere between 50 - 100 colonies and specialises in heather honey production.
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We will also be attending the National Honey Show, which will run from Thursday 24th - Saturday 26th October. You will be able to find us in the main hall, where we will have our fully stocked stand. Orders can be collected and wax converted into fresh foundation outside at our lorry in the main car park.
We would be happy to collect and return your show entries if they are dropped off at one of our branches (except Newburgh). Please contact us at sales@thorne.co.uk for more information.
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Thinking about your Autumn varroa treatment? Then we would suggest using Apivar. This is the only product on the market that is not temperature sensitive and can be used with brood present.
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The strips should be left in for between 8 and 10 weeks, depending on the size of the brood, and must be removed at the end of this time.
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It is advisable to check your mite drop before treating. We have a limited number of discounted Varroa EasyChecks available - if bought with a pack of Apivar.
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Apivar can be used during feeding - in fact it is recommended. It is beneficial to alternate treatments to prevent resistance.
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We have a variety of candle products to get you in the Autumnal mood, including silicone moulds and wax sheets to roll.
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Our Spooky rolled candle kit includes; slime green, skeleton ivory, witchy purple, midnight black, pumpkin orange and blood red sheets, along with wick and instructions.
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Developed by Thornes and carefully made at our branch in Newburgh, our candle moulds produce excellent results time after time. Made from silicone rubber, all are pre-holed for wicks and come with a wick laying channel to keep them stable when pouring wax. They are very easy to use and produce fantastic candles time after time.
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Here are some options for the spooky season - click an image to shop a particular mould.
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As the cold sets in, using a mouseguard is a simple yet effective way to prevent mice from entering the hive and can save you from having to deal with the consequences of unwanted pests. They are easy to install and remove in the spring once the threat of mice has passed. Available for most hives, including for nuc hives.
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Why is Pollen important in the Autumn?
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Honeybees collecting pollen is often a sign that the queen is starting to lay, and the beekeeping season is kicking off in earnest, so hopefully early springtime. However, pollen collected in the autumn is just as, if not more, important.
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Bees collect pollen in autumn primarily to build up their food reserves for the winter. It is a crucial protein source that helps sustain the colony during the cold months when foraging is not possible. It’s also vital for rearing the next generation of bees, ensuring the hive remains strong and healthy when spring arrives. By gathering pollen in the autumn, bees prepare for a successful transition into winter and a healthy start to the new season.
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As hives become more insulated and our winters become milder queens continue laying for longer, and sometimes do not have a natural break at all. This means adequate pollen supplies are even more important.
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Bees use pollen primarily for two purposes:
· Food Source - Pollen is a vital source of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals for bees. They mix it with nectar to create "bee bread," which serves as a nutritious food for developing larvae and adult bees.
· Larval Development - Pollen is essential for the growth and development of bee larvae. Worker bees feed the larvae a mix of pollen and honey, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients to grow into healthy adults.
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In the UK, honeybees collect pollen in autumn from several late-blooming plants. Common sources include:
· Asters - These provide abundant pollen and nectar.
· Goldenrod - Particularly important in some regions, it offers a rich source of both pollen and nectar.
· Sedum (Stonecrop) - A favourite for bees in late summer and autumn.
· Heather - This blooms in late summer and early autumn, providing essential resources.
· Chicory - Known for its vibrant blue flowers, it attracts bees for both nectar and pollen.
· Knapweed - A wildflower that bees frequently visit in the autumn.
· Ivy – either love the honey or hate it; this source of pollen and nectar is often the last honey crop for most beekeepers. Many leave this crop on for the bees.
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If you are unsure if your hive has sufficient pollen stores, then there are products that can help supplement the foraged pollen.
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Apicandy Proteico is a ready-to-use blend of non-GM sugars and protein sourced from inactivated brewer’s yeast. It will stay soft at cool temperatures and comes in a practical 1kg pack. The fondant is palatable and easily digested by bees and has added protein to help stimulate egg laying. This product can be used in spring to encourage colony growth, to boost nuclei/new colonies, during periods of adverse weather and during autumn/winter feeding. It should be placed either on the tops of the frames or above the hole in the crownboard.
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Vitafeed patty is a stimulatory feed, composed of ingredients very similar to natural pollen. It comes in a single 300g patty or a pack of 10 x 300g patties. Use in late summer to encourage development of winter bees.
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SuperBee is a liquid pollen substitute that must be diluted in sugar syrup. It is a concentrated solution containing mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins. Ideally the temperatures should be greater than 10°C for greatest effect so ideal for autumn syrup feeding. Do not use with supers if intending to remove honey for human consumption.
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Day Ticket Sales
You can now buy day tickets (£15), in advance of the show. on our website. You will need to print your proof of purchase, and exchange it for a wrist band at the desk in the front foyer.
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Of course if you plan to attend for more than one day, it’s more economical to join as a member at £25. Again you will collect your badge, the hexagonal, collectable, members’ badge at the booking in desk in the front foyer. This will grant you admission for all three days.
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Both these options reduce queueing time and get you more coffee drinking, chatting, and fun time at the show.
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We have a special free of charge, Friday (25th) programme of activities for young people, must also be accompanied by an adult. To find out more and book, contact Fiona: gensec@honeyshow.co.uk
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Donations
The show takes an eyewatering amount of volunteer time and funds to make it the spectacular success it is. We welcome donations, however small, to help smooth things along. Donations to the show fund will help with items like replacing table coverings and display equipment, white coats for judges and stewards, hire of 300 trestle tables, and AV and Video production both during the lectures, and to catch up with and enjoy them afterwards on YouTube. Visit our website to play your part in helping the show:
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Show Entries
The LAST DATE to send your entry forms is Monday 7th October approaching fast!!! Don't leave it to the last minute, send your entry forms in NOW. There’s a huge variety of classes in addition to honey and hive products. Check out the classes in the Schedule. The Schedule and entry forms can be found at:
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If you can’t get to the show to deliver exhibits yourself, and there’s no one from your association going (you don’t know what you’re all missing!) Northern Bee Books or any of the Thornes shops south of the border will take your show entries for you. Be sure to make arrangements with them well in advance as their lorries get packed and leave in good time for the show.
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Stewards – the show really needs you!
Want to be part of the team that makes the show such a success? We need volunteer stewards for all three days, but especially the Saturday. What do stewards do? They could help set up Weds; stage exhibits; 'man' the front desk; the entrance doors; the information desk; direct people to where they need to go; help run lectures and workshops; watch exhibits - there are many roles and you are a much valued asset to the show.
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Why volunteer? You will meet lots of interesting people and learn so much about how such a complex show runs. Stewards enjoy themselves so much they volunteer year after year, coming sometimes from far away. But growing ever larger we need more helpers. So do contact Bridget: steward@honeyshow.co.uk, fill in the form telling us when you're available, and we'll look forward to welcoming you to the team.
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We look forward to seeing you at the show.
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National Honey Show Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th October 2024 at Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher, Surrey, UK.
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Bees for Development Social Evening – Friday 25 October at the National Honey Show
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You're Invited! Join Bees for Development for a Buzzworthy Evening of Fun and Frolics and of course everyone’s favourite topic of conversation—bees!, Here's a glimpse of what's in store for you: Wine & Supper, Bee Quiz, Raffle, Live Music and Plenty of Bee Chat: Engage in lively conversations with fellow bee enthusiasts, sharing stories, insights, and ideas about these incredible creatures.
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Join Bees for Development on Friday 25 October for what promises to be an entertaining evening. Tickets available at the show from the Bees for Development, E H Thorne Beehives and BJ Sheriff stands or the organisers office for £25. If you wish to pre-order tickets, please contact Bees for Development info@beesfordevelopment.org
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Feel free to bring along friends and family who share an interest in the world of bees—everyone is welcome!
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In Conversation with Monty Don & Kate Humble
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Bees for Development are delighted to invite you for an evening of discussion with two of their wonderful Patrons. Join Monty Don and Kate Humble as they discuss all things gardening and farming mixed with their knowledge of sustainable practices and share insights into the work of Bees for Development.
Friday 10 January 2025, doors at 6:30pm for 7:30pm start at The Blake Theatre, Monmouth.
There will be a lively Q&A session during the evening with Monty Don and Kate Humble. If you’d like to join in, please submit your questions to info@beesfordevelopment.org by December 2, 2024.
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Moki and the Bees
By Helen Thorne
Illustrated by Debra Thorne
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"This is a wonderful book to inspire young readers and attract new beekeepers, delightfully illustrated."
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Thorne & Thorne (1st ed. 2023)
Paperback
25.5 cm x 20.8 cm
26 pages
£5
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Moki and the Bees is a delightfully written educational book by Helen Thorne for young children between 4-6 years of age. Debra Thorne brings the book to life with superb illustrations that both teach and amuse the reader.
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The main message is about the importance of pollination and the value of honey, and it is told skilfully through the story of Moki visiting her beekeeping grandparents. She learns about smokers, and the gentle handling of a colony of honey bees. Moki sees the queen, and harvests honey leaving enough for the bees for winter stores. She helps with the fun part of extracting honey. This is a wonderful book to inspire young readers and attract new beekeepers.
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