At the Arches Community Centre on Thursday 17th May, Randbka Members were given two very interesting talks by well known Beekeeper Norman Walsh and Sam Baird Optician and Beekeeper.

American Foul Brood
Norman's talk, with a combination of graphics, photos and illustrations was on the "hot topic" of American Foul Brood, which is affecting hives throughout Northern Ireland. Norman gave practical advice on ways of reducing the likelihood of AFB as well as what to do once it is present in your bees.

Norman's advice is:
Go out and check your hive right now for those tell tale symptoms and check again in the autumn.

Signs of AFB on sealed brood
• Pepper-pot effect, gaps in the brood pattern
• Dark oily looking concave cappings with occasional uneven perforations
• Healthy larvae are pearly white
• Diseased larvae go from dull white, through brown to black
• Scales in brood cells and sometimes larval tongues
• AFB is a notifiable disease, so you must advise DARD if you suspect AFB in your hives

Seeing Bees Better
Our second speaker was well Northern Ireland Optician Sam Baird, who has very cleverly combined his profession - option - with his hobby - beekeeping.
Sam had lots of practical tips on all aspects of improving and helping your vision when working with bees and equipment. Included in his talk, along with a wonderful, clear presentation were such interesting items as miner's lamps, beautician's lamps and clip on cap lights. Also on display were various types of magnifying glasses and sheets, including illuminated ones.

Sam's key tips were:
• Have your eyes regularly tested and tell your optician what you need to be able to see i.e. outdoor work with frames, indoor work in the honey shed, so that they can recommend the most suitable for you. (Sam has clinics in Lisburn, Glengormley and Dromore)
• Paint your shed/garage/workshop white - it is amazing what a difference it makes
• Use "hands free" lights/lamps when working in poor light
• Perspex crown board allows colony to be seen without disturbance, Safety glasses should be worn with any woodworking or hive repair activity where splinters or foreign bodies may injure the eyes
• For more tips, contact Randbka Secretary

| 27.5.2007 |