Randalstown & District Beekeepers Association
RANDBKA.org
Located on the shores of
Lough Neagh
with John Cossburn
Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June 2008
Friday 6th and Saturday 7th saw the successful 1st ever R&DBKA summer school.
Organised by the Committee, the Summer School was a unique opportunity for hands on experience, under the instruction of renowned beekeeper, John Cossburn, Roselea Apiary, Hampshire.
The event commenced with a meal served to the attendees in the Arches Community Centre, Randalstown, followed by John's description of what Saturday's practical experience would entail.
The weather was kind and we had a fantastic day of beekeeping at our beautiful apiary on Lord O'Neill's Estate at Shane's Castle interspersed with regular injections of home made scones, lots of tea and coffee and cake and lunch.
The delegates were given a tour of the estate by Walter McNeill on the way to the Old Station where a picnic lunch was provided.
The delegates were a wide mixture of budding beekeepers, with or without bees and beekeepers with 30+ years of experience. John Cossburn rose to this challenge and provided and entertaining, knowledgeable and interesting insight into his many years as a commercial beekeeper, honey judge, instructor and teacher.
The best way to describe the weekend is perhaps these quotes from two of the delegates:
"Dear Caroline, Susie, Walter and all at Randalstown BKA,
Thank you for a fantastic beekeeping weekend. I came home and wrote down the "top tips" from weekend and there was quite a list. It was great to work with someone who really knows the practicalities of our craft. The organisation was excellent and the food fabulous. I was made to feel very welcome.
You can sign me up for any more of your courses, and I hope to get down one Sunday to see how your new queen and her progeny are performing.
Thank you again.
Regards, Dylan "
"Thanks for an excellent workshop. I think a must again next year.
Alex"
Photos of the weekend can be seen at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/randbka/JohnCossburnMasterClass6th7thMay2008
| Updated: 8.06.2008 |
John's Visit
Photos from the Antrim Guardian
Garden Show Ireland
6th, 7th and 8th June 2008
at the Secret Garden, Hillsborough
The INIB will again be providing the Bistro catering and will have an INIB beekeeping stand
