Program for 2025
Meetings are usually held on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
They are a blend of in-person get togethers and occasional virtual, using Zoom.
Members should refer to their emails for details on how to join in.
Throughout the summer months we also run a programme at our Apiary site.
JANUARY 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 4/1/25:... (Sat)
Api-Bioxal Demo and BBQ at the apiary.
Details will be emailed to members.
ASSOCIATION MEETING:22/1/25:... (Wed)
Chris Hodges will be giving a talk:
"10 Steps to Happy Beekeeping"
FEBRUARY 2025
14 + 15th Feb 2025:... (Fri/Sat)
UBKA Conference at Greenmount, CAFRE
The theme is “Read Our Bees - The Next Chapter”. A medley of science, practical beekeeping and workshops covering: introductory beekeeping, microscopy, skep making, the art of mead production, encaustic art and more.
read more here
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 26/2/25:... (Wed)
Keith Pierce will be giving us his presentation: "Spring Preparations"
This meeting will be held on Zoom and members will be emailed the joining- in details.
MARCH 2025
UBKA Bee health Workshops:
20th, 21st, 22nd March 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 26/3/25:... (Wed)
Guest Speaker:
Jack Silberrad will be presenting his talk about
European Foul Brood(EFB)
Have a look at our quick Asian Hornet
identification guide
APRIL 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 23/4/25:... (Wed)
Bees are flying and collecting nectar. Now is the time to start thinking about 🍯
Our own expert beekeepers Fred Warden, Bob Foy, and Stevie Garrett will share (almost) all of their secrets about, respectively, showing, selling, and judging honey at the KBKA meeting Wednesday 23rd April. They will be joined by beeswax prizewinner Gwen Earnshaw for questions and chat.
Please join us for the last formal meeting of the year, 7:20 for 7:30 at the First Presbyterian Church in Comber.
APIARY PRACTICAL:
Sat 19th April
Apiary Tidy up and using various techniques to clean up and ready hive parts for spring use.
Members should see the email update for full details.
MAY 2025
APIARY PRACTICAL:
How and when to make a Bailey Frame Change
and a Shook Swarm
BALMORAL SHOW WITH THE UBKA: Wed - Sat 15th – 18th May
KBKA members will be manning the stand on Saturday 18th -
Please come and say Hello to us!
JUNE 2025
APIARY PRACTICAL:
Learn 5 easy ways to find
and then clip your Queen
FRI 27th June 2025
BBQ at Association Apiary
Details will be emailed to members
JULY 2025
APIARY PRACTICAL:
Easy make a new colony with a nuc.
There will be no Association meeting this month.
FIBKA SUMMER BEEKEEPING CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS & NATIONAL HONEY SHOW
https://irishbeekeeping.ie/fibka-event-calendar/fibka-summer-conference-workshops-and-national-honey-show/
AUGUST 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 30th ... (Sat) 11am
Apigard and Apivar demo and talk about varroa treatment at our Apiary with coffee & cake
AND having the official unveiling of our new AED which has been generously funded by THE NATIONAL LOTTERY FUND!
#nationallottery
Orders for Apigard have now been taken and can be collected on the day.
Please bring clean bee suits and stay on to join in with bee checks.
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet
identification guide
SEPTEMBER 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 24th September
AGM and discussion panel
"TO FEED OR NOT TO FEED?"
The eternal debate!
HONEY SHOWS in Sept and Oct
The Comber Horticultural Annual Show is scheduled for Saturday, 13th September.
As part of the many categories of entries (flowers, plants, baking, preserves, crafts, etc etc), there is a special category for honey and beehive products!
It is a great show and for Killinchy Beekeepers, it is right in our backyard so we hope there will be stellar participation from the KBKA membership.
It's a great opportunity to get feedback on your honey in a relaxed atmosphere.
You can also attend the renowned afternoon tea catered by our own very busy Sue Farmer!
We encourage entries to all sections.
For details and schedule go to:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16QypzHB_P-fvYnGpG1zJYmiMkq4A-Nj8/view?usp=drivesdk
The City of Belfast Autumn Flower Show is coming up on the 13th and 14th September!
This includes the NI Honey show.
For details and schedule go to:
The UBKA Annual Honey Show in Greenmount College will take place on Saturday 4th October and is also combined with the Annual General Meeting. This event is open to public with refreshments served all day. There will be local honey on sale and Association displays.
For details and schedule go to:
https://ubka.org/events/honey-show/
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet
identification guide
OCTOBER 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet
identification guide
NOVEMBER 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 26th November.
🐝 Guest Speaker Spotlight:
Update on the Asian Hornet in Ireland
We’re delighted to welcome our member Chris Hodges who will be sharing an important update on the recent arrival and confirmed presence of the Asian hornet in County Cork and more recently in neighbouring Dundonald.
This is a vital topic for anyone involved in beekeeping, environmental stewardship, or community awareness.
Our usual raffle to win "something extremely useful" will be in aid of The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers Program.
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
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DECEMBER 2025
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 10th December.
🎄 Christmas Bring-and-Share Party!
Join us in the warm glow of Kilmood Church Hall for food, fun, and festive cheer.
Ho-Ho-Hope you’re Hungry!
There'll be the usual raffle and rumour has it that Santa’s buzzing over with a pair of super-duper surprises—just the sort of treats every beekeeper would LOVE in their stocking this year! 🎁🐝
All the jingling details are waiting in your email. 🎅✨
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
