Program for 2026
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.
In-person meetings are held in
First Comber Presbyterian Church Hall
Address: High St, Comber BT23 5HL
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.
FEBRUARY 2026
FRI AND SAT 13TH 14TH FEBRUARY
UBKA CONFERENCE at Greenmount CAFRE
"THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME"
As always, the UBKA Conference is a tremendous opportunity to get up-to-date with what’s happening in the world of beekeeping, network with other beekeepers, and participate in a range of great workshops.
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY.
We are very excited for another online Zoom Presentation, with Guest Speaker and Master Beekeeper, Stuart Spinks titled "Managing Spring Growth".
Details and joining link will be emailed to members.
Stewart is the owner and head beekeeper of The Norfolk Honey Company, with over 40 years of beekeeping experience.
He is the creator of the popular YouTube channel Stewart’s Beekeeping Basics, runs online courses for beginner beekeepers, and hosts a global mentoring community supported by videos, podcasts, and one-to-one guidance.
With a Science degree in Biology and Ecology and experience as a UK Government Bee and Plant Health Inspector, Stewart combines practical expertise with a passion for helping new beekeepers build confidence and enjoy the craft.
Members will receive a link to this zoom meeting closer to the time by email.
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
MARCH 2026
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 25th March.
Guest speaker, David Sandford will be talking to us about "Nature Friendly Farmers" and our bees.
The Nature Friendly Farming Network is a membership organisation led by farmers, working alongside other organisations and public supporters. Together, we are a strong voice for sustainable food and farming in the UK.
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 the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
APRIL 2026
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL
KBKA MEMBER PANEL :
Other interesting bees that may be residing in your house.
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 the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
MAY 2026
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
WEDNESDAY 27TH MAY
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 the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
JUNE 2026
ASSOCIATION MEETING:
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE
Annual Member BBQ at Finnebrogue.
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 the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
JULY 2026
4th - 7th JULY
International Meeting of Young Beekeepers.
For the first time, IMYB will take place on the island of Ireland, bringing together young beekeepers aged 12–18 from over 40 countries for an unforgettable four-day programme of learning, skill-sharing, cultural exchange, and global connection.
You can visit the sponsorship page set ip by the UBKA here.
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 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! with Bob Foy and Fred Warden
BEE STINGS AND ALLERY with Gwen Earnshaw
THE ASIAN HORNET UPDATE with Conall McCaughey
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:
WEDNESDAY 22nd October.
Guest speaker Tom WIlliamson will be giving us a presentation on "Sustainable Beekeeping"
Don't forget to download THE ASIAN HORNET WATCH APP AND the have a look here at our quick Asian Hornet identification guide
