Programme for 2024
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.
For the months of November 2023 - March 2024 we will meet in Strangford Yacht Sailing Club at Whiterock near Killinchy.
Throughout the summer months we also run a programme at our Apiary site.
2024
JANUARY 2024
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 6/1/24:... (Sat)
Api-Bioxal Demo and BBQ at the apiary.
Details will be emailed to members.
ASSOCIATION MEETING:24/1/24:... (Wed)
Expert at your table
FEBRUARY 2024
16-17/2/24:... (Fri/Sat)
UBKA Conference at Greenmount, CAFRE
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 28/2/24:... (Wed)
Presentation on Foul Broods with Chris Hodges
MARCH 2024
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 27/3/24:... (Wed)
Presentation on Swarm prevention with Valentine Hodges
UBKA HEALTH WORKSHOPS
This year’s speakers are Jack Silberrad and Tom Williamson.
Thursday 21st March
at 6.30pm in Enniskillen
Friday 22nd March
at 6.30pm in Derry~Londonderry
Saturday 23rd March
at 10.30am (11am start) in Belfast
All welcome and it is FREE.
Bee pests and disease education is an important part of beekeeping. The UBKA runs bee health workshops around Northern Ireland to help beekeepers recognise the signs and symptoms of these ailments and how best to treat them. These are free to members and one of our member’s services.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
APRIL 2024
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 24/4/24:... (Wed)
This will be held in 1st Comber Presbyterian Church Hall , High Street, Comber.
There is a car park on the opposite side of the road.
Find it here using this google link.
We have a busy evening planned, with some of our members sharing their expertise, all about Beeswax!
Conall McCaughey will give us a presentation about the science behind how honeybees make their wax alongside some of his wonderful photography.
Mervyn Warrington will share with us the methods he uses to clean his beeswax from frame to a large block.
Fred Warden is going to show us his device for melting and filtering the wax using a steamer.
Gwen Earnshaw is going to show us and share tips on how to give wax its final clean in preparation for showing or using as a skincare ingredient followed by a short demo on how to use your beeswax to make a lip balm.
MAY 2024
15-18/5/24
Balmoral Show with the UBKA. KBKA members will be manning the stand on Saturday 18th - Come and say Hello to us!
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 22/5/24:... (Wed)
Honey preparation for Showing
JUNE 2024
22/6/24:... (Sat)
BBQ at Association Apiary
AUGUST
ASSOCIATION MEETING: Date TBC... (Sat)
Apigard demo and talk about varroa treatment at our Apiary with BBQ
Details and directions tbc and will be emailed to members.
SEPTEMBER
Date TBC ... (Sat)
The Comber Horticultural show will be held again this year.
Traditionally this has been the local honey show connected with Killinchy Beekeepers Association and we are keen to see as many members take part as possible.
It is great fun to take part and who knows you may even win. There are multiple chances for KBKA members to win cash prizes and even silverware!
The show also has all the usual horticultural classes for fruit and Veg and flowers and jam etc.
Make sure to come along and support the show- it is a great event even if you are not entering honey and you can get a nice cup of tea and a bun or two.
The show schedule and entry details can be found attached to the email sent to members on Aug 11th.
Hope to see you there!
OCTOBER
Saturday October date TBC
Annual UBKA Honey Show 2024
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 23/10/24:... (Wed)
NOVEMBER
ASSOCIATION MEETING: 27/11/24… (Wed) 7.30pm
DECEMBER
Date TBC:Christmas social evening.
At Kilmood Parish Church Hall.
More info to be sent to members by email.