The Isle of Man Beekeepers Federation are delighted that they now have two teaching apiaries up and running. This has come about through a bequest of equipment and colonies from Tom Williamson who sadly passed away last year. Tom was a long standing member of the Federation and had kept bees for over 50 years. There are six colonies on two sites (Ballaleece and Shenharra) near St. Johns, an ideal central location convenient for all members.
Quite a lot of preparation work was necessary to improve the sites and thanks must go to all those who helped. The first meeting involved moving the bees into new hives and onto stands which were also made up by members and painted a lovely shade of green. A second meeting for new bee keepers followed a couple of weeks later and various manipulations were undertaken to try and bring all the colonies queen right and ready for a wonderful summer of nectar collecting. Sadly the weather has been against us this year and several meetings had to be cancelled however we hope that now the bees are in new hives we will be in a better position in the spring to commence apiary meetings and give new beekeepers the ‘hands-on’ experience they need before taking the plunge and getting their own colonies.
A big ‘thank-you’ must also go the The Manx Lottery Trust who have helped finance this new venture.
