Benefits to Members
Meetings: Field meetings are held during the summer months, and include regular apiary demonstrations. Other events include an autumn/winter function, and lectures during the winter. An OBKA Honey Show is held in November and the Annual General Meeting in March.
Notices and Publications: An annual programme card is published giving details of all lectures, demonstrations, meetings and other events organized by the Association. A monthly Newsletter is also distributed, which contains full details of forthcoming events, and also topical stories, notices and information, and advertisements for the sale or purchase of bees and equipment (Contact Newsletter Editor for details).
British Beekeepers Association: Members benefit by indirect membership of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), and also of the National Honey Show. Details are published in the BBKA News.
Insurance:
(a) The annual subscription includes cover under the Bee Diseases Insurance (BDI) Scheme A against loss from foul brood disease under the Bee Diseases Control Order 1982 to three hives; additional hives must be covered for a small extra premium. Beekeepers with 40 or more colonies have to insure under a separate scheme (Scheme B), and should contact Sharon Blake (BDI) on 01460 242124.
(b) OBKA members as indirect members of the BBKA have automatic cover from the insurance policies arranged by the BBKA. These are:
· Public Liability: cover is up to a limit of £5 million for any one incident against action arising from members' beekeeping activities. There is an excess of £250 for any claims that relate to property.
· Product Liability: members are covered to a limit of £5 million in any one year and any one incident. This covers claims arising from the provision of beekeeping products.
· All Risks Insurance: for a modest additional premium members may also participate in a preferential arrangement made between the BBKA and NFU Mutual that provides an all-risks insurance for beekeeping property. Rates vary between 1% and 2% depending on the situation and the items. The individual member must negotiate details of the policy with NFU Mutual. Phone 0845 704 5031.
Spray Warning: Members may participate in a county spray-warning scheme. Details are published annually in the Newsletter. Contact the OBKA Spray Warning Liaison Officer for details.
Bee Health
(a) Fumidil B for nosema control and Bayvarol, Apistan, and Apiguard for varroa control may often be purchased at an economic price through advertisements in BeeCraft or BBKA News.
(b) Any beekeeper suspecting foul brood in their hives should contact the Southern Regional Bee Inspector of the CSL National Bee Unit, Nigel Semmence (01308 482161), or the Seasonal Bee Inspector, Margaret Holland (01327 857328: 22 Graham Hill, Silverstone, Northants, NN12 8UQ) or Philip Spillane, (01865 396383): 77 Nightingale Avenue, Oxford OX4 7GD
(c) Advice on Bee Health may also be obtained from (and notification of varroa detection should be sent to) the CSL National Bee Unit, Sand Hutton, York, YO4 1LZ (telephone 01904 462000; fax 01904 462111) The NBU maintains a free hive sample examination service for varroa detection.
Teaching Apiary: The Association has a teaching apiary at the Marlborough School in Woodstock, which boasts a custom-made workshed, fully equipped to meet the needs of beginner beekeepers including study for the BBKA Basic Examination. Within the apiary stands a Bee-bole, which serves to remind newcomers to beekeeping that it is an ancient craft on which they are embarking. The Bee-bole also highlights the development of bee management techniques (from skeps to the modern hive) as well as pointing out the value of changing comb regularly.
Annual beginners' courses are held at the teaching apiary, and members of OBKA are on hand not only to induct newcomers into the craft, but to give advice and talks from time to time to interested groups. Adjacent to the teaching apiary is the bee garden, that displays the main species of plants that all types of nectar-seeking insects (including bees) favour. This extension to the apiary is meant to provide not only an educational resource, but also an area where staff, students, members and visitors can relax and enjoy the moment.
Library Facilities and Equipment on Loan: The Association has an expanding Library of books, videos and posters; available from the Library at the teaching apiary and at other times by arrangement. In addition the Association has a manual honey extractor and a steam wax extractor, which are available to members. Please contact the Secretary to make a booking.
Stocks, Swarms and Secondhand Equipment: The Association provides assistance in the purchase or disposal of unwanted stocks and swarms; details are published in the Spring. Contact the Swarms Officer for details. Details of secondhand equipment for sale are published in the Newsletter.
New Beekeeping Equipment - Local Agent: John & Val Harris - are main agents for E H Thorne, and can supply most beekeeping equipment. Contact Val at 95 Buckingham Road, Bicester, OX26 3ES (01869) 252098.