Welcome to the Rugby Beekeepers Association website. We are probably one of the smallest branch of the eight in Warwickshire, with around 50 members. Nonetheless, we are a friendly and lively association and meet the third Wednesday of each month, at Friends Meeting House (see Branch Location below) when we have interesting talks from visiting experts on any number of beekeeping topics. We also get together at our branch apiary to conduct various necessary manipulations of the bee colonies.

Read more: Welcome

Dear Members,

Well, last month I couldn’t believe that the weather would continue cold into May, but now it is also wet, and colder than usual, providing the bees and beekeepers with even more challenges.

Read more: June 2021

Dear Members,

Those of you who attended the Warwickshire Beekeepers AGM may have noticed that Rugby Beekeepers are currently punching above their weight.  Despite the fact that we are one of the smaller branches we now have Samatha Peckett as chair, and our very own Maurice West is now President of Warwickshire Beekeeping Association! Well done!

Read more: May 2021

Tips for the Month:

  • Continue 7 day inspections to prevent swarming either through doing a pre-emptive split into a Nuc or second hive, or if queen cells are found, doing a swarm control measure, like Pagden or demaree

Read more: May 2021

Covid-Impact!

Rugby beekeepers typically offer an introduction to beekeeping course each year in the Spring.

Many of those who have attended have continued their interest and become beekeepers, which is terrific, but not essential. There are those who simply want to know more.

Read more: Beginner's Courses

BeeBase

Beebase News Web feed
  • Survey on how training and information sources for beekeepers and bee farmers can be improved now closed
    20 April 2021
    With thanks to those of you who have already responded. 

    Gyda diolch i'r rhai ohonoch sydd eisoes wedi ymateb. 

    Defra and the Welsh Government want to ensure that beekeepers and bee farmers have access to training and information that can help them implement effective biosecurity and maintain good standards of husbandry, so as to minimise pest and disease risks and improve the sustainability of honeybee populations.

    A questionnaire was available for current beekeepers, people who have recently stopped keeping bees as well as bee farmers to give their views and opinions on the type, accessibility and range of training and information available and how it could be improved. 

    The survey closed on 21 April
  • Seasonal Bee Inspector (SBI) Vacancies
    19 April 2021
    The National Bee Unit currently has a number of Seasonal Bee Inspector (SBI) vacancies advertised in the following areas South Kent & East Sussex, South West Devon and South East Wales

    If you are interested in applying for the job, full details can be found on Civil Service Jobs.


  • Reporting Varroa
    12 April 2021
    Amendments to the Bee Diseases and Pests Control (England) Order 2006, the Bees Diseases and Pest Control (Scotland) Order 2007 and the Bee Diseases and Pests Control (Wales) Order 2006 come into force on the 21st of April 2021 requiring all beekeepers and/or officials in GB to report the presence of Varroa in any of the hives that they manage. This amendment will allow Great Britain to comply with the Animal Health Law which is necessary for future working relationships with the European Union.

    To make this simple, a tick box will be introduced to BeeBase, the voluntary register for beekeepers managed by the National Bee Unit. This will be the easiest way to report Varroa but an alternative mechanism will be provided for those who do not wish to register on the BeeBase system. Details of this alternative system will be provided after 21st April. If Scottish Beekeepers wish to, they can report varroa by contacting the Scottish Bee Health Inspectors (BeesMailbox@gov.scot).

    Although Varroa is known to be widespread, it continues to be one of the most serious pests faced by beekeepers. Reporting Varroa will contribute to the overall pest and disease surveillance work of the National Bee Unit and the Scottish Bee Health Inspectorate. We are grateful for your assistance with this new simple measure.

    No action will be required until after 21st April.