We have arranged an intermediate class for the large number of beginners who have joined our association over the past three years. The idea of the course is to improve beekeeping skills. The course will be based on the study group model, which has been used by various associations around the country with great success. The course will be based on The Beekeeping Study Notes by J.D. and B.D. Yates. It is recommended that each participant would have their own copy and we have secured 40 copies of the book which will be available on the first night at €15.00.

As we are looking at beekeeping in a much more detailed manner, it is not possible to cover everything. Participants will be expected to do additional reading between each session of the Yates book and the text book already provided.

The class will commence on February 11th next at 8.00 pm in the Teagasc Offices Thurles and will run on alternate Mondays at the same time. The cost of the will be €20.00 which will cover the cost of running the course over its duration. Class nights will be:- Feb 11th and 25th, March 11th and 25th, April 8th, 22nd and May 6th. May 6th is the end of the May bank holiday but we are hopeful that people will be able to attend. These classes will be followed by two outdoor practical sessions at the hives:- Inspecting a colony and Simple Queen Rearing.

The course is intended to take members who have started beekeeping in the past three years to a more advanced level of the craft. There is no substitute for experience but we hope that each participant will have the skills necessary to manage their apiaries for honey production.

For all those who have bees and are not currently members it is necessary that they renew their insurance which lapsed at the end of December.

If you intend participating please let Jim Ryan know by Thursday of this coming week as we would like to have an idea of how many we will be catering for.