Beginners Sessions at the Apiary – 2024

Once again, we will be holding our popular Beginners’ Sessions in 2024. The year will start with a classroom based basic theory session for those who have already registered an interest. This will be followed by an introductory frame making session – see details below. Outdoor practical sessions will commence at the start of July, taking place mainly on Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm, for approximately two hours each – precise dates are listed which are subject to demand and weather.

The sessions will be open to any Hexham BKA members (both complete beginners and those with some previous experience) who would like to see a range of different beekeeping skills and ways to deal with what you may find in your own hive when you open it.

The things we will cover are briefly:
• Bee & brood identification and health of the colony
• Feeding – what to feed, how & when
• Equipment – what you need and how to use it
• Swarm control – recognising the symptoms and managing the process
• Disease diagnosis and control – varroa and other common diseases

The sessions are run as a series of separate meetings with an informal style. We will put our beginners into groups of three with a demonstrator, who will be one of our more experienced beekeepers. These are practical sessions and you will get hands-on time in a hive. We have bee-suits and gloves available for people to borrow. The only things you need are a pair of wellies, reading glasses (if you wear them) and a keen interest in learning about beekeeping. We finish each session with a drink and biscuit so that everyone gets a chance to meet the other beginners and have a chat.

The sessions will depend to some extent on weather and availability of demonstrators.

Beginners Sessions for 2024 

Date       Type of meeting
19 Mar   Beginners Introductory Theory Session (Wall Village Hall – Tuesday evening at 7:00pm)
07 Apr    Beginners Frame Making Session (Wall Village Hall – Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm)
07 Jul      Beginners Practical #1
14 Jul      Beginners Practical #2
21 Jul      Beginners Practical #3
27 Jul      Beginners Practical #4 (Saturday meeting)
04 Aug    Beginners Practical #5
11 Aug    Beginners Practical #6
18 Aug    Beginners Practical #7

Beginners Frame Making Session

We will be holding the introductory frame making session on 7th April 2024.

The aim is to learn how to make frames and how to prepare your kit for the coming season. This is a practical session at which you are required to bring a small hammer, pliers, strong bladed knife and wooden chopping board (to protect the Village Hall tables). Don’t worry if you don’t have all these things just bring what you can, we provide a few spares.

All beginners and new members are welcome (you don’t need to have bees) plus anyone who feels they need a bit of practice at frame making. Experienced frame makers are welcome to help, instruct and make frames – we need lots for the coming season. Tea, coffee, biscuits and a good chat are provided. You could also bring a cake if you feel so inclined.

If you would like more details or to reserve a place for any of the sessions, then please email us at

beginners@hexhambeekeepers.co.uk

Sue Robinson – Wendy Gregory – Mike Higgins