Recent content by Martley

Think my profile picture might give my other passion away - but like everyone else Covid has stopped most things. But I also build guitars, and lots of woodworking in general

Swarm calls My 1st year on the list. Roughly 3 or 4 Bumble calls for every Honey bee call. So far this year collected 3 nice swarms, and walked away from a 4th requiring a kitchen roof dismantling

Northern weather I don't intend to alarm you Kazz, but I checked mine on 8th June and also saw no sign of swarm preparations, other that some empty cups. Got caught out delaying inspections because of rain last year. So yesterday I dodged the showers and checked again - found mutiple Queen...

Sounds to me like a mating flight for your virgin Queen. With hive vicinity matings you can get a large number of bees taking to the air on "escort" duties.

One of my Hive bonnets has suffered minor bird damage this winterhttp://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=12659&stc=1&d=1453572314

Good timing. Next Beginners course is in April running in Colne http://www.eastlancsbees.org.uk/courses/

I would advise against painting the top and bottom edges - it causes the boxes to stick together making inspections more difficult. Most paints whilst dry in a few hours take many days to fully cure. Even after fully curing you can get bleeding between different coats - which creates a seal. I...

New Year new plans Well like you I started the year with plans to increase to 6. I had moved from the garden into a new apiary, and had built up spare kit, decided on my AS plans and planned a modest 1st attempt at queen rearing. The long damp spring was disappointing then staffing issues at...

There is an agent in Fence near Burnley - that would qualify as "a few" miles from Bacup!

Low Stores After a week at work cleaning up flood damage, took advantage of a brief break in the wet weather for a quick hive check. Both hives now hefting light - fondant slapped on. Some minor bird? damage to one hive cosy. Snow forecast for next week. Sigh... Roll on spring

I bought a large chest freezer for the garage earlier this year. Many weren't suitable but some are so you have to read the descriptions carefully. I eventually bought a BEKO and it has so far been great

Hobbies Well I came to Beekeeping having retired with Arthritis after 20 years as a voluntary/Club Canoe & Kayak Coach I also returned to guitar playing after more than a few years off and I make Walking Sticks, and lots of other things from wood... We have always kept dogs - Setters; both...

Makita AF505. Great gun but needs an air supply.

All flying Seen 1st flights of the year from all 5 hives. That's a week earlier than last year up here in the grim north...

Hi Everbeezer I am local to you (and a member of the local BKA). Give me a shout if you have any questions