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I knew there was a reason I didn't know about it!

The 70k threshold for compulsory VAT registration is a turnover threshold. You can, if you want, register for VAT with a lower turnover. Honey is classified as a zero rated basic foodstuff so no VAT need be charged on the sale of honey (although I bet there are some wrinkles to do with...

Would you do this now, or wait until the next inspection (1 week)? Because I am so superstitious, when we removed the old queen, I didn’t squash her - she’s sitting in a nuc with a small group of bees and a feeder in another location. We do therefore have the option of putting her back in...

We requeened one colony in a WBC with a 14x12 brood box as follows: The colony was new this year (a combination of a small cast and a nuc) but was doing relatively well. There were bees on 7 or 8 14x12 frames, with 5 good frames of brood in all stages and some stores. The stores had been...

We use one damson tree to make damson gin. Pick them, prick them and put them in jars to about 1/2 way up. Then add the cheapest gin you can find and leave them with the lid on for a couple of months. Put an inch of sugar in the bottom of the gin bottle and strain the damson gin back into the...

Hello Peter If you are asking about how to convert a solid wooden floor to a mesh floor, have a look here: http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6743 You can, of course, buy new varroa floors for WBC too. Stephen

First, I think learning to use a smoker would be a good idea. Even if you don't need it, it's nice to think that you've got it just in case. In my experience, if you can light a poorly made rolly (and know how to keep it going), you can use a smoker. Worst case, get some corrugated cardboard...

I once read a job description that included the phrase: "if you are not worried about whether or not you will be able to do this job, then it's not the job for you..." I have walked away from our hives. I have, on occasion, run away from our hives. The only one of us who's never been nervous...

:laughing-smiley-014

We've got one lot from Essex, the rest from Herts or Cambs. We still cannot work out which lot is responsible for all the robbing that's going on...

Wasn't this covered last year: http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2083&highlight=lightbulb that's 1 and counting!

I think that depends on where and when you are speaking, doesn't it? In ancient Rome, I think you would direct someone to the fora. In "Modern English", Fowler places "forum" in the list of -um Latin nouns that have completed their conversion to English and so always take “ums” in the plural...

We have, on one occasion, resorted to the “wet sheet over the whole hive” trick advocated by David Cramp. This seemed to reduce the frenzy a bit. You are left with the problem of what to do after 24 hours when you’ve got to remove the sheet (we lent Perspex against the hive, with some foliage...

I think I'd second this one - in years gone by I have used a baby grey Fergie, a fordson major and a ford 4000. The Fergie was as good runner, but they are now quite collectable (judging by the prices). The Fordson Major was a ****** to start (I think the quantity of ether I inhaled over the...

I have dealt with NBS over the phone - my experience is friendly helpful service, reasonable prices and quick postage (and no, I'm related!)

Yup - dug my old one out last weekend and had a go. It took a little practice to get the right heat / distance, but it worked a treat.

I too worked outside for many years, and like you got stung relatively few times. Things can be a bit different when dealing with hive of bees - particularly if they aren't so keen on what you are doing. I'm sure that with good kit you must be able to substantially reduce the risks - having...

sheep

Yes indeed! My slug-like abilities also enabled me to do the same. One thing that makes it a little easier is to drill a hole in each corner of the desired rectangular hole. Then you've got somewhere to start (and end) with the jig-saw on each side.

Newcomer to the art too. If you keep bees, you will get stung every now and again, no matter what kit you use. One day, you'll walk away from the hives, miss a bee in your suit and it'll get you. Two days ago, one hitched a lift in our tool box for 400 yards before emerging. If I thought I'd...