Hi from Staffordshire Moorlands / Stoke-on-Trent Area!

[GavB]

Hi....

I'm a noob! Ive never been stung by a bee or looked into a hive myself...but have wanted to start in the hobby for several years now! I finally have somewhere to keep them so I'm going take the plunge hopefully... Ive been doing a lot of research and watching youtube videos about beekeeping. Im looking for advice and hopefully some mentoring if theres anyone in my area who would be willing to let me visit their hives.



Gav

 

[madasafish]

:Welcome:

I'm in Staffs Moorlands.. and a member of North Staffs BKA.
http://northstaffsbees.org.uk/

We have weekly meeting at the Longsdon Apiary Saturday 10am. Bee suits lent free of charge.. Very welcome to come.. I'll be there...

 

[GavB]

Thanks.....I'm actually working this weekend so wouldn't be able to visit but the following weekend I have off.

Out of interest Do you have any companies/websites you use to order your equipment and what sort of hive you would buy to start off with, brand suit, type of bees etc... I'm not looking to buy anything just yet but so I can get a ball park figure to budget on what stuff I'd ideally be looking for. If you could recommend any particular book????

Thanks again..tried PM but won't work until I've posted twice I think which should be now!

Gav

 

[Beefriendly]

but so I can get a ball park figure to budget on what stuff I'd ideally be looking for.

It will always be more expensive than you think it will be. But there is hope as there are some very good good starter kits at around £270 that will get you going....just need to add bees..starter kit with bees will set you back £450...plus extractor and second hive and jars and lids and strainers and so on....

 

[madasafish]

Thanks.....I'm actually working this weekend so wouldn't be able to visit but the following weekend I have off.

Out of interest Do you have any companies/websites you use to order your equipment and what sort of hive you would buy to start off with, brand suit, type of bees etc... I'm not looking to buy anything just yet but so I can get a ball park figure to budget on what stuff I'd ideally be looking for. If you could recommend any particular book????

Thanks again..tried PM but won't work until I've posted twice I think which should be now!

Gav

I recommend you start with Haynes Bee Manual (I think you can order it from the Library.. Association has a copy for loan.

 

[Always Cross]

Hi from Devizes

Not long joined forum I've been lurking and reading for a while but got tired of being timed out. Been beekeeping for about 7 years now but you don't stop getting challenged by the bees or do I mean frustrated as they don't seem to read the books I do.

 

[GavB]

Just banged an order in on amazon for the Haynes Bee Manual ill have a read cheers

 

[Strawbee]

Hi gav I'm a similar stage to you I'm in Congleton but looking for a site for a hive like you I've done loads of research and hopefully 2018 season I'll be ready to go meanwhile in doin a taster day with Highfield bees Macclesfield 19th august

 

[GavB]

Hi,

Yeah just checked out the website ill keep it in mind seems like an option!

I worked in Congleton in the mid 90's at a company called Astbury lighting next to the leisure centre and use go Rafs on the weekends.....those were the days.........lol