introduction

[foundationhex]

just started an introduction to beekeeping course, hoping to get started on a nucleus this spring and join BBKA 2015

 

[Pete D]

Welcome, where abouts are you based.

Good luck and enjoy the ride

 

[itma]

just started an introduction to beekeeping course, hoping to get started on a nucleus this spring and join BBKA 2015

Welcome to the forum.
Regardless of what course you might be doing, I'd suggest that it would make great sense to join a *local* association (not BBKA directly).
And that in order to take advantage of any personal help that might be available AND the various insurances, it makes sense to join THIS year, if you are planning to get bees this year.
The BBKA (and consequently its member associations) have a rather old-fashioned "membership year" - you can't join for July to June for example. Joining now (at the start of their year) will cost the same as joining in September (or whenever). No benefit in procrastinating! (and if I say that, you should believe it!)
Many associations have special schemes for beginners, and most have the odd discount deal too (can be useful when buying kit) as well as stuff to borrow or rent.
Strong suggestion that you hook up with your local association (at least one of them) ASAP.

// With no idea of where you are based, we can't make suggestions or provide contact info ... sorry!

 

[farbee]

I think you should probably be looking to put an order for a nuc in asap as they may be in short supply in the spring.

 

[alanf]

One of the features of beekeeping in this country that you will soon find is that there are many ways of doing it. There are many you will meet who insist they have the "one true way" and they will all be different. That's probably the most confusing aspect for beginners. The only way out is getting in a variety of opinions and working out what's best for you.

This forum probably has as wide a range as you'll find in any single place. If you have several local BKA alternatives, try going along to several. They are not geographically exclusive. And they do vary in attitude and interests, local BKAs are all volunteer based so you wouldn't expect any different. What they do provide is a chance to view and talk about bees. Nearly all affiliate to the BBKA (or WBKA, SBKA, UBKA, FIBKA) and membership at both local and national level is far better value than only national.

In the meantime, courses outside local BKAs are still relatively unusual. Let us know how you get on and what it's like. What we have noticed locally is that most of the local BKA who run spring courses have seen numbers peak a few years back and fall back again. If other organisations are making efforts to expand training now, they may find that difficult.

 

[Chris B]

It's a good time to start beekeeping because the beginner:mentor ratio will be a bit more in your favour - but you'll need to hook up with a local group for that (sounds like you probably have already).