No bees as yet. I have what I would describe as a beginners kit. The hive is a wbc from Honeybell in Cornwall. Completely new to this. I have literature and more importantly an experienced beekeeping friend at work.
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Incidentally, the WBC, though generally considered very decorative, isn't most beekeepers' favourite. There are other reasons, but one to bear in mind is that the brood chamber is on the small side. (And that can make swarming a problem sooner.)
However, the good news is that it takes standard National frames (just one fewer in the brood box than the National) - so you can have ordinary (cheaper, etc) National bits (like a nucleus hive) operating alongside the WBC.
It has a few other quirks, but you'll likely soon get used to them! Nothing mission-critical, just things to consider once in operation.
You'll find various forum discussions re suits, etc. You'll need one before getting bees (associations generally have some to loan visitors/students) but (apart from an anti-varroa treatment) hives aren't going to be opened up for another ten weeks or so … when the season starts - so no urgent requirement.
However, coming up very soon now is the Annual Sale season - a great time for getting what you need, but horribly confusing if you don't know what you do (as opposed to might) need. Probably a good idea to have a word with that beekeeper pal, asap.
And a Happy Christmas.
