Where can I get a skep?

[region2]

If you just want one for a short time you could just look up Skep Hire in Yellow Pages.

BTW - this thread has been ruined by the removal of links - someone wanted to know where to get something and someone tried to help by providing a link. This was then moderated by removing the link and voila - a complete waste of time.
This was not a link by someoene selling their wares - it was a link in answer to a question. Grrr!

R2

 

[Silly Bee]

Makes me smile when there is a thing about links, then somebody puts things like "Th***ns sell them.

who is that?

 

[Rich0909]

My new skep - made by a talented lady at our local association, the baler twine may not be traditional but I like it. I would like to have a go at making one myself sometime but suspect it would not be bee tight....

Rich.

 

[Silly Bee]

Very nice.

Is the hole in the top your idea? I thought they were in the bottom.

 

[BeeJayBee]

BTW - this thread has been ruined by the removal of links - someone wanted to know where to get something and someone tried to help by providing a link. This was then moderated by removing the link and voila - a complete waste of time.
This was not a link by someoene selling their wares - it was a link in answer to a question. Grrr!

R2

More especially as others have mentioned vendors, and skep specialists, by name, although not linking to their sites. I'm sure these people don't give away their knowledge, skills, experience and products for free, so they are 'commercial'. Aren't they?

Then, as usual, there's a mention of Th**nes, which isn't exactly difficult to work out. So it looks as if person who maybe makes a few skeps is blocked, not allowed to be mentioned, but the big beekeeping equipment retailer isn't!

I'm planning to ask for a skep some time this year, but don't want family to pay top prices. This thread could have been really helpful and useful, because I could have been able to compare products and prices. But it isn't any use at all.

 

[region2]

 

[Silly Bee]

google "Straw Laundry Basket"

 

[region2]

Is the hole in the top your idea? I thought they were in the bottom.

You can put a glass jar on the hole and the bees will fill it with comb and honey but, hopefully, no brood!

R2

 

[Silly Bee]

cool.

 

[Rich0909]

Very nice.

Is the hole in the top your idea? I thought they were in the bottom.

No, it came with the hole - I intend plugging it before using it to collect swarms....if I get any calls! I think it will look better than last years cardboard box.

Rich.

 

[AnotherNewBee]

Mark Smith from the Blandford and Sturminster Newton Beekeeping Association (http://www.bsbka.co.uk) runs a skep making course - unfortunately, in January - so if he doesn't know where you can get one locally I doubt anyone does. Try contacting him through the association. AFAIK he might be a member of these forums.

This is the association I'll be starting my basic course with soon.

 

[dpearce4]

bought myself one on fleabay. paid £2.40 (very lucky bid normally £15+) plus delivery. it is new and from a company called Abelo in scotland.

seems good will see how well it works this summer, hopefully.

 

[AnotherNewBee]

I remember seeing someone making them at the annual Stock Gaylard Oak Fair last year. It was probably Martin. It may have been one of the other crafters. I am not certain.

This year the Oak Fair will be on Saturday 25th August.

 

[susbees]

There was a 2 day course at the NHS last autumn. The beekeepers I know who did it had a great time.

 

[Beanwood]

No, it came with the hole - I intend plugging it before using it to collect swarms....if I get any calls! I think it will look better than last years cardboard box.

Rich.

Well, after having been entertained tonight for over an hour by Martin (Of Newtown fame) I believe the holes in the top serve one of several purposes.
1. For a wooden pole that goes up the middle as a handle
OR
2. As 1, but extending into the skep, with 'scaffolds' at 90 degrees, so bees can hang comb from it
OR
3. As part of a storey system, (Skep deprivation - basically early supers - from a Mr Wildman in 1770's)

If you ever get a chance to hear him, he's a very likeable character, with loads of stories to tell (Like how he and David Chubb build skeps with completely different techniques). Or how to use brambles, willow or cane instead of bailer twine to stitch it all together.

In answer to Skyhooks original question, he is now recovering from being unwell, and is making skeps again. He probably has one or two for sale if you contact him now, and priced at about £50 for something that takes a whole day to make, is only just bordering on commercial in my view.

Anyway, stopping typing now as I'll start boring you all with the various varieties of material they're made from, the tools you use, the course you can go on......

 

[kighill]

I spoke with Martin a few years ago and whilst constantly checking his website instructions made my own skep.
It is not to difficult and highly rewarding, each skep improves with practice I usually sell them once made but not in a business type of way, it is very relaxing and I can happily while away several hours when we go caravaning unfortunately we have not been for a while.

Obtain some straw from a Thatcher and then buy some lapping cane, it does take a long time to make one and does take me about 12 hours plus several hours preparing the straw.

It is worth having a try or just buy one from Martin.

 

[The Apprentices]

I spoke with Martin a few years ago and whilst constantly checking his website instructions made my own skep.
It is not to difficult and highly rewarding, each skep improves with practice I usually sell them once made but not in a business type of way, it is very relaxing and I can happily while away several hours when we go caravaning unfortunately we have not been for a while.

Obtain some straw from a Thatcher and then buy some lapping cane, it does take a long time to make one and does take me about 12 hours plus several hours preparing the straw.

It is worth having a try or just buy one from Martin.

Please could you tell us budding skep makers where you got your straw from, thanks.

 

[nelletap]

There is one on a certain auction site today - doesn't sound large but may suit.

 

[kighill]

Straw

Please could you tell us budding skep makers where you got your straw from, thanks.

The best place for straw is usually from a thatcher. I saw a thatcher at a country show in Stafford and then visited him at his home address.

Rosemary Sault grows an acre or so of Rye which she harvests by hand

Type her name in Google and you will find her web page.

I also collected quite a bit last year from a local farmer, swapping a couple of jars of honey. I hand cut the straw, unfortunately it was a little short due to last years lack of rain.

Good Luck

 

[region2]

http://americanfood.about.com/od/barbecuesaucerecipes/r/Rosemary_Salt.htm


R2