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2024 Beginners Course *Update*

Classes for anyone interested in learning about bees will begin on the 9th of April 2024.  It will be held over 4 Saturday mornings ( 13th of April, 27th of April, 11th of May & 18th of May) at Mucklagh Community Center and two night classes (9th of April & 7th of May) at Offaly Historical Society premises, Bury Quay, Tullamore. Each Saturday will follow with a practical session at our own Apiary where you will get first hand experience with colonies of bees. This will of course be depending on good weather. Topics will cover all aspects of basic beekeeping.

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Classes are facilitated each year by very experienced beekeepers in our Association. We are lucky in Offaly to have a number of beekeepers who are nationally and internationally recognised for their skill and expertise in beekeeping. It is always a pleasure to hear them impart a knowledge and love of bees and beekeeping.

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Cost of course is 110 euros. In addition to course expenses this fee covers membership of Offaly Bee Keepers Association (OBKA) for one year, affiliation to Federation of Irish BeeKeepers Association (FIBKA), insurance cover to keep bees during that year and also the magazine, An Beachaire, delivered to your door each month. This magazine helps keep everyone up to date on all Irish beekeeping matters.

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As in former years, we invite beekeepers who have already completed the course to join the classes as a refresher. There is no charge for the classes if you have been on a Beginners’ course in recent times. Up to date membership required.

 

 If you know of anyone interested in the classes please send name and e-mail address to secretary@offalybeekeepers.ie of fill in the contact form here

Download membership form here

    

Marked Queen
9th April 2024
Lecture 1 - Honey Bee Health
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13th April 2024
Lecture 2 - Intor to Beekeeping & Life Cycle
Practical 1 - Hives and Tools
 
Learn the different ellements of a bekeeping and beehive variants. Learn all about the smoker and other hive tools.

 

Marked Queen
 
27th April 2024
Lecture 3 - Summer Management and Swarm Control
Practical 2 - Hive inspection  and Marking Queens
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Learn all about managing your bees throughout the summer season with the view to best practices and hopefully a good crop of honey as your reward. You will also see and learn about the different stages of brood.  

Marked Queen
7th of May 2024
Lecture 4 - Honey Extraction
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11th of May 2024
Practical 3 - Apiary Day 12pm - 3pm
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18th of May 2024
Lecture 5 - Setting up an Apiary and Nectar Sources
Practical 4 - Honey Production and Spring buildup

Learn all about Pollen and Nectar sources and why bees like the flowers they do. Also learn about selecting a site for your beehive.

Marked Queen
9th of April & 7th May 2024
Lecture 1 & 4 will be held Offaly Historical Society, Bury Quay, Tullamore at 8pm
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Marked Queen
 
 
Donegal Bees will attend on the 18th of May 2024 at Mucklagh Community Centre

 

  

BEGINNERS COURSE

Course Overview
Topics covered will include:

 

1. Lifecycle of the Honeybee


2. Occupants of the Hive

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3. Hives and Equiptment


4. Diseases of Honeybees


5. Bee Forage - Pollen and nectar sources

 
6. Choosing an Apiary Site


7. Spring Management

 

8. Summer Work and Swarm Contol

 

9. Harvesting the Honey Crop

 

10. Prepairing colonies for winter

 

11.A ssembling a bee hive

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