The West Cornwall Beekeepers’ Association was formed in the mid 1940s to provide a local association for beekeepers who, due to lack of transport, were unable to travel to meetings in the East of the county.
West Cornwall Beekeepers’ Association attracts beekeepers and would-be beekeepers from Lands End to Truro. Monthly meetings from April to September are held in members’ apiaries or the Association apiary. The Association Apiary is in the grounds of the Duchy College at Rosewarne, just north of Camborne. map
From September to April, meetings are for talks, discussions, elections and reports, members’ Honey Show and games. Most meetings are at Passmore Edwards Institute, Hayle and St Piran’s Hall Goldsithney.
Monthly meetings In the summer these are “hands on” working demonstrations. They are held either at our teaching apiary at Duchy Agricultural College (Rosewarne) or at a member’s home apiary. Led by an experienced bee-keeper, relevant beekeeping practices for that month are demonstrated and discussed, usually followed by tea.
During the winter, when the bees are tucked up, we meet normally on the 4th Monday of the month, for a variety of lectures from experts in their field, or workshops covering aspects of beekeeping. These evenings are also a forum for exchanging ideas as well as being a chance to meet members socially.
The Honey Show In the early winter we give members an opportunity to compare the fruits of our individual labours. It is a chance to show off what we have achieved and created with products of the hive over the year, and maybe carry off a cup or two. It is also a way of promoting high standards in bee keeping and marketing.
‘An Hes’ (Cornish for ‘The Swarm’) A monthly Newsletter called is sent to most members by email. We draw articles from the Bee Editors Exchange Scheme (other member BKA Newsletters) organised by Northern Bee Books. We aim to write up our meetings, especially when a speaker visited.
Our Beekeeping Course The Course is run in association with the Duchy College. This is both theoretical and practical: initially in the classroom, and then using the teaching apiary in the summer months. It leads to an examination at the end of the academic year for the BBKA certificate in basic beekeeping. We have set up a ‘buddying scheme’ for those starting out, with an experienced beekeeper to call on for advice and practical support.
Library We have an extensive and comprehensive lending library, to which all members have access. The library is open at each meeting or by arrangement with the librarian.
Insurance The annual subscription to the association includes both hive and public liability insurance.
Equipment Members may borrow equipment through our equipment officer. The latest addition is a four frame extractor with filter and tank.
You can download a membership form here.
For more information or to join the association please contact our membership secretary.