Ulster Beekeepers Conference Planned For 7-8 March

Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is expecting a record attendance at its seventieth Annual Conference on 7-8 March this year.

[caption id="attachment_38170" align="alignleft" width="320"]Beekeepers prepare for the comng season. Beekeepers prepare for the comng season.[/caption] Ulster Beekeepers’ Association (UBKA), which represents 12 local Beekeeping Associations in Northern Ireland, is expecting a record attendance this year at its annual event at Greenmount College at Antrim. This is the seventieth Conference in a row and UBKA is putting on the biggest and best show yet.
Ken tait from the local Killinchy Bekepers Assocation said: “There will be more trade stands than ever, at which beekeepers will be able to stock up on hives, equipment, fittings and supplies as well as wax comb foundation. There will be a bookshop and several beekeeping publications represented there as well as stands selling protective clothing and the Dept. of Agriculture will be demonstrating its disease diagnostic equipment.
“But the real highlight will be the panel of “heavyweight” speakers – international as well as the local – (8 in all) who will be sharing their vast knowledge and experience. In addition there will be workshops to show how to make your own hives, beeswax candles and even traditional straw skeps.
“Many of the 12 local Associations will have stand exhibits showing where they are based and what they do. Although 2013 started off with a particularly bee-unfriendly Spring, as the season improved most beekeepers achieved a welcome crop of honey. Now, we are beginning a new active season and its time to get prepared. All beekeepers are optimists and “just know” that 2014 will be a bumper year!
“To accommodate it all, UBKA have had to move for the first time to new larger premises within the Greenmount Campus. Good food will continue to be available in the Greenmount restaurant.”
The conference is deliberately designed to cater for prospective beekeepers and beginners as well as those who are already well established and experienced. But the most valuable bit of all may be a couple of days of good craic with like minded people.
More details can be accessed at:
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