Bee nuclei delivery!

While I was at the 'Varroa' meeting on Tuesday Alan was taking delivery of 4 bee nuclei aquired from Mr Hebron from Hoy Lake. The mated & laying queens come escorted by workers to feed and look after her and then the frames in the travel box are transferred to the hives after a day to settle and orientate themselves. Lytham Hall Apiary is officially back in business!

Regional Bee Inspector

Here is a photo of Ian Molyneux who is the Northern Regional Bee Inspector. He was invited to do a talk for the Blackpool Bee Keeping Association on managing the Varroa mite at Poulton Methodist Church on Tuesday and as it was Varroa that decimated the Lytham Hall bee stocks last winter I thought it a good idea to attend to attend. Ian gave an excellent talk and was full of useful advice on how good husbandry and monitoring of the mites can reduce infestation. Monitoring levels of varroa along with relevant treatment can help to keep colonies trouble-free particularly as chemicals traditionally used to eradicate the mite ie Apistan, Apiguard & Bayvarol, are largely ineffective due to mites having now developed resistance.

A closer look

The hive renovation has paid dividends at last and if you refer back to March postings you will see the 'before' picture! There is still plenty to do on that front but I feel we have made quite a stride forward. The hives will sit quite happily on flags but I decided to edge them with some decking offcuts I was kindly given. This I thought should make it easier to trim back the foliage when the time comes and I also think they look quite smart.

Tucked away off the main lawn...

Just a picture to orientate you as to where the hives now sit...(main lawn to the right).

Estate Manager Paul & Alan

A new position for the hives has been agreed in a beautiful spot just off the main lawn. Paul, (who does a wonderful job managing the 78 acres of grounds along with maintenance man John) has very kindly mown a perfectly shaped swathe from the briar and shrubbery where the hives will sit perfectly. The photo shows Paul & Alan with Alan's Jeep that he has owned for 25 years talking some serious bee business!

Dr F I Lee (Dad) RIP 13/05/2007

I'm so so sad to say that I lost my dear dad a few days ago after a short illness. As this blog is dedicated to him I felt it only right that I post a couple of pics and a few words in his honour. My dad was a sweet and humble man whose gentle and kind demeanor touched all those who knew him well or in passing. Through his work as a Doctor he was able help countless people through the pain of illness to recovery. My dad was a man full of warmth and empathy that belied his inner steely resolve, which he used fully to make it easier for everyone who was fond of him to cope with his increasing weakness of body. His keen interest in natural history was infectious and love of sport a source of great pleasure to him. He will be missed hugely by all who knew him especially his loving and large family who are all so eternally grateful to have had him in our lives.

Dad & me insect watching

Dad RIP - Always proud to be your loving son, Philip.