6 : Around the Colony Manx Bees Disease Free


On 23 February, the European Union declared the Isle of Man offi cially free of varroa. This status has been achieved by joint efforts between local beekeepers and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) in conjunction with the UK’s National Bee Unit.


In 2008, legislation was passed which required


all beekeepers to register and it gave Harry Owens, the island’s bee inspector, the power to take samples from colonies. Mr Owens said: ‘We export varroa-free queens to England, Ireland and Germany for EU research purposes. I have been to many locations in the UK and beyond to promote our bees and their unique genetic heritage and am pleased beekeepers were so closely involved in gaining international recognition for the disease-free status of our bees’. Posters will be displayed at ports and in other public places advising the public of the danger of the illegal importation of bees or beekeeping equipment that could spread disease.


The Honey Pot Moving


After 25 years at Markeaton Park Craft Village, Derby, The Honey Pot will shortly be moving to Unit 73, Trent Business Centre, Canal Street, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 4HN. The new phone number is to be notifi ed. The mobile number remains 07703 711009; e-mail: localhoney@hotmail.co.uk


Police Sting Operation Beekeeping is a relaxing and


rewarding hobby according to the Metropolitan Police Beekeeping Association and it is being used to help offi cers in Scotland Yard’s CO19 Specialist Firearms Command unit to de- stress.


The Association has been given a grant of £525 by the Metropolitan Police to pay for two hives and beesuits. One of the fi rearms offi cers, whose family has a long history of beekeeping, established the club which is part of the Capital Bee programme implemented by the London mayor, Boris Johnston.


Bees Crash with Frozen Chickens


At the beginning of March, a big truck carrying frozen chickens collided with another one transporting bees near Palm Springs, southern California. The result was a load of cooked chicken when the fi rst truck ignited. No humans were hurt in the accident. There are no reports of cooked bees and a beekeeper was called to help sort out the mess (http://tinyurl.com/lr8a3sl).


Honey on Tap?


A crowdfunding campaign on Indegogo has, to date, raised over $4.5 million for Cedar and Stuart Anderson to develop their Flow Hive innovation. Flow frames fi t a standard Langstroth brood box and consist of partially formed plastic cells which the bees complete with beeswax, fi ll with honey and cap as normal. Rather than taking out the frame, uncapping it and using an extractor to remove the honey, a handle is turned on the outside of the hive which splits the cells, allowing the honey to fl ow down the


www.bee-craft.com


£1.4 Million for School Landscaping


Two-hundred-and-sixty schools will benefi t from a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund worth £1.4 million. The money is being made available through the Polli:Nation project, which is part of Learning through Landscapes, and is for establishing pollinator-friendly habitats in school grounds and local community spaces. Recent research has shown that pollinators not only help the


environment but also have a real economic impact. The project will also give children the skills and knowledge to connect with nature. Interested schools should email pollination@ltl.org.uk


Bees on Runway 1


In June 2014, beehives were installed at Montreal-Mirabel International Airport as part of Aeroports de Montreal’s environmental programme. Keeping bees on areas that cannot be used for buildings is an easy way to increase green credentials. This is the latest in the line of airports welcoming bees within their boundaries. The largest airport apiary is at Chicago’s O’Hare with 75 hives. Apimondia 2015


National Pollination Strategy Consultation


The results of the consultation on the National Pollination Strategy are now available. A paper gives a summary of the responses received. The policy document is also available together with a supporting document. Visit www.gov.uk/ government/publications and search for ‘pollinators’.


When? 15–20 September Where? Daejeon, South Korea Early bird registration: 30 June Abstract submission: 15 June World Beekeeping Awards entry deadline: 15 August More information: www.apimondia2015.com


middle. It then exits the hive through a pipe at the bottom. The inventors claim that beekeepers can therefore safely remove honey from the back of the hive without disturbing the bees which ignore what is happening. The website says: ‘Turn the tap and watch as pure, fresh, clean honey fl ows right out of the hive and into your jar. No mess, no fuss, no expensive processing equipment and without disturbing the bees. We are excited to introduce our new invention that allows you to enjoy fresh honey straight out of your beehive without opening it. It’s far less stress for


the bees and much, much easier for the beekeeper. “This really is a revolution. You can see into the hive, see when the honey is ready and take it away in such a gentle way”’. Find out more on https://www. indiegogo.com/projects/fl ow- hive-honey-on-tap-directly-from- your-beehive#home Bee Craft hopes to publish an article from the inventors in the near future where they will be able to describe the hive and answer some of the many questions that have been asked by beekeepers about this new idea.


April 2015 Vol 97 No 4


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Zatoichi564 (talk)


J Petersen


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