News and Events
Winchester and District Beekeepers' Association (WDBKA) celebrates 100 years.
Our Association held its inaugural meeting 14th January 1925:
On January 14th 1925 a meeting called over the signatures of six beekeepers citizens of Winchester (i.e. Miss Easton Messrs Mariner Lloyd Woodland J Hewett W.M. Castle & H.W.T. Priddis) for the consideration of the formation of a Bee Keepers society for Winchester & District was held a the Conservative Club Assembly Hall & there were about 40 present. The meeting was presided over by Mr G. J. J. Mariner in the unavoidable absence of Mr Thomas Hobb who was called away on business. It was proposed by Mr Mariner & seconded by Mr Priddis that an Association of beekeepers to be called the Winchester & District Beekeepers Association be & is formed & the motion was carried. Read more ...
Two original minute books and various photos are now archived at Hampshire Records Office. Members can view the original pages see: Members page
Swarms
It's swarming season!
On Saturday, 28th June, a scorching hot day, our WDBKA swarm coordinator received several reports that a swarm of bees had taken up residence on a traffic light outside O’Neils pub in Winchester. Deborah, Sandra and Tim our intrepid volunteer swarm collectors came to collect them. In the meantime another swarm appeared near the Law Courts. They also collected this swarm and the bees have now been safely rehomed. If you see a swarm of bees please contact us.
Asian Hornet
Members: Monitoring and trapping guidance Members page.
BBKA Asian Hornet resources page.
Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): confirmed sightings of Asian Hornets
WDBKA holds another successful Beginner's Course March 2025
We hosted our popular annual one day course 'Beekeeping for Absolute Beginners' for potential new beekeepers.
Topics include: honey bees & apiaries, equipment, inspections, diseases and the beekeeping year.
Our next course will be held on a Saturday in March 2026 (date to be arranged). Details are on our Beginners' course page.
Event calendars
WDBKA holds monthly apiary meetings in the summer and evening talks in the winter.
If you are interested in taking up beekeeping you are welcome to join us at a meeting.
Details are on our Meetings page.
Online talks and other useful beekeeping information: Learning resources.
British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) events calendar: BBKA events.
Hampshire Beekeepers' Association (HBA) events: Home page.
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