We held our Monthly Meeting at the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens on 21 Nov. The weather was gloomy, but the passion and interest made up for the rain. Last minute changes meant our organised guest speakers were unable to make the event, but all present agreed the networking and information shared led for a very informative day.
Bob Moulds from the Grafton Native Bee Group spoke about forming a rescue group for native bees as the incursion of the Coffs Harbour bypass was likely to impact on native bee colonies. He was proposing that the Grafton Bee Club support ANBA Coffs Harbour in the rescue of bees from construction sites generated by the bypass going through the Coffs area for the new Highway. This would involve on call rescuers that have knowledge about bees and who have boxes ready for use to transfer colonies. Members were keen to be part of this working group.
Stephen Fowler from Northern Rivers Beekeeping Supplies shared his native bee box design for use with splitting as well. Important points to note including maintaining a good temperature by reducing the size of the hive, increasing insulation (timber is possibly the best insulator) and positioning of the hive to take advantage of the sun and shade. He had one of his bee boxes on display.
ANBA Bee Group have been invited to a Bee Awareness information evening to be held at Bunnings Night Market on Thursday 9th December. The stall will be shared with Euro Bee apiarists who are also part of ANBA. Members from our group were very enthusiastic to become involved and talk to the public in raising awareness.
Our next monthly Meeting is to be held on January the 16th the venue will be announced closer to the time.
Can we mention the amazing masks that our treasurer Elaine Bean has made and is donating all proceeds to the club. Thankyou Elaine your masks are well made and as a nurse I have found they are the only ones that don’t fog my glasses up!
Contact Secretary Alison with any questions, albeswick@hotmail.com, or 0417 712 957.
Visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/756068211719759