Beginners Course 2026
This is one of two courses we run each year beginning in April with the Introductory Day and followed by 12 lessons on Saturday afternoons from 2.00pm until 4.00pm (or later) through to the end of the season in August.
Each lesson begins with a short explanation of the beekeeping activity planned for the day, followed by practical beekeeping (hands on) in the Apiary nearby.
The course will recognise and teach the basic recommendations of the British Beekeepers Association, to which we are affiliated, and the course members will be able to feel confident in acquiring their own bees by the end of the course.
The dates of the 2026 course lessons are as follows;
- Introduction Day April 11
- Lesson 1 April 25
- Lesson 2 May 2
- Lesson 3 May 10
- Lesson 4 May 16
- Lesson 5 May 23
- Lesson 6 May 31
- Lesson 7 June 6
- Lesson 8 June 20
- Lesson 9 July 4
- Lesson 10 July 18
- Lesson 11 August 1
- Lesson 12 August 15
- Supplementary August 29 (Feeding and treatment of the colonies at season’s end and Apiary tidying)
- Supplementary September 5 (Roundup, Tutors Fun Quiz and return of borrowed bee suits)
To ensure that course members receive consistent, personal attention , we limit the number of new beekeepers each year to 30 who are supervised and guided by five tutors who are all experienced beekeepers.
The course is administered by three Master Beekeepers so competent instruction is assured.
We understand that not everyone can attend every lesson – this is not cause for concern and we know that planned holidays or other commitment might result in a lesson or two being missed – not a problem. We allow for this by providing detailed notes in advance of each lesson. These notes serve not only to preview the lesson but serve as an important reference for critical stages of development through the beekeeping year.
In addition we will ensure that if anything in a lesson is not well understand for any reason, those issues will be reviewed and explained separately.
We are committed to promoting the craft of beekeeping and, quite apart from the course, any member who has a problem or question is welcome to email or call the Education Office, Terry Payne, who will always be glad to offer advice.
Booking
If you would like to enrol for the Beginners Course, or just want to ask questions about the courses please contact:
Terry Payne on 01747 811251 or email twpayne@btinternet.com or use the form on the Contact page.