Did you know the BBKA have a digital version of the BBKA News?   It’s accessed via this link BBKANEWS.COM You will need your BBKA Membership Number and postcode to log in. You can read the current edition as well as previous copies going back to February 2001! You can search for articles, or just read through the current issue. This site is accessible on your mobile phone, table or computer!  These three screengrabs are from a mobile phone.  This screengrab shows the log in page for BBKA News. This shows how you read the magazine, by scrolling through the pages. This screengrab shows a search for Varroa which lists lots of results.  If you're reading it on a computer then you'll see this  (1) is to toggle the side bar. This allows you to click on a page in the sidebar (4) and see that page. (2) allows you to to zoom in  (3) allows you to read the page full screen removing everything else from the screen and you can...

Ian Campbell, Newcastle & District BKA and BBKA Social Media Manager May is always a busy month! A spell of warmer weather may well result in colonies looking to swarm. Inspection frequency Ideally, inspect at least every seven days and every four to five days for colonies at higher risk of swarming. Look carefully for any early signs of swarming. This is when it is really handy to know the queen’s life cycle (see p 10). Remember, bees always start building queen cells the moment you close the lid! Then it’s up to eight-and-a-half days until a queen cell is sealed. Importantly, this can be considerably shorter if they start with a larva instead of an egg. You know what happens next! The photo above was taken 96 hours after introducing a test frame into a colony; they produced multiple sealed queen cells. On that basis, checking earlier is better than later. Entrance blocks These can removed if entrances are congested, but it’s not essential. Smal...

    Ian Campbell, Newcastle & District BKA and BBKA Social Media Manager Evenings are getting longer and another season is underway, but the weather can be very variable this month. The dilemma of disturbing colonies too early in a cold spring versus finding them overcrowded and making swarm preparations in a warm year will continue to vex us all. Your local conditions will affect your decisions so be cautious of advice from those in other areas of the country. Inspections Always inspect for a reason. Choose warm, sunny, still days (~12°C as a minimum) to do inspections. You’re looking for evidence of a queen laying well; eggs, larvae and sealed worker brood in a ratio of around 1:2:4 is reassuring. Equipment Be prepared! This is your last real chance to get ready for the busy times. Make up new frames and try to remember where the bits of kit you haven’t seen for a year are hidden.   Check for signs of pests or disease....

Savoury, hot, and sweet, this honey glazed tofu is speedy and delicious. The tofu is lightly fried before being doused in the punchy dressing. It’s great served with steamed rice or noodles and wok-fried greens dressed with a little extra soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil. The dressing can easily be doubled and made ahead. It also works well with pan-fried prawns, or diced chicken, making this a versatile and simple dish for supper.  Serves 2              Preparation:  15 minutes            Cooking:  12 - 15 minutes Ingredients 300g               Tofu, firm or extra firm 2 tbsp             Cornflour 2 tbsp             Vegetable oil 1 tbsp             Sesame seeds 4 ...