This year has been another important chapter in the continued development of our association apiary, with steady progress in both infrastructure and use. A budget was set last year to cover groundwork and essential equipment purchases, and we are now reaching a point where the apiary is well resourced to sustain itself. Future spending will therefore focus primarily on maintenance and ongoing site improvements, ensuring the apiary remains a safe, productive, and welcoming space for training and practical beekeeping.
Honey production was lower than last year, reflecting the challenges faced by many beekeepers across the region. We also encountered several queen-related issues, including drone layers and queen losses, which demanded additional management and time. Despite these setbacks, the colonies have continued to thrive thanks to the dedication and expertise of our members—particularly Ivor, who undertook the majority of the extraction work and provided extensive hands-on support throughout the season.
A very special thank you goes to Ivor, whose commitment, skill, and countless volunteer hours have been central to the apiary’s success. Quite simply, without his hard work, the apiary would not be the thriving learning environment it is today.
In addition to hosting sessions for beginners’ training, the apiary has played a significant role in supporting bee assessments this year. It was used on three occasions in July for assessments involving candidates from both Wakefield & Pontefract and Barnsley Beekeepers, including Bee Health and Basic Assessments. These collaborative sessions not only strengthen the skills of our members but also reinforce the valuable partnership between our two associations.
The apiary continues to be a cornerstone of our work—providing a space for learning, development, and community, while embodying the shared spirit that makes our association so successful.