Beginners Course (Family) 2024
The beginners course will be in two parts. The first is the series of lectures that comprise an introduction to beekeeping. The information provided in the lectures will act as the background for next part of the training, the practical course. This will entail attendance at our Association Apiary for practical sessions. There the student will be shown by experienced beekeepers how to look after the bees. These sessions will probably take place on Saturday mornings during the Summer months and are usually from 10am to 1pm, but if the numbers warrant it, they may also be held on an evening during the week - dates and times to be confirmed. Because you will be attending our Association apiary it will be necessary for you to become a member of our Association. This is so that you will be covered by insurance for entering our apiary and working with the bees.
The fee for this part of the Course includes:
- membership of Louth Beekeepers’ Association
- membership of FIBKA (Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations)
- liability insurance
- An Beachaire magazine (a beekeeping magazine produced by FIBKA every month)
An introductory meet-the-beekeepers meeting will be on 25th January. The theory course itself starts on Thursday 8th February and 7 subsequent Thursdays. The course will be delivered by a team of experienced beekeepers. The practical training start date is dependent on the weather, but is usually some time between mid-April and early May.
Some time during the summer you will be given the option to take the FIBKA Preliminary Exam.
The fee is €250: the fee is waived for persons under 18 years old, but they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
If you have any questions, please email the secretary.