'Tales of the Unexpected' - Use of pollen in forensic science

Dr Michael Keith-Lucas - Reading University

Michael is returning to the Holsworthy convention to take us through the next stage of his fascinating use of pollen in forensic science. He is a based in the Centre for Plant Diversity and Systematics at Reading University and has published many works on the use of pollen in archaeology

Honeybee and Bumblebee Ecology and Pollination

Dr Juliet Osborne - Rothamsted Research

Dr Juliet Osborne leads the Bee and Pollination Ecology Group at Rothamsted Research. She did her first degree and PhD at the University of Cambridge. Her research team focus on studying honeybee and bumblebee behaviour and ecology, and the impacts on pollination in farmland. She is particularly interested in bee movement patterns across the landscape and one of her main achievements has been pioneering the use of harmonic radar to track individual flying bees over hundreds of metres. The overarching practical aims of the research are 1) to conserve and promote bee populations and 2) to protect and promote wild flower and crop pollination.

Food & Health: Their interacting effects on honey bees

Dr Peter Kennedy - Rothamsted Research

Dr Peter Kennedy is a member of the Bee and Pollination Ecology Group at Rothamsted Research. He did his first degree at the University of Southampton, his PhD at the University of Bristol, followed by post-doctoral positions at the University of Aberdeen and Rothamsted Research. He has worked in industry and as a seasonal bee inspector. The lure of research was too strong to resist and he soon started work on a project studying the interaction between different stressors acting on honeybee colony development, behaviour and survival. The emphasis of the project is on the influence of the parasitic Varroa mite & its associated viruses, and the availability of honeybee forage resources on population and behavioural dynamics, utilising both empirical and modelling approaches.

The Zest Hive

William F Summers

William (Bill) Summers is a retired architect and beekeeper of more than 40 years experience who has designed the Zest Hive. ZEST = Zero Energy Sus-Tainable.

The view from here

Adam Vevers - Regional Bee Inspector

Adam returns to Holsworthy to give us his usual informative and amusing view of the bee keeping world from his position as a very experienced beekeeper and RBI

Trade stands

Holsworthy Beekeepers are grateful for the long-term support of many local beekeeping suppliers. The 2012 convention sees the welcome return of two regulars and the introduction of two newcomers. Do browse the stalls, there will be many bargains as well as some show offers. Now is the time to get all your equipment needs for the forthcoming season.

• Bitz4Bees

  Our local supplier of all equipment for beekeepers

  Items can be pre-ordered and collected on the day. Contact Derek Hunter on 01769 561033 or email derek-hunter@lineone.net

• Modern Beekeeping

  A wide range of beekeeping clothing and equipment. For more details see the website at www.modernbeekeeping.co.uk

• BeeBay

  Based in Bideford, Bee-Bay provides organic products for the treatment of Varroa, Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae and Chalkbrood. For more details see the website at www.bee-bay.net

• Dianne Price Ceramics

  Dianne produces a wide range of bee related ceramic items.

Cost

Holsworthy branch members - £10

All others - £12

The cost includes ploughman's lunch, tea and coffee

Booking

Booking form here

or contact Roy Houghton tel 01409 250230 or email: springconvention@holsworthybeekeepers.org.uk

Note that the link should open your email program with Roy's address completed. If it does not then please copy the address and send an email in the usual way.

Chilsworthy Village Hall

Chilsworthy Village Hall, EX22 7BB, (map)