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Training 2024/2025

Beginners’ Theory & Practical Courses

The Theory course for 2025 will be held at Frodsham Community Centre WA6 7QN, commence on 15th January 7.30pm - 9.30pm and run for 8 sessions, on Wednesday evenings (see downloadable schedule) through until 5th March.

The fee is £60 which includes a copy of the BBKA book, around which the course is based, and the support of the training team throughout.

A copy of the 2024 Theory Course Schedule can be downloaded in PDF format.

A New Starters Evening will be held on Thursday 21st August 2025.

If you wish to register your interest for any of the courses operated by the North Cheshire Branch or require further information about them, please contact the Branch Training Coordinator using the form below.

The associated Practical course is normally offered at the Branch Training Apiary, Walton, and at trainers' apiaries in our area (currently at Hatton). This will be delivered during the 'flying season' (normally April – July), usually at weekends.

Basic Assessment

A three session theory course will be run by North Cheshire in April and May followed by a practical session to prepare candidates for the BBKA Basic Assessment.

The date for the associated practical examination is still to be arranged.

Please contact Stuart Hatton, 01925 263023, mobile 07778 592835 or email hattonstuart1@gmail.com to register for the course.

Module 1, 5 & 6 Study Groups

The study groups are run as part of the Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association Education Programme and are loosely based on the Syllabuses for the Module Examinations of the BBKA.

Each course will consist of about nine sessions, beginning in October 2024 and ending in March 2025 in time for people to prepare to sit the examination if they so wish. There is no pressure on participants to take the exam or any expectation that they should do so.

The Study Groups are open to any member of Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association who has at least three years’ experience of keeping bees and has passed the BBKA Basic Assessment.

The study groups for the 2024/2025 Winter programme cover Module 1 (Honey Bee Management), Module 5 (Honey Bee Biology) and Module 6 (Honey Bee Behaviour). Select the desired module for further course and registration details.

Study Group sessions will be held via Zoom, at least initially, with the possibility of in-person meetings if the group decides on this. There is no fee as such, but a small charge may be made to cover any expenses.

Microscopy

A one-day microscopy workshop, organised by CBKA and run by Graham Royle, will be taking place on a date to be arranged at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham, WA6 7QN. This course provides an opportunity to carry out honeybee dissection as well as pollen analysis and Nosema & Acarine detection. No previous experience required. The cost will be aproximately £20 per person with tea & coffee provided but you will need to bring a packed lunch.

A number of training courses are available. These include Beginners’ Theory & Practical courses, Microscopy, preparation for the Basic Assessment, and learning study groups for the BBKA exam Modules 1, 5 & 6. Other courses will be announced.