Beekeeping
About the Association
Medway Beekeepers Association is based in and around the Medway Towns.
There are currently over 130 members and while most have from 1 to 10 hives, a few have appreciably more. The Association has its own local apiary and is able to offer assistance and advice to anyone keeping, or considering keeping bees. Which with good management and consideration of our neighbours, shows how these amazing creatures can live side by side with us. There are regular visits to the site where guests, members and visitors alike can borrow a bee suit, watch and participate as hives are manipulated and inspected. If you would be interested in visiting the apiary, please contact one of the apiary managers listed below:
John Chapman on 01634 400570 or email him at john.f.chapman@care4free.net
Derek May on 01634 844963 or email him at derek.a.may@btopenworld.com
Diane Wakeling on 01622 687938 or email her at dianewakeling@blueyonder.co.uk
MBKA holds regular meetings in members' apiaries throughout the summer. In the winter we move indoors with meetings, lectures, educational and more social events; sharing and discussing the events of the year before and planning the coming seasons beekeeping. Meetings are also a chance to share beekeeping problems, keep informed about the latest threats and compare notes.
Our annual Honey Show is usually held during September. This offers members a chance to show and display not just honey, but also hive products such as wax, candles and of course mead. Annual attendance at the Kent County Show, local ploughing matches and various other local outdoor events mean the Association is as busy during the summer as our bees!
What to do if you think you have a problem with bees
 Bumblebee |
 Honey bee |
 Wasp |
Many people have problems identifying honey bees from other similar flying insects. So the first thing to do is to try to identify which type it is.
Bumblebees are larger than honey bees and tend to make their nests in wall cavities, under out buildings or in grass.
Honey bees are much smaller than bumblebees and usually present as a swarm (a large mass of bees) which will be found hanging from trees, guttering or other high places.
Wasps are again much smaller than bumblebees and can be best described as being much sharper in appearance than the other two. They tend to make their nests in simailar places to the bumblebee.
In either case, you should report your problem to Medway Council on 01634 333333 and ask to speak to the Environmental Health Department. It will obviously be of great help if you have identified which of the above you have a problem with.
Medway Beekeepers are retained by Medway Council to remove swarms of honey bees from your garden free of charge. However, your first point of contact must be with the Environmental Health Department who have a direct line to one of our on call members.
Please note: We do not deal with wasp or bumblebee problems. For which you may need the help of a specialist who may charge for their sevices.
