The Federation of
Irish Beekeepers' Associations
The Federation of
Irish Beekeepers' Associations
Celia F. Davis
first acquired bees in 1980 with a single nucleus. She fairly
rapidly expanded to 14 stocks, which she ran for many years,
split between the home apiary and an out apiary, marketing the
honey through local shops. Four years ago she sold some of her
colonies and now keeps 5 colonies, all kept at home in National
hives. She has reared a small number of queens over the years,
mostly using a Jenter kit system and mating from 3/4 frame
nucs.
Celia had a degree in Agriculture and had taught pure and applied biology for some time. She was interested in education and worked her way through the BBKA examinations winning the Robert Hammond Award and the Wax Chandlers’ Prize for BBKA Intermediate and Senior Beekeeping Exams respectively. She obtained her NDB in 1994.
She was a member of the BBKA Examinations Board for 6 years (in the 1990’s) and remains an examiner for the BBKA and tutor for the BBKA Correspondence Course. She has run a beginners’ course for many years and, in 2008, this was expanded, more teachers were recruited and the size of the class was expanded considerably. Celia regards this as a very important part of her beekeeping activities. She also runs, with another Warwickshire member, a course for those wishing to take the BBKA General Certificate in Beekeeping Husbandry. Served as Secretary to the Warwickshire Beekeepers’ Association for 11 years and is now the President.
In 1997 the editor of Bee Craft asked her to write articles for the magazine, a job that lasted for 10 years, and, arising from these articles, She wrote two books, The Honey Bee Inside Out (published in 2004) and The Honey Bee Around and About (published in 2007).
She spends a great deal of time talking to various groups as well as many beekeeping organisations all over the U.K.
Michael Gleeson, Irene Power, Sue Cobey, Bridie Terry and Dennis Ryan at Gormanston 2008
Advanced, Intermediate, Preliminary
The full FIBKA Preliminary Course is taught during the week, including two practical apiary sessions. Participants, even those with no previous beekeeping experience, may take the Preliminary examination on Friday afternoon.
Please bring protective clothing if you intend to work with bees. Protective clothing may be purchased on site if required.
FIBKA President Dennis Ryan presents the Intermediate Certificate to Gerry Ryan at Gormanston 2008
Ferries from England arrive at Dublin (North Wall) and Dun Laoghaire (Dun Laoghaire to Dublin is 9 miles).
Foot passengers should travel to the Central Bus Station, Store Street, Dublin, and then by bus (Normal Service) to Gormanston. Do not use the Express Bus Service because it does not stop at Gormanston. Ask to be let down at The Huntsman Inn which is only a few hundred yards from the back entrance to the College
Take train from Connolly Station to Balbriggan Station and a taxi to Gormanston College.
Please note that the College is quite a distance from Gormanston Train Station.
Gormanston College - Co-Ordinates 53°.37' N - 06°.14' W
Car drivers approaching from Dublin use the new motorway to Belfast and take the slip road for Julianstown/Drogheda South. Turn right just before The Huntsman Inn and proceed for about a mile. The College gates are on the right.
Gormanston is approximately 20 miles from Dublin Airport on the road to Belfast. A special bus will leave the airport for the college at 4pm Monday and a return service will leave the college at 1pm on Saturday.
Board the bus in Airport Coach Park, through the multi-story car park door under the raised canopy and out the other side.
Intending bus passengers please notify Michael Woulfe when making reservation.
The service bus from Dublin to Drogheda calls at the Airport. Ask to be let off at The Huntsman.
Rooms and cubicled dormitories. En-Suite rooms may be available if cancellations occur.
Only limited family accommodation available. Early booking advised because of reduced accommodation.
List of B & B accommodation in the area available from Convenor. Beekeepers opting for B & B should make reservations with Proprietor of the chosen accommodation.
Gormanston 2008
| En-suite rooms | €375 |
| Rooms | €310 |
| Dormitory | €295 |
| Deposit | €40 |
| B&B | €30 |
| Lectures Only | €16 |
| Lectures, Lunch & Evening Meal | €43 |
| Lectures & Lunch | €27 |
| Lectures & Evening Meal | €32 |
| Lunch | €11 |
| Evening Meal | €16 |
Send reservation form with deposit or full fee to:
Michael Woulfe,
Railway House,
Midleton,
County Cork.
Tel: 00353 (0)21 4631011
Email: via Eddie O'Sullivan : eosbee@indigo.ie
(Early booking essential - limited places available)
Cancellation to reach course Convenor at least 7 days before opening day otherwise cancellations and non-attendance will be subject to a cancellation fee.
Residents will supply their own soap & towels. Bed linen & blankets will be supplied.
If you wish to exhibit in Honey Show please apply to Honey Show Secretary for Schedule. The Schedule is available online here
Mr Redmond Williams
Tincurry
Cahir
County Tipperary
Tel. + 353 (0) 52 42617
email: emwilliams@eircom.net