Now that I am back from my Northern travels, I have found a bit more time to focus on my little family. The cool weather we have been experiencing lately has not only kept our bees indoors most of the day but also it seems our members, so now that it is beginning to warm up, I expect we will see more activity on both fronts.
Due to the excellent work by both John and Nanette, we have been successful in receiving funding from the Gladstone Ports Corporation. We are now in a position to be able to purchase our own ANBA branded marquee for future events. This will now be in-valuable for increasing our visibility and promoting native bees.
Gladstone Branch AGM
We had 15 members and 4 visitors attend our Branch AGM out in the country near Bororen at the residence of Cheryll and Bruce Gibson. This was the perfect opportunity for us to unveil our brand new ANBA Marquee. Once the business part of the day was out of the way it was time for some good friendly discussion over a lovely morning tea and then viewing Cheryll’s hives. A little dis-appointing was her eduction hive after some 8 months had not yet established a new brood although there was significant stores in the new box, seems they still preferred the old log hive.
The official election of our executive saw an injection of some new blood which hopefully go a long way towards invigorating our group. No doubt there will be a bit of a handing over period to get the new executive up to speed ASAP. The new committee are:
Chairman – Mark Larney
Secretary – Madonna Richter
Treasurer – Alicia Stanley
Events Coordinator – Ian Anderson
ANBA Management Committee Branch Rep – Cheryll Gibson
And new position, Rescue Hive Foster Program Coordinator – John Starr
Congratulations to all the management committee
3 years ago I assisted my late good friend Robert Beale at Benaraby to rescue a very strong log hive at the Benaraby Raceway complex that was in danger of being destroyed. The hive has since been located at Bob & Beryl’s residence at Benaraby and become the mother to two eductions. Since Bob’s passing, I have been assisting Beryl with managing her hives and now that she in in the process of cleaning up for possibly sale of the property she has asked if I would like to have the log. Of course, how could I refuse, so with the help of some muscle power, it has now taken pride of place in my yard as a tribute to my good friend. In return I have provided Beryl with one of my personal hives which she wanted for her grandson.
Water Meter Rescues and Fostering Program
It was interesting to read in the July newsletter about the Gold Coast Beekeepers Association Fostering Program as we are now embarking on a similar journey in the Glad-stone Region as part of out Water Meter Rescue Program with the Gladstone Regional Council. As mentioned in the last issue, we now have 4 Foster hives we are monitoring for future placement in the community.
Additionally, we have a number of hives that have previously been placed in the community from rescues which are also being monitored regularly for future propagation by the recipients. This is all part of educating the public about the sustainable management of our little pollinators.
From Ian Anderson
For more info on branch activities, visit our Facebook page ANBA Gladstone Branch, https://www.facebook.com/groups/480678232538075
