Our first meeting for the year was a lovely continuation from the last meeting of 2020, Solitary Bees and Bee Hotels. The night started with Gail Albertoni sharing her knowledge and resources with the group telling us of past successes and new techniques she has learnt from people along the way.
We were also lucky enough that Mick Albertoni also brought along some of his bee hotels, which gave the newer members of our club the opportunity to actually hold and study the hotels.
The next speaker was Jim Marchment, who shared his experiences with Bee Hotels showing photos of different types that he uses on his property. He also covered differ-ent materials that can be used from hardwoods to clay. He told of the best way to acquire the materials making sure that any wood should not be treated and you should avoid using clay from art shops.
The club is looking into holding a “How to make a Bee Ho-tel” class for school children and their parents. We would love to hold this event at the local community gardens, such as in Port Macquarie’s “The Lost Plot”. Diane Norris has held Native Bee information sessions there in the past, which my children and I were lucky enough to see. So, watch this space! Our next meeting will be held on the 4th March at 7pm at the Laurieton United Services Club. A topic has yet to be chosen but with ANBA holding a Native Bee Workshop on the 27th February at Lorne Community Hall I’m sure there will be a lot to talk about.
Derek Ayriss , communications Officer