Dates for Members' Diary
Lectures for members are on the last Wednesday night of the month @ 7.30 p. m in Ashford Community & Heritage Centre, Ashford, Co. Wicklow.
Lectures 2026
Please note the new start time for lectures is 7.30 p.m. Tea and coffee and library open from 7.15 p.m Members only lectures:
Wednesday 28th January 2026 at 7.30 p.m. We are delighted to welcome Frankie de Dobbelaere who will give us an update on the Asian Hornet situation. Frankie, who graduated in veterinary medicine, is a member of the Co.Louth Beekeepers Association. In addition to the Asian hornet, she has a special interest in bee health and in the issue of honey adulteration. She will advise us regarding management of traps ,reporting of sightings etc.Following her talk, we, in ABKA, would hope to have a clear strategy for the coming season in addressing the Asian hornet problem.
Wednessday 25th February 2026 at 7.30 p.m. We are delighted to welcome Beemaster Keith Pierce as our guest speaker, presenting on "Spring Management". Keith has been beekeeping for more than 25 years, selectively rearing dark native Irish queens Apis mellifera mellifera. Keith will speak on Spring & Summer Management. With decades of practical experience, his advice is clear, practical, and relevant for beekeepers at all levels. A very timely lecture, one not to be missed as Spring arrives.
Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 7.30 p.m. The topic of this month's lecture is "Diseases: Identification, Information and How to ManageThem". The presentation is by our members Colm Penston, Dermot Fanning and Terry Meakin, who between them have decades hands- on experience and current scientific knowledge of this most important topic for all members.
2025
Wednesday 4th December at 7.30 p.m. Introduction to Beekeeping: Free, Open evening for those interested in all things bees and beekeeping. Register a place abka.secretary@gmail.com
Introduction to Beekeeping Course, starts on January 12th, given by Colm Penston, see here for details
