APOLOGIES: Mary-Ann Lindsay (Treas),Cliff Hulston, Ray Baker.

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS: Jeff Smith (Levin) Sue Mossman (Sydney).

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of meeting held 9 November were read and confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING: Diseaseathon: AFB discovered in two hives at Waikanae, and one at Akatarawa. Evidence of a good nectar flow with swarms everywhere. Hive inspectors indulged in some ad-hoc requeening where appropriate. Club membership application forms left with non-member beekeepers. One new beekeeper recommended participating in the Diseaseathon as a worthwhile learning experience.

CORRESPONDENCE: Secretary advised that the Johnsonville United Church had increased the hall rental by $2 to $27 per month.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Current account balance was $2,194.47.

GENERAL BUSINESS: Issues discussed:

Ivan Pederson & Richard Hatfield recited some entertaining swarm stories.

A flowering hedge was identified as Escalonia and other plants currently in flower were NZ jasmine and flaxes.

Bumble bee nest removal

Frank Lindsay advised he had collected 99 swarms in 3 months - 3 times last season’s figure.

Alan Paterson sought suggestions for hive sites in Napier.

Local council attitudes to urban beekeeping were discussed.

James Scott requested members return any longoutstanding library books.

Frank Lindsay advised a site at Reikorangi was available for any interested beekeeper.

Jill Cornish advised she was moving to Nelson.

Les Solomon showed members a full plastic frame and advised he had obtained 14 kilos from 8 plastic 3/4 frames.

PRESENTATION:

A video was shown detailing the African Honey Bee’s escape from Rio de Janiero and spread north to Los Angeles and its effect on local people and beekeepers.

Meeting closed at 9.45 p.m. with Christmas supper, Ivan’s mead and Maryanne’s punch.

Meeting closed at 9:30 p.m. with supper.