Some swarms have been reported already this season. It will pay to check your hives for signs of swarm preparation, to give them extra room, and if necessarily to split strong hives. Put bait hives out early this year!

The annual diseaseathon will take place on Saturday 11^th November this year. We are expecting to do the Wellington urban area. As well as inspecting for AFB, we will be looking for mites, and collecting samples of bees for later analysis. Volunteers are required to assist with this exercise. It is a rewarding and enjoyable day. New members are especially encouraged to join in to observe and learn. Phone Frank (478 3367), James (565 0164), or John (232 7863) for more information.

There are still 400 untrained beekeepers in Wellington. As many as possible will be phoned & invited to attend a training session. The club will be running two training courses, followed by the specified exam for members and other beekeepers as follows:

• 23^rd September, in Johnsonville Community Centre, starting at 1:00 pm.
• 28^th October, in Pinehaven School, Silverstream, starting at 8:30 am.

The second of these courses will be held in the Upper Hutt area to pick up the beekeepers from there or the southern Wairarapa. The cost will be $45 for each training course (including the exam fee). Refreshments provided. Contact Mary-Ann (478 3367) to register.