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	East Lothian Beekeepers Association Newsletter 127 March 2004 Dear All, When I took over as Secretary from Michael Hill I inherited the Association's collection of past Newsletters. Quite a read, and also a tradition that I am keen to continue. In the process of going through the Newsletters I have discovered some gaps in the series. Does anyone happen to have the following editions? 1940s - #5, 10 1960s - #41, 46, 47, 49-52, 54-56, 58-59 1970s - #60-70 (possibly never existed - misnumbering?) 1980s - #87, 105 1990s - #110, 111, 116-118, 122, 123 2000s - #anything after 126? Forthcoming Talk The very first Newsletter was produced in April 1946 and advertises a talk by Mr W. W. Smith of Innerleithen on "Modern Beekeeping". Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose! It just so happens that our next meeting will be on Thursday 18^th March at 7.30 pm in the Haddington Town House where Bob Simpson of Flower of May Apiaries will speak to us about "Modern Beekeeping". Varroa is certain to feature in his presentation, and a selection of beekeeping supplies will be available for purchase. Library books One puzzle that emerges from reading the old Newsletters is the fate of about 30 books belonging to the Association. The minutes of the committee meeting of 6^th March 1959 read: "It was agreed to carry out the recommendation from the AGM to approach the Town Council with the view to having the books owned by the Association housed in the Public Library, Haddington. It was decided to lay down the following conditions: 1. That the books would remain the property of the East Lothian Beekeepers Association. 2. That all members of the Association, regardless of place of residence would have the right to borrow books, and members of the public also if possible. The Secretary was instructed to approach the authority and carry out any arrangements agreed on. A letter from Lt. Col. Hall, Camptoun House, Drem, was read offering to present a number of books on beekeeping subjects to the Association. It was decided to gratefully accept the offer and to endorse the books with the name of the donor." The minutes of the AGM held on 19^th February 1960 report: "The Association library had now been housed in the Public Library Haddington and the books were being used to an encouraging extent by the general public." There are no references to the books or to the library after March 1960 in the Newsletters on minutes. The Haddington library cannot trace them. Does anyone remember these books being at the library or know what happened to them?



		Gifford Show As a spur to us all, the prize winners at the 2003 Gifford Show were: Class 1^st 2^nd 3^rd 214 1lb Jar Clear Blossom Honey S. Boggon A. Stenhouse W. Fife 215 1lb Jar Naturally Granulated Honey W. Fife J. Sheldon S. Boggon 216 1lb Jar Soft Set Honey M.Hedderwick A. Stenhouse J. Sheldon 217 1lb Jar Heather Honey (liquid) S. Boggon M. Hedderwick 218 8oz cut comb Blossom Honey A. Stenhouse S. Boggon 219 8oz cut comb Heather Honey S. Boggon - - 220 Section Flower Honey S. Boggon - - 221 Section Heather Honey - - - 222 Shallow Frame Blossom Honey M. Hedderwick A. Stenhouse - 223 Shallow Frame Heather Honey A. Stenhouse 224 One bottle Mead wine - - - 225 8-12oz Beeswax H. Hedderwick S. Boggon W. Fife 226 Honey cake - - - The winner of the Gifford Horticultural Trophy for Honey for the most points in classes 214-225 was S. Boggon. The winner of the George Turnball Trophy for Beekeeping for the best exhibit in Section 6 excluding class 226 _ M.Hedderwick Library Display We have been given the opportunity to use the display case in the Haddington Library to show off some beekeeping related items. I thought that the display could be based around a smoker and veil, hive tool, frame with wax and comb, frame of honeycomb, jar of honey, old Association Newsletters and some books. Does anyone have any interesting or informative items that they could be included? Let me know before the 22^nd March (when the display goes up). I'm hoping that the library might even turn up the Association's old books!
	Membership list The suggestion has been put to me that we resume an old practice of the Association of circulating the membership list amongst members. This would help beginners to contact more experienced beekeepers and keep us all better in touch. Does anyone not want their contact details circulated in this way? As for the bees, may the hives be heavy to heft and the pollen be coming in!

East Lothian Beekeepers Association