Blackhorse Apiaries 2.67

Introduction and the Facilities
The centre, opened in January 2000, comprises of a modern single story building containing a classroom with teaching aids, a honey and wax processing room with honey extraction and bottling equipment, a workshop for general maintenance and storage, and the usual facilities for tea/coffee and comfort.

Outside the centre is supported by areas of car parking, hive demonstrations, examples of apiary layouts and beehive types, bee-houses, and a large apiary equipped with colonies of quiet bees to enable beginners to gain experience and confidence.

The Bees
The bees at Blackhorse Apiaries are based on a strain with the quiet handling characteristics essential for teaching and those wishing to keep bees in urban areas. Starter colonies and queens are available at certain times of the year for those starting up an apiary or wishing to change the characteristics of their colonies.

Equipment
Classroom equipment is provided, including course materials. Where the practical activities involve handling bees, it is advisable that a veil is worn - a limited number are available to borrow while a the centre. Also most beginners feel more comfortable with a pair of gloves, kitchen washing up gloves are adequate for short term use.

The History of Blackhorse
Beekeeping in Surrey is now a shadow of its former self. Professional teaching and advice services began in 1942 with a County Council grant to Miss Milne for her private apiaries. In 1942 Mrs Rosina E Clarke MBE NDB was appointed to run two centres at Cheam and in Bramley, and by the 1950s Surrey had 30 voluntary foul brood inspectors. Elmdon, now a private Nursery in Guildford, was Surrey's Bee Education Centre, at first headed by Robert Beloe and Bob Hammond. After Mrs Clarke's retirement in 1969 Mr Hammond ran the unit until 1973, when the baton was passed to Derrick Daniels and Philip Breazley. By now as many as 150 students were enrolled in the evening classes. In 1976 the Beekeeping Advisory Service was transferred to Merrist Wood where it enjoyed a purpose designed apiary, its own annex, a small bee house, workshop, and used the college laboratories and lecture theatres. In 1992 funding for the enterpise finally ran out and the 'centre' was formally closed. Evening classes continued using the facilities, but by now self funding and privately run by John Hamer. The wheel had turned and beekeeping tution was back in private hands. Finally, in 1999, the facility was transfered to John's own home apiary, following a considerable 'make-over' to suit its new role.