Bristol County Beekeepers Association, Inc. upcoming events

The Mass Bee Fall 2026 Meeting and Honey Show (November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER: massbee.org/event-6834410

The Mass Bee Fall 2026 Meeting and Honey show is being hosted by the Norfolk County Beekeepers Association.

The Honey Show entree classes are: honey, wax, mead, honey beer, photography, arts & crafts, and cooking. The Honey Show Rules can be found on the registration page listed above.

Speakers

James Wilson, Extension Apiculturist from the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech.

Theresa Martin, author of "Dead Bees Don't Make Honey".

Dr. Kim Skyrm from MDAR

Club Meeting: Winter Thermoregulation & Ventilation (November 17, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Our November meeting will take place on
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
7-9 pm

Presentation:

Thermoregulation and Ventilation
Presented by Bill Hesbach, EAS Master Beekeeper

This presentation explores how honey bees control the hive's internal temperature through thermoregulation and how this influences overall colony health and development. Attendees will learn how heat is generated, distributed, and managed within the hive, and why temperature regulation is essential to colony success.

The discussion then examines the convection flows that occur naturally inside a colony, providing a foundation for understanding hive ventilation. In the final segment, Bill Hesbach introduces the concept of a condensing colony and compares it with the more common practice of adding ventilation to hives.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how bees manage their hive environment and the role ventilation plays in a natural colony. This presentation offers valuable insights for beekeepers seeking to make informed decisions about hive management and overwintering strategies

About Bill Hesbach

Bill Hesbach is a Connecticut native with a background in engineering. He's an Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper and graduate of the University of Montana's Master Beekeeping Program.

Bill is on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Apicultural Society, and is President of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

Bill operates Wing Dance Apiary in Cheshire, Connecticut, which produces a crop of artisanal raw honey and natural hive products. He's a published author, with articles appearing in Bee Culture, Bee Craft, and The American Bee Journal. Special interests include: Bee Biology and Flight, and Connections Between Local Flora and Bee Behavior.

Buzz Line: Ask a Beekeeper (November 18, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Bristol County Beekeeper: You are invited to join us for an hour-long open panel with experienced beekeepers ready to answer your questions and share insights.

Gain practical advice on hive management, bee health, and more while connecting with fellow beekeepers.

Let's build a thriving community together, one bee at a time!

Questions submitted prior to our panel will be answered first.
Submit your question here

No registration is required.

Add this to your calendar

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Join Our Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88521635940
Passcode: 135218

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Our past BuzzLine recordings can be found on our website under 'Resources"

Bee School 2027: February 2 – March 30 (February 02, 2027)

Wed, 03 Feb 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Bristol County Beekeepers Association

2027 Beginner’s Beekeeping Course

Tuesday evenings 7:00 – 9:00

February 2 – March 30, 2027

Download Syllabus for dates and topics

Who Should Attend?

This course is perfect for anyone interested in bees!
Whether you are:

Considering starting beekeeping
A beginner seeking more knowledge
Simply curious about honeybees

Course Details

Location: All classes are held in person at Bristol Aggie.
Schedule:
- Day & Time: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (includes a 15-minute break) beginning on February 2, 2027
- End Date: Classes are currently scheduled to end on March 30.
- Contingency: A make-up date is scheduled for April 6th if any class cancellations occur (pushing the schedule back a week).
- Bonus: A follow-up continued education class will be held in September.

Topics Covered

The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to beekeeping, including:

Honeybee Biology
Acquiring Your First Bees
Buying or Building a Beehive
Colony Management and seasonal care (what to do during the four seasons)
Forage (plants for the bees)
Diseases and treatment
Queens

Cost and Benefits

The cost is $50, which includes:

All lectures and handouts.
A one-year individual membership to the Bristol County Beekeepers Association.

(Note: Membership is for one individual, entitled to one vote at club meetings.)

Networking Opportunities

You'll have plenty of time for Q&A sessions and a chance to speak with:

Experienced Beekeepers (veterans who manage large apiaries and produce significant honey yields).
Fellow Newcomers

All classes are scheduled to be held in person:
Bristol Aggie - Student Commons in Building 14
View Campus Map