Following the refurbishment of the facilities at Horestone Apiary, future training events will be held at the apiary. Courses are held on a regular basis. Subjects covered include Honeybee Natural History, Beekeeping Equipment, Local Forage, Swarms and Swarming, Pest and Diseases and Colony Management, theory and practical. Courses follow the syllabus laid down by the British Beekeepers' Association to the level of Basic Assessment. For further details contact the education officer.

The next beginners course starts in February 2013:
Course details:
follows BBKA Basic syllabus
Course duration: about 20 hours over 8 meetings. Held in heated room in Barnstaple for the first two meetings then at our apiary near Umberleigh, in a heated hut for the remainder.
Starts Monday 25 February 2013 at Castle centre Barnstaple between 19.30 and 21.30.
second meeting Monday 4 March 2013 at Castle centre Barnstaple between 19.30 and 21.30.
Third meeting Sunday 17 March 2013 10.00 to 12.00 at Horestone Apiary;
Fourth meeting Sunday 24 March 2013 10.00 to 12.00 at Horestone Apiary;
Fifth meeting Sunday 7 April 2013 10.00 to 12.00 at Horestone Apiary;
Sixth meeting Sunday 14 April 2013 10.00 to 12.00 at Horestone Apiary;
Seventh meeting Sunday 21 April 2013 10.00 to 14.00 at Horestone Apiary;
eighth meeting Sunday 28 April 2013 10.00 to 14.00 at Horestone Apiary;
Protective clothing available plus refreshments provided
The post code for the Castle Centre, 25 castle Street Barnstaple, is EX31 1DR;
Cost is £85.00, payable in advance