Learn bee keeping basics on this informative, fun and interactive day. We spend the day learning about all about bees including hive life, honey production, pollen gathering, what is nectar, life cycle of the bee; workers and drones, queen selection and reproduction, plus much more!
You will also have the opportunity to examine a typical hive and observe the bees up close while they get on with their busy day.
A typical bee experience day:
10am - arrive, refreshments, welcomes and day overview
10.30 - the life cycle of bees
11am - coffee/tea/biscuits
11.30 - from egg to laying queen, why do bees swarm, who does what in the hive
1pm - lunch and soft drinks
1.45 - suit up to visit the hive and watch the bees in action
2.45 - how to identify different pollen, what is nectar
3pm - tea/coffee/biscuits
3.15 - tips on having your own hive and/or how to attract pollinators into your garden
3.30 - any questions
4pm finish
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.
Morning and afternoon refreshments, a delicious homemade lunch, a bee suit for hive inspection, pollen ID card
You will need to bring wellies or similar foot wear for when you wear the bee suit
1 day (10:00am to 4:00pm)
This craft course provider has been awarded Gold status for receiving 10 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
I took a one-day beekeeping course with John and Sue on the 23rd of April 2022. There were six 'students'. The course was a mixture of classroom and practical. It was fascinating and informative in equal measure. It was a thrill to smoke the bees and inspect several hives very closely. It all felt very measured and safe under John's careful tutelage. Refreshments and a tasty lunch were provided. I recommend this course.
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Hello Phil, it was great having you on the course and thank you for your contribution. If you need any help or guidance with bees please do just ask. With best wishes, Sue and JohnJohn was hugely knowledgeable and made the whole day really interesting. Sue made a lovely lunch and tea and coffee all day. Many thanks to both of you.
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Thank you for the kind words, it was a pleasure to have you here. You know where we are if you need bee advice. Best wishes, Sue and JohnI was lucky enough to be bought a one day, introduction to painting in oils with Sue. Firstly, directions were great and she was easy to find. A warm welcome was then followed by a wonderful day immersed in the application of oils, mixing colours, applying to canvas using the right brushes and all delivered in an easy going, encouraging manner. I learnt so much in just one day and came home with a completed painting, my first in oils. She is an excellent teacher, an inspiration to all new aspiring artists. Highly recommended, the perfect introduction and I shall be returning for more!
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Hi Geraldine, thank you for the lovely comments. I look forward to seeing you again soon!!. SueThe bee keeping course was fantastic. Some really informative talks and so much information I feel slightly daunted but really understand what would be involved and how to get help when starting to keep bees.
The practical session all dressed up in our beesuits was particularly good. The weather was poor so the bees were very agitated when we went through some hives. We were still able to have a go at lifting out and examining the frames which was a great confidence boost when the bees were not in the best of moods.
I would recommend this course to anyone
Absolutely brilliant.
Judy
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Well done both of you! As you say not the best bee inspection day so it was good you all got to see the bees at work. Many thanks for the kind words. Sue and JohnIf you are interested in learning about bees and how to keep them, you wouldn’t find a better person than John to be with. My day was so informative and being able to get suited up to get up close and personal with the bees was magic. All of this took place in such a lovely setting and with a big thank you to Sue for providing a warm welcome and lovely lunch.
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Thank you Lynn, we are glad you found it informative and helpful. Best wishes, John and SueMy 12 year old daughter Grace has completed a 6 week art class with the lovely Sue. The final two sessions ended up as a one-to-one day due to Covid.
I’ve been amazed at the standard of work Grace has completed under Sue’s tutelage. Grace thoroughly enjoyed learning many different techniques and is justifiably proud of her finished paintings. Sue has a lovely studio, with a very relaxing and homely atmosphere.
Highly recommend!
Thank you, Sue, for making Grace feel so comfortable and giving her confidence in her artistic abilities.
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Hi Lydia, Thanks for the lovely message. I hope to see Grace again one day soon. SueI'd definitely recommend this course as a great general introduction to Bee Keeping! The course was really informative, clear and hands on; with a chance to be with the bees towards the end of the day and having an opportunity to both see and practically have a go at what we'd learnt. John is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and both open and patient to having lots of questions thrown at him.
Sue and John were lovely hosts, offering a tasty lunch, lots of friendly chats and the course was set in a sweet spot in Sussex. It was great to meet other like minded people on the course and was definitely a confidence boost in taking the first step towards getting my own bees. A great added bonus was getting a gift of honey and pollen chart reader at the end of the day. Overall, it was a wonderful day and Id definitely join more courses again with John and Sue. Thank you! xx
Response from Sue O'Mara Art:
Thank you Shelly, it was lovely for John to have someone who asked lots or really good questions. Really glad you got a lot from the day, that's what it is all about!