Meetings & Events

Friday 13th March 2026
šŸ• 7 pm
šŸ“ Millenium Balti, 796 Alcester Road, Kings Heath B14 5EZ
ļ‹§Ā Curry night!

ļš Come and enjoy some delicious, hand-crafted and lovingly prepared food by Syed and his team in the company of your friends.

šŸ—“ļø Friday 27th March 2026
šŸ• 7:30 pm – 9 pm
šŸ“ Dame Elizabeth Hall, Firbank Close, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1UA
šŸŽ¤ Richard Arghiris – The ancient craft of Mayan beekeeping

ļš Deep within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico,Ā  Mayans have been keeping native, stingless bees for over 3000 years, the most popular bred by theĀ  Meliponini tribe. The honey produced is highly coveted for its medicinal properties.

In 2023, Richard undertook a masterā€™s in ethnobiology to learn more about Mayan meliponiculture. His talk will draw on data gleaned in the field, including in-depth, ethnographic interviews with Mayan beekeepers.

Richard will cover the following topics:

  • The bio-geography of stingless bees in Latin America
  • The pre-Columbian history of Mayan meliponiculture
  • The contemporary decline and revival of stingless beekeeping
  • The role of traditional Mayan culture and spirituality
  • Conservation practices and bee rescue groups
  • Products of the Melipona hive, and
  • Threats and challenges that modern Mayan beekeepers face.

NB:Ā  Visitor numbers at Highbury Apiary are currently restriced to members only.Ā  If you have any questions about visiting please call the Apiary Manager (see Contacts page.)

Summer MeetingsĀ are held at our Apiary in Highbury Park.Ā  Association and members’ hives undergo inspection by that well known pest of the bee, the beekeeper.

2.00pm every Saturday between June and August.
See theĀ Highbury ApiaryĀ page for further information.

WinterĀ meetingsĀ (September to March) are lively and educational with a mixture of lectures and talks covering the basics for new beekeepers and other topics. Ā Non-members and visitors are very welcome to attend. Ā I promise we are a very friendly and welcoming bunch. Ā Tea and biscuits to follow, sometimes there may be cake.

Winter Meetings ā€¦ members will be informed of meeting dates and topics/speakers via email

Meetings usually commence at 7.30pm.