New member

[rmenmuir]

Just joined the site. We live on the Manchester/Wigan border in a semi with small garden. We have a couple of raised veg beds, lots of patio pots and use a composter and wormery. I also have been a beekeeper for the last 3 years. We are hoping to move to a house over the Welsh border on just over an acre to be more self sufficient.
We are very much involved in the recycling, reusing and reducing ethic and hope to be able to live a more ethical life for the benefit of all.
Look forward to learning from people and maybe joining in some of the Forum discussions.

[ina]

Hiya, and a warm welcome to the ishers! You sound as if you'll fit right in. Beekeeping is one of those things I've been wanting to do for years... There are always more things I want to do than I get done!

[rmenmuir]

Hi Ina
Beekeeping is absolutely fascinating - you should try it. Although I've been doing it for a while now I haven't got my own bees (got a hive and everything else though!) as our garden is too small and overlooked.

I'm a member of Manchester Beekeeping Association and work at their apiary once a week. One of the reasons for moving is so we can keep our own bees.

There's some good stuff on this website so I'll make a point of checking in regularly.
Richard

[ina]

Well yes, I do have two hives, too... But no bees - does that sound familiar? The hives need a bit of tlc before I can use them. I have worked with bees before (ages ago at uni), and I've done several beekeeping courses, but somehow something always crops up to prevent me going further. This year I blame it on a bad lambing which prevented me from getting the hives ready...

[red]

hi and welcome

[Millie]

[thefriarandme]

Hi rmenmuir from the other end of the East Lancs, Liverpool.

They're a friendly lot here. Help all they can.

Best wishes, thefriar

[Millymollymandy]

Hi and welcome!

[rmenmuir]

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. Look forward to exchanging views and information on the forum.
Richard

[yugogypsy]

Hi and Welcome,

I'm in Canada on just under an acre and we have 3000 square feet of garden, are just finishing a chicken coop and will be building a goathouse.

We have a donkey, and a tremendous compost heap for improving the soil, we also use the ashes from our wood heater.

We have 2 spoiled house cats too

I'm not a bee person myself but I have a couple of friends who keep me supplied with lovely local honey.

Lois

[the.fee.fairy]

Hiya!

We'd love you to join in!

[Shirley]

Hi Richard...

Welcome to the forum... I'm from the Manchester area originally but have migrated north

[rmenmuir]

What a friendly bunch!

I could do with a bit of cheering up as the strong wind last night and today has blown over and smashed my tomato plants and pots as well as my plastic little greenhouse which was full of beetroot, coriander, pak choi and rocket seedlings which were ready to be planted out. The greenhouse has had it too! I have learned from that to heed the weather forecast and to have protected them.

Oh well. A bit more about me. My wife and I are hoping to move to mid Wales to a house on around an acre of very fertile land. It has a greenhouse (a proper one this time!) and a couple of polytunnels as well as fruit trees. Plenty of space for my bees and to have outside veg beds. It also has a steam at the bottom of the garden. Just waiting to hear about an offer on our house so we're keeping everything crossed!

I'll keep you guys informed of progress.
Richard

[Shirley]

What a shame Richard... really sorry to hear about your plants and your greenhouse....

Hugs


Your potential move sounds great - Wales is a great place. Will you be near the Centre for Alternative Technology? TWO polytunnels.... a greenhouse... an acre of fertile land.... keep this in mind and don't feel glum about last nights problems with the weather. At least you've learnt that lesson NOW before you move to your dream home.

Fingers crossed that your house sale goes through quickly and smoothly.

[rmenmuir]

Thanks - I have to be grateful that at least I didn't depend on them for my income! I pity the poor farmers who are having a bad time already.

The house isn't all that far from CAT. We're going over to have another look tomorrow and I'll see how far it is. We're trying to be sensible about it as a lot could go wrong but it's hard when it could be the fulfillment of a dream!

If it all works out I'll post a BIG message on the forum!