Hi tameblackbirds, yes i have kept bees since 1977, did at one stage have 13 hives in use but it is quite a lot of work so now down to 4 at the moment but next year i shall add a few more , i like to have around six hives in use at any time minimum but lost a couple over the winter, one was my best colony which broke my heart, the other was very poor and i didnt expect them to survive.
Sorry for taking so long to reply, only just noticed your message.