I’ve just been to have a very quick peep at the bees and all is well in the hive. I have given them some Ambrosia fondant which is a premium bee food suitable for winter feeding. It’s made up of a mix of natural sugars which closely resemble nectar. I cut a small rectangle from the base of a clean margarine tub, squashed the slab of fondant on top then put the lid on. I placed the base of the tub directly over the hole in the crown board so the bees on the frames below have easy access to their winter snack. I can take the lid off the tub later in January and top up if necessary with out disturbing the bees. The bees did have stores of food left but I’m not taking any chances over the next few months, I put an old towel under their hive roof too for a bit of insulation. 