Preparing for swarm collection

Last year I was on the BBKA list of swarm collectors for the first time.  It turned out that 90% or more of calls from members of the public were about bumblebees, mostly tree bumblebees (Bombus hypnorum).  Others were for a chat or general advice and very few related to real swarms of honey bees.  I had more swarms of my own!

I have started making a list of things I'll need to keep at hand to be ready this year.  It includes the obvious (bee suit, general beekeeping equipment, etc), a box and a sheet, and secateurs and pruning saw.  While looking it up I came across a few photos which show I may have got it all wrong.  Perhaps I just need a straw boater, a bow tie and a feather!

Or a pair of braces.

Maybe I should grow mutton-chop whiskers.

This lady is at least wearing some protection

whereas this one only needed slippers and a pinafore.

Just to be on the safe side I think I will take my bee suit.