First on the list is not to go out and buy any equipment or bees. Your local association will have spare suits/veils etc so all you need to do is turn up with appropriate footwear - with wellington boots or similar being the best. You will learn what is really required and where it is best to buy.
Next is to get stung - several times - to find out whether you (and your body) can handle it. No point in spending a load of money and then finding out that it is not for you.
I have run many beginner sessions and stood there holding a worker ready to apply the sting to a volunteer - and usually there are no volunteers! Amazing how they all seem to think that thick gloves will enable them to keep bees without ever getting stung!
Best wishes
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W
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