Just opened the hive fully for the first time since autumn. They didn't like the brood nest getting opened, they had propolised the hessian bottomed warree quilt to the top of the frames so I had to push the hive tool in to free it. They came out like a spitfire squadron!! Left them alone for a while then went back for a good look.
The quilt worked perfectly! The top of the wood shavings against the roof are quite moist and the bottom ones totally dry. No mould problems there.

There is a relatively small amount of brood but its tight and well defended so doing well. Only one empty queen cell in the whole hive.
Added another 8 frame box to the back of the hive as there were only two spare frames and there is a fair flow on at the moment. Now the hive looks like a little steam engine


Anyway, it looks like they are going to really go gangbusters this season.