## Chair’s Annual Report for 2024 for the AGM in 2025 2025 has proved to be more straightforward than recent years. I would say we have consolidated progress in some areas and have plans firming for the future. If we look at the county wide events, a main method for meeting our commitment to education, both of the public and our members, we should first consider the honey show. This took place as in recent years at the Orsett Show in the first week of September. Our marquee had a steady stream of interested visitors during the day and show entries by our members were in line with expectation. Unfortunately we were unable to offer flying bee displays as our marquee had been relocated and it was felt to be potentially hazardous. However there was plenty to interest inside the marquee. Some of our resources needed replacing and we had to hire transport for the day so costs were higher than normal. We should extend our thanks to Jean and David Smye who have taken on the organisation of the honey show and have ensured that succession planning is in place. Other local events through the year by all the divisions increase our impact including presence at local shows, school visits, talks given to various groups and more. Also in some divisions, trees were planted to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the BBKA, The tress were chosen for the benefit of pollinators and will provide a lasting focus for education and interest. We promote the craft of beekeeping through constant provision of training and information for our members. All our divisions hold regular meetings for their members and offer training for potential beekeepers. In addition there is our annual conference which provides the opportunity to bring in outside expertise in areas of general and particular interest to beekeepers. In addition we celebrate the achievements of those who have succeeded in BBKA exams and assessments. The conference continues to provide a very enjoyable and educational day. This year, Romford Division provided an unusual focus which was very thought provoking and put beekeeping in the wider context of environmental issues. The venue was easily accessible and it and members enjoyed the chance to exchange ideas and experiences. It is pleasing to note that the planning for the next 2 conferences is in hand. There was no Officers’ Day within the calendar year but it has since taken place on March 1st 2025, timed to provide training for new trustees and officers. This seems to be a good model for the future. The Ted Hooper lecture took place in June and was well received. The speaker, Lynne Ingram, from the Honey Authenticity Network gave an excellent talk which raised our awareness of the level and nature of fraud in marketing honey, and enabled us to speak with some accuracy when discussing honey sales with members of the public, All of the events mentioned (with the exception of the Honey Show which is not in our control) took place in locations as central as possible. This makes the time commitment acceptable as we get the benefit of the social side of such events as well as an enjoyable experience. Meeting such as the CEC, the AGM, and the Honey Show committee, in the main, took place by Zoom. This seems to me the pragmatic way to go forward . The costs, both individual and for venue hire and the time commitment for travelling which can easily exceed 2 hours for those on the fringes of the county seem unjustifiable. Also, we effectively rule out those who are unable to drive. However, I am aware some others do not share this view so we will need to revisit the decision periodically. Our membership remains fairly stable and is inevitably skewed towards the more mature although we do our best to inspire the younger generation. Our funds are in good shape and we continually look for opportunities to invest in our aims. This year we have started supporting a project at Queen Mary University of London lead by Professor Wurm on the use of molecular medicine for early and effective diagnostics and monitoring of honeybee health. We expect to continue this support for the duration of the PhD project. We have had to deal with a complaint this year about the behaviour of an individual. Confidentiality was necessary to protect the victim and although the process was testing for those concerned, the trustees felt a fair outcome was achieved. After the concerns felt at this time last year, it was a relief to be advised that there had been no Yellow legged Asian hornet nest found in Essex and a greatly reduced number in Kent. Unlike last year we are not now using traps for the queens as it is highly unlikely that there are any in the county. Nevertheless, we remain alert and ready to act as advised. Efforts are being made to engage more of our members to working towards BBKA qualifications and assessments. More than 30 passes at various levels were achieved and as the costs are quite high we are prepared to subsidise members for the more expensive practical assessments. Just the preparation alone for any of the written or practical assessments will have a beneficial effect on beekeeping practice. Communications remain an issue, ideas have been suggested to provide some form of regular communication with all members but we have not been able to find someone with the skills and time for this. The search continues! Similarly in some divisions it is still proving difficult to increase attendance at regular meetings despite interesting and relevant topics being covered. Other notable events this year include the award of the BBKA long service certificate for no less than 60 years in beekeeping to Clive de Bruyn- we thank him for all his contributions to beekeeping in Essex over the years. EBKA has recognised by the award of Honorary Life Membership the many contributions of David Smye. We also extend our thanks to the members of the CEC who are stepping down this year. This includes the trustees, Andrew Linley from Colchester, Jerry Hartland from Saffron. Walden, Simon Nicholas from Epping Forest who has also acted as minutes secretary and Margaret Cameron from Chelmsford. Richard Ridler has completed his term as BBKA delegate, Vanessa Wilkinson has completed her term as General Secretary and no-one is in any doubt that she has carried out the role in an exemplary manner including as a member of the Governance sub-committee. Jim Mcneil is stepping down as National Honey Show representative and more will be said about his enormous contribution at the AGM. Jean Smye completes her term as President and has contributed a lot to our activities, not only the Honey Show, through her understanding and knowledge of our organisation. My personal thanks go to all the members of the CEC for their support and help in all areas. The trustees have been particularly helpful in joining additional meetings when needed. The Governance sub-committee has provided much helpful guidance in ensuring we meet our charitable commitments. I would particularly like to thank our general treasurer for her enthusiasm and fair perspective on issues ands ever, Vanessa for spotting what needs to be done and who needs to do it. I hope, by the time we reach the AGM, someone has stepped forward to take on the role of the General Secretary and help ensure the smooth running of our association. Essex Beekeeprs Association Annual Accounts For the year to 31st December 2024. Independent Examlners Report to the Trustees of the Essex Beekeeper5' A550ciation Charity Number: 1031419 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Essex Beekeepers, Association for the year ended 315t December 2024. Responslbility and basis of Report As the charity trustees of the Association, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the charities Act 20111"The Act") I report in respect of my examination of the charitws accounts, carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my exam ination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the charity commission under section 14515llbl of the act. Independent Examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records. I would however point out that, I couldn't examine the records for the merchandise division as this information was not available for the period. I have been told by the honourable treasurer that this amount isn't material. The Bank Balance of the Harlow Division (which is suspended) of £4,595.53 is now included in the CEC Bank Balance I have no concerns other than this and have come across no other matters in connections with examination to which attentions should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: A S Turner FCCA Versa Tax Solutions Ltd Address: 9 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2AP Date: 1913125 Essex Beekeepers Association Balance Sheet For the year ending 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Current Assets Bank Accounts Honey Show Account Cash Paypal 161,842 3,160 913 65 158,215 360 845 Other Assets Bee Craft Ltd Bee Diseases Insurance Other Assets (trophies at net book value) Total Assets 165,997 159,442 Liabilities Uncleared Cheques Subscriptions Received in advance 50 2,492 3,408 Total Liabilities 3,408 2,542 Net Assets 162,589 156,900 Represented By Reserves Balance B/fwd Add Surplus for the year 156,900 5,688 147,694 9,206 Balance C/Fwd 162,589 156,900 Essex Beekeepers Association Receipts and payments For the year ending 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Receipts". BBKA Capitation BDI Premiums Beecraft Subscriptions EBKA Capitation Gift Aid Divisional Subscriptions Divisional donations Bank Interest Room Hire Magazine/Newsletter Advertising/postage income Refreshments & raffles Annual Dinner/Lunch Shows commission/sales Divisional Honey Shows County Show - incl top-up from CEC Divisiona I courses EBKA courses Education Fund Donations/Grants Teaching Apiary Sales School visits Conference Research Fund Donations Apiary management Equipment hire Bulk buys 21,627 3,362 21,589 3,416 718 1,818 7,799 12,373 4,279 1,112 1,794 7,042 12,280 1,779 1,471 91 iio 526 4,086 5,947 30 3,119 15,757 43 248 300 50 3,812 125 755 30 3,426 146 4,578 311 160 1,232 615 33 617 4,691 3,599 10,647 12,312 287 181 3,028 88 698 40 3,507 90 4,118 1,697 779 529 132 Merchandising - sales Miscellaneous - Refunds Miscellaneous - payments made in error Miscellaneous - Bee5 Date: 19/3/25 Harlow Petty Cash Totsl Receipts 96,485 98,542 Payments: BBKA Capitation BDI Beecraft EBKA Capitation Trustee/Officer Education Divisional grants Divisional donations Bank charges Paypal fees Online Costs- Web/domain costs Online Meetings Room Hire Speaker Fees Officers Expenses - postage/travel/other Magazine/Newsletter costs Refreshments & Raffles EBKA AGM Refreshments EBKA AGM - room hire/speaker fee/audit fee Annual Dinner/Lunch Shows commission/sales/costs Trips/eventS Divisional Honey Shows County Show- incl top-up from CEC County Show- General Management County Show- Consumables/Expenses National Honey Show Divisional Courses EBKA Courses Education Fund Donations/Grants Teaching Apiary Costs Ted Hooper Lecture Awards Conference Research Fund Grant (EARS) Apiary management Bulk buys Central purchases Merchandising- costs Asian Hornet expenses Miscellaneous- payment made in error refunded Miscellaneous expenditure - members Miscellaneous Expenses Miscellaneous- refunds & others Miscellaneous- unwell members/death of members Harlow Petty Cash 21,627 3,422 52 37 40 772 100 141 261 846 189 2,970 2,051 1,000 419 588 21,792 3,466 602 639 2,719 1,000 150 261 645 218 4,077 1,656 892 801 1,060 77 1,302 4,609 4,082 108 749 3,119 4,036 158 357 3,916 1,418 4,863 1,578 2,140 2,132 7,240 3,465 323 3,718 748 72 580 956 254 3,160 2,000 1,126 5,138 4,791 8,509 1,988 151 4,845 437 6,179 8,943 788 22 778 609 264 239 763 345 33 683 Total Payments 90,797 87,489 Surplus/Deficit 5,688 11,053 Essex Beekeeprs Association Annual Accounts For the year to 31st December 2024. Independent Examlners Report to the Trustees of the Essex Beekeeper5' A550ciation Charity Number: 1031419 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Essex Beekeepers, Association for the year ended 315t December 2024. Responslbility and basis of Report As the charity trustees of the Association, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the charities Act 20111"The Act") I report in respect of my examination of the charitws accounts, carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my exam ination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the charity commission under section 14515llbl of the act. Independent Examiner's Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with those records. I would however point out that, I couldn't examine the records for the merchandise division as this information was not available for the period. I have been told by the honourable treasurer that this amount isn't material. The Bank Balance of the Harlow Division (which is suspended) of £4,595.53 is now included in the CEC Bank Balance I have no concerns other than this and have come across no other matters in connections with examination to which attentions should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: A S Turner FCCA Versa Tax Solutions Ltd Address: 9 Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, Essex, RM14 2AP Date: 1913125 Essex Beekeepers Association Balance Sheet For the year ending 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Current Assets Bank Accounts Honey Show Account Cash Paypal 161,842 3,160 913 65 158,215 360 845 Other Assets Bee Craft Ltd Bee Diseases Insurance Other Assets (trophies at net book value) Total Assets 165,997 159,442 Liabilities Uncleared Cheques Subscriptions Received in advance 50 2,492 3,408 Total Liabilities 3,408 2,542 Net Assets 162,589 156,900 Represented By Reserves Balance B/fwd Add Surplus for the year 156,900 5,688 147,694 9,206 Balance C/Fwd 162,589 156,900 Essex Beekeepers Association Receipts and payments For the year ending 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Receipts". BBKA Capitation BDI Premiums Beecraft Subscriptions EBKA Capitation Gift Aid Divisional Subscriptions Divisional donations Bank Interest Room Hire Magazine/Newsletter Advertising/postage income Refreshments & raffles Annual Dinner/Lunch Shows commission/sales Divisional Honey Shows County Show - incl top-up from CEC Divisiona I courses EBKA courses Education Fund Donations/Grants Teaching Apiary Sales School visits Conference Research Fund Donations Apiary management Equipment hire Bulk buys 21,627 3,362 21,589 3,416 718 1,818 7,799 12,373 4,279 1,112 1,794 7,042 12,280 1,779 1,471 91 iio 526 4,086 5,947 30 3,119 15,757 43 248 300 50 3,812 125 755 30 3,426 146 4,578 311 160 1,232 615 33 617 4,691 3,599 10,647 12,312 287 181 3,028 88 698 40 3,507 90 4,118 1,697 779 529 132 Merchandising - sales Miscellaneous - Refunds Miscellaneous - payments made in error Miscellaneous - Bee5 Date: 19/3/25 Harlow Petty Cash Totsl Receipts 96,485 98,542 Payments: BBKA Capitation BDI Beecraft EBKA Capitation Trustee/Officer Education Divisional grants Divisional donations Bank charges Paypal fees Online Costs- Web/domain costs Online Meetings Room Hire Speaker Fees Officers Expenses - postage/travel/other Magazine/Newsletter costs Refreshments & Raffles EBKA AGM Refreshments EBKA AGM - room hire/speaker fee/audit fee Annual Dinner/Lunch Shows commission/sales/costs Trips/eventS Divisional Honey Shows County Show- incl top-up from CEC County Show- General Management County Show- Consumables/Expenses National Honey Show Divisional Courses EBKA Courses Education Fund Donations/Grants Teaching Apiary Costs Ted Hooper Lecture Awards Conference Research Fund Grant (EARS) Apiary management Bulk buys Central purchases Merchandising- costs Asian Hornet expenses Miscellaneous- payment made in error refunded Miscellaneous expenditure - members Miscellaneous Expenses Miscellaneous- refunds & others Miscellaneous- unwell members/death of members Harlow Petty Cash 21,627 3,422 52 37 40 772 100 141 261 846 189 2,970 2,051 1,000 419 588 21,792 3,466 602 639 2,719 1,000 150 261 645 218 4,077 1,656 892 801 1,060 77 1,302 4,609 4,082 108 749 3,119 4,036 158 357 3,916 1,418 4,863 1,578 2,140 2,132 7,240 3,465 323 3,718 748 72 580 956 254 3,160 2,000 1,126 5,138 4,791 8,509 1,988 151 4,845 437 6,179 8,943 788 22 778 609 264 239 763 345 33 683 Total Payments 90,797 87,489 Surplus/Deficit 5,688 11,053