OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-12-31-accounts

Leicestershire and Rutland

Beekeepers Association

Annual report for the year ending 31[st] December 2025

Overview

The Leicestershire & Rutland Beekeepers Association was founded in 1882 and was registered as an unincorporated charity (number 510687) on 11 November 1980.

On 1 January 2016, the activities of the charity were transferred to the incorporated charity (number 1163520), which was registered with the Charity Commission on 11 September 2015.

The charity revised its constitution at the 2022 AGM to take greater account of the use of electronic communications.

The registered address of the charity is:

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association 1890 Melton Road Rearsby Leicester LE7 4YS

Objectives

The objectives of the Association are:

  1. Preserve the honeybee by promoting the craft of beekeeping

  2. Provide education and training for members, improving bee husbandry

  3. Educating the public about the benefits of bees in the environment by providing speakers, taster sessions and live bee experiences using our observation hive

All activities are undertaken in furtherance of these objectives and for the public benefit.

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, Leicester, LE7 4YS

Page 1 of 4

Governance and Management

The charity is managed by its trustees, who are elected by the membership attending the AGM. (in accordance with the constitution)

Notice of the AGM, held on 1 April 2025, was sent to all members and the meeting was conducted online.

The trustees during the year were:

Jay Anderson, Caroline Beardsmore, Craig Turner, Paul Crookes, Mike Petty, Nigel Collier, Christopher Heath, Emma Musson, Andy Stuart, Simon Castleman, Duncan Bellamy and Paul Farmery.

Trustees receive ongoing support through meetings, reports, and access to relevant guidance to ensure effective governance.

Membership and Activities

LRBKA had 401 members at 31 December 2025, of whom 94% were full members.

The year was one of considerable activity for LRBKA. Our programme of training for beginners followed the usual pattern of a Theory Course in spring and Practical Courses over the summer months. This year, for the first time, we recorded the five evenings of presentations that form the main part of the Theory Course, and these were made available to course participants up to the ‘Meet the Bees’ event that concludes the course. The stimulus to do this came from a Muslim member who found it difficult to join the zoom sessions in real time because they coincided with Iftar (the nightly breaking of the fast during Ramadan). The ability to revisit the recorded sessions proved popular because it meant that no participant missed out on any of the presentations.

The practical courses ran in three venues (Walton, Brooksby, and Markfield). As always, there was some drop-off in attendance as the courses progressed from early May to mid-July, but generally they were well-received, and few sessions were spoiled by poor weather.

Courses for Improvers ran in parallel with the beginners practical classes running at the Brooksby Apiary, nearly all of the participants had taken the beginner course over the previous 2 years.

Monthly member meetings continued to be held online, with the exception of the Christmas meeting. A similar in-person event was held during the summer, and a bring-and-buy event was also held at the Brooksby Apiary in the spring.

Charity number: 1163520

LRBKA,1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, Leicester, LE7 4YS

Page 2 of 4

The year saw the long-awaited erection of the building at Walton. The final decision was to have a wooden building, the parts of which were made in Essex and delivered on site in spring. The ground works and erection of the building was done by a firm of local builders, and the building completed in autumn. LRBKA is grateful to our volunteer project manager for seeing the project through.

Once the building has been furnished for use, it will transform the opportunities for training and education, and means that there will be another venue where members will be able to buy consumables and hire an extractor from.

The Brooksby Apiary lease was successfully negotiated for a further 25 years.

A new generator was installed following reduced output from the previous unit, and future works are planned to renew the existing buildings, which are now dated.

The Markfield Apiary had a fence kindly installed by the landowner. As part of routine maintenance and asset protection, the shed is planned to receive a wood preservation treatment to improve durability, prevent weather-related deterioration, and extend its useful life.

During the year the Association took part in nine local events, showcasing an observation hive with live bees at five events, together with the new information display boards, beekeeping equipment, candle rolling activities, and local beekeepers to engage and educate the public about beekeeping. Over the nine events over 30 of the Association members volunteered to enable all this to happen and found the experience very rewarding.

Financial Review and Reserves

The year ended with a deficit of £84,513, as payments exceeded receipts due to major planned expenditure on the new Clubhouse building at the Walton Apiary.

Reserves at year-end stood at £76,628. These reserves are held in accordance with the Association’s reserves policy and are intended to support future development and maintenance work, particularly at the Brooksby Apiary.

The trustees consider the current level of reserves to be appropriate for the charity’s ongoing needs and plans.

Charity number: 1163520

LRBKA,1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, Leicester, LE7 4YS

Page 3 of 4

Conclusion and Acknowledgements

LRBKA is completely run by volunteers, several of whom roll their sleeves up to help at our apiaries. Activities include working parties to maintain the grounds, individuals who help provide access for deliveries, those who clean up equipment, help at social events, and enrich the Association in many ways. The Trustees would like to record their thanks to everyone who helps in any way, without which the work of the Association would not be possible.

The social groups have continued to be important occasions for members to get together to share information, cry on each other’s shoulders, offer practical help when needed, and welcome new members. Social groups are informal (they are not mentioned in the Constitution) but are firmly established in the life of the Association. Strong local groups are helpful in providing volunteers to help at local shows where LRBKA are attending, to educate and inform the public about bees and beekeeping.

The trustees further acknowledge and thank all donors and fundraisers whose financial contributions have helped to sustain and develop the Association’s activities.

The above statement complies with the S 162 of the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities Accounts & Report Regulations 2008

Charity number: 1163520

LRBKA,1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, Leicester, LE7 4YS

Page 4 of 4

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

RECEIPTS 2025 2024 Notes
Membership Fees 11,131 11,163 1
Training Course Fees 3,100 2,940
Swarm Collector Fees 216 240
Sale of Beekeeping Equipment 13,621 10,023 2
Sale of Sundry Items 192 155
Equipment Hire Fees 240 169 3
Event Registration Fees 1,070 455 4
Sundry Event Income (Teas, Raffles etc.) 251 177
Donations Received 592 661
Gift Aid Rebate - 2,197 5
Bank Interest Received 3,099 3,461
Other Income - -
Total Receipts 33,512 31,641

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 1 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

PAYMENTS 2025 2024 Notes
Direct Costs
Purchase of Equipment for Resale 11,945 7,648
Apiary Running Costs 3,574 950 6
Capital Items 91,776 8,075 7
Bee Tent Running Costs 424 430
Event-specific Costs 163 72 8
Venue Hire - -
Payment Platform Fees 552 470
Swarm Collection Platform Fees - 240 9
Membership Insurance Cover 1,892 1,773
Speaker Fees 315 395
Incidental Operating Costs (incl. Prizes, Memorials) 11 3,985 10
Subtotal 110,652 24,038
Overheads
Web Hosting and Computer Software 325 325
Computer Hardware (non capital) - -
Internet and Telephone 10 -
Licences and Permits 219 -
Advertising and Promotion 1,987 - 11
Postage and Stationary 30 74
Subscriptions 91 59
Bank/Finance Charges - -
Legal and Professional Fees 4,320 - 12
Association General Insurances 391 - 13
Sundry Overhead - -
Total Payments 118,025 24,496
Statement of Movement in Funds 2025 2024 Notes
Funds Brought Forward 161,141 153,996
Year's Surplus / (Deficit) (84,513) 7,145
Funds Carried Forward 76,628 161,141

Charity number: 1163520 1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 2 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

BANK ACCOUNTS AND CASH BANK ACCOUNTS AND CASH 2025 2024 Notes
Natwest Bank - Current Account 2,036 6,924
Natwest Bank - Business Reserve 10,005 40,203
Market Harborough Building Society 32,341 80,500
Loughborough Building Society 31,189 30,350
Paypal 1,058 3,164
Cash in Hand - -
Cash in Transit (PayPal to Natwest) - -
Total Liquid Funds 76,628 161,141
* of which restricted: 0 0
OTHER ASSETS / LIABILITIES Item 2025 2024 Notes
Other Current Assets 14
Stock Jars and Lids 2,279 4,832
Frames 2,426 1,396
Foundation 1,646 747
Other 0 0
Total Other Current Assets 6,351 6,975
Current Liabilities
Creditors due within one year 2,132 - 15

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 3 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

Category Description Notes
Land and Buildings Land at Kilworth Road, Walton 16
Passmore Building at Walton Apiary
Removable Apiary Buildings
Fixtures and Fittings (Various)
IT Equipment PA System
Beekeeping Equipment Hives and Hive Parts
Extractors x5
Sundry
Apiary Tools / Machinery Mowers (Sit-On x1 / Scythe x1)
Power Tools
Generators
Sundry
Education / Public Engagement Bee Tent Trailer
Gazebos x 2
Bee Suits (22 xAdult / 12 xChild)
Professional Grade Microscopes x2
Sundry
Regalia Chains of Office
Cups and Trophies

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 4 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

  1. The Association had 401 members at 31/12/25 - (vs. 376 prior year).

Full members constitute 94% of the membership (vs. 94% prior year), 36% of whom are female (vs. 35% prior year).

  1. The shop at Brooksby experienced an increase in turnover of 36% from the prior year, with good sales throughout the year.

  2. The increased sales at Brooksby also translated into an increase in equipment hired.

  3. The increase in event registration fees was due to the successful NBU Bee Health day, facilitated by the LRBKA.

  4. There is no gift aid claim in this year as it was rejected by HMRC due to details not matching because of the changeover in Treasurers, this has since been corrected and resubmitted. So all outstanding gift aid will be claimed and appear in the 2026 accounts.

  5. The increase in apiary running costs was due to new hive roofs and super boxes being purchased for the Walton Apiary, also hedgecutting and mowing/flailing was carried out at the end of 2024 and was not invoiced until January (for two years growth). At the Brooksby Apiary a skip was hired for a clear up, and Electrical Testing was also carried out.

  6. Capital Expenditure for 2025 consisted of:

Description Cost
Walton Building Project Related
Scope of Works - Bowden Consulting 1,110
Passmores Pre-fabricated Building 18,804
Building Control Fees - Blaby District Council 632
A.G.Tilley - Assembly of the building, and various site preparation works, including foundations. 70,031
Subtotal (Walton Building Project) 90,577
Plus:
Generator for Brooksby Apiary 1,199
Total 91,776
  1. Event Specific costs increased due to supplies needed for the Bee Health Day.

  2. See 15.

  3. The drop in incidental operating costs is because the 2024 accounts had the payment to cover disbursements incurred by Tollers for work on the Brooksby lease.

  4. Advertising and Promotion costs consist of the new Flags and display boards for the Bee Tent to use when exhibiting, these have been very well received.

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 5 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

  1. The Legal and Professional fees were all incurred in relation to negotiating the lease at the Brooksby Apiary, which has concluded with a new 25 year lease being signed with the new Loughborough College Group.

  2. The General Insurances was the insurance for the building materials at Walton.

  3. Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, in line with UK GAAP.

  4. ‘Other’ stock (comprising branded merchandise, and small amounts of honey and sundry beekeeping kit) is recorded at zero value, as a result of its low materiality and questionable saleability.

  5. The BeeWatch payment bounced back as their account was moved to another type by their bank, this has now been paid. Also included is £120 in duplicate membership payments that were refunded in January 2026, the remainder is the final retention payment due to A.G.Tilley for construction works for the new building at the Walton Apiary.

  6. In line with what is permitted by the Charity Commission (per notice CC16b), and with accepted conventions for accounts produced on a receipts and payments basis, the Association no longer publishes either a valuation of its fixed assets nor - as a consequence - a full balance sheet.

This approach is endorsed by the independent examiners, and is reflective of the subjective nature of any related valuations. Asset registers are, and will continue to be available for review by members on request.

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 6 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis, in line with Charity Commission guidelines (publication CC16b). They are in accordance with section 133 of the Charities Act 2011, the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012, and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

As required by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012, we report:

a) particulars of any guarantee given by the CIO, where any potential liability under the None guarantee is outstanding at the date of the statement of assets and liabilities. Apply b) particulars of any debt outstanding at the date the statement of assets and None liabilities which is owed by the CIO and which is secured by an express charge on any Apply of the assets of the CIO.

At current levels of turnover, an independent examination of the accounts is required (under sections 144 and 145 of the Charities Act 2011); the LRBKA Constitution also requires this.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration or honorarium.

----- Start of picture text -----
SIGN
----- End of picture text -----

Duncan Bellamy - Treasurer and Trustee

On behalf of the board of Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association Trustees:- 10/02/26

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 7 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

We have examined, without carrying out an audit, the accounts of Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association for the year ended 31st December 2025, set out on pages 1 to 8, which are in accordance with the books, records, information, and explanations given to us.

Alison Hercock, 26/03/26

Andrew Hardy-Smith, 26/03/26

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 8 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

RECEIPTS 2025 2024 Notes
Membership Fees 11,131 11,163 1
Training Course Fees 3,100 2,940
Swarm Collector Fees 216 240
Sale of Beekeeping Equipment 13,621 10,023 2
Sale of Sundry Items 192 155
Equipment Hire Fees 240 169 3
Event Registration Fees 1,070 455 4
Sundry Event Income (Teas, Raffles etc.) 251 177
Donations Received 592 661
Gift Aid Rebate - 2,197 5
Bank Interest Received 3,099 3,461
Other Income - -
Total Receipts 33,512 31,641

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 1 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

PAYMENTS 2025 2024 Notes
Direct Costs
Purchase of Equipment for Resale 11,945 7,648
Apiary Running Costs 3,574 950 6
Capital Items 91,776 8,075 7
Bee Tent Running Costs 424 430
Event-specific Costs 163 72 8
Venue Hire - -
Payment Platform Fees 552 470
Swarm Collection Platform Fees - 240 9
Membership Insurance Cover 1,892 1,773
Speaker Fees 315 395
Incidental Operating Costs (incl. Prizes, Memorials) 11 3,985 10
Subtotal 110,652 24,038
Overheads
Web Hosting and Computer Software 325 325
Computer Hardware (non capital) - -
Internet and Telephone 10 -
Licences and Permits 219 -
Advertising and Promotion 1,987 - 11
Postage and Stationary 30 74
Subscriptions 91 59
Bank/Finance Charges - -
Legal and Professional Fees 4,320 - 12
Association General Insurances 391 - 13
Sundry Overhead - -
Total Payments 118,025 24,496
Statement of Movement in Funds 2025 2024 Notes
Funds Brought Forward 161,141 153,996
Year's Surplus / (Deficit) (84,513) 7,145
Funds Carried Forward 76,628 161,141

Charity number: 1163520 1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 2 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

BANK ACCOUNTS AND CASH BANK ACCOUNTS AND CASH 2025 2024 Notes
Natwest Bank - Current Account 2,036 6,924
Natwest Bank - Business Reserve 10,005 40,203
Market Harborough Building Society 32,341 80,500
Loughborough Building Society 31,189 30,350
Paypal 1,058 3,164
Cash in Hand - -
Cash in Transit (PayPal to Natwest) - -
Total Liquid Funds 76,628 161,141
* of which restricted: 0 0
OTHER ASSETS / LIABILITIES Item 2025 2024 Notes
Other Current Assets 14
Stock Jars and Lids 2,279 4,832
Frames 2,426 1,396
Foundation 1,646 747
Other 0 0
Total Other Current Assets 6,351 6,975
Current Liabilities
Creditors due within one year 2,132 - 15

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 3 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

Category Description Notes
Land and Buildings Land at Kilworth Road, Walton 16
Passmore Building at Walton Apiary
Removable Apiary Buildings
Fixtures and Fittings (Various)
IT Equipment PA System
Beekeeping Equipment Hives and Hive Parts
Extractors x5
Sundry
Apiary Tools / Machinery Mowers (Sit-On x1 / Scythe x1)
Power Tools
Generators
Sundry
Education / Public Engagement Bee Tent Trailer
Gazebos x 2
Bee Suits (22 xAdult / 12 xChild)
Professional Grade Microscopes x2
Sundry
Regalia Chains of Office
Cups and Trophies

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 4 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

  1. The Association had 401 members at 31/12/25 - (vs. 376 prior year).

Full members constitute 94% of the membership (vs. 94% prior year), 36% of whom are female (vs. 35% prior year).

  1. The shop at Brooksby experienced an increase in turnover of 36% from the prior year, with good sales throughout the year.

  2. The increased sales at Brooksby also translated into an increase in equipment hired.

  3. The increase in event registration fees was due to the successful NBU Bee Health day, facilitated by the LRBKA.

  4. There is no gift aid claim in this year as it was rejected by HMRC due to details not matching because of the changeover in Treasurers, this has since been corrected and resubmitted. So all outstanding gift aid will be claimed and appear in the 2026 accounts.

  5. The increase in apiary running costs was due to new hive roofs and super boxes being purchased for the Walton Apiary, also hedgecutting and mowing/flailing was carried out at the end of 2024 and was not invoiced until January (for two years growth). At the Brooksby Apiary a skip was hired for a clear up, and Electrical Testing was also carried out.

  6. Capital Expenditure for 2025 consisted of:

Description Cost
Walton Building Project Related
Scope of Works - Bowden Consulting 1,110
Passmores Pre-fabricated Building 18,804
Building Control Fees - Blaby District Council 632
A.G.Tilley - Assembly of the building, and various site preparation works, including foundations. 70,031
Subtotal (Walton Building Project) 90,577
Plus:
Generator for Brooksby Apiary 1,199
Total 91,776
  1. Event Specific costs increased due to supplies needed for the Bee Health Day.

  2. See 15.

  3. The drop in incidental operating costs is because the 2024 accounts had the payment to cover disbursements incurred by Tollers for work on the Brooksby lease.

  4. Advertising and Promotion costs consist of the new Flags and display boards for the Bee Tent to use when exhibiting, these have been very well received.

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 5 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

  1. The Legal and Professional fees were all incurred in relation to negotiating the lease at the Brooksby Apiary, which has concluded with a new 25 year lease being signed with the new Loughborough College Group.

  2. The General Insurances was the insurance for the building materials at Walton.

  3. Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, in line with UK GAAP.

  4. ‘Other’ stock (comprising branded merchandise, and small amounts of honey and sundry beekeeping kit) is recorded at zero value, as a result of its low materiality and questionable saleability.

  5. The BeeWatch payment bounced back as their account was moved to another type by their bank, this has now been paid. Also included is £120 in duplicate membership payments that were refunded in January 2026, the remainder is the final retention payment due to A.G.Tilley for construction works for the new building at the Walton Apiary.

  6. In line with what is permitted by the Charity Commission (per notice CC16b), and with accepted conventions for accounts produced on a receipts and payments basis, the Association no longer publishes either a valuation of its fixed assets nor - as a consequence - a full balance sheet.

This approach is endorsed by the independent examiners, and is reflective of the subjective nature of any related valuations. Asset registers are, and will continue to be available for review by members on request.

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 6 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis, in line with Charity Commission guidelines (publication CC16b). They are in accordance with section 133 of the Charities Act 2011, the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012, and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.

As required by The Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations 2012, we report:

a) particulars of any guarantee given by the CIO, where any potential liability under the None guarantee is outstanding at the date of the statement of assets and liabilities. Apply b) particulars of any debt outstanding at the date the statement of assets and None liabilities which is owed by the CIO and which is secured by an express charge on any Apply of the assets of the CIO.

At current levels of turnover, an independent examination of the accounts is required (under sections 144 and 145 of the Charities Act 2011); the LRBKA Constitution also requires this.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration or honorarium.

----- Start of picture text -----
SIGN
----- End of picture text -----

Duncan Bellamy - Treasurer and Trustee

On behalf of the board of Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association Trustees:- 10/02/26

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 7 of 8

Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association

We have examined, without carrying out an audit, the accounts of Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeepers Association for the year ended 31st December 2025, set out on pages 1 to 8, which are in accordance with the books, records, information, and explanations given to us.

Alison Hercock, 26/03/26

Andrew Hardy-Smith, 26/03/26

Charity number: 1163520

1890 Melton Road, Rearsby, LEICESTER, LE7 4YS

Page 8 of 8