2025-08-31-accounts - Sheffield Beekeepers' Association

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/09/2024 Period start date To 31/08/2025 Period end date

Charity name: Sheffield Beekeepers' Association

Charity registration number: 1174443

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The objects of the Association are: a) To promote, support and further the craft of amateur Beekeeping, b) To raise awareness and educate the general public about the importance of bees and beekeeping to the environment.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	Sheffield Beekeepers' Association is open to all beekeepers and people interested in bees and beekeeping in Sheffield and surrounding areas. By working with our own experienced beekeepers and guest experts the Association undertook the wide range of bee and beekeeping related activities, as well as beekeeping education projects including: - teaching apiary - the place where the colonies of honey bees are kept and participants can have practical sessions led by the experienced beekeepers; - provision of a forum for members to meet, discuss and learn about beekeeping; - provision of lectures on the monthly basis with talks by experienced beekeepers, presentations, question and answer sessions; - provision of workshops for novices, beginners and experienced beekeepers alike, including how to manage bees and how to produce honey and allied products; - provision of advice on beekeeping issues via the email or phone; - provision of an annual open Honey Show - the event to celebrate the end of the beekeeping season by showing beekeepers' hive products and compete for prizes.

		Association aims to educate the public of the importance of bees in the environment and the value of bees to agriculture in their role as pollinators, by: - providing educational visits to schools/organisations to complement the study of bees; - attending local shows and provide displays on all aspects of beekeeping; - holding an annual open Honey Show - the event to celebrate the end of the beekeeping season by showing beekeepers' hive products and compete for prizes; - providing a taster session - a practical session by the hive, where participants can learn the introductory information about the craft of beekeeping, run by volunteer beekeepers; - providing Association's news by an e-mail to subscribers; - running the Association's website with the information and news related to beekeeping and Association itself; - providing the swarm collection service to the public to offer the humanely option of dealing with swarms/feral colonies of bees compering to pest control option. Projects and activities are publicised through website, newsletter and local businesses.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The trustees are aware of the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance and have taken it into account when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers

Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	*Membership:* We have a total of 266 active members of which 197 are full members, 22 are partner members, 6 country members, 2 junior members & finally 38 local members. *Events:* Another year has flown and we’ve again had a wide variety of social and educational gatherings to enjoy. We had a diverse mixture of topics and speakers at the monthly meetings with both ‘in’ and ‘out’ house presenters. In house speakers included Dillon, Peter J, Mark, Bec and Graham Appleby. We had two very memorable external speakers in the shape of Kevin Thorn and Stuart Spinks. Kevin delivered a step-by- step account of his self- devised ‘swarm control method’. This involves a continual rotation of brood frames between two brood boxes and was implemented to great effect at Rivelin Apiary over May and June. Stuart entertained us greatly with his passion, knowledge and experiences over this last beekeeping year and reassured us that no one -even he - is exempt from making beekeeping mistakes. Finally, this year's Honey Show saw a break from the Sawmill venue as we decamped to Norfolk Park and the Sheffield show on Monday 25th of August. We had a brand-new gazebo (with bunting) and a second adjacent pitch with several tables on it. The footfall was great in comparison to last year, and I’m sure the profile of the Sheffield Beekeepers Association was raised amongst young and old alike. Peter Lewis did an excellent job of judging the almost 200 entries and he was very impressed by the standard and diversity of the entries.

Another event on the calendar was the social meeting at Rivelin Apiary in July where we had an open evening for anyone to come along to see it for themselves. The weather and bees were on their best behaviour and a lovely evening was had by all who came along. Training & Exams: a. Beginners’ Course - We had 15 participants. The format followed that of past years with 7 theory sessions (weekly), a practical training session at an association / trainer’s apiary & a honey extraction workshop. The feedback we had was very positive & encouraging. b. BBKA Basic Assessment –SBKA is actively endorsing taking this exam with the necessary support in training. 3 candidates sat and passed the assessment in June 2025. Bron White provided a short training session beforehand. c. BBKA Modular Learning & Exams - inhouse learning modules have been ongoing with increasing uptake by members. This is a great way to improve our core beekeeping knowledge & a great credit to Bec Kay for organising them. d. Queen rearing sessions - held by Mark Bleay and Bec Kay at Rivelin apiary in May 2025. e. Yellow Legged Asian Hornet Working Group - mailing went to all members in March 2025 with information, posters, and a request to help inform members of the public why it is important to be alert to the presence of YL hornets and how to record and report sightings. Awards: Honorary Members: Ian Smith, Roger Lyons, Bron White, Phil Khorassandjian Module exams: Module 1 – J.Knight, P.O’Callaghan, J.Taylor Module 2 – J.Knight Module 3 – S.Boon, C.Clark, R.Wall Module 5 – R.Wall Module 7 – S.Romanowski Module 8 – S.Romanowski

Honey show prizes: Best in Show – Sarah Romanowski (Soft honey nougat) Sweet mead – Sarah Romanowski Dry Mead – Bec Kay Best honey cake – Sarah Romanowski Cake of wax – Bec Kay Best Honey – Charles Bradley Smith Novice Prize - Nathan Rees & Tom Twelvetree Activities with schools & the public: This year there have been several visits to both primary schools and nursery schools. The visits usually involve a presentation with an observation hive, honey tasting and dressing up in bee suits. We visited Beighton and Brightside Nursery and Infant Schools which is becoming an annual event as is the Collegiate Montessori Nursery School. Peter Jackson and his partner also did visits to Meersbrook Primary School and Wigley Primary School where they entertained the whole school. Charles Bradley Smith took the observation hive to his local allotment society to raise awareness of the importance of bees and allay some of their fears. A massive "thank you" to everyone who gave their time and enthusiasm to enlighten youngsters. Bee breeding: 5 colonies were provided to members from local stock. Apiaries: a. Sawmill Apiary - Apiary still have a strong, loyal & effective team. Currently there are 6 honey bee colonies. b. Rivelin Apiary - The Trustees are very grateful to Mark Bleay and Bec Kay for volunteering to act as apiary managers for the Association’s training apiary at Rivelin allotments. Marc and Bec providing weekly Saturday morning teaching sessions for members. Currently there are 11 honey bee colonies. Development of Rivelin Apiary: This year has been to primarily focus on the redevelopment of Rivelin Apiary. A lot of time, effort & resources have been put into the site to make it a functional association apiary. As our open day in July demonstrated, we have gone over & beyond expectations.

We now have an exceptional association teaching apiary that is very fit for purpose. The landscaping is well laid out & functional so that it optimises the space available for hives but also important ancillary buildings (members’ hut, storage shed, dirty equipment hut, compostable toilet & small entrance storage shed). It is an exceedingly pleasing place to be in (quite the sun trap) with lovely views over the valley. It is now led by a strong team dedicated to teaching & maintaining strong healthy colonies. Bulk Purchase Scheme: The shop continues to offer a wide range of products for members to collect without the need to order from individual suppliers themselves. We aim to have most items available when needed as the seasons unfold and are able purchase in bulk so we can pass on savings to members. Some suppliers do not offer any discount, but members are able to buy without having to pay a delivery charge. At the moment we are using our container at Valleyside Garden Centre together with the Cabin at The J G Graves Discovery Centre in Ecclesall Woods. Roger Lyons will continue to be the main contact for members to collect what they have ordered at a mutually convenient time. Long Term Plans: a. Support the future development of Rivelin Apiary by ensuring it reaches its true potential in terms of teaching, production of strong colonies with a good honey crop to sell, training & demonstration of good practices & skills to members, an apiary of good practice. b.Develop a working party to help the association best understand & prepare for the threat of the Asian Hornet. Dillon Butters to continue to co-ordinate the initiative in SBKA. c. Continue our strong tradition of training through our excellent beginners’ course. Swarm Collectors: SBKA have once again provided a valuable public service to the residents of Sheffield. Members of the public can send inquires to dedicated email where local beekeepers will offer help with swarm collection and advice.

Library: continues to be available to members with vast number of titles. Sue Zeidler has volunteered to act as librarian for the Association. The books are now accommodated on bookshelves at her home. Due to space restrictions, unfortunately we are unable to accept any more donated books for the foreseeable future. Extraction Equipment Loan: All extractor requests were generally satisfied within a week except in the case of the electric extractors where there was sometimes a bit of a queue leading to delays of up to two weeks. There was always a manual extractor available for pick up within a couple of days. The ancillary equipment (de-capping trays, sieves, buckets etc) continues to be well used. In general, we appear to have the right mix of equipment, although it is noticeable that more and more members are asking for an electric extractor. Helpers: a. Trainers – Bronwen White, Chris Chapple, Roger Lyons, Bec Kay, Nicky Campbell, Sarah Romanowski, Jeff Dale b. Apiary teams – Ian Smith, Dorothy Birks, Sharron Henderson, Roger Lyons, Chris Dalton, Savitri Boon, Bec Kay, Mark Bleay, Elinor Turner, Tom & Nathan c. Association shop – Roger Lyons, Jeff Dale, Graham Appleby d. Equipment loan and coordination: Peter Minchin e. Bee breeding programme: Bec Kay, Mark Bleay f. Library: Karen Hyde, Sue Zeidler. g. YLAH Working Group: Dillon Butters, Peter Jackson, Ruth Cheshire, Peter Minchin. h. Webmaster: Paul Durkin

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set

Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	*Unrestricted income* The results for the year and financial position are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet. Total incoming resources £43,550 (2023/24: £45,550). Resources expended were £43,060 (2023/24: £41,408). The surplus for this year was £490 (2023/24: £4,142). *Restricted income* No restricted income received (2023/24: £0). *Expenditure* Total expenditure reached £43,060 (2023/24: £41,408). The Association spent £33,865 (2023/24: £33,136) on the charitable activities such as provision of lectures and teaching apiary, and £9,195 (2023/24: £8,272) on raising funds such as membership capitation payments. The Association made good progress in achieving the goals for the year.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The Trustees have considered the reserves required, with reference to the guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately three months of unrestricted charitable expenditure. The trustees consider that this level will provide sufficient funds to respond to the Association’s risk register, its obligations and ensure that support and governance costs are covered. The balance held as unrestricted funds at 31 August 2025 was £74,061, which is regarded as free reserves. The Committee agreed that the most appropriate level of reserves should be kept at the level of £20,000. The current level of reserves is therefore higher than is needed and the trustees agreed that excess of free reserves will be transferred to designated fund. The trustees consider this fund to be primarily an investment fund held to generate income and aim to ensure the stability of the set charitable objectives of the association.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£74,061
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24

Explanation of any Para 1.23 uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The organisation provides goods and services directly as part of the charity's objects: - The organisation charges the membership fee on the behalf of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) as a registered charity: England and Wales no 1185343., - The organisation charges fees for places on courses, -The organisation provides a Bulk Purchase Scheme for members where organisation gets a discount for bulk purchasing beekeeping equipment from suppliers, and sell them to the organisation members at a reduced price comparing to the RRP. -The organisation sells a beekeeping products to the public within the small-scale trading exemption, - The organisation sells donated beekeeping related goods.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	CIO Association Constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	CIO
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Appointment of charity trustees 1. Elected charity trustees: (a) At the first annual general meeting of the members of the Association all the elected charity trustees shall retire from office; (b) At every subsequent annual general meeting of the members of the Association, one-half of the elected charity trustees shall retire from office. If the number of elected charity trustees is not two or a multiple of two, then the number nearest to one-half shall retire from office, but if there is only one charity trustee, they shall retire; (c) The charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment. If any trustees were last appointed or reappointed on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot; (d) Vacancies so arising may be filled by the decision of the members at the annual general meeting; any vacancies not filled at the annual general meeting may be filled as provided in sub-clause (e) of this clause; (e) The members or the charity trustees may at any time decide to appoint a new charity trustee, whether in place of a charity trustee who has retired or been removed in accordance with clause 15 (Retirement and removal of charity trustees), or as an additional charity trustee, provided that the limit specified in clause 12(3) on the number of charity trustees would not as a result be exceeded; (f) A person so appointed by the members of the Association shall retire in accordance with the provisions of sub- clauses (b) and (c) of this clause. A person so appointed by the charity trustees shall retire at the conclusion of the annual general meeting next following the date of his appointment, and shall not

be counted for the purpose of determining which of the charity trustees is to retire by rotation at that meeting. (g) One of the places on the Board of Trustees shall be reserved for a novice member (less than one year’s membership) of the Association. 2. Reappointment of charity trustees: Any person who retires as a charity trustee by rotation or by giving notice to the Association is eligible for reappointment.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	New committee members are presented with the SBKA Trustee induction pack based on the Charity Commission Guidance.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Under umbrella of The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) a registered charity: England and Wales no. 1185343.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	Partnership with British Beekeepers Association and other Beekeepers' Associations to deliver training courses for novices, beginners and experienced beekeepers alike.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Sheffeld Beekeepers'Association
Other name the charity uses	Sheffield BKA SBKA
Registered charity number	1174443
Charity’s principal address	Leam Farm Leam Grindleford HOPE VALLEY Derbyshire S32 2HL

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
DorothyBirks	Minutes Secretary
Savitri Boon	ApiaryManager	till 30/01/2025
Chris Dalton	Novice Trustee
Jeff Dale	Procurement Officer
Robert Jemilianowicz	Treasurer
Sarah Romanowski	Chair
Elinor Turner	Events Officer
Martin Zeidler	Education Secretary	from 01/04/2025

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of	Name	Address
adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date
	Sarah Romanowski
	Chair
	24/06/2026
	24/06/2026

Trustees Report and Accounts for the year ended: 31[st] August 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW

Report to the Trustees/ members of Sheffield Beekeepers’ Association (CIO)

Independent Examiner’s report on the accounts

Report to the Trustees/ members of Sheffield Beekeepers’ Association (CIO)

On the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to: • examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act, have not been met;

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Joanne Gleig

16.11.2025 87 Cowlishaw Road

Sheffield S11 8XG

Overview

Unrestricted income

The results for the year and financial position are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet. Total incoming resources £43,550 (2023/24: £45,550). Resources expended were £43,060 (2023/24: £41,408). The surplus for this year was £490 (2023/24: £4,142).

Restricted income

No restricted income received (2023/24: £0).

Expenditure

Total expenditure reached £43,060 (2023/24: £41,408). The Association spent £33,865 (2023/24: £33,136) on the charitable activities such as provision of lectures and teaching apiary, and £9,195 (2023/24: £8,272) on raising funds such as membership capitation payments. The Association made good progress in achieving the goals for the year.

Going concern

The Trustees have reviewed the SBKA’s financial position and consequently believe there are sufficient resources to manage any foreseeable operational or financial risks. The Trustees therefore consider that there is a reasonable expectation that SBKA has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

For this reason, the Trustees are happy to adopt the ‘going concern’ basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have considered the reserves required, with reference to the guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately three months of unrestricted charitable expenditure. The trustees consider that this level will provide sufficient funds to respond to the Association’s risk register, its obligations and ensure that support and governance costs are covered.

The balance held as unrestricted funds at 31 August 2025 was £74,061, which is regarded as free reserves. The Committee agreed that the most appropriate level of reserves should be kept at the level of £20,000.

The current level of reserves is therefore higher than is needed and the trustees agreed that excess of free reserves will be transferred to designated fund. The trustees consider this fund to be primarily an investment fund held to generate income and aim to ensure the stability of the set charitable objectives of the association.

Sheffield Beekeepers. Association ICIO) Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31 August 2025 Uniestricted Funds Restricted Funds Pnor Year Prior Year Prior Year Total Funds Not& kncoming resources Income and èndowments from: Donations and legacies Charrtable actmties Trading and fundraising activitiÉ Investments 10,404 29.295 3.053 798 43,550 10.404 12.668 13,107 13,030 29.295 29.790 36.362 32.677 3.053 2.333 2.082 1.190 798 758 226 43,550 45.550 51.TT7 46.904 Total lftcome Resources expended Expendituie on= Raising fijnds Charrtable actpllties Totsl ExpendiÉur9 9.195 33.865 43,060 9.195 8.2T2 7.113 5.467 33.865 33.136 40.110 29.311 43,LW 41.408 47.222 34.718 Net Income 490 490 4.142 4.555 12.126 Transfèrs bètwèèn fund$ Nèt mov•ment In funds 490 JO 4.142 4.555 12.126 Reconciliation of funds". Total tund5 brought forward Total funds carried fomard 92.369 92,858 92.369 88.227 83.672 71.546 92,858 92.369 88.227 83.672

Approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

SARAH ROMANOWSKI CHAIR of TRUSTEES

Notes to the accounts

Note 1. Accounting policies

This financial statement has been prepared with regard to Charities SORP (FRS 102) – Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2015).

Note 2. Related party transactions and trustees’ expenses and remuneration

The Trustees all give their time and expertise freely without any form of remuneration or other benefit in cash or kind. Expenses paid to the trustees in the year totalled £0.00.

Note 3. Analysis of Income - Donations and legacies

The Gift Aid Claim represents repayment for 141 (2023/24: 157) membership subscriptions made between 01/09/2024 and 31/08/2025 (53% of total membership).

Note 4. Analysis of Income – Charitable Activities

Note 5. Analysis of Income - Trading and fundraising activities

Sheffield Beekeepers’ Association sold 441 jars of honey (2023/24: 387).

Note 6. Analysis of Investment

A business saving account opened with The Co-operative Bank to deposit surplus cash whilst earning interest.

Note 7. Analysis of Expenditure – Raising Funds

Note 8. Analysis of Expenditure – Charitable Activities

Note 9. Independent examiner remuneration

The independent examiner’s remuneration constituted an examination fee of £100.00.

Note 10. Tangible Assets

Under the new structure of CIO charity, the Association adapted a new Fixed Asset Policy. This states a capitalisation limit of over £500.00 for items of equipment. Attractive and Portable Items of equipment that fall below the capitalisation limit of £500.00 are recorded on the Equipment Inventory (e.g. single digital camera purchased for £100.00).

Note 11. Stocks

Stocks held for sale are measured at the lower of the cost and net realisable value of the separate items of stock or groups of similar items.

Note 12. Debtors

Debtors include amounts owed to the Association for the provision of goods and services. Debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts.

Note 13. Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank includes funds deposited in savings account.

Note 14. Prepaid expense

Prepaid expenses consist of the Domain renewal till February 2026 for remaining one year as well as Rivelin Apiary rent till April 2028 and container hire at Ecclesall Woods Sawmill.

Note 15 Creditors falling due within one year

Liabilities are amounts due to creditors and are measured at their settlement amount.

Note 16 Prepaid income

No prepaid income accounted.

Note 17 Analysis of charitable funds

The Association funds consist the unrestricted fund that is for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general charitable objectives. Within the unrestricted funds the designated fund was established by the Trustees to provide resource for SBKA teaching space. As of 31 August 2025 the value of the fund was £54,061.

Note 18 Analysis of restricted fund

No restricted funds received.

SBKA Treasurer

Robert Jemilianowicz

Trustees Report and Accounts for the year ended: 31[st] August 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW