Hon. Treasurer’s Report
As in previous years, the biggest single expenditure is the capitation fee to the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA) followed by the payment made to Bee Diseases Insurances on behalf of our members. What is left comes to the Herefordshire Beekeepers’ Association. We have recently been advised that the BBKA will be increasing next years’ capitation fee by £2 per member, and this will have to be passed on to members. It is not the HBKA Committee’s current intention to increase its part of the subscription.
Once again, we have shown a small surplus in our current assets, this year of £470.14 after allowing for payments made in 2024 for the beginners’ course in 2025. We have estimated that our fixed assets have declined in value by £1476, Display material, including Asian Hornet material, for the Honey Show and other shows, has been expensed in the year, rather than being capitalised
Administration costs increased because we paid for a first aid at work course for a number of members. These members have volunteered to attend LAN meetings, but they will need to requalify in three years’ time. We are this year, 2025, acquiring first aid kits to ensure that each LAN has an up to date one
We have invested in some iron-on embroidered badges for resale. We also commissioned hoodies, fleeces and other garments with the Association logo on for purchase by our members. The Association receives a small commission on these, which will be shown in the 2025 accounts.
We continue to sit on a useful financial cushion. There are numbers of options that could be considered for how we might invest this money for the benefits of members, for example the long-mooted training apiary in the East LAN. However, as always, we are short of people who are prepared to undertake the work to fulfil these ideas.
We would encourage anyone prepared to put in the effort to come forward with proposals that accord with our charitable purpose:
To further the craft of beekeeping and advance the education of the public in apiculture and the importance of honey bees in the environment. To encourage, inform and improve the craft of beekeeping for the public benefit.
Roger Gill
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