OpenCharities

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

2024-10-31-accounts

Portsmouth & District Beekeeping Association 2024 Annual Report

Table Of Content

About PDBKA
Foreword 1
Administrative details 2
Charitable Objects 3
Recognising Our Volunteers 4
Governance and Responsibilities 6
Our Activities During Report Period 7
Future Activities 20
Financial Reports and Policies: 21
Financial Review 22
Reserves Policy 23
Financial Statements 25

PDBKA

About PDBKA

Report Foreword

Welcome to the first annual report of Portsmouth & District Beekeeping Association in its registered status as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The association previously held registration with the Charity Commission as a standard charity, and as part of updating its constitution and governance to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, technology and environment took the decision to convert to a CIO. Following approval by the Charity Commission, a transition period occurred, culminating in the transfer of assets to the new CIO and closure of the previous charity registration. This report covers the period from CIO registration to the end of the first full financial year (October 2024). We hope that this report provides you with insight into the activities that have been undertaken to support the charity in achieving its charitable objects.

PDBKA

1

Report & Administrative Details

The Trustees of the Association present to you their report and financial statements for the period from incorporation up until 31st October 2024.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to the Charities Act 2011, Financial Reporting Standard 102 and the SORP charity reporting requirements (2015).

The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

The 2024 Trustees' Annual Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on the 14th November 2024.

Registered Address

The Skep Bastion 3 Scott Road Hilsea Portsmouth PO3 5JH

Registered Charity

1203495

Incorporated as a CIO 9 June 2023 Funds and assets transferred from previous charity registration (1095925) on 3 June 2024, following accounts up to 31 October 2023 being submitted to Charity Commission and previous charity registration closed.

PDBKA

2

Our work for public benefit

Portsmouth and District Beekeeping Association (PDBKA) is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). The CIO is governed by its constitutuion and subsidiary Rules. The trustees and appointed persons are members of the association who volunteer their time and expertise to the charity.

The association holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), with annual trustee elections for terms of office of three years.

The board met 13 times in the reporting period.

All trustees give their time freely and trustees were only remunerated for any direct and approved expenses for the purchase of items for member services, such as meeting refreshments and advance payment for collective feed purchases.

Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the board and, in accordance with PDBKA policy, withdraw from decisions when a conflict of interest arises.

The charitable objects of PDBKA are:

to advance the education of the public and beekeepers of the importance of bees in the environment and the craft of beekeeping

to promote and further the craft of beekeeping within Portsmouth and the surrounding district

PDBKA

Recognising Our Volunteers

The association is only able to undertake its activities due to the time and commitment provided by volunteers. Here we recognise those who have been active volunteers for the CIO during the reporting period of this report.

Trustees

Appointed Roles

Appointed for terms from 1st Jan 2024

Apiary Managers

Mr J Wheeldon (until Feb 2024)

Ms L Smith

Show Secretary

Social Secretary

Ms E Evans and Ms S Northeast

Swarms Coordinator

PDBKA

4

Shows & Communications

Teaching & Education

Mr D Woods, Ms L Smith, Mr M Cotton, Dr G Jones

Swarm Retrievals

Ms A Smith , Ms M Dombey, Mr M Dombey, Mr D Woods, Mr R Hartley, Dr G Jones, Ms L Smith, Mr M Cotton,

PDBKA

5

Governance & Responsibilities

The Constitution and subsidiary rules detail the appointment procedures for Trustees and Appointed Persons. Our Trustees are provided with access to charity trustee training, and signposted to the Charity Commission guidance.

Our Trustees are collectively responsible for setting the PDBKA's vision and activities, ensuring these are in line with our charitable objects.

Trustees with role responsibilities and appointed persons are subsequently charged by the Trustees to manage and deliver the agreed activities which support and further the achievement of these aims and objectives.

Trustee Responsibilities

Keeping public benefit at the heart of all of our decisions

PDBKA

6

PDBKA Activities

We are pleased over the next few pages to provide an overview of the activities that have been undertaken over the reporting period. These activities support PDBKA in achieving its charitable objects.

PDBKA

7

Strengthening Our Governance

As an association we recognised that there was a need to update our governance to ensure that we are compliant with changes in regulations and best practice guidance. This resulted in the association moving its charitable status to that of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and obtaining its own legal identity. In line with this activity, the association revised its constitution to reflect changes in society and Charity Commission requirements, and has been undertaking a programme of policy and procedure updates to ensure that the organisation is safe, effective, ethical and legally compliant in its activities.

Raising Awareness

We have attended local community shows to raise awareness of pollinators, good beekeeping practices, hive products, the threat of the yellow-legged hornet, and improve understanding around honey adulteration. We are pleased to have participated in the Portchester Gala, Rowlands Castle Village Fair, Denmead Village Show, HMS Collingwood Open Day, Stansted Garden Show, Hayling Island Horticultural Show and in Hive Aid at the Staggeringly Good Brewery in Portsmouth..

Talks have been given by Linda Smith, Mike Cotton and Wendy Gilbert on behalf of the association. These have taken place in venues including Care homes, a Horticultural Society and a Hayling Island group. All the talks were well received and appreciated.

We were delighted to be approached by artists participating in Portsmouth Street Art Festival to be the subject for their art installation on the #pasteuppompey wall. The display included fantastic artwork by One000plateaus, a 360 Beeworld video experience by Film Crew 4U and sound track by Get Dewar. This provided a great opportunity to share information and raise awareness with a wide audience.

PDBKA

8

Local Community Spaces

This year we have developed a close working relationship with the newly appointed Portsmouth Allotment officer so we have a clear vision of spaces available for beekeeping sites. As we move forward into 2025, we aim to develop the same with Havant Council for those who live in the north of Portsmouth.

Inspections have also been made of garden spaces, where members of the public would like a PDBKA member to site and care for bees on their property. Once confirmed as a suitable location, coordination with members has been facilitated to take up these offers.

Resources & Equipment

Lots of Zoom meetings are now becoming available to help beekeepers maintain and develop their knowledge. One area where there has been significant developments over the last year has been in respect to the yellow legged (asian) hornet.

Information has been passed on to members and highlighted on our social media channels of learning opportunities that have been shared with PDBKA, so as to facilitate continual learning and good practice.

PDBKA continues to make equipment available to members, with the loan of extractors having been particularly busy, positively indicating that so many members had thriving and successful colonies this year.

The Skep has continued to provide the opportunity to members of the association to be able to acquire consumables and equipment to support them to uphold good husbandry and ethical beekeeping practices.

PDBKA

9

This year we have also brought members together to collectively obtain large volumes of Yellow-Legged Hornet Traps for monitoring potential invasion within the local area, and subsequent reporting the DEFRA. Collective ordering of varroa treatments and winter fondant have also been facilitated to support members to manage strong and healthy colonies.

Apiaries

We have maintained out-apiaries at Whale Island and Fort Cumberland. These sites enable members without suitable sites to house colonies on a collective site.

Sadly, this year two of our out apiaries suffered set backs. The moat at Fort Cumberland flooded in the storm. This resulted in a number of hives being submerged or floating in the water. Quick reporting by a member with hives onsite, enabled fellow members to attend and, with the help of two pairs of fishing waders, a collective effort being undertaken to rescue as many hives and colonies as possible. The hives have subsequently been moved to a new site which will not be at risk of flooding. Unfortunately our Whale Island site experienced unexplained colony losses. This sadly also occurred it other apiary sites on the base, Despite the Apiary Managers’ investigation, no definitive cause could be identified. The site will be monitored to assess if there are any mitigatable risks.

A training apiary up at the sustainability centre has also been retained and developed. This provides a venue for training new beekeepers in good and ethical practice skills.

Building a community

To nurture good communications and support, PDBKA have undertaken activities to create a community. This has included quizzes, BBQ’s and facilitated refreshment breaks.

PDBKA

10

Swarm Retrievals

We ended the 2023 season with a large number of swarms having been collected and rehomed. The 2024 season saw a variety of weather conditions, which resulted in the swarm calls not being as prolific as previous years.

In the 2024 season a total of 25 calls were received, which included honey bees, hornets, and predominately bumblebees. Mike Cotton was assisted by Mark Dombey, Roy Luke, Ray Hartley and Linda Smith in collection and distribution. The swarm requirement list from members was updated to establish swarm ready hives. Swarms were allocated on a first response basis to phone calls, with it taking on average 6 calls to get a response.

When a public call was received a photo was requested to establish if it was honey bees to save wasted journeys. The collected swarm was offered to the first member who answered the call and was hive ready. For the health of the bees, to maximise survival and limit absconding, swarms were only given to those who had either passed the bee basic certificate or have 2+ years experience. When calls were for sites where collection could not occur due to inaccessibility or outside of insurance cover (e.g. cavities, soffits, roofs, height), these enquiries were referred to a professional removal company.

The 2025 season will be revised and updated to ensure fair distribution to members and limit the risk of disease spread.

Bee Health Advice

The association continues to provide members with bee health advice and support. This includes a dedicated Bee Health Advisor, who members can contact with questions regarding health and disease, with visits to the relevant colonies when needed. A number of members have taken up this service and been provided support with any diseases found.

PDBKA

11

Membership Report

PDBKA Membership on 31st October 2024 was 153 members.

PDBKA is predominately funded through the collection of association subscriptions, and offers the following categories of membership:

Country Member: A member who is aged 18 years or over who does not keep bees and does not require

public/product liability or bee disease insurance, but does wish to support and be involved with PDBKA. Membership includes BBKA magazine subscription, all association benefits and voting rights.

Honorary Member: Any individual, upon whom PDBKA may desire, in recognition of their services to beekeeping, to confer the honour of membership of PDBKA without an ‘association subscription’.

‘

PDBKA

12

Subscriptions

In accordance with the association’s constitution, an annual ‘Association (PDBKA) Subscription’ is agreed by the appointed trustees in advance of the Annual General Meeting. The membership will be notified in advance of fees being due and any changes will take effect immediately having been presented at the Annual General Meeting.

For Registered (full) Members, the annual compulsory capitation fees and selected level of Bee Disease Insurance (BDI) cover will be automatically added to the agreed Association subscription and sent to the relevant parties on the members behalf. Subscriptions will run from the 1st January to the following 1st January. Payment of fees is expected to be paid during January.

Insurance

The subscription for Registered Members includes the provision of public and product liability insurance. This ensures that there is suitable protection in place for the public when purchasing pure hive products from members (honey and plain beeswax blocks/candles). Members are also regularly reminded that they are required to hold additional insurance for the giving/selling of any products where something has been added to the pure hive products (incl. beeswax wraps, lip balms, hand creams, coloured/scented candles, preserves etc.).

BDI cover for up to three colonies is included in standard Registered Member subscriptions, and this can be increased for members with additional colonies. This ensures that there is adequate cover in place should any hives/equipment need to be destroyed by the Government’s National Bee Unit if European or American Foulbrood is discovered.

Sara Fitzgerald Membership Secretary

PDBKA

13

Education and Training Reports

The association provides two core education courses a year, the first being focused on the theory of beekeeping and the second a hands-on practical course. These promote good, ethical husbandry and provide support for those interested in or entering beekeeping, as well as those who would like to gain in confidence.

Introductory (Winter) Training Report

Twenty aspiring new beekeepers joined us for the two day refreshed Introduction to beekeeping course at Portchester Community Centre during February and March, followed by a visit to the training apiary in April.

The course has been aligned to the BBKA book “A Guide to Beekeeping”, covering a suite of topics from the history of bees and their lifecycle, through to hives, swarming, diseases and pests. Each candidate received not only a full pack of the presentations, but also their own personal copy of the book to keep as a reference manual.

Many thanks to Linda Smith who supported both days helping out with refreshments and lunches, and to Glenys Jones and Mike Cotton who joined us on the last day for our meet the beekeepers session and a honey tasting.

A special thank you to John Perry, who has led this course for many years for his hard work, dedication and providing the original presentation material, which made the refresh so much easier, and finally to Glenys Jones for proof reading.

Dave Woods Winter Course Tutor

PDBKA

14

Supervised Season (Practical) Training Report

This year we had 10 new beekeepers signed up and ready to open up hives at the end of March, but due to very wet weather we couldn’t open up hives until third week into April. We were able to check the colonies at the Sustainability Centre throughout the summer , but unfortunately had to regularly re arrange our sessions due to rain. On several occasions we opened up the hives at Blendworth as well, so it was possible to have a couple of sessions within a week. In total there were 25 opportunities for any of the group to attend, this was about 75 hours worth of bee experience. Not everyone in the group could attend every meeting.

We were able to get very hands on and involved in every part of hive checks, finding and marking the queen, dealing with pests, varroa treatments, swarm control, splitting a colony, cutting out queen cells for the incubator, and the manipulation of frames, and removal of honey. ( and much more) .

The group was offered an induction to the practical , early April, and also a summer roundup at my house, to go through the beekeeping year and a question and answer session in September.

I hope that the new beekeepers gained enough experience to encourage them to plan on getting bees in the near future, or that it gave already new beekeepers in the group some mentored support. I wish them the best of luck.

Linda Smith Education Coordinator

PDBKA

15

Developmental Education Activities Report

This year we have additionally formed some group learning opportunities. These provide an opportunity for those with an interest in learning about specific aspects of the craft of beekeeping to come together to share knowledge and advance their understanding and skills together.

The first group formed is exploring the art of Queen Rearing and have been developing their knowledge and skills regarding a range of different techniques and influencing factors. This has a positive benefit, in that the long term goal is to breed strong queens that are adapted to the local environment, which will help produce strong colonies that will be in the best condition to manage both environmental challenges and the threat of predators.

Winter groups have also been formed, focusing on bee health. With these being divided into two groups to provide an an opportunity for those at the beginning of their beekeeping journeys, and those who are more experienced.

Exams

This year PDBKA had 4 entries to do the Bee Basic assessment. Unfortunately one was ill and not able to attend. Two passed with credits and one did not pass.

If anyone is thinking of doing the Bee Basic assessment next year, please let me know and perhaps we can work together to support you and give you both the confidence and skills needed to do this assessment.

Linda Smith Education Coordinator

PDBKA

16

Regular Learning & upskilling

To aid the association’s object of advancing the craft of beekeeping amongst beekeepers and the wider public, a regular programme of talks is arranged by the Honorary Secretary and are available for all members to attend. In addition emails are circulated to highlight wider opportunities to watch and attend talks and events, relevant to the advancement of the craft and the importance of bees in the environment.

This report period we have been very busy. The association hosted a variety of meetings- using Zoom hybrid meetings (especially In the cold and dark Winter months), face to face and the introduction of ‘In House’ meetings.

The year started with a focus on the Asian Hornet, as last year saw a huge increase in the number of reported sightings in Sussex and Kent.

Wendy Gilbert Honorary Secretary

PDBKA

17

2024 Survey Highlights

Styles of hives members use

----- Start of picture text -----
other
8.6%
wbc
3.4%
top bar
6.9%
langstroth
6.9%
commercial
6.9% national
65.5%
----- End of picture text -----

Type of hives members use

Type of foundation members use

----- Start of picture text -----
other
4.3%
wired
95.7%
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
poly
19.2%
wooden
80.8%
----- End of picture text -----

PDBKA

18

% reporting attendance of Portchester Meetings

----- Start of picture text -----
unsure
11%
no
15%
yes
74%
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
no
39%
yes
61%
----- End of picture text -----

% Members in support of PDBKA obtaining insurance to expand variety of produce can be made available of PDBKA stands to raise awareness of hive product versatility

PDBKA

19

Future Plans

Members fed back details on topics they would find helpful to advance theirs and the wider communities knowledge and understanding of safe, effective and ethical beekeeping, awareness of pollinators, disease, risks and environmental factors for sustainable beekeeping.

We will use the feedback from the 2024 survey to inform activities for the year ahead.

Additionally, through the increased delivery of hybrid sessions, we have gradually realised that the sound quality needed to be improved and we are taking steps to improve this for future meetings to increase inclusivity and engagement.

We will also look at the potential to obtain further resources to be able to support the safe and hygienic processing of hive products and disease treatments.

We will continue to raise awareness of the role of pollinators in supporting our environment and food production, safe and ethical beekeeping practices, the increasing risk that the yellow legged hornet presents to pollinators in the UK, and of the continued levels of honey fraud that sadly exists in the UK.

Report Approval

The Trustees of Portsmouth & District Beekeeping Association confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

The Trustees' Annual Report was approved by Trustees on 14th November 2024.

Confirmed on behalf of the trustees by:

Michael Cotton PDBKA Chair of Trustees

PDBKA

20

Financial Reports and Policies PDBKA 27

Financial Review

----- Start of picture text -----
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
income expenditure
----- End of picture text -----

The association ended the year in a strong financial position with £15,176 in the bank and £5,024 in the reserve funds. Our main source of income remains that generated through membership. The reserve funds were increased to ensure there was sufficient funds to enable the association to continue to operate should the income situation change.

During the period we have changed our bank accounts. Whilst we continue to hold our reserve facility with Nat West bank we have closed the separate Members Services and current account that we had with them. Our current account is now held with Cooperative Bank as this was the best value for money charity account available to enables us to meet the requirement of our new CIO charity status.

There have been no assets added during the year as we do not currently have the capacity to facilitate this. We are currently looking at options which will enable us to expand our Loan Equipment facility and increase the offering to our membership.

The accounts were independently audited on 6 December 2024.

PDBKA

22

Reserves Policy Reviewed and approved by trustees on 9th May 2024

PDBKA holds Reserves in order to ensure that it is able to continue to deliver its services to members and benefit to the public in the event of something unexpected happening leading to a temporary reduction in income. Holding Reserves also supports the management of risk which the charity may face and to ensure that potential liabilities can be discharged.

The Charities’ Trustees have agreed that the level of reserves held by the charity should be no less than £5,500. This has been assessed to be the contingency required to meet the charities financial obligations, should a reduction in income, significant increase in expenditure or the closing of the charity occur. These funds will be unrestricted, non-designated and quickly available if required.

The Charities’ Trustees hereby confirm that:

PDBKA

23

Bankers Details

NatWest Bank

Registered Office:

National Westminster Bank Plc 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA

Registered in England and Wales No. 00929027

- Co operative Bank

Registered Office:

The Co-operative Bank p.l.c. 1 Balloon Street Manchester M4 4BE

Registered in England and Wales No. 00990937

The trustees confirm they have had full knowledge of the charities financial activities, and have regularly reviewed and approved policies in place in respect to financial controls and reserves.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 11th November 2024 and independently audited on the 6th December 2024.

Donia Hodgson Honorary Treasurer

PDBKA

24

Financial Statements:

Income

Income
June-Oct 23 Nov 23 - Oct 24
Membership Fees* £188.20 £4,975.65
Shows/Events £3,798.11 £2,059.32
Training - £2,943.50
Member Services £2,371.21 £9,754.94
Membership Meetings £132.32 £434.08
Donations - £300.00
Gift Aid £48.90 £914.50
Other £2.99 £9,504.52
£6,541.73
£30,886.51
£37,428.24

PDBKA

25

Financial Statements:

Expenditure

Expenditure
June-Oct 23 Nov 23 - Oct 24
Membership Fees* £266.20 £3,844.40
Shows/Events £3,142.00 £1,714.66
Training £538.55 £1,168.50
Member Services £3,342.27 £7,986.19
Membership Meetings £440.61 £967.91
Donations £25.00 -
Social Events £31.72 £68.14
Rent £160.00 £155.00
Rates - £70.11
IT - £298.80
Other £252.51 £9,768.27
£8,198.86
£26,041.98
£34,240.84

PDBKA

26

Financial Statements:

Receipts and Payments

Bank
Natwest		 Opening Bal @
06/06/23		 Payments Receipts Closing Bal @
31/10/23
Reserves £2,500.00 - - £2,500.00
Member
Services		 £1,744.49 £3,342.27 £2,371.29 £773.51
Main £12,768.70 £4,856.59 £4,170.52 £12,082.63
Bank
Natwest		 Opening Bal @
1/11/23		 Payments Receipts Closing Bal @
31/10/24
Reserves £2,500.00 £2,500.00 - £0.00*
Member
Services		 £773.51 £2,038.74 £1,265.23 £0.00*
Main £12,082.63 £14,532.96 £7,474.33 £5,024.00**
Bank
Coop		 Opening Bal @
1/11/23		 Payments Receipts Closing Bal @
31/10/24
Main £0.00 £6,970.28 £22,111.95 £15,141.67
* Monies transferred to Coop Bank.
** Monies ring fenced as Reserves

PDBKA

27

Financial Statements:

Receipts and Payments

Cash
Skep Float £120.00
Candle Rolling Float £25.00
Member Services Float £25.85
Debtors
WG Member Meetings £52.50
GJ Member Services £1,282.00
Sustainability Centre Rent £60.00
Oct Speaker £70.00
Creditors
Gift Aid £72.50
Assets
Member Services £4,302.00
Equipment £1000.00

PDBKA

28

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND ANO WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner s Report PoiThYLx)I1 14) 0)s,Ed &2 ?Rd& /ls"So&lhlo On accounts for th• yoar ènded Charlty no (If any) 31-, OCrnJSQ 2024 1103445 Set out on pages I report to th8 trustees (m my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 31 10 2024 8 the chaiitys trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in ac(udance wlth the requlrements of the Charllies Act 2011 (Ihe W. Rosponslbllltles and basls of report I report in res￿ of my 8xaminatic￿ crf the Trust's accounts orried out under sedM)n 145 of th8 2011 Act aThl in Garying out my examination. I have followed all tt)e aptAicable Dire￿￿￿$ given by th8 Charity Commission under secion 145(5Kb) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statsment ie to I have o)mF48ted my examination. I confim that no materFal matters have come to my attention in Connect￿ ith the examination (other than that disdosed b81ow") which gives me to believe that in, any material the accountiry records Ere rM)t kept in a(xx)rdance with sectron 130 of the Charities Art. or the accounts did not ac￿rd V￿th th8 acu)urrting records; or the accounts did not comply ￿th the applicable wuirements conc8miThJ the fomi and (x>ntent of accourrts set out in the Charities {Acc4)unts and Retx)rts) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the aw)unts give a Irue and fairf view vthiL is nol a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have n to vhiich attention should be dra￿fft in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of Ihe accounts to be reathed. ' Please delete the in the brackets rflhey do not apply. Slgned: 112 Name: MA£(Je£T 6LJQi{ Relevant pmfes81onal qualth￿tIon(s) or body IER Oct 2018

{If any): Address: fhL&CA ItrTYMCkJTh ft)2 QfL Section B Disclosure Only ￿mplete rf th8 examiner needs to hwjh1￿ht material matters of conc8m (see CC32. IndepeThJent examination of thanty account&. diredions and guidan￿ for examiners). Glve here ljrfef details of any items that the examiner wlshes to disclose. IER Oct 2018

www.portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk PDBKA