Portsmouth & District
Beekeeping Association
2025
ANNUAL REPORT
-.4

CONTENTS
ABOUT PDBKA
ADMINISTRATIVE
DETAILS
CHARITABLE
OBJECTS
RECOGNISING OUR
VOLUNTEERS
GOVERNANCE &
RESPONSIBILITIES
REPORT PERIOD
ACTIVITIES
10
FUTURE PLANS
20
FINANCIAL
REVIEW
22
RESERVES
POLICY
23
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
25

PDBKA
Welcome to the second annual report of Portsmouth & District
Beekeeping Association (PDBKA) in its registered status as a Charitable
Incorporated Organisation (cio).
As a volunteer led organisation, we are extremely grateful to each and
every member who has so generously given their time, energy and
expertise to enable the organisation to undertake its activities.
This report covers the financial year of 1st November 2024 to 31sr October
2025.
We hope this report provides you with insight into the activities that have
been undertaken to support the charity in achieving its charitable
objects over this reporting period.

ADMINISTRATIVE
DETAILS
The Trustees of the Association
present to you their report and
financial statements for the period
from incorporation up until 31st
October 2025.
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).
R8glstsredAddress
The Skep
Bastion 3
Scott Road
Hilsea
Portsmouth
P03 5JH
The Trustees confirm that they have
had regard to the guidance issued
by the Charity Commission on public
benefit.
The 2025 Trustees, Annual Report was
approved by the Board of Trustees on
the 13th November 2025.
••
RegisteredCharityNumber
1203495
Incorporated as a CIO 9 June 2023.
All furKls and assets transferred from prevFOUS
c￿rity registration (1095925) on 3 June 2024.

OURWORKFOR
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 trUSt￿S and appointed persons are members of the association
who kindly vOlunt￿r their time and expertise to trie 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.

OUR CHARITABLE
OBJECTS
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
RECOGNISINGOUR
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
th
During the reporting period or on13 November 2025
Mr G Banks
Mr M Cotton,
Ms E Evans,
Ms S Fitzgerald,
Ms W Gilbert,
Ms D Hodgson,
Dr G Jones,
Ms A Smith

Appointed Persons
th
During the reporting period or on 13 November 2025
Apiary Managers
Mr M Head-Rapson, Ms L Smith and Mr C Mcgaughey
Asian Hornet Team Coordinator
Mr M Page
Bee Health Advisor
Mr M Page
Communications Officer
Mr G Banks
Education Coordinator
Ms L Smith
Show Secretary
Ms A Smith
Skep Manager
Mr C Mcgaughey
Social Secretary
Ms E Evans and Ms S Northeast
Swarms Coordinator
Mr M Cotton
Website Manager
Mr M Dombey
Librarian
Mrs A Tilman
Wider Volunteers
We are very grateful to all the members who have also supported
the association in activities including:
Helping at shows and responding to enquiries
Collecting swarms and acting as YLH verifiers
Teaching on our Winter and Practical Training sessions
Acting as a key holder, opening up and setting up our venue
for member meetings
Representing the association as HBA delegates

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
ourtNstees are volunteers who generously and freely give their
time and expertise to our association. As charty trustees they
commit to:
Put public benefit at the forefront of any decisions and
activities undertaken
Set the strategic goals and direction of the charity in order
to further or support its charitable objectives
Comply with statutory accounting and reporting
requirements
Declare any potential Conflicts of Interest
Abide by a Code of Conduct; giving enough time, thought
and energy to the role and related training activities
Make decisions and act in the best interest of the charity
and public, ensuring assets and resources are used
responsibly to support and perform the charity's purposes
Ensure compliance with governance and legal
requirements
Act with reasonable care and skill
Keeping public benefit at the heart of all of our decisions

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.

ACTIVITYSPOTLIGHTS
The association continues to
provide advice and support
regarding matters of bee health
and in respect to the yellow-legged
hornet. Unfortunately, this year
there have been a number of
positive cases of European
Foulbrood and Chronic Bee
Paralysis detected in members,
colonies. In some cases these have
sadly required destruction.
BEE HEALTH & YELLOW-LEGGED HORNErs
This year we were sadly not able to
participate in as many shows, due
to insuff icient volunteers to help
arrange and run the stalls. This is a
missed opportunity for members to
both educate the public and
support the club. We were however
pleased to have been able to hold
successful education focused
events at Picnic on the Green in
Milton, and at the HMS Collingwood
Show. We also had a stall where we
battled the rain at the Rowlands
Castle Fair. Thank you to all who
helped at these events.
AWARENESS RAISING

iyi
SWARM RETRIEVALS
The spring of 2025 was the start of a very warm and sunny year. The
hives expanded rapidly resulting in early swarm calls, this weather
continued through to the summer months resulting in the proliferation of
forage earlier than previous years. No noticeable June gap was
observed it was estimated from talking to other beekeepers that the
season was approximately 4 weeks earlier than usual.
The number of swarm calls received were analysed to determine
locotion and accessibility and subsequently allocated to the first
responded. A high number of Bumble bee calls were mode and the
caller informed that we had no ability to collect and advice was given. A
lot of call were made which were inaccessible due to being high up or in
wall vents and cavities, and council owned buildings the callers were
advised to call a specialist in this field. As the season progressed
towards end of summer wasps, infestation was prolific resulting many
calls, these callers were advised occordingly. In addition, the wasp
proliferation resulted in many hives being overwhelmed and resulting in
hive loss.
Swarm Coordinator: Mr M Cotton
2025 Swarm Collectors: Ms L Smith, Mr R Hartley,
Mr R Luke, Mr D Walter and Mr M Dombey.

RESOURCES &
EQUIPMENT
PDBKA continues to make equipment available to members, with
the loan of extractors continuing to be particularly busy.
Additionally, this year we have two warming blankets and two
warming belts available for loan, supporting those without the
space for a warming cabinet.
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.
his year we have also brought members together to collectively
obtain winter fondant to support members to manage strong and
healthy colonies, with excess being able to be offered to members
of neighbouring associations.
PDBKA has also acquired a large amount of equipment, including
frames and foundation that will be used to support both training
and the association hives.

APIARIES
We have maintained out-opiaries at Whale Island and Fort
Cumberland. These sites enable members without suitable
sites to house colonies on a collective site.
Following the flood at the Fort Cumberland Apiary last year, the
hives have been moved out of the moat and up on to the
ramparts. This seems to be a good location and Historic
England seem keen to have us there. There are currently eight
colonies housed at the site, with two belonging to PDBKA. We
are pleased to say that the site is well maintained and secure
with good access via security gate.
The Whale Island Apiary remains a secure site on the naval
establishment, with access being via the gated and manned
entrance, with potential additional viability for members
without a location for colonies.
We continue to look for a suitable location to act as the
training apiary for the association.

FOSTERING
COMMUNITY
Events this year were very much about giving members an opportunity
to meet and mingle at the monthly meetings
By changing to a table format, we hope members had more opportunity
to find out about each other and the skills they bring as beekeepers.
July saw an invitation to participate in a plant quiz where no one,
whatever their knowledge went away empty handed, with additional
information on bee friendly plants.
The Annual BBQ organised and arranged by Mike was also well attended
by Members, and supported the fostering of a supportive community.
The social secretaries plans for 2026 are to develop further activities to
promote the building of a supportive network and community, with
suggestion of possible visits to local organisations that have taken a bee
friendly approach and maybe a group visit to the National Honey Show
Members are encouraged to share ideas for
activities to support and build our community

MEMBERSHIPREPORT
PDBKA Membership on 31st October 2025 was 155 members.
We thank Sara Fitzgerald for all her work over the years, and welcome
Peter Row as the new Membership Secretary for 2026.
PDBKA is predominately funded through the collection of
association subscriptions, and offers the following categories of
membership:
Registered Member: A full member who may intend to keep bees and is18 years
or over. Membership includes BBKA capitation, HBA capitation, BBKA magazine
subscription, public and product liability insurance, bee disease insurance (BDI),
all association benefits and full voting rights.
Junior Member: An individual under the age of18 whose beekeeping activities are
supervised by a Registered member of PDBKA or other beekeeplng assoclatlon
(does not include Insuranc8).
Country Member: A member who is aged 18 years or over who does not keep
bees and does not require publiclproduct 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.
Associate Member. Individuals aged 18 years or over, corporate bodies or
unincorporated body who are current members of another beekeeping
association and do not require publiclproduct liability or bee disease Insurance,
Hampshire Beekeeping Association (HBA) or British Beekeeping Association
(BBKA) membership, but does wish to support and be involved with PDBKA.
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..

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 Ist January to the following Ist 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
blockslcandles). Members are also regularly reminded that they
are required to hold additional insurance for the givinglselling of
any products where something has been added to the pure hive
products (incl. beeswax wraps, lip balms, hand creams,
colouredlscented 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 hiveslequipment need to be destroyed by the
Government's National Bee Unit if European or American Foulbrood
is discovered.

It is recommended to all members who keep bees that they register with
the National Bee Unit. It is designed for beekeepers and supports Defra,
Welsh Government and Scotland Bee Health Programmes, which focus
on protecting and sustaining our valuable national bee stocks. Signing
up to Bee Base as a Beekeeper will enable Beekeepers to take
advantage of the free services they off er. Their fully qualified bee
inspectors will check for signs of pests or diseases and will provide help
and advice on good husbandry, and how to tackle any potential
problems found. Access will be available to all the latest information
regarding pest or disease outbreaks.
There have been price increases to the membership subscription
by both BBKA and HBA for 2026.
Subscription costs for 2026 will be as follows:
REGISTERED MEMBER: £38
Made up of:
BBKA Subs £23, PDBKA Subs £7, HBA Subs £6 and BDI Basic
Insurance Premium £2
COUNTRY MEMBER: £18
Made up of:
BBKA Subs £11 and PDBKA Subs £7

TRAININGCOURSES
The association provides two core
education courses a year.
The first course, our Winter Training,
focused on the theory of beekeeping and
was delivered over eight evenings by
John Perry.
The second course enabled learners to build on the theory by gaining
supervised, hands-on practical experience. This year over 50 sessions
were made available, with these held across three apiaries, along with an
opportunity to process honey from collected frames.
These courses 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.
DEVELOPMENTAL
LEARNING
To aid the association's object of advancing the craft of
beekeeping amongst beekeepers and the wider public, we have
continued to provide a programme of talks that 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.
Information is also shared with members via WhatsApp and
Facebook.

FUTURE
OUTLOOK
We will continue to support the
education and awareness of safe,
ethical beekeeping, and look
forward to members providing
more talks and demonstrations to
each other, so that knowledge
and experience can be shared
and learnt from.
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.
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.
We will continue to raise
awareness of the role of
pollinators in supporting our
environment and food production.
We hope that more members will
volunteer to support activities
over the next year, especially with
the increasing risk that the yellow
legged hornet continues to
present to pollinators in the UK,
and of the continued levels of
honey fraud that sadly exists in
the UK.
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

FINANCIAL
REPORTS
We are pleased over the
next few pages to
provide our financial
statements for the
reporting period.

Financial Report
For the Reporting Year of I" November 2024 to 31" October 2025
The association ended the year in a strong financial position a total
balance of £19,852.66 including the reserve fund. We maintain the
reserve contingency to ensures there are sufficient funds to enable the
association to continue to operate should the income situation change.
Our main source of income for the year remains that generated through
membership. Our bank account continues to be held with Cooperative
Bank, as this continues to be the best value for money charity account
available to us and it enables us to meet the requirements of our CIO
charity status.
We continued to hold our reserve facility with Natwest bank this year,
however, we have made the decision to move it to the Cooperative Bank
for the next financial year to enable greater visibility of the monies. To
facilitate this a transaction was made on the last day of the financial
year to enable visibility within the Cooperative Bank from day one of the
next financial year. The Natwest bank account will now be closed.
One new major asset was added during the year, the association
purchased a projector for use at the members, meetings.
The storage and maintenance of assets continues to be a concern and
therefore, this has restricted our expenditure on the acquisition of further
assets that require secure, dry storage. We do, however continue to look
at options to
enable us to expand our Loan Equipment facility and increase the
offering to our membership, and support them to maintain and develop
ethical, sustainable beekeeping practices.
The accounts will be independently audited on 22nd November, after
which the approved and audited Financial Statements will be uploaded
to the Charity Commission and available to both members and the
public.

Reserves Policy
Reviewed and approved by trustees May 2025
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:
The PDBKA Reserves Policy has been based on the Trustees, knowledge of
the risks, obligations and opportunities that the organisation does or could
face.
Trustees have regularly reviewed risks and have taken appropriate
mitigating action. As a result, they have a thorough understanding of the
risks which may impact the Charity.
Trustees are satisfied that the f inancial information with which they have
been furnished has fully informed their understanding of the financial
position of the organisation.
Trustees are confident that the level of Reserves that has been determined
is rational, adequate and appropriate for the Charity.
The level of Reserves has been determined in order to provide the capacity
to resolve an adverse situation before it occurs. It takes into account the
current risks to the organisation and the potential impact of unforeseen
events.
Requisite consideration has been given to the impact of both over-
reserving as well as the danger of under-reserving
The Reserves Policy has been quantified to meet the working capital needs
of the Charity.
Reserves will not be utilised to fund the acquisition of fixed assets
The Charity is totally committed to providing public benefit and the
Reserves Policy embodies the sustainability of that pre-eminent objective.
The Reserves Policy will be regularly monitored and evaluated in order to
ensure that it remains appropriate and effective.

BANKING DETAILS
Natwest Bank
National Westminster Bank
PIC 250 Bishopsgate
London
EC2M 4AA
Registered in England and
Wales No. 00929027
The Co-operative Bank p.l.c.
l Balloon Street
Manchester
M4 4BE
Registered in England and
Wales No. 00990937
OUR BANKS
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.
Signed on behalf of
the trustees by:
The financial statements were
approved by the Board of
Trustees on 13th November 2025
and independently audited on
the 22nd November 2025.
Donia Hodgson
Honorary Treasurer

FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
INCOME
Collected Membership Fees (incl. PDBKA, BBKA, HBA, BDI
Shows/Events
4,674.05
394.83
Training
1,821.67
Member Services
6,549.66
Membership Meetings
243.68
Donations
40.00
Gift Aid
956.94
Rent
30.00
other
57.30
14,768.13
EXPENDITURE
Passed On Membership Fees (incl. BBKA, HBA, BDI)
ShowslEvents
3,824.55
361.04
Training
616.68
Member Services
8,042.01
Membership Meetings
1,322.48
Social Events
53.11
Rent
215.00
Rates
82.13
IT
469.14
other
95.00
15.081.14

FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
RECEIPTSAND PAYMENTS
Opening
Balance
Closing
Balance
Receipts
Payments
Bank
Co-op
15,141.67
14,436.23
15,046.14 14,531.76
atwes
Reserves
5,024.00
331.9
35.00 5320.90
19,852.66
Cash
Member Services Float
164.35
Member Meetings Float
9.97
174.32
Debtors
S Northeast Member Meeting
42.00
M Dombey IT
62.77
104.77
Assets
Member Services
3,549.00
Various
500.00
4.049.00
Asset additions in Period:
Projector
Bucket Warming Jackets and Straps
straight-line depreciation is applied annually to assets.

THANKYOU
FOR READING
••••••
www.portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk
PT

CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner s Report
Report to the trustees
Portsmouth and District Beekeeping Association
On accounts for the year
ended
31 St October 2025
Charity no
(if any)
1203495
Set out on pages
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (Ihe Trusf) for the year ended 31 10 11-
Responsibilities and
basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the
accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
('the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I
have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent
examiner's statsment I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that
disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material
respect:
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130
of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements
concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement
that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection
with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in
order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not a ly.
Signed:
Date:
IIIz5
Name:
Ak Cs-fML-
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
(if any):
Ci-K*ai LJ In SJ)Wi iy of Mth)A6cThtn4 ALCOL)nTr4￿
Address:
IER
Oct 2018

Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern
(see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and
guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of
any items that the
examiner wishes to
disclose.
IER
Oct 2018