STRATFORD-on-AVON BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION
Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2025
Reference and Administraton:
Registered Charity No: 1209137
Affiliated to the British Beekeepers Association
Trustees:
B. Donley - Chair R. Richardson – Secretary A. Seymour – Treasurer T. Hitchman J. Hudson – from 17 February 2025 C. Lea – from 21 January 2025 C. Ricketts
Principal Address:
Larkshill Spernal Lane Great Alne Alcester Warwickshire B49 6HZ
Structure, Governance and Management:
Stratford-on-Avon Beekeepers’ Association (SBKA) was approved as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation by the Charity Commission on 16 July 2024. It is governed by its Constitution as accepted by The Charity Commission. The Association has been in existence since 1936 and is affiliated to the British Beekeepers Association.
Serving Trustees to 30 September 2025 are as listed above. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Governing Document.
Objectives and Activities:
The objectives of the Association are as set out in the governing document : ‘to promote and further the craft of beekeeping and to advance the education of the public in the importance of bees in the environment’ . In carrying out the charity’s objects, the Trustees confirm they have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Activities are undertaken to educate and encourage new and existing beekeepers in the craft, as well as attending public events forming an important part of promoting bees and beekeeping generally. These activities inform the wider public of the importance of bees to the environment. Honey bees are important pollinators which are crucial for a healthy ecosystem, supporting both the agricultural industry, wild plants and flowers.
STRATFORD-on-AVON BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION
Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2025
Achievements and Performance:
The principal activities during this year have been:
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Holding a Beekeeping Taster Day for 20+ members of the public who were interested in bees and/or beekeeping but not sure what is involved.
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Running a successful Introduction to Beekeeping Course for 20+ members of the public, consisting of a series of indoor theory sessions plus practical sessions at the new training apiary, with follow-up mentoring.
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Development of a new website showcasing the association and its aims to members and the wider public.
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The provision of a free Swarm Collection Service to collect reported swarms encouraging the members of the public to conserve bees, and for the bees’ welfare.
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The setting up of a new Training Apiary with the help of member volunteers. It is planned our existing apiary will become a designated Breeding/Queen Rearing Apiary.
Education:
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Continued practical training sessions for all member levels at both apiaries during the summer.
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Practical working parties for all members at both apiaries concentrating on the care and correct cleaning of equipment (preventing disease), together with apiary maintenance.
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Autumn practical apiary meeting ‘Putting the Bees to Bed for Winter’
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Members winter meetings consisted of both face-to-face and zoom educational presentations including the National Honey Monitoring Scheme, Bigger Better Queens, and Making Mead.
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At no cost to ourselves, in February the association was privileged to host an all-day BIBBA (Bee Improvement and Bee Breeding Association) event at Ettington Community Centre, titled Varroa Resistance through Bee Improvement. An educational day with several internationally known speakers, attended by 180 cross-generation beekeepers from all over the country.
Public Events:
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With the help of member volunteers, the association raised awareness of honey bees and their importance by manning displays at local events, including the larger Forest of Arden Ploughing Match, with 1000+ attendance. Individual members gave talks to schools and/or local groups.
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Information was promoted at these events about the threat of the Yellow Legged Hornet following increased incursions in the south-east of the country.
Trustees Meetings:
- Trustees agreed their meetings be held quarterly or as deemed necessary, with SubCommittee meetings held every 6-8 weeks. All held via zoom.
Honey Show:
- We ran a successful Honey Show where members were encouraged to showcase their honey and hive produce. Open judging is favoured as the show then becomes informative for both new and more experienced beekeepers about the preparation of their products. Potential beekeepers and members of the public were welcomed.
STRATFORD-on-AVON BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION
Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2025
Yellow Legged Hornet (YLH) (also known as the Asian Hornet)
- Meetings of the Yellow Legged Hornet Team (YLHT) were held quarterly. With a large increase in YLH incursions last year, the association’s YLHT volunteers set and monitored bait traps in the spring as a practice exercise, with no sightings. As of 25 September 2025, the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) National Bee Unit (NBU) confirmed there has been a total of 476 sightings of the YLH this year with 129 nests confirmed, mainly but not solely in the south east of the country. It is paramount beekeepers and the general public realise the importance of reporting sightings of the YLH. This was promoted to members and at all public events attended. Our YLHT Team anticipates being called upon to support the National Bee Unit in the event of local incursions.
Subscriptions:
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At a previous Special General Meeting, members voted for an increase in 2024/2025 subscription rates. Annual subscriptions had not been raised for some time, even though running costs were constantly rising. With the expected arrival of the Yellow Legged Hornet, it is anticipated, costs towards basic and track/trace equipment, PPE etc will be incurred.
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BBKA Capitation = £21
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SBKA Capitation = £7 Bee Disease Insurance = £2 Full Member = £30
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Partner, Country, Junior and Local members benefitted from lower subscription rates pro rata.
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Full voting rights are awarded to all member categories, except Local and Associate members.
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All member categories receive an informative monthly association newsletter.
Financial Review:
- A Reserves Policy is not currently in place. During the year, income of £10476 was received with a total expenditure of £10519. Income received was mainly from membership subscriptions, Taster Day & Introduction Course fees, plus donations.
Correspondence:
All correspondence should be addressed to the Honorary Secretary at the Principal Address on page1.
Approval:
Approved by the Trustees on 10 July 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
B Donley
T. P. Hitchman
Brian Donley
Terry Hitchman
Chair
Trustee
STRATFORD-on-AVON BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION
Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2025
Stratford-on-Avon Beekeepers' Association
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
For the period 16 July 2024 to 30 September 2025
| RECEIPTS Members' subscriptions Donations Course fees Apiary sales Honey sales BDI received from members Gift Aid claim Fondant sales Foundation sales Misc unallocated income Total Receipts PAYMENTS Room hire Speakers Meetings costs Miscellaneous Course expenses Honey Show Office type & catering expenses BBKA Capitation BDI Insurance Fondant cost Beecraft costs Insurance-trophies & equipment Hampton Wood costs Folly Fields costs Purchase of fixed assets Lawn mower Total Payments Net Receipts Net payments Cash funds last year end at bank Cash funds this year end |
Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 2,719 66 2,380 150 1,496 367 651 2,607 25 15 10,476 253 265 0 130 769 249 1,203 2,345 378 1,344 0 612 374 2,325 272 10,519 -43 14,789 This year end 14,789 Cash at bank |
Last year to the nearest £ 2,840 109 1,162 300 490 380 651 1,335 0 198 7,465 294 395 370 596 226 216 2,631 378 1,395 0 331 352 801 0 7,985 This bit is this years checking 10,476.35 receipts 10,518.41 payments 14775 -42.06 Net income 14,775 Bal 16 July 24 14,774.78 Last year end 14732.72 Bank should be 14788.74 Actual -56.02 variance |
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STRATFORD-on-AVON BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION
Trustees Annual Report for the year ending 30 September 2025
Stratford-on-Avon Beekeepers'Association
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Notes
| CASH FUNDS Lloyds TSB Bank plc Cash in hand OTHER MONETARY ASSETS ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE CHARITIES OWN USE Stock in trade Stock of honey 5 Polynuc boxes Sub Total Assets as per list TOTAL LIABILITIES Membership subscriptions in advance Expenses not submitted until after the year end Signed on behalf of the Trustees by: Terry Hitchman 12-Jun-26 Independent Examiner's Statement My examination has been carried out in accordance with the Charity Commissio The procedures undertaken included reviewing accounting records kept by the Comparing the accounts presented with those records. The examination also inc The procedures undertaken do not provide the same level of assurance as an au During my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me rea 1. accounting records have not been kept in accordance with sect 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements Without qualifying my report, I draw attention to the following observations ari stock control - The Charity holds stock relating to 2 apiaries, a co and recorded stock reconciliations were incomplete. As a result, s Records of stock movement, Supporting documentation for stock transparency, accountability and the accuracy of the financial rep I have discussed these matters with the trustees and understand that improvem Signed S.Calladine Name Sarah Calladine ACCA (membership number 1946626) Independent examiner Address 8 Crompton Avenue, Bidford on Avon, B50 4DG Date 14/04/2026 T. P. Hitchman Trustee |
Last year 1. There are no restricted funds Unrestricted Unrestricted funds to the funds to the 2. Calculations this yesr nearest nearest Opening balance bank 14,774 £ £ Income 3,152 14,789 Misc income 7324 - Expenditure 10518 14,789 Net income -42 Calculated balance at bank 14733 Actual Balance at bank 14789 Variance -56 Current value £ 155 155 29,924 30,079 Amount Due £ 0 0 Ruth Richardson 12-Jun-26 n's guidance and Directions given under section 145(5)(b) of the act. charity for year ending 30th September 2025 luded consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and explanations obtained from the trustee dit and no opinion is given as to weather the accounts present a 'true and fair view' sonable cause to believe that in any material respect, ion 130 of the charities Act 2011; or of the Act. sing from my examination mpleted and documented physical stock take was not carried out at the year end, tock valuation relied on 2023 documentation. movements was incomplete. Strengthening controls in this area would improve orting in future years ents to stock recording and end of year stock take procedures are planned for the forthcoming financial year. Ruth Richardson Trustee |
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