## CHESHIRE BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET for 2022 Hatton Lodge Apiary Your Local Supplier of Quality Beekeeping Equipment Agent for E.H. Thorne (Beehives) Ltd. Call lo see our comprehensive range of beekgeping equipment- those essential items always in stock or availab16 to order. With over 30 years of beekeeping experien￿, we can offer friendly advice and service Download a prlce Ilst from our wob slte: vhyw,hattonlodgeaplary.co.uk Stuart & Pam Hatton 2 Hatton Lodge Cottages Warringlon Road, Hatton WarrinbFtvn, Cheshire WA4 5NZ Tel: 01925 263023 Mob: 07Tr8 592835 Email: hatt0nl0dgeapiary@￿ai1.COM Please telephone before visiting ## **CHESHIRE BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION** Founded 1899. Registered Charity No. 227494 (Affiliated to the BBKA formerly Lancashire & Cheshire BKA - Founded 1882) ## **COMMITTEE FOR 2022** **President:** Mrs P.A. HATTON Hatton Tel. 01925 263023 **Chair:** P. SUTCLIFFE Holmes-Chapel Tel. 01477 532171 **Vice-chair:** Mrs L. JACQUES Hartford Tel. 07788 744086 **ELECTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS** Mrs B. Bryant, Willaston (2024) G. F. Royle, Macclesfield (2024) J.S. Hollinshead, Betchton (2024) P. Sutcliffe, Holmes Chapel (2026) N. Brierly, Irby (2023) A. G. Platt, Hartford (2023) Mrs E. Brindle, Warrington (2026) Mrs J. Young, Antrobus (2025) Mrs L. Parker, Little Budworth (2026) ## **BRANCH CHAIRS AND TREASURERS ON COMMITTEE** **North Cheshire** S. HATTON, Hatton; P. WOODHEAD, Helsby **South Cheshire** D. FRAY, Congleton; D. SMITH, Goostrey **Stockport** P. CAREFOOT, Glossop; A. TAYLOR, Stockport **Wirral** N. BRIERLEY, Irby; N. W. ASHTON, Willaston **Mid Cheshire** K. COLYER, Northwich; S & N. D. JOHNSON, Antrobus ## **HON. SECRETARY** Mrs E.A. CAMM, Magpie Manor, Wistaston Green Rd, Crewe CW2 8SA, Tel: 07827 297144 ## **HON. TREASURER** S.K. NUTTALL: Spurstow Lodge, Peckforton Hall Lane, Spurstow CW6 9TF, Tel: 01829 260456 ## **CONVENTIONS SECRETARY** Mrs P.A. HATTON: 2 Hatton Lodge Cottages, Warrington Road, Hatton, Warrington WA4 5NZ, Tel: 01925 263023 ## **DELEGATE TO BBKA ANNUAL DELEGATES’ MEETING** Mrs L. JACQUES: 5 Millwood Drive, Hartford, CW8 2ZJ, Tel: 07788 744086 ## **COUNTY ARCHIVIST** P. SUTCLIFFE: Broad Oak, 13 Station Rd, Holmes Chapel, CW4 7AU, Tel. 01477 532171 ## **SHOW MANAGER** Mrs S. JOHNSON, 2 Frandley Brow Cottage, Sandiway Lane, Antrobus CW9 6LD, 01606 891318 ## **HON. AUDITOR** J. SHEEKEY BSc. ACMA: 19 Eaton Mews, Chester, CH4 7EZ. ## **YEAR BOOK AND NEWSLETTER EDITOR** S. C. DONOHOE: 375 Barlow Moor Road, Manchester M21 7FZ, Tel. 07432 476005 ## **EDUCATION SECRETARY** P. SUTCLIFFE: Broad Oak, 13 Station Rd, Holmes Chapel, CW4 7AU, Tel. 01477 532171 ## **EXAMINATION SECRETARY** S. HATTON: 2 Hatton Lodge Cottages, Warrington Road, Hatton, Warrington WA4 5NZ, Tel: 01925 263023 ## **HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS** Mrs B. Bryant, M.F. Haynes, J.S. Hollinshead, D. Lockett, I.S. McLean, A.A.J. van Suchtelen, Mrs P. A. Hatton, S. Hatton, R. Brocklehurst, G. Royle **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **3** **PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS** 2022 has been something of a ‘transitional’ year! By that I mean transiting from COVID restrictions being top of the agenda, to no COVID restrictions because we are learning to live with the virus and getting back to ‘normal’ life. Zoom meetings were the norm through most of January and into February, including module and beginners’ theory courses. Slowly but surely, starting with Branch AGM’s, live meetings began again. We had two named storms in February, Storm Dudley and Storm Franklin - and then Russia invaded Ukraine and it wasn’t just the weather causing concern! Suddenly the whole world was in crisis, the invasion causing repercussions concerning energy supplies and food that we are still living with. However, all this didn’t deter our first live CBKA Spring Convention and AGM at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, and how great it was to be back at a live County event, meeting beekeeping friends old and new. Other conventions were also under way; Bee Tradex and the Welsh BKA Convention, closely followed by the BBKA Spring Convention at Harper Adams. This was followed at the end of April by the CBKA Auction, then in June the Cheshire Show was very successful for the Mid Cheshire branch who enjoyed glorious summer weather. Cheshire Beekeepers were at RHS Tatton Flower Show again in July, although not in one of the big marquees as usual. The weather was very hot in July and apiary meetings were well under way, as well as beginners’ practical sessions. Six people took the Basic Assessment in August, although unusually, without doing the theory sessions. Even so, they all passed, which should encourage anyone considering taking the Basic Assessment in the future! Then in September another shock – the death of our dear Queen. We now have a King! Another ‘transitional’ event, certainly in the UK, and much more deeply felt than the passage of all the prime ministers through the doors of Number 10 that we have had this year! The joint heather meeting for Wirral and North Cheshire Branches was cancelled in September due to EFB in the Llandegla area, despite the promise of a good crop. It wasn’t worth risking the health of our bees for what is usually a very enjoyable meeting, and then in October the Autumn Convention at Forest Hills was another enjoyable event, and module theory courses got under way, using zoom once again! So, have we transitioned away from Covid and back to normality? I would say, yes, we have, but it is a ‘new’ normal. Attendances at meetings are still not what they were – the pandemic has had a big psychological impact that will take some getting over, but we are getting there. Many beekeepers have reported good crops of honey this year, as evidenced by successful branch honey shows and the display at the county honey show at Forest Hills, and there are plenty of events planned for the spring of 2023, which are getting booked up quickly. So, lots of beekeeping events to look forward to. Of course, all these events need organising, and volunteers to run them, and I would like to thank all the County Committee, and the Branch Committees, as well as individual beekeepers who work so hard to keep everything running smoothly. Following COVID and the war in Ukraine, the economy in the UK is struggling, like many other European countries, but this hasn’t affected the number of people wanting to take up beekeeping as a hobby. Many of the beginner courses were already full in early Autumn! Our bees continue to give us pleasure despite what is happening in the big wide world, and this is as it should be. May all your supers be full ones. Happy Beekeeping! _**Pam Hatton**_ President **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **4** ## **COMMITTEE REPORT FOR YEAR 2022** This report details the work carried out by the Committee on behalf of the membership for the year ended December 2022. The year's main meeting is our Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year the meeting was held at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, Northwich, at 11.30am during the Cheshire BKA Spring Convention. The AGM was free for all CBKA Members to attend if they wished. Members were welcomed to the AGM by the President, Pam Hatton, who commented that it was great to be back to a 'live' meeting after two years of living through a pandemic. The President then handed over to our Chairperson, Pete Sutcliffe. Apologies for absence were noted from Nichola Summerfield (S Cheshire), Pamela Cubbin (S Cheshire), Isabel Large (S Cheshire), Nick Johnson (Mid Cheshire), Sarah Johnson (Mid Cheshire), Nigel Brierley (Wirral). The meeting paused in silence for a few moments to respect members who had died recently: John Hebron (Wirral), Susan Hewitt (Stockport), Derek Lockett (Stockport), and Jenni Joynt (Stockport). Stuart Forbes and Stuart Hatton were appointed as Tellers. The minutes of the previous AGM were accepted as a true record of proceedings, and there were no matters arising. Pam Hatton was elected as President for the coming year. As there was only one candidate for the remaining offices, it was proposed and agreed that existing Officers of the Association and other members be elected en bloc. The position of Social Media Manager was vacant as the current post-holder had stepped down. There were two propositions to be considered by the meeting. The first, proposed by the Cheshire BKA Committee, was concerned with changes to the Cheshire BKA rules. The details of the proposed changes had been circulated to the membership previously. Following a lively debate, it was decided to adjourn the matter until the 2023 AGM to give the Committee time to consider the issues raised. The second proposition, to increase the Country Membership fee to £20, was agreed. **The Edgar Mobbs Shield** is awarded annually to the highest achieving student taking BBKA exams in the previous year and was presented to Mark McLoughlin. ## **The Canon Evans Cup** for Services to Beekeeping in Cheshire was awarded to Alan Towse, a valued and long-standing member of the Stockport Branch. Alan teaches and organises the beginners' course, works at the branch apiary, is a swarm collector and works closely with Stockport Council to promote beekeeping in the town. As Education Secretary, he gives regular talks to local schools. He has helped Bramhall High School to establish an apiary at the school. ## **Membership** The Registered and Partner membership at the end of September 2022 was North Cheshire Branch 159, South Cheshire 170, Stockport 209 (includes 1 School Member), Wirral 125 (includes 1 School Member), Mid Cheshire 91, Non-Branch 1. There are also 30 Associate members, 56 Country members, 20 Friends, 11 Juniors. This gives an Association total membership of 872 (854 in 2021). (This does not include new members joining after October 1, as they will be counted in the 2023 figures.) Membership of a Branch is only through membership of the Association, and only membership of CBKA gives access to all the benefits. Any member of CBKA is entitled to attend any Branch meeting. ## **Weather and crop** The rainfall in 2022 (2021 rainfall) recorded by Malcolm Haynes in Stockport was Jan 44mm (191mm), Feb 48mm (59mm), March 15 mm **5** (81mm), April 27 mm (15mm), May 61mm (137mm), June 29 mm (12mm), July 48mm (149mm), Aug 44mm (37mm), Sept 82mm (41mm), Oct 114mm (105mm), Nov 116mm (79mm), Dec 73mm (156mm) total for 2022 in the Stockport area was 801mm. This compares to 1062mm for the same period last year. Equivalent rainfall figures for South Cheshire recorded by Liz Camm in Nantwich were Jan 39mm (144mm), Feb 240mm (138mm), March 64mm (63mm), April 56mm (17mm), May 32mm (107mm), June 65mm (28mm), July 47mm (13mm), August 23 mm (56mm), Sept 81mm (92mm), Oct 96mm (58mm), Nov 111mm (95 mm), Dec 55mm (130mm). The total in 2022 for the South Cheshire area was 909mm. This compares to 942mm for the same period last year. Reports have been received from some Cheshire BKA Branches regarding the 2022 honey crop. Generally, all appeared to have had a better than average year, with most stating improved or even "best ever" yields. New beekeepers reported getting a first-year crop and much drawn comb. Even when beekeepers had disruption due to swarming and poor or unmated queens, the colonies have been productive. The honey seems to have been noticeably lighter in colour than last year. Despite any concerns about drought, the hot weather seems to have suited our bees. However, some, mainly the more rural apiaries, experienced lower yields in summer. This was possibly due to the extreme summer heat. Late summer crops were boosted by Himalayan Balsam. **BBKA examinations** – see the separate report by the Examinations' Officer. ## **Conventions and meetings** Following a hiatus of about two years when branch meetings could not be held in person, the usual Branch programmes of monthly meetings and apiary meetings again took place as the year progressed. (See the individual branch reports for further details.) ## **Spring Convention** Following last year's 'virtual' Spring Convention, this year, the CBKA Spring Convention was held again at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club. The speakers at the well-attended day were Dr Martin Bencsik from Nottingham Trent University, who spoke about his research into the various sounds and vibrations of bees inside bee hives. Trisha Marlowe talked about the work of the charity Bees Abroad, and Lynfa Davies explained various methods of Queen rearing. ## **Members' Honey Show and Autumn Convention** The Autumn Convention and members' Honey Show were again held at Forest Hills Hotel. Although attendance was not as large as might have been hoped, those members that did attend listened to three fascinating talks. Liam Olds talked about the many different pollinators in the UK; Lynne Ingram spoke about the growing problem of honey fraud and adulteration, and Gerry Collins talked about some common beekeeping problems and what to do about them. At the end of the afternoon, members could view the honey show exhibits, and trophies were presented to the winners. ## **Committee meetings** The Chairperson and Treasurer of each branch are members ex officio of the County Committee. Each branch has, therefore, two representatives at the County level. In addition, there are up to twelve elected members. The elected members serve for four years on a rolling programme of elections. The Committee meets four times a year in January, April, September and December. Any relevant business to be discussed and any suggestions for consideration should be forwarded via the branch or elected representatives to the County Secretary for inclusion in the agenda, which is posted or emailed out no later than one week before the meeting. Meetings usually are held at Frodsham Community Centre. This year the meetings in January and April were held remotely, and the **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **6** September and December meetings were held at Frodsham. At the January meeting held via Zoom, Chairperson, Pete Sutcliffe, welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2022, especially David Fray (South Cheshire) and Karl Colyer (Mid Cheshire), who had each been elected to the chair of their branch at recent Branch AGM's. The Treasurer, Simon Nuttall, reported on the Association's finances for 2021. All Branches made a surplus, but the County made a deficit over the previous year. Association finances as a whole had increased to £94,255, an increase of £2,673 over the previous year. The County holds 25% of the funds, North Cheshire 18%, South Cheshire 12%, Stockport 24%, Wirral 16% and Mid Cheshire 3%. There are also two endowment funds containing 2% of the Association funds. The accounts are made up on a Cash Basis, so subscriptions paid in December 2021 for the year to the end of 2022 are included in the 2021 accounts. Branch Treasurers outlined their spending plans for the year. North Cheshire Treasurer Peter Woodhead said that similar costs to 2021 were expected in 2022. Spending plans included revamping the Branch Apiary at a cost in the region of £1,200. South Cheshire Treasurer Dee Smith said there were increased costs for the Branch Apiary because of the move to Reaseheath College, including £1,200 running costs and £1,800 for new equipment to accommodate an increased number of colonies. There were also plans to purchase different kinds of hives for demonstration purposes and possibly a wax extractor for loan to members. Dee pointed out that there are practical difficulties to initiating new projects as they all require people to volunteer to make them work. Wirral Branch Treasurer Nick Ashton reported that the Branch Committee would be meeting soon to discuss 2022 plans. Consideration will be given to the provision of a Branch Apiary. A consultation with members was being held to find out what they would like. Stockport Branch Treasurer Alistair Taylor said that Stockport had £22,000 in the bank account, which has built up over time due to training courses and the sale of honey. Stockport Council has provided an apiary site free of charge. A building for meetings and the Committee considers that a contingency amount of £11,000 is required to cover costs for two years in case the current situation does not continue. Plans include £20 vouchers to spend with a local beekeeping supplier for each person who completes the Stockport Introductory course and the bulk purchase of Ambrosia, which would be self-financing after an initial cash outlay. Apiary costs and other expenditures meant an overall total of £17,900. Mid Cheshire Treasurer Sarah Johnson said that the branch was planning increased expenditure on speakers this year and higher room hire expenses as meetings were held at the Blue Cap hotel. A sub-committee had met to review the Association's finances. Graham Royle was thanked for refining a spreadsheet initially produced by the Treasurer. This allowed members to 'play' with the numbers to try different options. The sub-committee had come to a consensus on some things and agreed that a suitable cash reserve for the County would be £15,000; however, Simon said that a Reserves Policy for the Association as a whole must be considered. It was agreed that the County could not be considered in isolation from the Branches. Chairperson Pete Sutcliffe reported back from the sub-committee that had met to consider changes to the Association Constitution, probably the most significant changes to our Constitution in 70 years. A draft of the amended Constitution with highlighted changes had been circulated before the meeting. The proposition that the changes should be accepted by the Committee and recommended to the membership at the AGM was carried after 10 voted for, 7 against and 3 abstentions. A proposed change to para 5g regarding attendance at Committee meetings was not agreed upon. ADM Delegate Lesley Jacques reported back on the recent ADM. She was pleased to tell the Committee that Mark McLoughlin had been **7** awarded the prestigious Wax Chandlers' Award for the highest overall marks in the Master Beekeeper Examinations. At the April meeting this year, again held via Zoom, the Committee re-elected Pete Sutcliffe as their Chairperson and Lesley Jacques as Deputy Chairperson. Treasurer Simon Nuttall reported that there was currently around £19,000 in the current and deposit accounts and £16,000 in the Building Society account. Payments amounting to £18.000 were due to BBKA for capitation, BDI, and to the printer for the latest magazine. Simon expected the balance for CBKA to go negative this year because of the increased cost base. The Treasurer agreed to head up a sub-group to consider a Reserves Policy to put to the Committee: this should take into account the Association as a whole, not just the County. This report would be included in his Treasurer's report at the end of the year. Pete Sutcliffe, Peter Carefoot, Julia Young, and Nick Ashton made up the sub-group with Simon. The Spring Convention and AGM were reviewed. Attendance at the Convention was better than expected, with around 65 members enjoying the day. The venue for the Spring Convention in 2023 will be Forest Hills Hotel, as the rate is much better than other venues. The AGM went well, apart from the discussion about Rule changes. Chairperson Pete Sutcliffe welcomed members to the September meeting. Bex Ruskin had been co-opted to the Committee as Social Media Manager, and Pete extended a special welcome to her. This was the first face-to-face meeting since January 2020. Pete said he planned to canvas opinions on whether to meet in person for the winter meetings or revert to Zoom meetings. Under Matters Arising, Peter Carefoot reported on the successful Bee Health Day at Aquinas College. 53 people had attended. Pete Sutcliffe thanked Graham Royle for his role in organising the CBKA Auction in April. Graham reported there had been 200 lots and nucs for sale, and turnover was about £10,000, generating a £400 surplus for the Association. The Treasurer, Simon Nuttall, sent his apologies as he was unable to attend the meeting. He sent a report that was read out by the Chairperson. County funds total £18,319, of which £16,125 is on deposit at the Vernon Building Society. The Autumn BBKA capitation payment and BDI payment would be due at the end of the month and would amount to £1,900. There would also be a printer's invoice. Member subscriptions will start to come in from the beginning of December. The Reserves Policy sub-group report was also read out by Pete Sutcliffe. The recommendation was that the Association should not have a Reserves Policy. The Charities Commission does not require a Reserves Policy but has to be informed that we do not have one. The Committee agreed with this recommendation and that County funds should not be allowed to fall below £16,500. There was still the question of how to manage funds held by the branches, and it was agreed that this discussion should be postponed until the Treasurer was present. Currently, magazines and the Year Book are sent to all eligible members unless they opt out of receiving printed copies. The magazine and year Book are available to members on the CBKA website. It was agreed by the Committee that the 2023 membership form, both the paper form and online renewal form, would have tick boxes to opt in or opt out of the printed copies of either or both of the publications. The amended Cheshire Rules document had only been circulated a few days before the meeting, and some members had not had time to go through it in detail. Members found the document format somewhat confusing, so the Chairperson agreed to recirculate it in a clearer form. After they had had time to read and consider the document, members were asked to **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **8** The December meeting was again held at Frodsham Community Centre. The Treasurer reported that the Association funds as a whole stood at around £94,000. However, the funds are distributed between the Association bank account and the five Branch accounts. The Association bank account balance fluctuates significantly throughout the year leading to a low balance in October before the membership renewal fees for the following year are received. £4,800 in Gift Aid had recently been received. Association funds should be spent for the benefit of members rather than large sums being held in Branch bank accounts. Branch Treasurers will explain their branch spending plans for 2023 at the January meeting. It was agreed that capitation payments would not be made to the Branches this year, apart from to Mid Cheshire Branch, as it is currently the smallest branch and has limited funds available. start up beekeeping and looking for advice, as well as the typical range of questions about bumble and solitary bees, wasps and other stinging insects. The Committee thanks all those who assisted in answering questions and helping the enquirers to access the information they needed. During 2022 we sadly lost 4 of our members, Derek Lockett (Stockport), Jenni Joynt (Stockport), Chris Pownall (North Cheshire) and Ian McLean (non-Branch). Please do let the Secretary know of any members who pass on so that, as an Association, we can collectively pay our respects. We wish you every success for the coming year, 2023. Chairperson _**Elizabeth Camm**_ Further discussion took place on the CBKA Rules, and changes were agreed to recommend to the AGM in March 2023. Hon. General Secretary ## **Other Shows and Events** Cheshire BKA members were able to participate in several public events this year despite some interruptions following the Covid epidemic. There was no invitation to have a stand at the Blue Dot Festival this year. We participated in the RHS Show at Tatton. The stand we were offered was much less generous than in previous years despite all the gold medals awarded in the past and the massive public interest. Cheshire has always put on a good show at these events. This is due to a lot of hard work and dedication from a small group of people, in particular, Sarah Johnson and Dave Curbishley at the Cheshire Show and Mark and Andrea Phillipson at Tatton this year. All members are strongly encouraged to give a hand with these events. They do add to your experience and enjoyment of beekeeping. As usual, over the year, there were many enquiries from members of the public wishing to **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **9** ## **EDUCATION SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR 2022** This year saw a return at least towards the normal, although attendance at meetings and events has been down on previous years. ## **Beginners’ Courses** Most of the “Introduction to Beekeeping” courses went ahead “in person”, and here numbers are not down! The large numbers on these courses cause problems in terms of giving the students enough practical experience and mentoring as a follow-up. Branches need as many volunteers as they can get to mentor new beekeepers. You do not have to be an “expert” – just willing to give advice or get advice from someone else if you are unable to answer the question. This time the three leaders opted for Zoom from the start because of the advantages of online meetings where the group includes people from all four corners of Cheshire. I think all the participants are happy not to have to travel long distances on dark evenings in inclement weather, and pictures and papers can be presented very easily on the screen. Although we are following the BBKA syllabuses, there is no pressure on the participants to enter for the examination. The emphasis in Cheshire is on support and training in practical beekeeping, in order to help people enjoy the craft. We will fully support those who, later, feel they are ready to try for an examination. ## **Basic Assessment** After the glut last year there was a dip in the number of people wanting to take the Basic Assessment, but those wanting to enter were coached towards it. We will advertise courses towards this again next year. ## **Study Groups** A pattern for study groups has by now established itself, whereby each BBKA module is covered every second year. At the moment there are three study groups involving about 20 members from all five Branches, basing their studies on the syllabuses for Modules 1: “Honeybee Management”, 5: “Honeybee Biology” and 6: “Honeybee behaviour”. These are led by Pam and Stuart Hatton, Lesley Jacques, and Pete Sutcliffe respectively. We felt unable to offer the usual higher level “hands-on” training sessions in practical beekeeping because of uncertainty. We hope to be able to offer something on those lines next year. One microscopy course went ahead with very small numbers and another had to be cancelled because of lack of support. Please look out for notifications about training opportunities and make use of them where you can. All training opportunities will be advertised in the magazine and on the website. Please get in touch with me with any suggestions as to how we could help you develop your beekeeping skills. _Education Secretary_ ## **EXAMINATION SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR 2022** With the implementation of the on-line system for written exams in April 2021, the demand for the hand written option has dramatically fallen. Most members seem to choose the on-line option which has led to a reduction in hand written modules. The Exam Board took the decision to phase out hand written modules and in 2025 only on-line modules would be available. When the changes were published, the Exam Board received feedback from associations and individuals, stating that this disadvantages **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **10** members with inadequate IT skills, or internet access. At the last Exam Board meeting, the decision to discontinue the hand written exams has been withdrawn. ## **Module 3** Michael Dale (Credit), Christopher Cornwell-Lee (Credit), Anastasia Mochalova (Pass), James Tatlow. (Pass) ## **Module 7** Hand written modules will continue providing there are a minimum of 4 applicants and one invigilator present. Area Associations are to facilitate the process of consolidating candidates from neighbouring associations into a venue convenient to all. Refunds will only be considered in the event of illness, injury of the candidate or sudden death of an immediate family member occurring within (2) weeks prior to the examination or assessment. 17 members have taken written and practical exams in Cheshire this year, 6 basic and 11 module exams. Examination successes are: ## **Basic Assessment** Carl Nichols (Distinction), Mark Sargent (Credit), Lorraine Shuker (Credit), Margaret Charlton (Credit), Ian Turley (Credit), Jane Turley (Credit) **Module 1** Warwick Wheatley (Credit), Anastasia Mochalova (Pass), James Tatlow (Pass), Machael Dale (Pass) **Module 2** Warwick Wheatley (Credit) Graham Fifoot (Pass) ## **Module 8** David Fray (Credit) ## Anastasia Mochalova (Pass), James Tatlow (Pass), Michael Dale (Pass) ## David Fray (Distinction) All certificates will be awarded at the Cheshire County Spring Convention and AGM at the Forest Hills Hotel, Overton Hill, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6HH on Saturday 25th March 2023. Dates for module exams in 2023 are Saturday 18th March, closing date for entry is 10th February 2023. For Saturday 18th November, closing date for entry is 5th October 2023. If you require any further information on what is involved with any of the examinations, please email me at hattonstuart1@gmail.com or Tel 07778592835. ## _**Stuart Hatton**_ ## **CBKA AUTUMN CONVENTION REPORT 2022** This year’s event was our first ‘in person’ Autumn Convention since 2019 and it was very satisfying to be back at Forest Hills greeting bee friends old and new! Numbers were down slightly, but in some respects that made it a more relaxed event. Once the honey show entries had been staged, everyone sat around drinking coffee and eating biscuits, or browsing the trade stand provided by Hatton Lodge Apiary and the large selection of books provided by Northern Bee Books, until the first lecture, which was Liam Olds talking about the Diversity of Pollinators in Britain. Usually, we are regaled with talk of loss of habitat and problems due to climate change, but thanks to some excellent photographs, Liam explained that it was not all bad news, and some species are actually thriving. After more refreshments, the second lecture got us all stirred up. Lynne Ingram’s talk ‘The Truth about Honey’ was a bit of a shocker as she explained about adulterated honey and what it was doing to honey prices and the livelihoods of beekeepers worldwide. Lynne asked us all to sign the BBKA’s latest petition to get the government to change the honey labelling regulations so that they show the country of origin, not just ‘produce of the EU’, and she has set up a Facebook page, ‘HAN UK’ which anyone can look at and support. One of the most important things each of us as beekeepers can do is not to undersell our own honey, which **11** is a fantastic health-giving, natural product. Lunch was a two course, sit down meal served in the sunlit restaurant, but we didn’t have time for an after-lunch snooze as our Chair, Pete Sutcliffe, decided to draw the raffle of excellent prizes donated by the branches, and this was followed by Gerry Collins’ talk, which also kept us wide-awake. Gerry is a popular and knowledgeable speaker who had spent the morning judging the honey show, but his afternoon talk was all about problems in beekeeping: ‘What do I do about this?’ Gerry has a vast catalogue of photographs illustrating many of the problems we come up against with our bees through the season, and he is also a very humorous speaker, raising many chuckles as we acknowledged some of our own mistakes either as beginners or (shock horror) more experienced beekeepers! Finally, it was time to go through to the honey show to view the exhibits, listen to the judges’ comments and applaud the worthy prize winners. I would like to thank Sarah Johnson, our Honey Show Secretary, and all the stewards who supported her and made the show such a success, and her report will appear separately. I would also like to thank Lesley Jacques and Mark and Andrea Phillipson for organising the books from Northern Bee Books, Polly Smith and Peter Woodhead for selling the books on the day, Stuart Hatton on the trade stand, and Lesley Parker for supervising the raffle. Not to mention our chair, Pete Sutcliff, for compering what was a very enjoyable day. Hope to see you all again next year! ## _**Pam Hatton**_ ## **CBKA ANNUAL HONEY SHOW REPORT 2022** It was great to be able to return to The Forest Hills Hotel and hold our annual honey show in conjunction with the Autumn Convention on Saturday 8th October. We were delighted to have an increase in the number of new exhibitors and had over 200 entries in the show. Our judges John Goodwin, Joyce Nisbet and Jerry Collins spent a busy morning deciding on the winners of the classes and then the special prize cards for the best exhibit in each section of the show and finally awarding the best in show to a beautiful round section, exhibited by Liz Camm. Sydney Hollinshead sponsored the gift classes and this resulted in 10 jars being gifted to St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford. Special thanks go to Frank Kirkham, who gifted some extra jars which will be sold at the Hospice. The Hospice staff have sent their thanks to the CBKA for our contributions from this show and from the Royal Cheshire Show. Thanks go to our stewards and helpers, Stuart Forbes, Nicki Summerfield, Sue Payge, Ian Turley, Nick Johnson and Frank Kirkham who helped us set up at the beginning of the day. Our microscopy classes were judged by Jerry Collins and he was impressed by the entries which he said were of an extremely high standard. It would be brilliant to have some more entries in these classes next year. Our thanks go to Pete Sutcliffe for bringing the microscopes and setting them up ready for the judging. The stewards finished their duties in time to join everyone for Jerry Collins hugely informative and entertaining talk and then we returned to the show for the prize giving. Pam Hatton kindly presented the trophies for all the sections and then the County Challenge Shield for the most points earned by members of each branch. North Cheshire were delighted to win (again!) but the other branches were not far behind. Just a few more entries needed from the other branches! North Cheshire 71 points, Mid-Cheshire 62 points, South Cheshire 40 points, Stockport 32 points _**Sarah Johnson**_ **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **12** ## **BEE DISEASE REPORT FOR 2022** For the fourth year in a row, there were no cases of notifiable disease found in Cheshire. Despite the ongoing shortage of resources within the National Bee Unit North West Regional team, the number of colony inspections by the Bee Inspectors increased slightly over the 2021 figure. All members need to be vigilant and to check their colonies for notifiable disease. The fact that no cases have been reported in recent years does not mean there is no longer a threat. A bee health day was organised in May this year by Stockport Branch in conjunction with Bee Inspectors from the National Bee Unit. Some 53 beekeepers from Cheshire and surrounding counties attended. Two confirmed sightings of Asian Hornet were reported in the UK this year, one near Rayleigh, Essex in September where a nest was found and destroyed and a single insect caught in Felixstowe, Suffolk in April. You can find more information about this on Beebase at www.nationalbeeunit.com. Please make sure you are registered on Beebase, and that your contact details are up to date, as this will ensure you can be notified immediately if any notifiable disease or Asian Hornets are found in the area and will help the National Bee Unit to manage any outbreaks. ## _**Graham Royle**_ _Bees take nothing, yet give so much. I can think of no better way than beekeeping to help people in a world where it is crucial that we take care of our fragile environment Bill Turnull (1956 - 2022)_ **https://beesfordevelopment.org** **13** ## **SOUTH CHESHIRE BRANCH REPORT 2022** |**Branch Chair:**|Daid Fray|**Librarian:**|Nichola Summerfeld| |---|---|---|---| |**Vice Chair:**|Liz Camm|**Speaker Manager:**|Pete Sutclife| |**Secretary:**|Julia Forbes-Leith|**Other Members:**|Nikki Dakin| |**Treasurer:**|Dee Smith||Sydney Hollinshead| |**Apiary Manager:**|Liz Camm||Sheila Hargreaves| |**Education Secretary:**|Isobel Large||Helen Scott| |**Website Manager:**|Marine Godot||Liz Jenkinson| |**Show Manager:**|Alan Smith||Helen Palacz| ||||Neil Williams| 2022 has enabled us to get back to face to face meetings and fully establish the new apiary at Reaseheath College while settling in to Smallwood Village Hall for winter meetings. The legacy of Covid has meant a drop in attendance at all meetings, although it is gradually improving, and membership is as high as ever. January saw David Fray take over as Chairman after Pete Sutcliffe completed his maximum term. Our January AGM saw a few other changes to the Committee which remains at full strength. We have had several entertaining and informative talks, including Karl Colyer on “Things I wish I had known earlier and David Fray on “Bee Pheromones”. There have also been two joint meetings with North Staffordshire. The summer and winter venues mean that the library has only been available during the winter meetings at Smallwood, where It is now housed in a locked cabinet. We continue to establish the relationship with Reaseheath College. The new apiary started the year with 14 hives and finished with 17. A number of beginners have been helping the apiary team. The branch is indebted to all the work that Liz Camm and her team have put in over the year. This year’s Beginners Course had 24 participants of whom 22 completed the course. 21 people attended two “Taster Days” at Reaseheath College. A workshop was held on Swarm control. While we did not have the option of previous years of helping the Cheshire BKA displays at RHS Tatton or the Cheshire Show, a number of members helped to steward the Nantwich Honey Show in July. South Cheshire’s own Honey Show in October was well subscribed and Alan Smith was able to engage national judge, Joyce Nesbit. The year finished with the Christmas Social and Quiz where members and guests were very well fed and challenged by David Fray’s entertaining and not-too-difficult quiz. ## _**Julia Forbes-Leith**_ **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **14** ## **NORTH CHESHIRE BRANCH REPORT 2022** |**Branch Chair:**|Stuart Hatton|**Apiary Management**|**Committee:**| |---|---|---|---| |**Secretary:**|Polly Smith||Peter Woodhead| |**Treasurer:**|Peter Woodhead||Paul Williams| |**Training Coordinator:**|Maria Heywood||Julia Young| |**Show Manager:**|Graham Platt||Polly Smith| |**Librarian:**|Cathy Ellis|**Other Members:**|Pamela Hatton| ||||Kelvin Heywood| ||||Graham Fifoot| ||||John Sadler| Although 2022 was another unsettled year, honeybees kept on working, and North Cheshire Beekeepers kept on looking after their bees and fulfilling their aim of promoting and furthering the craft of beekeeping. The year started with a setback when a rise in Covid cases meant that the January AGM had to be conducted via Zoom. John Sadler retired from his position as Branch Secretary and Programmes Manager after 10 years of complete dedication and incomparable efficiency; Polly Smith was elected to take over as Secretary, and the role of Programmes Manager is currently being filled by the Branch Committee as a whole. All other officers and committee members were re-elected. It was disappointing to have to start the 2022 Beginners’ Theory course on Zoom, but the 22 trainees were undeterred and attended with equal enthusiasm when face to face sessions became possible in February. Seventeen of them went on to take the practical courses at Walton, Hatton, Chester and Hartford, where they experienced the effects of an unsettled year including swarms, failed and missing queens and laying workers, alongside very strong colonies filling supers faster than they could be replaced. Such challenges might have disconcerted the faint hearted, but in fact both trainers and trainees appreciated the learning opportunities they offered. As well as providing beginners’ training, the Branch also supported its more experienced members: Pam & Stuart Hatton ran a study group for BBKA Module 7, held a practical session for members taking the Basic Assessment, and are currently guiding learners through Module 1. In addition, the Branch hosted a well-attended microscopy course with Graham Royle, and two Wax Workshops run by Pam Hatton. By February both Covid and the weather had settled enough to allow almost 40 members to get to Frodsham for Alison Hine’s excellent presentation on what comes next after starting with a nuc last year: unsurprisingly the answer involved a lot more than simply putting the bees in a hive. A theme that emerged in the beekeeping press and online forums during 2022, was whether or not to continue treating for varroa. This debate was put into context at the March meeting, in a scholarly but accessible talk from varroa expert Professor Stephen Martin, titled ‘understanding varroa mite resistance’, in which he explained why best practice might be to ‘halve the treatment and double the monitoring’. The following month, the importance of monitoring varroa also featured in Graham Royle’s beautifully illustrated talk on ‘Reading the Bees’. Although this was the annual ‘disease meeting’ the talk focused on healthy as well as diseased colonies; an approach that was justified when the microscopists who had been behind the scenes checking samples of bees for nosema reported that out of 16 colonies tested only two **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **15** showed signs of the fungus. Anecdotally, it seemed that variations in colony temperament were more marked than usual in 2022, and the topic arose at the first Branch apiary meeting for two years, when members gathered at Julia Young’s apiary on a warm May evening for a demonstration by Ian Molyneux. After explaining the demaree process for swarm control, and showing how to mark and number a queen, Ian shared his criteria for selecting good colonies and rejecting others on the basis of their defensive behaviour: roughly summed up as ‘three stings and you’re out’. As well as temperament, from the start of the flying season problems with queens seemed to be a regular topic of conversation and queens were the focus for the June apiary meeting at Hatton Lodge, where Pam and Stuart demonstrated what to do with a colony of laying workers: in this case find a volunteer to climb over the fence to shake the bees out at a suitable distance from the hive site; and how to deal with a queenless hive that had multiple queen cells, by creating two nucs with a queen cell in each. As the Branch meetings programme seemed to be running smoothly, it was no trouble to postpone the July meeting at Mark Phillipson’s apiary for a week so he could concentrate on again organising the BBKA stand at RHS Tatton. However, it was particularly unfortunate that Mark then tested positive for Covid and the meeting had to be cancelled at short notice. There was further disappointment when disease of another kind led to the cancellation of the September Heather Meeting at Llandegla, in this case the presence of EFB in the area. However, the new starters evening in August attracted record numbers of would-be beekeepers, several of whom had signed up for the 2003 training course before the end of the evening. Despite, or maybe because of the extreme weather conditions during the summer months, the honey harvest across the area showed a significance increase on last year, which may have been a factor in the number of members entering the Branch Honey Show in September for the first time. This was particularly gratifying as for various reasons some of the Branch’s more experienced exhibitors chose not to enter this year. Show judge Terry Ashley provided a helpful and entertaining commentary on all the entries, and although he missed having candles to light, or mead to taste, he found compensation in the standard of the confectionary entries. It was in part thanks to the efforts of new and less experienced members that North Cheshire was once again awarded the County Shield at the CBKA Honey Show in October, and to judge by the success of Pam Hatton’s wax workshops, and the attendance of more than 40 at her excellent talk on wax and demonstration of candle making, there may be more entries in wax classes next year. The turn-out for this November meeting was all the more pleasing as the weather was dreadful on the night. Audience sizes are often affected by external conditions, as seen in October when road closures and traffic chaos resulted in a delayed start and smaller than usual numbers attending Geoff Critchley’s informative talk on how bees and plants communicate. However, whatever the weather, interest in bees and beekeeping in the region remained high, and throughout the year requests were received from schools and other organisations wanting beekeepers to give talks or provide information stands at events. Several branch committee members responded by going into schools, and to meetings of clubs and societies, providing information stands at fetes and garden open days, or simply by talking at length about bees to interested members of the public anywhere and everywhere they came across them. No-one can predict the future, but if we can be certain of anything in 2023, it is that honeybees will keep on working, beekeepers will go on caring for them, and NCBK will continue to provide support and encouragement to keep that relationship strong and fruitful. _**Polly Smith**_ **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **16** ## **MID CHESHIRE BRANCH REPORT 2022** |**Branch Chair:**|Karl Colyer|**Other Members:**|Lesley Jacques| |---|---|---|---| |**Secretary:**|Ian Turley||Jo Zielinski| |**Treasurers:**|Sarah & Nick Johnson||Dave Wright| |**Show Manager:**|Stuart Forbes||Steve Purkis| |**Show Steward:**|Lesley Parker||Shaun Gee| |**Librarians:**|Sarah & Nick Johnson||| As usual the year started with our branch AGM in January. Lesley Parker stepped down as Chair and Stuart Forbes stepped down as Secretary. This allowed Karl Colyer to be elected to both roles, with Lesley Jacques taking the role of ViceChair. Two new committee members were added, Ian Turley and Jo Zielinski joining as general committee members during the AGM. Mid-Cheshire is still the smallest CBKA branch having started on from the 2021 membership year with 76 members but is continuing to steadily grow with 32 new members joining in 2022. A major new initiative led by Steve Purkis and Sarah Johnson was also started in January with the launch of the “Bee Chat” at the Blue Cap. This is aimed at attracting new and prospective beekeepers to come along to discuss and find out about beekeeping in a less formal surroundings than a branch meeting where people can come and go as needed. These have been held approximately every third Wednesday of the winter months and have been a tremendous success especially contributing significantly to attracting new members to the branch. The end of January saw Steve Purkis and Shaun Gee step down from the committee. In February, we were entertained by the excellent Mark Phillipson who gave his experiences and advice in beekeeping with “Getting Ready for Spring”. This was particularly interesting for new and novice beekeepers as he gave useful tips on preparing for the coming year with examples of the equipment he uses both in normal hives and for queen rearing. He also gave some wise tips about not getting too comfortable in thinking we know everything there is to know and about thinking it is an easy hobby as the bees will surprise us all – little did we know how particularly relevant this would turn out to be with what the 2022 summer would bring! The second Bee Chat took place, again proving to be very popular with a number of new faces attending and Steve Purkis explaining his smoker box as a very useful addition. In early March, we had our Beginners’ Meeting attracting 35 people to the event; a brief introduction to the craft, allowing potential new beekeepers to attend our summer apiary meetings and even to acquire their own colony of bees during the same season. The meeting at the Blue Cap included a short introductory talk by Karl Colyer with the room laid out with various pieces of kit to allow lots of questions and the new beekeepers the chance of experiencing all the equipment needed. We concluded our first winter of successful sessions of the Bee Chat. In April, we started the month by “Making Colony Increases” with Bob Beards, who explained a rapid method of increasing your colonies developed by Miller. Amazing that within weeks you could go from 7/8 hives to 56 – Think of all that extra equipment! Later, the “Bee Chats” moved outdoors with a more practical focus with Nick and Sarah Johnson hosting another first for Mid-Cheshire, with their “Beginners Taster Apiary Meeting” or more aptly “Introduction to Practical Beekeeping” sessions held in their apiary in Antrobus. The event allowed a first chance for **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **17** new or novice beekeepers to actually look into a hive, hold a frame and to try and spot the queen – always an interesting task (and am sure Nick and Sarah are just using us to find their queen for them)! Expert tuition was provided with help from Karl Colyer and Steve Purkis. Two sessions were run in the afternoon with over 20 people attending. In May, we started the first of our summer branch apiary visits at Dave Wright’s Oscroft Apiary. An interesting visit as Dave has a selection of different hive types including a top bar hive, (and a top bar nuc of sorts!) long hive, WBC as well as nationals. Interesting to see the different techniques required to inspect. The Bee Chats switched to Summer “Apiary Training”, where different members host a themed training evening at their apiary. This started at Ian and Jane Turley’s Kingsmead apiary where, due to the advantageous weather, they were able to demonstrate a Bailey Comb Change, a routine swarm control method and the re-queening (with a frame of eggs from Nick and Sarah Johnson) of a hive with a failing and grumpy queen. Our June apiary visit was hosted by Lesley Jacques in Hartford, demonstrating merging a colony with newspaper and small queen rearing techniques using mini mating nucs. She also amused the crowd with her blue marked drones showing up in multiple hives, including later in the year in Arley – clearly demonstrating that the drones do not care and will happily visit and live in any hive. The Mid-Cheshire branch held a successful honey show at The Royal Cheshire Show in June. We were delighted to have entries from each of the branches of Cheshire with entries in twentyseven classes and a total of seventy exhibits. Our judge, Terry Ashley, was impressed by the quality of the entries and we were able to present some of the trophies which had been held in the trophy vault of the Cheshire show for many years. The honey show remained on display for the duration of the show and many people visited the stand and asked about the exhibits and were able to buy some honey and wax products. Several mid-Cheshire members, particularly Jane Turley, Lorraine Shuker and Stuart Forbes helped steward the stand and we also had help from Pam and Stuart Hatton and Pete Sutcliffe. David Curbishley organised a beekeeping information stand where there were bees in an observation hive, a demonstration of skep making and a lot of other information about bees and beekeeping. David was helped on the stand by Mark and Andrea Phillipson, Bob Beards, Lesley Parker and Graham Law. This stand was very busy with visitors and the honey show is going to be next to this stand next year, making it a large area dedicated to bees and beekeeping. For the second year, we also had a stand at the Arley Flower show where Dave Wright, Ian Turley, Jane Turley and Stuart Forbes and three frames of bees wooed the crowds, including Lord Ashbrook himself, with their beekeeping knowledge and skill. Thanks go to Dave Wright for providing the observation hive and contents. It was interesting to see as much fascination from the adults as from the children, with most children knowing a lot more than their parents. Early July, saw the branch revisit Nick and Sarah’s apiary in glorious hot weather for an educational demonstration on doing an alcohol wash for varroa counting and other useful tips such as removing odd frames for early extraction. Later in July, we were hosted by Simon Raeburn at his wood in Cuddington, where due to the ideal weather and growth of the bees, he had performed multiple splits and a useful demonstration of how different bees can have such a different temperament. Also in July, we re-launched our Facebook Group (Open Mid Cheshire Beekeepers) and opened a Twitter account (@MidCheshBKA). We hope these will provide a useful resource to both MidCheshire and the wider CBKA and will also be used to co-ordinate buying groups, share knowledge and keep everyone up to date. Our August branch visit had to be cancelled due **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **18** to Mark Phillipson unfortunately contracting COVID. Our final outdoor Bee Chat was hosted by Ken Houghton in Winsford, where the plan was to check and potentially re-queen one of the hives that had a new queen that was not laying, only to find with much surprise, a full brood of eggs and capped brood. How the bees tease us! In September Buckfast Abbey gave an enlightened zoom talk “Swarming – oops my bees have swarmed!” - the reasons bees swarm and the mechanics which unfold prior to that big exit. Simple ways to work with the bees to stop them going; the back-up work needed to check how it all went; and encourage the beekeeper to embrace the phenomenon of swarming to be full of opportunities, rather than something to be feared or viewed as a nuisance. Later in the month, Lesley Jacques gave a packed Winnington Park Rugby Club useful lessons on preparing for winter. Ian Turley took over the role of secretary. In October, we were back to our indoor branch meetings with a pragmatic talk on “Breeding Out Bad Traits” from the CBKA Chair Peter Sutcliffe. Everyone left with a number of interesting facts and tips to think over and consider especially around the effects on others a poor queen can have (including her drones!) We also launched our new website, which we hope will help to attract new members and to provide a useful resource to members. In November we had a tremendous turn out at our yearly Honey Show at the Blue Cap with over seventy entries. This was especially pleasing after last year’s event had to be cancelled due to lack of support. The event was superbly judged by Joyce Nisbet, who provided an excellent running description on the judging process. At one point, we were concerned that the pub would close before the judging could be completed, such was the number of entries and the expert commentary by Joyce. Outstanding contributions from Sarah Johnson who won the greatest number of points and for Helen Parkinson for winning Best in Show for her “Frame ready for extraction”. A big thanks to Stuart Forbes for the organisation and to Lesley Parker for stewarding as well as expert judging by Joyce. November also saw another first for MidCheshire, with the start of our “Beginner Beekeeping Theory” course created and hosted by Lesley Jacques. The course was vastly oversubscribed and it is hopeful that this will be the first of many years of providing these sessions. The last winter Bee Chat of 2022 was a slightly more subdued event, mainly due to poor weather and a certain football event. The next event will be at the end of January, where we hope to continue to attract new members prior to our March 2023 beginner’s event. We rounded-off the year with a superbly enjoyable meal at Blue Cap in December, organised expertly by Jo Zielinski, during which members and their guests discussed the highs and lows of their beekeeping season and their plans for 2023. As a branch, 2023 approaches with a lot of optimism and excitement as we approach the major milestone, allowing for people not rejoining, of breaking (or already broken) the 100membership mark, with 32 new members in 2022 alone. Our main aim now is to consolidate and continue to improve with membership growth and with our key objective being the addition of our own training apiary. _**Ian Turley**_ **19** ## **STOCKPORT BRANCH REPORT 2022** |**Branch Chair:**|Peter Carefoot|**Education Secretary:**|Alan Towse| |---|---|---|---| |**Secretary:**|Steve Donohoe|**Show Manager:**
|Sue Payge| |**Treasurer:**|Alistair Taylor|**Programme Manager:**|Tricia Watkins| |**Apiary Manager:**|David Lilley|**Librarian:**
|Paul Wheeldon| |**Assistant Apiary**||**Other Members:**
|Mark Davis| |**Manager:**|Dermot Carty||Liz Sparkes| ||||Brian Gee| At the end of the year, the branch membership is 257. An increase of 5 from the same time last year. The year began with the sad news that Derek Lockett had died. He was a founder of Stockport Beekeepers and the last surviving member of that thoughtful group whose initiative established Stockport as a premier centre of northern beekeeping. Representatives from the Committee attended Derek's funeral at Langley Methodist Church. After the Covid disruptions of 2021, it was with relief that 26 students could complete the 9- week Beginner's Course on schedule at Aquinas College. There were some Covid restrictions in place, but these did not detract from the capability to deliver the nine scheduled lessons. Most of these students also signed up for the practical sessions at the Woodbank Apiary, with some continuing to support the weekly colony checks when the course ended. In addition, there was a Beekeeping Taster day in July, again fully subscribed, with many attendees signing up for the 2023 theory course. Many thanks to Alan and Linda Towse, who have organised and managed the education programme with their usual efficiency. David Lilley has done an excellent job in his first season as the Apiary Manager. But, unfortunately, the apiary lost two colonies from the twelve that entered the winter. Nevertheless, colonies developed nicely and supported an intensive season of training and interruptions. David initiated a WhatsApp group to summon people to the teaching and colony check nights at the apiary, which has been a great success. Supported by Dermot, he has developed a team of branch members who regularly come to help out and learn at the Woodbank Apiary. The branch honey extraction night on September 7th was two weeks earlier than previous years and may indicate the influence that warmer weather has had on bee activity and honey production. The yield was 269 lbs from 10 colonies. It is a good result considering the interruptions and strains that teaching puts upon the bees. At the end of 2022, twelve national colonies have been prepared and bedded down for the winter. Trisha Watkins organised the year's events with her usual attention to detail. With the support of branch members, particularly the Committee, she delivered an impressive schedule of events. However, members have suggested ways of enhancing the program for 2023, focusing on more face-to-face events with an emphasis on enabling members to meet and socialise more. The 2023 programme makes a start to reflect this, but more needs to be done. A Bee Health Day took place at Aquinas College on May 21st. It was a long day, but attendees, NBU presenters and the SBKA support team all agreed it had been worthwhile and enjoyable. The classroom layout with integrated IT was ideal, minimising any time lost between breakout sessions. The NBU team had revised the day's content, and there was much praise from attendees for the style and scope of the presentations. The organisation of the day had been long and meticulous. Aquinas College **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **20** supported ideas from the team and ensured staff were on hand to test processes and provide support on the day. The NBU team arrived the night before to set up and test procedures and advise on last-minute alterations. Their approach throughout the process was professional and expert. SBKA kept costs to a minimum by reusing resources and avoiding unnecessary expenses, which did not detract from the enjoyment. Beekeepers from across the North West regional organisations attended the event. Those who registered considered the £20 ticket price to be good value. There was a small financial surplus. On May 28th, members took seven stalls selling beekeeping products and demonstration hives into Stockport town centre to celebrate World Bee Day. Against the backdrop of the Mersey Way Woodland experience and with support from Stockport Council and the security team, the celebrations were a big hit with the shoppers. There is already a date in the 2023 diary, thanks to the tremendous support from the public and Stockport Council. This event now has the makings of a yearly event. A special thanks to Alan Towse and Tricia Watkins for their help planning these events and to other colleagues for their support. Woodford Community Hall was the venue for the annual Honey Show Saturday, November 12th. It was Sue Payge's first as Show Manager, and members responded with over 140 entries. The high number of new beekeepers showing honey and cakes was outstanding, and, according to judges Terry Ashley and Jane Barlow, standards were high quality. Thank you to everyone who helped with the setting up and to everyone involved in putting the show together. And a big thank you to everyone that entered. It was great to have so many newcomers help us celebrate the golden nectar that our wonderful bees produce. Alan now has bees at three primary schools in the Stockport area. SBKA has bought initial equipment, and the schools have had fundraising events to finance the set-up. The celebration of World Bee Day, particularly at Mellor Primary School and Torkington Primary School, was a delight for the kids involved and the lookers-on. It was a brilliant day. The highlight for the schools and pupils was the first honey crop, which sold at parents' evenings at exorbitant prices. So great was the demand that families could buy just one jar. During May, Alan and Peter delivered beekeeping theory lessons at The ARC, an abstinence and recovery centre next to HMP Strangeways. Alan supported the team throughout the summer and was able to share the excitement with the first crop of honey. Alan then repeated the course at The Pavilion, a residential drug and alcohol treatment centre near Lancaster. In November, the Governor of HMP Strangeways asked Alan if he would arrange the beekeeping course for the prison in the spring of 2023. The Branch ended the year in a solid financial position as in previous years. Alistair closed the old bank account and transferred branch funds to a new current account with Barclays bank. The electronic transfer of money is now more timely and robust to comply with Charity Commission requirements and protect SBKA funds. Steve Donohoe arranged the bulk purchase delivery of syrup and fondant from Paul Beardmore at Modern Beekeeping at cost price. The Branch paid all delivery and admin charges. The fondant sold out almost immediately, whilst a small amount of syrup is leftover should beekeepers need it at spring start-up. Congratulations to Margaret Charlton and Carl Nicholls, who passed their BBKA Basic Assessment. Also, Michael Dale passed Module 3 - Honey Bee Pests, Diseases and Poisoning with credit. Alan Towse received the prestigious Canon Evans Memorial Cup at the Cheshire BKA Spring Convention. The trophy is awarded annually for service to Cheshire Beekeeping. Congratulations to Alan for his outstanding contribution to Stockport Beekeeping in 2021. **Peter Carefoot** **21** ## **EQUIPMENT HELD BY THE ASSOCIATION AVAILABLE ON LOAN** These must be collected in person and returned by the agreed date. Observation hive Pam and Stuart Hatton. (Tel 01925 263023) Honey extractors Most branches hold honey extractors for hire to members for a nominal sum. Please contact your branch secretary for details. Library books A selection of library books is available for loan from branch libraries. Please contact your branch librarian for details. These are listed in the branch reports. Archive materials A selection of CBKA archive materials is held by Peter Sutcliffe. (Tel: 01477 535374) Microscopy equipment Microscopes and associated equipment are held by Graham Royle. (Tel 01260 252042) Please note that the borrower is responsible for the careful use and safe return of all equipment borrowed. **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **22** ## **WIRRAL BRANCH REPORT 2022** **Branch Chair:** Nigel Brierley **Secretary:** Janine Unwin **Treasurer:** Nick Ashton Our 2022 AGM was again held via Zoom, with one member resigning as no one stepped forward to fill their position, as a direct result of this the Beginners Course had to be put on the back burner. An Apiary meeting was held in mid July for Beginners who had missed the practical section of their course due to Covid restrictions. Several attendees commented afterwards, saying the methods learnt on the theory course were now better understood. A follow up meeting took place in early September to show the progress of the Colonies. Our joint heather meeting had to be cancelled, after I received an email from the SBI for North East Wales, informing me of an outbreak of EFB in the local area, which is a common occurrence. Our September indoor meeting was a semisocial event where members mixed, asking and answering questions and sharing their Beekeeping experiences. Graham Royle came to our October meeting to tell us about his methods of Beekeeping, very interesting and well received by those present. November saw a quiz hosted by the North West regional Bee inspector, which was very informative. Our December meeting was the first at a new venue. This was a bring and share evening, plus a general knowledge quiz, all good fun and extremely enjoyable. Most members I have spoken to agree with me that this is one of the best season’s for honey yield for some years. ## _**Nigel Brierley**_ **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **23** ManutactureT8 & SupplleT8 of Beekeeplng Equlpmenti If you ure nol wlnu lo any of the %hou)% Ihen check our we￿.11(, lor lunlu%llc orriirs WLI wlll bLi htlvlnll s(IIL>S on IhLiSe days helow=_ Bootradex at Ston&.loiKh- 41h Fob Ulltsr BILA. XP. l•th F•b Th• B••k••pl•w •how at T•ll•Yd. 2Jth F•b W•l•h BKA. 951& BBILA at Har￿T IX*I Ii*d Aprll N•tlonAI Honey show •t P￿k *7th to *•th 00t471￿r OLD ROAD, hWSEMORI GLOUCE5TEIL GL2 eHT, TEL. 01452 700289 sales@bee5-onlSne.co.vk www.bees-onllne.co.uk www.woodenbriqvettes.co.uk 24 Ch85hire Beekeepers, Association ## **TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2022** The following pages show the financial accounts for Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association and its branches for the year ended 31 December 2022. The next page shows the position of Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association in total, that is to say, the sum of the County, its five branches and the endowments given for the benefit of members. These show total funds of £89,348.34 compared to funds of £94,255.78 at 31 December 2021. North Cheshire and Mid Cheshire branches both made surpluses in the year of £779.47 and £717.88 respectively. South Cheshire made a deficit of (£3,206.44) after investing in its new branch apiary at Reaseheath. Stockport branch made a deficit of (£2,829.37) after apiary running costs and investing in the bulk purchase of ambrosia syrup for resale to members. A deficit of (£992.67) was made by Wirral due to the timing of expenses for 2023 training costs. The County’s income and expenditure broadly matched in 2022, leaving a small surplus of £660.44 from donations received. Taking all of the branches, the County, and funds given for the benefit CBKA together, Cheshire Beekeepers Association made a combined deficit of (£4,907.44) in 2022 (2021 surplus of £2,653.77). During the year the Committee reviewed and discussed the Charity’s reserves. Whilst there is no fixed policy on reserves, the Committee review these annually taking into account branch and County spending plans, the movements in BBKA capitation and overall membership. The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Charity SORP FRSSE. _**Simon Nuttall** Honorary County Treasurer_ ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT** I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Cheshire Beekeepers Association for the year ended 31 December 2022. I have completed my examination and I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination. I believe that in all material respects: 1. Accounting records were kept in respect of the Association 2. The accounts do accord with those records; 3. The accounts do comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act. 4. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by Charities. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination. _**John Sheekey B.Sc ACMA ICPA** Honorary County Auditor_ **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **25** ## **CHESHIRE BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** |||**UNRESTRICTED**|**UNRESTRICTED**| |---|---|---|---| ||**_County_**|**_North_**|**_South_**| |**INCOMING RESOURCES**|£|£|£| |Voluntary income|33,820.86|295.00|0.00| |Activities for generating funds|1,610.40|129.00|485.00| |Investment income|36.63|41.83|0.41| |Incoming resources from charitable activities|3,913.67|3,657.43|3,098.75| |Other incoming resources|0.00|0.00|52.97| |**Total incoming resources**|39,381.56|4,123.26|3,637.13| |**RESOURCES EXPENDED**|||| |Costs of generating voluntary income|(29,488.65)|(1,045.91)|(953.00)| |Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold|0.00|(58.00)|(1.75)| |Cost of charitable activities|(5,650.20)|(2,108.88)|(5,745.82)| |Governance costs|(1,867.20)|0.00|0.00| |Other resources expended|(1,375.07)|(131.00)|(143.00)| |**Total resources expended**|(38,381.12)|(3,343.79)|(6,843.57)| |**Net in/out resources before transfers**|1,000.44|779.47|(3,206.44)| |**TRANSFERS**|||| |Branch capitation|(340.00)|0.00|0.00| |Branch transfers|0.00|0.00|0.00| |**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**|660.44|779.47|(3,206.44)| |**OPENING TOTAL ASSETS**|**23,241.18**|**17,067.95**|**11,546.95**| |Cash funds|23,901.62|17,847.42|8,340.51| |Investment assets|20.00|0.00|0.00| |Liabilities|0.00|0.00|0.00| |**CLOSING TOTAL ASSETS**|**23,921.62**|**17,847.42**|**8,340.51**| **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **26** ## **FUNDS ENDOWMENT FUNDS** |**_Wirral_**
£
175.10
902.18
14.11
5,222.74
0.00
6,314.13
(1,229.69)
(4,336.23)
(3,375.08)
0.00
(202.50)
(9,143.50)
(2,829.37)
0.00
0.00
(2,829.37)
**22,191.86**
19,362.49
0.00
0.00
**19,362.49**
£
333.11
66.00
0.00
506.68
26.20
931.99
(240.00)
0.00
(314.11)
0.00
0.00
(554.11)
377.88
340.00
0.00
717.88
**2,964.34**
3,682.22
0.00
0.00
**3,682.22**
**_Stockport_**
**_Mid Cheshire_**
£
0.00
0.00
12.04
0.00
0.00
12.04
(577.70)
(171.30)
(231.00)
0.00
(24.71)
(1,004.71)
(992.67)
0.00
0.00
(992.67)
**15,267.24**
14,274.57
00.00
0.00
**14,274.57**|£
0.00
0.00
2.14
0.00
0.00
2.14
0.00
0.00
(40.00)
0.00
0.00
(40.00)
(37.86)
0.00
0.00
(37.86)
**1,287.16**
1,249.30
0.00
0.00
**1,249.30**
£
0.00
0.00
1.11
0.00
0.00
1.11
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1.11
0.00
0.00
1.11
**669.10**
670.21
0.00
0.00
**670.21**
**_Grifths_**
**_W Menzies_**|£
34,624.07
3,192.58
108.27
16,399.27
79.17
**TOTAL**| |---|---|---| |||54,403.36
(33,534.95)
(4,567.28)
(17,465.09)
(1,867.20)
(1,876.28)| |||(59,310.80)| |||(4,907.44)
0.00
0.00| |||(4,907.44)| |||**94,235.78**
89,328.34
20.00
0.00| |||**89,348.34**| **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **27** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - COUNTY YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022** **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **28** **Report and Balance Sheet 2022 29** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - NORTH CHESHIRE** |**INCOMING RESOURCES:**
**Voluntary income**
Admissions
Subscriptions
**Activities for generating funds**
Rafe
**Investment income**
Interest income
**Incoming resources from charitable activities**
Training courses
Honey and bee sales
Jar & Equipment sales
Donations
Extractor rental income
**Total incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**
**Costs of generating voluntary income**
Running expenses
Room hire
Speakers expenses
Printing & stationery
**Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold**
Catering/ refreshments/ rafe
Special celebration costs
**Cost of charitable activities**
Apiary running costs
Apiary rent
Training course running costs
Training Equipment
Autumn convention costs
Show judge & trophy engraving
Honey show printing and stationery
**Other resources expended**
Miscellaneous costs
AGM costs
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers**
**TRANSFERS**
Branch capitation from County
**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**
Opening cash funds
Closing cash at bank
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**|**INCOMING RESOURCES:**
**Voluntary income**
Admissions
Subscriptions
**Activities for generating funds**
Rafe
**Investment income**
Interest income
**Incoming resources from charitable activities**
Training courses
Honey and bee sales
Jar & Equipment sales
Donations
Extractor rental income
**Total incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**
**Costs of generating voluntary income**
Running expenses
Room hire
Speakers expenses
Printing & stationery
**Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold**
Catering/ refreshments/ rafe
Special celebration costs
**Cost of charitable activities**
Apiary running costs
Apiary rent
Training course running costs
Training Equipment
Autumn convention costs
Show judge & trophy engraving
Honey show printing and stationery
**Other resources expended**
Miscellaneous costs
AGM costs
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers**
**TRANSFERS**
Branch capitation from County
**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**
Opening cash funds
Closing cash at bank
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**|**£**
295.00
0.00
129.00
41.83
2,458.00
1,036.83
37.60
50.00
75.00
**4,123.26**
(275.82)
(201.60)
(530.00)
(38.49)
(58.00)
(1,157.90)
(863.38)
(87.60)
(131.00)
**(3,343.79)**
779.47
0.00
**779.47**
17,067.95
17,847.42
**17,847.42**
**_North_**
2022|**_North_**
2021
**£**
77.00
44.50
93.00
0.91
2,360.00
751.24
278.49
90.00
**3,695.14**
(203.88)
(216.00)
(149.90)
(85.22)
(1,241.10)
(767.40)
(33.00)
(99.00)
**(2,795.50)**
899.64
735.00
**1,634.64**
15,433.31
17,067.95
**17,067.95**| |---|---|---|---| |
**BRANCH APIARY STOCK NOTE:**
_Branch apiary honey b/fwd at 01 January (lbs)_
**_0_**
_This year’s branch apiary honey harvest_
_296_
_Sales of honey in the year_
_(296_
_Branch apiary honey c/fwd at 31 December (lbs)_**_0_**|
_)_
|
_Treasurer: P. Woodhead_
_Auditor: P. Smith_|| |**30**||**Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association**|| ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - SOUTH CHESHIRE** |**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**INCOMING RESOURCES:**
**Voluntary income**
Admissions
Donations
**Activities for generating funds**
Rafe
**Investment income**
Interest income
**Incoming resources from charitable activities**
Training courses
Honey and bee sales
Other sales
Value of apiary honey used for payments
Extractor rental
Miscellaneous income
**Total incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**
**Costs of generating voluntary income**
Room hire
Speakers expenses
Printing & stationery
BDI payments
**Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold**
Catering/ refreshments/ rafe
**Cost of charitable activities**
Apiary running costs
Apiary rent
Training course running costs
Training Equipment
Dinner costs
Library
Autumn convention costs
Honey show prizes
Honey show printing & stationery
**Other**
Miscellaneous costs
Auditor
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers**
**TRANSFERS**
Branch capitation from County
Other branch transfers
**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**
Opening cash funds
Closing cash at bank
**BRANCH APIARY STOCK NOTE:**
_Branch apiary honey b/fwd at 01 January (lbs)_
**_0_**
_This year’s branch apiary honey harvest_
_520_
_Sales of honey in the year_
_(71.5)_
_Payment in honey - to non CBKA members_
_(22)_
_Branch apiary honey c/fwd at 31 December (lbs)_**_426.5_**|**_South_**
2022
**£**
485.00
0.41
2,295.00
472.50
109.25
210.00
12.00
52.97
**3,637.13**
(678.00)
(225.00)
0.00
(1.75)
(3,609.33)
(200.00)
(507.00)
(234.59)
(58.94)
(99.35)
(1,036.61)
(133.00)
(10.00)
**(6,843.57)**
(3,206.44)
0.00
**(3,206.44)**
11,546.95
8,340.51
**8,340.51**
**_South_**
2021
_Treasurer: D. Smith_
_Auditor: L. Stone_
**£**
172.00
0.69
1,761.00
493.60
200.00
25.00
**2,650.29**
(13.10)
(1,259.66)
(190.00)
(80.00)
(101.03
(210.90)
(10.00)
**(1,864.69)**
785.60
645.00
**1,430.60**
10,116.35
11,546.95
**11,546.95**|**_South_**
2021
**£**
172.00
0.69
1,761.00
493.60
200.00
25.00
**2,650.29**
(13.10)
(1,259.66)
(190.00)
(80.00)
(101.03
(210.90)
(10.00)| |---|---|---| |||**(1,864.69)**| |||785.60
645.00
**1,430.60**
10,116.35
11,546.95| |||**11,546.95**| **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **31** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - MID CHESHIRE** |**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**INCOMING RESOURCES:**
**Voluntary income**
Admissions
**Activities for generating funds**
Rafe
**Incoming resources from charitable activities**
Donations
Extractor rental income
Miscellaneous
**Total incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**
**Costs of generating voluntary income**
Room hire
Speakers expenses
**Cost of charitable activities**
Convention costs
Miscellaneous
Library books
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers**
**TRANSFERS**
Branch capitation from County
**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**
Opening cash funds
Closing cash at bank|**£**
333.11
66.00
486.68
20.00
26.20
**931.99**
(140.00)
(100.00)
(25.00)
(172.11)
(117.00)
**(554.11)**
377.88
340.00
**717.88**
2,964.34
3,682.22
**3,682.22**
**_Mid Cheshire_**
2022|**_Mid Cheshire_**
2021
**£**
74.00
43.00
65.00
5.00
122.46| |---|---|---| |||**309.46**
(60.00)
(20.00)
(25.00)
(195.87)
**(300.87)**
8.59
235.00
**243.59**
2,720.75
2,964.34
**2,964.34**| _Treasurer: S. Johnson Auditor: R. Ibbett_ **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **32** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - STOCKPORT** |**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**ACTIVITIES - STOCKPORT**|**OCKPORT**| |---|---|---| |**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**INCOMING RESOURCES:**
**Voluntary income**
Admissions
**Activities for generating funds**
Bee day
**Investment income**
Interest income
**Incoming resources from charitable activities**
Training courses
Honey and bee sales
Other sales - Ambrosia
Extractor rental income
**Total incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**
**Costs of generating voluntary income**
Running expenses
Room hire
Speakers expenses
BDI payments
Printing & stationery
Postage
Purchase of books
**Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold**
Catering/ refreshments/ rafe
Net Ambrosia cost
Bee day
Dinner costs
**Cost of charitable activities**
Apiary running costs
Training course running costs
Training Equipment
Library books
Honey show printing & stationery
Show judge & trophy engraving
50th anniversary celebration costs
Autumn convention
Equipment for schools & scouts
Miscellaneous
**Other resources expended**
AGM costs
Miscellaneous costs
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers**
**TRANSFERS**
Branch capitation from County
Library grant
**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**
Opening cash funds
Closing cash at bank
**BRANCH APIARY STOCK NOTE:**
_Branch apiary honey b/fwd at 01 January (lbs)_
**_110_**
_Correction to opening honey stock_
_(80)_
_This year’s branch apiary honey harvest_
_300_
_Sales of honey in the year_
_(237)_
_Gifts of honey_
_(2)_
_Branch apiary honey c/fwd at 31 December (lbs)_**_91_**|**_Stockport_**
2022
**_Stockport_**
2021
**£**
175.10
902.08
14.11
1,350.00
1,022.00
2,850.74
**6,314.13**
(281.89)
(535.00)
(310.00)
(22.20)
(39.52)
(33.42)
(16.66)
(30.65)
(3,942.00)
(279.75)
(83.83)
(2,066.23)
(210.16
(6.70)
(120.40)
(118.55)
(25.00)
(633.72)
(194.32)
(202.50)
**(9,143.50)**
**(2,829.37)**
0.00
0.00
**(2,829.37)**
22,191.86
19,362.49
**19,362.49**
_Treasurer: A. Taylor_
_Auditor: L. Hudson_
**£**
60.00
16.90
2,775.00
609.00
**3,460.90**
(202.59)
250.00
(9.75)
(49.00)
(112.00)
(971.32)
(409.03)
(33.00)
(104.54)
(161.59)
(111.28)
**(1,914.10)**
**1,546.80**
975.00
0.00
**2,521.80**
19,670.06
22,191.86
**22,191.86**|**_Stockport_**
2021| |||**£**
60.00
16.90
2,775.00
609.00| |||**3,460.90**
(202.59)
250.00
(9.75)
(49.00)
(112.00)
(971.32)
(409.03)
(33.00)
(104.54)
(161.59)
(111.28)| |||**(1,914.10)**| |||**1,546.80**
975.00
0.00| |||**2,521.80**| |||19,670.06
22,191.86
**22,191.86**| |||| **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **33** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - WIRRAL** |**YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022**
**INCOMING RESOURCES:**
**Voluntary income**
Admissions
**Activities for generating funds**
Rafe
**Incoming resources from charitable activities**
Training courses
Eqipment sales
**Total incoming resources**
**RESOURCES EXPENDED:**
**Costs of generating voluntary income**
Room hire
Speakers expenses
Postage costs
**Fundraising trading: cost of goods sold**
Catering/ refreshments/ rafe
**Cost of charitable activities**
Training course running costs
Training Equipment
Miscellaneous costs
**Other resources expended**
Miscellaneous costs
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/outgoing resources before transfers**
**TRANSFERS**
Branch capitation from County
**NET MOVEMENT IN CASH FUNDS**
Opening cash funds
Closing cash at bank
**TOTAL FUNDS**|**_General_**
2022
**£**
0.00
0.00
**0.00**
(507.50)
(70.20)
(171.30)
(231.00)
(24.71)
**(1,004.71)**
(1,004.71)
0.00
**(1,004.71)**
15,267.24
14,262.53
**14,262.53**|**_General_**
2021
**£**
31.00
180.00| |---|---|---| |||**211.00**
(170.00)
(75.27)
(150.00)
(86.01)| |||**(481.28)**
(270.28)
555.00| |||**284.72**| |||14,982.52
15,267.24| |||**15,267.24**| |||| ## **BRANCH APIARY STOCK NOTE:** _Branch apiary honey b/fwd at 01 January (lbs)_ _**0** This year’s branch apiary honey harvest 0 Sales of honey in the year 0 Branch apiary honey c/fwd at 31 December (lbs)_ _**0**_ _Treasurer: N. Ashton Auditor: R. Spencer_ **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **34** ## **REPORT ON THE 2022 BBKA DELEGATES’ MEETING** Following the establishment of a virtual format for last year’s ADM, a similar format was offered this year; delegates could choose whether to attend in person at Stoneleigh or to participate virtually through a webinar format. The majority opted for the latter – understandable given the travel requirement for many of the Local Area Associations, as there are many for whom inperson attendance requires hours of travel and often, an overnight stay. The teething troubles of the previous year’s webinar format were almost entirely remedied, with a better system in place to ensure that all questions or queries, and requests to speak were captured and given time. The meeting ran smoothly – at least as much as the ADM ever does! This year 66 Area Association delegates attended (either in person, virtually or via proxy vote) representing 27,105 BBKA members. All but ~10 individuals opted to attend remotely. It was highlighted that remote attendance resulted in a cost saving of £9800 to the BBKA (most of this is made up of savings in delegates’ expenses) and a mileage saving of 14,000 miles – this certainly highlights some of the benefits of the virtual format. The meeting followed the established format, with standing orders and governance issues being handled first, followed by finance reports before nominations and propositions. ## **Finances** Howard Pool provided a review of the charity financial position; accounts for the 2021 financial year show that the charity made a small surplus of £79,017 over the year – some of this is due to the restrictions that were in place due to Covid, in that the BBKA could not provide financial support to some areas that had been budgeted for – for example, some of the research projects that were nominated for bursaries were not run in the last year, as many academic institutes were in complete lockdown. Similarly, shows and events where the BBKA would have been represented did not take place or were carried out virtually, with a subsequent cost saving. The budget for 2022 indicates that a return to more normal operations will see this situation evened out with a restoration of the more usual ‘break-even’ situation. ## **Honorary membership** This year saw a special event – the BBKA Board of Trustees had recommended that Honorary Membership of the BBKA be conferred on Val Francis. Val was Exam Board Secretary for 15 years until April 2021, so anyone who has taken any of the BBKA exams in that time will likely have dealt with Val. She administered the examinations system, supported the Exam Board, processed applications, examinations and assessments and also provided training sessions in what the various exams entailed at events such as the Spring Convention. Not surprisingly, the proposition was carried, and congratulations offered to Val for this very worthy appointment. ## **Nominations to committees** This year, a slightly different process was rolled out and agreed by delegates for voting for candidates standing for positions on the BBKA committees. Rather than carrying out the voting ‘live’, delegates were able to submit votes ahead of the meeting (the names of candidates and their respective supporting information is circulated with the ADM paperwork in the autumn). This proved to be a great time saver. Anne Rowberry was the only candidate standing for BBKA President, and accordingly was voted in. There were seven candidates standing for five vacancies on the Executive Committe. Diane Drinkwater (Lancashire), Jane Medwell (Warwickshire), Julie Colman (Kent) and Jo Widdicombe (Cornwall) will take up three-year tenures; Clare McGettigan (Yorkshire) will take up a one-year tenure. There were five candidates standing for five vacancies on the Examinations Board. Lynne **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **35** Ltd FOR ALL Y()UR BrrKrrpiNC. NrrD'S UK Bred Mated BUCKFAST Queens & Nucs Live Bees, Beekeeping Equipment and Treatments Easily Order Online www.beckysbeesonlineshop.co.uk BEE FARMERS ASSOCIATION PROUD MfMBERS OF ENQUIRE TODAY beckysbeezzzs@gmail.com 01264 351104 36 Cheshire Beekeepers, Association Ingram NDB (Somerset), Stuart Roberts (South Staffs) and Anne Rowberry (Somerset) will take up three-year tenures, Marin Anastasov (Gloucestershire) will take up a two-year tenure and Patricia Morgan (Middlesex) will take up a one-year tenure. ## **Prize winners** This year, the Surrey Shield for best Area Association performance in the basic examination was won by North Shropshire BKA. The Wax Chandlers’ Prize for the best overall marks in the Master Beekeeper’s examinations was awarded to Mark McLoughlin of Cheshire BKA. Mark is currently our Regional Bee Inspector and many will be familiar with his very thorough and informative inspections– congratulations Mark! ## **Area Association Membership** Anyone who has been following the business of the ADM for any time will know that there has been a number of smaller branches applying for Area Association membership in recent years. A number were denied, including an initial application by Laddingford and District in 2020. The BBKA subsequently laid down conditions for any group wishing to follow this route. These are that: - The branch has a constitution which is in line with that of the BBKA - There are 100+ active members - Financial reports are available for at least the past two years • An investigation is carried out and the legal implications of becoming an Area Association discussed with the branch chair. As a branch of Thanet and District BKA, Laddingford and District BKA members were finding it increasingly difficult to attend meetings or events – for some, it is an 80-mile round trip. The membership has grown year on year. Following discussions with their Link Trustee, Gareth Morgan, it was deemed that Laddingford fulfilled the necessary criteria for Area Association membership and had the support of the BBKA Trustees. The vote to confirm that status was carried. ## **Propositions for consideration** This year there were 12 propositions for consideration, some of which were once more around refinements to the constitution of the association. Should anyone wish to see this, the constitution is available on the BBKA web site. These generally pass without incident, and this year was no exception. ## **Adulterated honey** Devon BKA had put forward two propositions for the BKA to take action to investigate and discourage the importation of adulterated or fake honey into the UK. This doubtless follows a number of high-profile news reports that have revealed that much of the honey on UK supermarket shelves is a blend of unnatural sugar syrups originating in the far east. Two propositions were passed which will mandate the BBKA to approach the Government, the Food Standards Agency and other appropriate Agencies, Authorities and Trade Bodies to establish what action is being taken to investigate the importation of adulterated and fake honey into the UK. The BBKA will also investigate whether analysis methods are adequate, and to raise awareness so that consumers are made fully aware that any product sold in the UK as ‘pure honey’ could in fact contain added ingredients that are not itemised on the label. ## **Invasive species** In light of the great threat to the UK's honey bees from the potential importation of non-native pests and diseases, BBKA was requested to reaffirm its complete opposition to the import of honey bees, including individual queens, from overseas countries and to lobby Government to introduce a complete ban on the import of honey bees. The proposer made the point that although this is done already, there are still come suppliers who almost boast that they still supply imported bees/queens in spite of changes due to Brexit. The Northern Ireland Protocol stands in the way **37** of a wholly successful ban or change from government, as bees can be imported into N Ireland, and then freely into the UK. The process of checking imported bees/queens is not considered to be robust. This proposition elicited a good deal of debate, but was ultimately passed. Similarly Harrogate and Ripon BKA had put forward a proposal that the BBKA continue to support the eradication of Asian hornet incursions and to call upon government to prepare a comprehensive plan by the end of June this year for a widespread monitoring and control programme. Although this is clearly important for UK beekeeping, there was some debate about how realistic any proposed course of action may be. A lot of education is required to raise awareness in the general public about the wider threat of the Asian hornet on all pollinators and biodiversity. If there are a lot of incursions, the cost of eradication will be very high for e.g. local councils, and if second generation nests are established, then it may quickly become too late to remedy the situation. The proposition was passed, with the meeting agreeing that in spite of the potential issue of resources this is clearly a priority for UK beekeeping, and so BBKA may need to realign priorities accordingly. **Lesley Jacques** ADM delegate for Cheshire BKA **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **38** ## **PUBLIC BENEFIT FROM CBKA ACTIVITIES** Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity, the objectives of which are to promote and further the craft of beekeeping in Cheshire. CBKA endeavours to do this for the benefit both of its members and the public, by providing support, education and training for beekeepers at all levels and also by promoting and providing educational initiatives in beekeeping to a wider audience, including participation in local shows and events, presentations to interested groups and parties including schools and special interest groups. The association also provides a swarm coordination and collection service which helps to promote the responsible face of beekeeping. The annual programme of events and activities reflects the association trustees’ commitment to the charitable purpose of CBKA, and to ensuring a benefit to the wider public in line with the public benefit guidance as outlined by the Charity Commission. ## **DATA PROTECTION ACT 1984** To comply with the Act it is the duty of the executive to inform members that their membership records are stored on a computer database. The executive assures you that all information on the database is for the exclusive use of the association. Registered, Partner and Country members details are supplied to the BBKA and also to the Regional and Seasonal Bee Disease Inspectors covering Cheshire BKA. **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **39** BEEKEEPING SUPPLIES UK LTD www.beekeepingsuppliesuk.com 2C Brunel Way, Minehead, TA24 5BY sales@beekeeping5uppliesuk.com 01643 705801 40 Cheshire Beekeepers. Association ## **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** are proud to present their _**Spring Convention & Annual General Meeting**_ **On Saturday 25[th] March 2023** _From 9:30 am to approx. 4:30 pm_ _At The Forest Hills Hotel, Overton, Frodsham, WA6 6HH_ With keynote presentations from: **Kirsty Stainton – What is Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus? Viki Cuthbertson – Preparation for the season ahead Joyce Nisbet – Cut comb, chunk honey and sections** _**Tickets £25 in advance to include lunch and refreshments.**_ _Tickets will be available online at:_ _**https://cheshire-bka.co.uk/spring-convention/**_ _Or for collection at the venue when purchased in advance from_ _**Lesley Jacques** via email at lesley.jacques@me.com_ Numbers strictly limited – please purchase tickets before the event. **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** NORTHERN B BOOKS www.northernbeebooks.co.uk ndred Books covering all aspects of the craft Inf + Magazines for Beekeepers The Beekeepers Quarterly & Natural Bee Husbandry www.northernbeebooks.co.uk OR CALL US TODAY OM 01422 882751 42 Clieshire Beekeeper5' A5sociatioii ## **LIST OF HOLDERS OF THE CANON EVANS MEMORIAL CUP** This Trophy is awarded annually for service to Cheshire Beekeeping 1925 E.W. Franklin 1926 A.J. Blakeman 1927 Miss L. Brooks 1928 E.P. Hinde 1929 W. Stokoe 1930 H. Stubbs 1931 Rev. H.W. Comber 1932 W. Bradburn 1933 H. Cropper 1934 D.J. Hemming 1935 R.G. Williams 1936 H. Hope 1937 T.A. Jones 1938 H.H. Brook 1939 E.W. Hughes 1940 T.W. Wilbraham 1941 T. Moore 1942 B.O. Rayson 1943 A. Shaw 1944 J. Rhind 1945 Miss E. Goodier 1946 J.E. Palmer 1947 H.B. Eaton 1948 Mrs M.E.H. Edgerley 1949 Mrs Dunkerley 1950 G.E. Hancox 1951 E. Wallis 1952 Sir E.B. Royden, bart. 1953 J.F. Johnson 1954 A. Witter 1955 D. Heaton 1956 D.R. Hardy 1957 E.F. Marchant 1958 W.A. Dutton 1959 W.R. Burgess 1960 Mrs G. White 1961 J. Wright 1962 H.H. Jackson 1963 V.D. Wavish 1964 W. Vickers 1965 G.E. Morgan 1966 W.S. Basnett 1967 J.W. Corbett 1968 G.W. Banwell CBE, MC 1969 F. Griffiths 1970 Miss L. Manley 1971 J.D. Frimston FBBKA 1972 R. Brandon 1973 G. E. Mitchell 1974 D. Smart 1975 W. Horn 1976 J.C. Tucker 1977 Mrs M. Griffiths 1978 J. Smart 1979 Mrs E. Robinson 1980 Dr. R.Bennett 1981 J. Nixon 1982 S.S. Hancock 1983 K.J. McMorine 1984 E. Mobbs 1985 J. Todd 1986 B. Stonehouse 1987 H. Holland 1988 J. Hunt 1989 I.S. McLean 1990 R.S. Ayliffe 1991 A.A.J & Mrs B.J. van Suchtelen 1992 D. Lockett 1993 H.J.V. Charlton 1994 B. Chapman 1995 Mrs. H. Turner 1996 H.A. Buckley 1997 M.F. Haynes 1998 P. Collinge 1999 Mrs. B Bryant 2000 E.F. Hilder 2001 R. Parsonage 2002 M.R. Brierley 2003 M. Minter 2004 J.S. Hollinshead 2005 S.L. Kidman 2006 S. & Mrs P.A. Hatton 2007 R. Brocklehurst 2008 G.F. Royle 2009 R. Burns 2010 S.B. Guest 2011 S.K. Nuttall 2012 T.E. Ashley 2013 P. Sutcliffe 2014 J. Goodwin 2015 D. Buckley 2016 D. Ryan 2017 Mrs L. Jacques 2018 No award made 2019 Mrs E. Camm 2020 G. Platt 2021 J. Sadler 2022 A. Towse **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **43** ## **LIST OF MEMBERS 2022** ## **NORTH CHESHIRE** |M|H|Adeagbo||R|Fanthom|Mrs|B J|Nevett| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mr|D|Ahern||A|Fanthom|Mr|O|Newton| |Mr|D|Askwith|Mr|G J|Fifoot|Mr|S|Nicholls| |Mr|D|Astbury|Mr|A P|Flynn||S|O'Brien| |Mr|T|Atherton|Mr|E D|Fox|Mr|JD|Okell| ||S|Balogh|Mr|A P|Giford|Mrs|C M|Orgill| |Mr|M|Bardell|Mr|P|Gleave|Mr|P J|Overmeer| |Ms|A|Battarbee|Ms|H S|Gregory|Mrs|A A|Owen| |Mr|S|Battarbee|Mrs|J C|Greig|Revd|J|Parry| |Mrs|S|Beal|Mr|I|Gribben|Mr|K|Paterson| |Mr|R|Beal|Mrs|A|Grifths||T|Peacock| ||S|Beddall|Mr|R G|Grifths|Ms|R|Pemberton| |Mr|E|Bougen|Mrs|L C|Groves|Mrs|C H|Pemberton| |Miss|E A|Brindle|Mr|R W|Groves|Ms|M|Pennington| |Ms|C|Broadhurst|Dr|J F|Haines|Mrs|M J|Peterson| |Mr|S G|Brown|Mr|J|Hampson|Ms|C|Phelps| |Mr|I|Buckingham|Mr|N J|Harrison|Mr|P|Phillipart| |Ms|A|Bull|Mr|S|Hatton|Mrs|A L|Phillipson| |Mr|C F|Button|Mrs|P|Hatton|Mr|M A|Phillipson| |Mr|J R|Carter|Mr|J|Heath|Mr|A G|Platt| |Mrs|J|Challoner|Mr|R K|Heywood|Mrs|M|Porter| |Mrs|S J|Chisholm|Mrs|M E|Heywood|Mr|W A|Price| |Mr|A|Clear|Mrs|G M|Higgs|Mr|S|Price| |Mr|G M|Cleary|Mr|F S|Hilton|Ms|A|Pritchard| |Ms|L|Coe|Mr|P|Hinchlife|Mr|P|Quigley| |Mr|R L|Coleman|Mr|O|Humphreys|Mrs|A J|Rae| |Mrs|J C|Compston|Ms|K|Ifll|Mr|D P|Rounthwaite| |Mr|T|Cooke|Ms|A|Jefrey|Ms|R|Ruskin| |Mr|S|Coomber|Mr|C|Jefrey|Mr|P|Ruskin| |Dr|S|Cooper|Ms|C L|Jenkins|Mr|J A|Sadler| |Mr|AD|Cowley|Mr|R F|Jennings|Mr|C F|Samuel| |Mr|C P|Crawford|Mr|M|Knox|Mr|JW|Savage| ||J|Cresswell|Ms|F|Lawrence||T|Schofeld| ||D|Cresswell|Ms|K|Leach|Mr|J D|Shaw| |Mr|D|Cristofoli|Mr|D|Lewis|Dr|R T|Shepherd| |Mr|R J|Crowther|Ms|K|Libecans|Mr|J|Simpson| ||J|Darbyshire|Mrs|C M|Lightfoot|Mrs|J|Sinker| |Mr|K|Davies|Mr|S|Marsland|Dr|M J|Smeethe| |Mr|B W|Davies|Mr|T|Mathis|Dr|C E|Smith| |Mrs|W A|Devlin||E|McCarthy|Ms|P M|Smith| |Mr|D|Dinnarr|Mrs|A|Meakin|Mr|D J|Speed| |Mr|E|Donnelly|Mr|p|Monks|Mr|M E|Stanley| |Mrs|P M|Doorey|Mrs|S J|Mugridge|E|Stapleton-Chambers|| |Mr|M|Eldridge|Ms|N|Murphy|Mrs|A|Stothert| **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **44** |Mr|C|Streuli|Mr|D|Wainwright|Mr|J|Wilson| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mr|C|Sullivan|Ms|RF|Warnes|Mrs|J|Winnard| |Miss|C|Summers|Ms|N|Waterman|Mr|P I|Woodhead| |Mr|M C|Taylor|Mrs|H N|Webb|Mr|M|Wright| |Mr|P|Thomson|Mr|R|Webster||J|Wynne-Jones| |Mrs|E B|Torrance|Mr|W L|Wheatley|Dr|J J|Young| ||L|Turnbull|Mr|S F|Whitehead|Mrs|A C|Youngs| ||J|Verner|Mrs|M|Williams|||| |Mrs|A|Verrinder|Mr|P|Williams|||| |Mr|AP|Verrinder|Mr|R|Willis|||| |||||**MID CHESHIRE**|**MID CHESHIRE**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mr|J|Arnold|Mr|G|Greer|Mr|S|Reid| |Ms|C|Ashley|Mr|M|Hands|Mr|S|Roche| |Mr|PW|Ashley|Ms|J|Harrison|Mr|L|Roche| |Mr|B|Atkins|Ms|J|Haynes|Dr|M|Russell| |Mrs|K|Barlow|Mr|B|Henderson|Mr|R|Rutkowski| |Mr|J R|Barnes|Mr|N|Holbrook|Ms|A|Sandle| |Mr|D|Barnett|Mr|KG|Houghton|Mrs|L|Sealey| |Mr|R|Beards||C|Howsley|Ms|L|Shuker| |Ms|J|Blundell||D|Howsley|Mr|N|Silcock| |Mr|P|Bromley|Mrs|L|Jacques|Ms|L|Silcock| |Mr|M|Bullock|Mr|M J S|Jessop|Ms|E|Stubbs| |Ms|N|Bushell|Mr|L|Johnson|Mr|M A|Stubbs| |Mrs|L|Butcher|Mrs|S C|Johnson|Ms|E|Thompson| |Mr|A|Campbell|Mr|N D|Johnson|Mr|D|Thurston| |Mr|L|Carrington|Mr|C|Jones|Ms|N|Tomlinson| |Mr|P|Cawley|Mr|J|Krause|Mr|M|Tomlinson| |Mr|K|Colyer|Mr|B|Langton|Mr|D L|Topping| |Mr|R J|Corbett|Ms|D|Latham|Mr|T|Town| |Mr|C.R.|Cornwell-Lee|Ms|G|Moore|Ms|J|Turley| |Mr|D|Cowley|Mr|S|Moore|Mr|I|Turley| |Mr|D|Curbishley|Mr|S|Morris|Mr|A A J|van Suchtelen| |Mrs|J M|Daniel||N|Mould|Ms|K|Wainwright| |Mr|R S|Davies|Ms|B|Nelson|Mr|J|Wainwright| |Revd|P C O|Dawson||J|Nielsen|Mr|I|Watson| |Mr|N|Duncalf|Mr|JM|Osborne|Mr|I|West| |Mr|D J|Evans|Mrs|L|Parker|Mr|C|Whiston| |Ms|C|Flatman|Mr|M|Pickering|Mr|R|Whitworth| |Dr|S|Forbes|Mr|S|Purkis|Mr|D|Wright| |Ms|L|Gale|Mr|S|Raeburn|Ms|B|Wyatt| |Mr|S|Gee||P|Reardon||J|Zielinski| |Ms|N|Geldart||||||| **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **45** |||||**SOUTH**|**CHESHIRE**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mr|R|Allen|Mr|A M|Forbes-Leith|Mr|W G|Lynch| |Mr|T E|Ashley|Mrs|J|Forbes-Leith|Mr|C|Lynch| |Ms|C|Ashworth|Mr|J|Ford|Mr|G|McCourty| |Mr|F J|Austen|Dr|D|Fray||E|McTiernan| |Ms|S|Ayers|Mr|W|Fynney|Mr|J J|Meakin| |Ms|J|Bailey||M|Gammage|Mr|I|Melinte| |Mr|L J|Baines|Mr|D|Gibson|Dr|A|Mochalova| |Mr|J A|Barrett|Mrs|K|Gilbert|Mr|M|Molloy| |Mr|H|Baxendell|Mr|R W|Gleave|Mr|R|Molton| |Mr|S|Benson|Ms|M|Godot|Mr|D|Moncur| |Miss|J|Brassington|Mr|J H|Goodwin|Mr|K|Moss| |Mr|M|Brittain|Mr|P|Gover|Dr|H|Mountain| |Ms|M|Brook|Mrs|S M|Hargreaves|Mr|J B|Murray| |Mr|J R|Brooke||K|Harris|Mrs|J|Newham| |Mr|P|Brooker|Mr|P|Harthern|Mr|A P C|Nichols| ||A|Brown|Mr|S|Hasson|Mr|A|Nightingale| |Mr|R|Brown||D|Haysom|Mr|S K|Nuttall| |Ms|T|Browne|Ms|J|Higgin|Mr|P|Ohly| |Mr|R|Brunt|Mr|N|Hine|Mrs|N|O'Neill| |Mr|CG|Buckingham|Mr|J S|Hollinshead|Mr|D|O'Neill| |Mr|A|Buckingham|Mrs|M C|Hook|Mr|Z|Palacz| |Ms|E|Buckley|Mr|J|Hudson|Mrs|H|Palacz| |Mr|D E|Buckley|Ms|C|Huson|Mr|MA|Parker| |Mr|S P|Butterfeld|Mrs|C|Jackson|Miss|S M|Peak| |Mr|P M|Cade|Mr|D|Jackson|Ms|A|Popovic| |Mr|AJ|Cail|Mr|D|Janes|Ms|M|Poulton| |Mr|M|Cain|Mr|M J P|Jefries|Mrs|A|Precious| |Mrs|E|Camm|Miss|E A|Jenkinson|Mr|M|Pressler| |Mr|P|Ceuppens|Mr|S|Johnson|Mrs|J D|Prince| |Mr|J|Cheetham|Mrs|E|Johnson|Mr|D A|Raferty| |Mr|A|Close|Mrs|L|Kantane|Ms|I|Ralfs| ||T|Coia|Mr|D|Karling|Mr|D|Ralfs| |Mrs|P|Cubbin|Ms|E|Kennedy|Mr|M|Relton| |Mr|S|Curtis|Mr|N|Kennedy|Mr|N W|Reyland| |Mr|NP|Curtis|Ms|E|Kidston|Ms|D|Robinson| |Mrs|C|Curtis|Mr|F C H|Kinsey|Mr|N|Rose| |Ms|N P|Dakin|Mr|F W|Kirkham|Ms|V|Rosser| |Mr|J|Davies|Ms|L|Krippner|Ms|S|Sanderson| |Mr|PJ|Dean||JA|Langley||M|Scott| |Mr|G|Donoghue|Mrs|I|Large|Mrs|H M|Scott| |Mr|J A|Easterbrook|Mrs|P J|Leese|Mrs|S M|Shimwell| |Ms|C|Eccles|Mr|H|Lewis|Mr|J M|Skellon-| |Ms|S|Emery|Mr|R J|Lewis|Rowlands||| |Ms|J|Emery|Mr|C I|Lobley|Mrs|F S|Sloyan| |Mrs|E A|Falding|Dr|C J|Logan|Mr|E G|Smith| |Mr|DG|Faulkner||K|Lowe|Mrs|D|Smith| **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **46** |Dr|D G|Smith| |---|---|---| |Mr|A J|Smith| |Mr|G|Spalding| |Ms|C|Spalding| |Mr|J|Spibey| |Ms|A|Springle| |Mr|N J|Stanford| |Mr|R|Steenbakker| |Mr|M|Stephens| ||D|Stockton| |Ms|C|Stott| |Mr|T|Stott|Mr|G|Thomas| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |Miss|N|Summerfeld|Mrs|S R|Torrens| |Mrs|H M|Sutclife|Dr|M|Tremblay| |Ms|D|Sutclife|Mr|D|Turner| |Mr|P|Sutclife|Mr|M|Vesty| |Mrs|K|Swales|Mr|J|Walker| |Ms|F|Swallow|Mrs|A|Ward| |Mr|A|Symms|Mr|M|Waskett| |Mr|J|Tatlow|Mr|R|Whitehouse| |Mr|S|Taylor|Ms|A|Williams| |Mr|A J|Templeman|Mr|N|Williams| |||||**STOCKPORT**|**STOCKPORT**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mr|A M|Ansons|Ms|J|Clarke|Mr|B|Gee| |Mr|S|Bailey|Ms|A M|Clarke|Mrs|J E M|Gilman| |Mr|P|Baker|Mr|A|Cooke||T|Gilmour| |Mr|R J|Balment|Mrs|S L|Coombes|Mr|A|Gosling| |M|C|Barton|Ms|L|Cooper|Mrs|H E|Green| |Ms|N|Barton|Mr|J|Cooper|Ms|J|Gregory| |Mr|P|Beardmore|Ms|S A|Cooper|Dr|A S|Grieve| |Mr|S M|Bell|Ms|W|Corcoran|Mr|G|Hall| |Mrs|G|Bellman|Mr|B L|Corfeld|Mrs|H F|Hamilton| |Ms|GC|Bianchi|Dr|PD|Cotton|Ms|S B|Hampson| |Mr|D|Black|Miss|J J|Cowling|Mr|D R|Healey| |Mrs|P G|Boardman|Mrs|F H F|Cox|Mr|DJ|Hedley| |Mrs|P E|Booth|Mr|S|Craig|Mr|O|Hepworth| |Mr|C W|Booth|Mrs|K|Croxford|Mr|P S|Herod| |Mr|S C|Bradley|Mr|J|Croxford|M|L|Herr| ||P|Bradley|Ms|P|Curless|Mr|S T|Hewitt| ||J|Bradley|Ms|S|Curtis|Mrs|H M H|Hill| ||G|Bramwell|Mr|M|Dale|Dr|M J|Hill| |Mr|R|Brocklehurst|Mr|K|Daniels|Mr|N A|Hilton| |Mr|S|Brown|Revd|E W L|Davies|Mr|A|Hine| |Mr|A|Buckler|Mr|M|Davis|Ms|L|Hodson| |Dr|C J|Buckley|Mr|L|Dolling|Dr|T C F|Houghton| |Ms|R|Bullock|Mr|S C|Donohoe|Ms|H|Hoy| |Mr|P|Burney|Mr|R|Drabot|Mr|B|Hoy| |Ms|H|Burton|Mr|R|Duncan|Mr|C|Hubbard| |Mr|G|Butcher|Mr|T|Dzemiak|Mr|D|Hughes| |Mrs|E|Carefoot|Miss|C J|Edwardes-Evans|Mr|J W|Igoe| |Mr|P R|Carefoot|Mr|J|Edwards|Mr|D|Kaminski| |Ms|L|Carter|Mr|D|Ellis|Mr|A R|Kemp| |Mr|D|Carty|Ms|G|Farrow|Mr|M R|Kemp| |Dr|H|Cataquet|Mr|W|Faulkner|Mr|P G|Kilcommons| ||C|Charlton|Mr|M|Fergus||P|Kirk| ||M|Charlton||G|Fletcher|Mr|S|Kirrane| |Dr|A J|Charlton|Mr|P|French|Ms|A-M|Knight| **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **47** |Ms|M|Kurihara|Mr|R|Okill|Ms|C|Skelly| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Ms|A|Large|Mr|J|Osbourn|Ms|C|Slater| |Mrs|D|Leach|Mr|D|Owen|Mrs|L|Smetham| |Mrs|R|Lees|Mrs|M|Owen|Ms|L|Sparkes| |Mr|C D|Lees|Mr|S|Parker|Mr|J M|Stables| |Mr|F J|Leete|Mr|A|Parrott|Mr|P J|Staford| |Mr|I C|Lester|Mr|J J R|Parry|Mr|J H|Stone| |Ms|J E|Lewis|Mr|R|Paul|Ms|C|Stopes| |Mr|D J|Lilley|Ms|S|Pavey|Mr|A|Stringer| |Mr|M|Lomas|Ms|S|Payge|Mr|J|Swallow| ||J|Loud|Mr|D K|Percy|Mr|M|Tabachnik| |Mrs|K H|Lowe|Mr|S D|Perry|Mr|J|Tan| |Mr|D|MacDonald|Mrs|J A|Pettit|Mrs|L J|Taylor| ||A|MacGilvery|Ms|R|Pike|Mr|W A S Taylor|| ||A. J.|Makin|Ms|H|Platt Wells|Ms|A|Toms| |Mr|S.J.|McDermott|Mr|F|Pleszak|Mr|A|Towse| |Mr|D J|McDermott|Mr|D F|Porter|Mrs|L M|Towse| |Mr|A|McDermott||A|Ramsay||J|Trueman| |Mr|S P|Mead|Dr|N|Reeve|Mr|B M|Trybuchowski| |Mr|J J|Meadmore|Mrs|J|Richards|Ms|N|Tzitzas| |Mrs|D|Meadows|Mr|J C|Richards|Mr|S H|Walsh| |Mr|A|Mellor|Mrs|C|Roberts|Mrs|C A|Walsh| |Mr|S|Merry|Mr|P I|Roberts|Mrs|L|Ward| |Mr|A P|Metters|Mr|M J|Robinson|Mr|S|Ward| |Mr|I P|Miller|Ms|K|Rogers|Miss|S|Waring| |Mr|AP|Mills|Mr|T H|Rogers|Mrs|P|Watkins| |Mr|R J|Mister|Mr|G F|Royle|Mrs|G|Wetters| |Miss|MC|Molloy|Ms|SJ|Rutherford|Mr|M|Wharton| |Ms|N D|Morse|M|A Z|Rylance|Mr|P L|Wheeldon| |Mr|C|Nicholls||J|Scott-Warren|Mr|M R|Wienholt| |Mrs|J|Nicol|Mr|T|Sengun||A|Wilkinson| |Mr|M R|North|Prof.|M H|Seymour|Ms|A|Williams| |Mr|C|Oakes|Mr|G C|Shaw|Mr|L|Williams| |Mrs|S M|O'Connor|Mr|M K|Shaw||C|Williams| |Mr|N|O'Dell|Mr|S|Shawcross|Mr|K|Worthington| |Ms|S|O'Dell||T|Shield|||| |||||**WIRRAL**|**WIRRAL**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mr|A|Alpine|Ms|J|Bramwell|Dr|S M|Cannam| |Mrs|T|Alpine|Mr|S|Bramwell|Mr|S|Carr| |Dr|D|Armson|Mr|P N G|Brierley|Mr|R H J|Carroll| |Ms|M|Armstrong|Mr|A|Brown|Mr|P M|Chisholm| |Mr|D|Armstrong|Ms|J|Brown|Mr|A J|Clough| |Mr|N W|Ashton|Mr|P|Brown|Mr|D|Colenso| |Mr|J A|Ballam|Mrs|B|Bryant|Mr|D|Colvin| ||C|Benc|Mrs|L M|Burthem|Mr|B|Corrigan| |Mr|C E J|Brabin|Ms|H|Campbell|Mr|D R|Couche| **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **48** |Mr|J|Cross|Mr|G|Little||S|Rimmer| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Mrs|D E|Davies|Mr|T|Lowe|Mr|P|Roberts| |Mr|M|Diggory|Mr|N D|Lye|Mr|M|Rollason| ||D|Edmunds|Mr|B|Mafn|Dr|A|Rowley| |Mr|R|Ellis|Mr|P|Manning|Mrs|M|Russell| |Ms|C J|Farthing|Mrs|S|Masterton|Dr|G|Russell| |Mrs|J J|Finnigan|Mr|P W|Masterton|Mr|P|Ryan| |Mr|G|Fitch|Mrs|D|McCauley|Mr|M|Sargent| |Mrs|H C|Forbes|Mr|A|McDonald|Ms|T|Saunders| |Mrs|S A|Gardner|Mr|B|McLaughlin|Prof|C|Semple| |Mr|A|Gillibrand|Mrs|K|McLoughlin|Mr|D|Smith| |Mr|G J|Graves|Mr|M D|McLoughlin|Mr|R|Spencer| |Mr|K|Greaney|Mr|MJ|McVey|Ms|K|Spiby| ||C|Grindley|Mrs|G|Medley|Miss|S|Thomas| |Dr|S|Groves|Ms|C|Mewburn-Mercer|Ms|K|Thomas| |Mr|J|Hamilton|Mr|G|Moulding|Mr|RG|Turner| |M|S|Hamlett|Mrs|D J|Moulding|Mr|D|Tyson| |Ms|A|Hanley|Mr|P N|Moynihan|Mrs|J A|Unwin| |Mrs|C E|Hebron|Mr|E P|Neal|Mr|R|Walkden| |Mr|S C|Holland|Mrs|G|Newman|Mr|M|Walker| |Mr|W|Housley|Ms|J|Nicolls|Mr|C|WATKINSON| ||M|Howells|Ms|M|Noone|Ms|A. J.|Welburn| |Mr|M|Howman|Mr|F W|Nye|Mrs|L|Wheatley| |Ms|RD|Hughes|Mr|S|Oakley|Mr|M R|Wheatley| |Ms|C|Hynes|Mr|P|O'Brien|Mrs|J|Wheller| |Ms|D|Jackson|Ms|A|Parkinson|Mr|A|White| |Mr|A|Jones|Ms|H|Parkinson|Mr|C|Williams| |Mr|A|Jones|Mr|M|Pearson|Mr|G|Wilson| |Mr|D P|Jones|Ms|J|Peers|Mrs|E M|Wood| |Mr|P|Jones|Ms|S|Price|Mr|A|Woodhouse| |Mr|S|Kehoe|Mr|M|Pugh|Ms|A|Wright| |Mr|J|Kendall|Mr|P|Raferty|Dr|J E M|Wright| |Mr|N|Lightford|Ms|K|Rendle|||| ||||**ASSOCIATE MEMBERS**|**ASSOCIATE MEMBERS**|**ASSOCIATE MEMBERS**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Miss|L|Sinker||G|Burnett|Mr|J|Lawless| ||M|Stapleton-|Mr|P|Herbert|Mr|D W|Smetham| |Chambers|||Ms|S|Metters|Ms|A|Alpine| |Mr|T C|Owen|Ms|A|Shawcross||C|Boyland| |Mr|D|Greig|Mr|S|Lees|Ms|N|Raferty| |Mrs|J|Carter|Ms|S|Leete|Mrs|A|Chisholm| |Dr|V L|Mayatt|Mrs|J|Gee|Mrs|J|White| |Mrs|C S|Speed|Mrs|A M|Lilley|Mr|K|Morris| |Mrs|J|Heath|Mrs|M D|Mather Cataquet||A|Kirk| |Mr|I|Hutchinson|Mr|D|Clarke|Mrs|J I|Barnes| |Mr|S|Howard||||||| **Report and Balance Sheet 2022** **49** ## **NON BRANCH** ## Mr M F Shobrook ||||||**JUNIORS**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||A|Heath||Q|Williams||F|Harrison| ||A|Coe||I|Pressler||A|Flatman| ||C|Lawrence||H|Brunt||A|Latham| ||N|Nuttall||L|Pickles|||| ||||||**FRIENDS**|||| |Mr|M A|Horton|Ms|M|Whitmore|Ms|J|Nisbet| ||A|Wheldon|Mr|M|Pepper|Ms|M|Flegg| |Mr|B|Cross|Miss|S|Ryan||A|McLellan| |Dr|M R|Brierley|Mrs|V|Kenyon|Mr|H J V|Charlton| |Mr|K D|Wilford|Mrs|J E|Evans|Mr|I S|McLean| |Mr|R|Smith|Mr|S|Kent|Mr|J|Mooney| |Mr|D|Crowe|Mr|E L|Hughes|||| |||||**COUNTRY MEMBERS**||||| ||B|Taylor||M|Jones|Ms|L|Follon| |Mr|A|Birchall||M|Latham|Ms|C|Roberts| |Ms|SJ|Harrison|Ms|F|Harper|Mr|D|Stonehouse| |Mrs|C|Ellis|Mr|J|Turner|Mr|G|Contos| |Mrs|K A|Holden|Mrs|K|Gilding|Ms|L|Staples| ||A|Hoskins|Mrs|A|Hine|Ms|L|Aizlewood| |Ms|K|Howard|Mr|P|Howard|Mr|K|Hayes| |Mr|C|Walsingham|Ms|A|Turner|Ms|S|Garside| ||M|Brown||M|Paxton|Mr|S|Wild| ||R|Smith||K|Browning|Ms|C|Sheader| ||W|Garton||S|Burns|Mrs|M|Carrier| ||B|Hardman||N|Wimpenny|Dr|S E|Davidson| ||B|Cafrey||D|Wood|Miss|S A|Booth| ||F|Cafrey||G|Ward|Mr|M F|Haynes| ||BR|Tufn||F|Burke-Jackson|Mr|A|Tromp| ||A|Cliford||M|Jackson|Mr|R|Lawrence| ||T|Snelgrove||A|Dixon|Mr|J A|Garratt| ||M|Scrafton||E|Wood|Ms|L|Kemp| ||CA|Dempsey||J|Storey|||| **Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association** **50** Modern Beekeeping www.modernbeekeeping.co.uk YOUR . .LOCAL. WE SELL! .TIMBER & POLY HIVES .FRAMES & FOUNDATION BEEKEEING SUPPLIER •HONEY JARS .SYRUP & FONDANT .POLLEN SUBSTITUTE .EXTRACTORS WE'RE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS IN THE ROLLING HILLS OF CHESHIRE .SUITS .TOOLS & ACCESSORIES NEAR MACCLESFIELD, WHY NOT POP IN? 0330 113 3255 1 WWW.MODERNBEEKEEPING.CO.UK sales@modernbeekeeplng.co.uk THOt2NE WEIPIMG BEEXEEPEPS XEEP 8EES FOP OVErt 100 YEA HIVES, BEES. FRAMES. FOUNDATION. HARDWARE & CLOTHING. HONEY PROCESSING, LABELS, PACKAGIIIO. QUEEN REARINO, HEALTH & FEEDING. BOOKS, GIFTS, EOUCATION, CANDLEMAKING, AND MOREI .t.TK<*Rké ÉXTQA¢TttWt. FRhMtS & FOUMDthTION ONE￿ IABEI5 SHOP ONLINE, OVER THE PHONE, OR IN STORE., IIIICOLNSHIRE STOCKBRIDCE S¢OTLthND ESWE. WINosor¢ Q*&iEVWEEMF DEVO *ATN MC4TO¥.E*S61rt1 tyEWJM•lHORNFCQ DIN9 575frfl .￿nA￿•T￿ONI¢.Co. 01SVH2596