Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Report and Balance Sheet 2023
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President’s Comments 2023
Thanks to the weather, the season got off to a slow start in 2023 and then a late spring had the bees bursting into life - I’m always amazed at how quickly they build up! The weather through April, May and June was glorious and it settled down and warmed up into an early summer. Colonies were busy rearing brood and bringing in nectar and, of course, swarming, and beekeepers were rubbing their hands in glee in anticipation of a glorious year ahead. But then in July it all changed and rain set in and it rained pretty well for most of the rest of the year. Luckily there were no floods in Cheshire but the weather meant that honey yields were very mixed from around the county. A few beekeepers with good forage in their area did well, while most others not so well.
County activities began with the Spring Convention and AGM, which this year was held at Forest Hills, and everyone who attended agreed it was a very enjoyable day, although numbers were down and this was put down to memories of Covid being still at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Branch meetings also seemed to be affected and the only activities that didn’t seem to be affected were beginners courses, which were run by all the branches this year and were as popular as ever. Attendance at branch meetings was only slow to recover, however, and it was only at the end of the year that attendance at meetings seemed to get back to something like pre-Covid levels.
Mid Cheshire Branch had a big presence at Cheshire Show this year with two adjoining stands but Cheshire BKA is no longer involved with RHS Tatton Flower Show. However there was a new trade show The Beekeeping Show at Telford which quite a few Cheshire members attended, and there were also workshops to keep us busy. Microscopy with Graham Royle was a popular day, as always, and there was also a Food Hygiene Course and a First Aid Course run by Tori Davies of Saracen Solutions for those who wished to renew their certificates. Certification lasts for 3 years for both these courses which is very handy, indeed
necessary, for both honey producers selling to the public at farmers markets and to trainers running beginners practical sessions in the bees, or indeed beekeepers at apiary meetings and demonstrations to the public. Because of workshops, the spring was a very busy time and then it was the ‘flying season’ which is always busy and always seems to ‘fly’ by! Apiary meetings are always fun and I had the added privilege, as CBKA President, of officially opening the new Mid Cheshire Apiary.
And then, before you know it, we are thinking about autumn treatments and winter feed for the bees, and then the Autumn Convention and Honey Show, which was once again held at Forest Hills. In between all this, there were winter study groups for the modules in March and November and Basic Assessments for those wishing to further their knowledge of the fascinating hobby of beekeeping. And fascinating it is! But even so, as the days grow shorter and darker, I’m always glad to relax for a while. However, it is not long before thoughts start turning to the season ahead and plans for what it might bring. As beekeepers, we are always optimistic that the year ahead will be better than the year just gone, despite all the named storms we seem to be getting. So here’s wishing you all a good season ahead.
I also wish to thank the County Committee and the Branch Committees for all their work arranging programmes and workshops and keeping everything running smoothly, not to mention the ordinary members, some of whom go out of their way to support meetings in different ways. Without you all, there would be no Cheshire Beekeepers Association! Your support is invaluable.
May all your supers be full ones through the season ahead!
Pam Hatton
Page 4 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Committee Report for Year 2023
This report details the work carried out by the Committee on behalf of the members for the year ended December 2023.
This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held as usual in recent years as part of the Cheshire BKA Spring Convention, at Forest Hills Hotel, Frodsham on March 25th at 11.30am. Please note that members wishing only to attend the AGM do not have to pay for a convention ticket. Members were welcomed to the AGM by the President, Pam Hatton, who commented that it had been a long cold winter but now the days were lengthening, the bees were flying and it was time to start active beekeeping again. The President then handed over to our Chairperson, Pete Sutcliffe.
retiring by rule. Graham Platt agreed to stand again. There are unfilled vacancies on the committee: 2 places for 2 years to 2025 and 2 places for 4 years to 2027. It was also pointed out that the position of Social Media Manager is currently unfilled. J. Sheeky was reappointed to the office of Honorary Auditor.
There was one proposition to be considered by the meeting. The committee proposed changes to the Cheshire BKA Rules, the details of which had been circulated to the membership previously. Showing the details of the proposed changes on the screen, the Chairperson explained the reasons behind them. Members asked some questions and it was clarified that Country Members do not have voting rights. After a show of hands, the changes were agreed. There were no objections or abstentions.
Apologies for absence were noted from Liz Brindle (N. Cheshire), Peter Carefoot (Stockport), David Fray (S. Cheshire), David Rounthwaite (N. Cheshire), Polly Smith (N. Cheshire), Nichola Summerfield (S. Cheshire), Peter Woodhead (N. Cheshire). The meeting paused in silence for a few moments to respect members who had died recently: 2022: Derek Lockett (Stockport), Jenni Joynt (Stockport), Chris Pownall (N. Cheshire), Ian Maclean (non-branch) 2023: Brian Sinfield (ex-member)
Viki Cutherbertson and Steve Purkis were appointed as Tellers.
The minutes of the previous AGM were accepted as a true record of proceedings and were signed by the Chairperson. 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 by Sydney Hollinshead, seconded by Isabel Large and agreed that existing Officers of the Association and other members be elected en bloc. Graham Platt and Nigel Brierley were
The Edgar Mobbs Shield is awarded annually to the highest achieving student taking BBKA exams in the previous year and was presented to David Fray.
The Canon Evans Cup for Services to Beekeeping in Cheshire
Cheshire BKA President awarded this year’s award to Isabel Large of the South Cheshire Branch and gave the following citation.
The recipient this year is currently the Education Secretary at their branch and has worked tirelessly [a well-worn phrase, but apt in this case] in organising Beginners’ Courses, Taster Days and is generally involved in everything the branch does. This person has been involved heavily in the move to the branch’s new apiary site and is always a safe pair of hands in organising events. This person gives talks to schools and clubs and is generally someone who gets things done. A huge asset to the branch who deserves some recognition for the work that they do.
Membership .
The Registered and Partner membership at the end of September 2023 was North Cheshire Branch 155 (includes 1 School Member), South Cheshire 181, Stockport 220 (includes 4 School Members), Wirral 115 (includes 1 School Member), Mid Cheshire 103,
Non-Branch 1. There are also 30 Associate members, 35 Country members, 42 Friends, 10 Juniors. This gives an Association total membership of 892 (872 in 2022). (This does not include new members joining after October 1 as they will be counted in the 2024 figures.) The committee is sad to report that during 2023 two of our members have died: John Hudson (South Cheshire) and John Richards (Stockport).
specific locations and also the strength of colonies. The honey seems to be darker this year compared to last year.
BBKA examinations – see the separate report by the Examinations’ Officer.
Conventions and meetings
See individual branch reports for details of each branch’s programme.
Weather and crop
The rainfall in 2023 (2022 rainfall) recorded by Malcolm Haynes in Stockport was Jan 117mm (44mm), Feb 24mm (48mm), March 97mm (15mm), April 67mm (27mm), May 41mm (61mm), June 33 mm (29mm), July 167mm (48mm), Aug 115mm (44mm), Sept 99mm (82mm), Oct 144mm (114mm), Nov 106mm (116mm), Dec 146mm (73mm) Total for 2023 in the Stockport area was therefore 1156mm. This compares to 801mm for the same period last year. Equivalent rainfall figures for South Cheshire recorded by Liz Camm in Nantwich were Jan 54mm (39mm), Feb 3mm (240mm), March 72mm (64mm), April 41mm (56mm), May 4mm (32mm), June 71mm (65mm), July 115mm (47mm), August 83 mm (23mm), Sept 63mm (81mm), Oct 132mm (96mm), Nov 55mm (111 mm), Dec 133mm (55mm). Total in 2023 for the South Cheshire area was 826mm. This compares to 909mm for the same period last year.
Reports have been received from Cheshire BKA Branches regarding the 2023 honey crop. The general consensus is that what promised to be a good year with the spring crop for flowers and tree blossoms being good, turned into an overall ‘average’ year, following bumper crops in 2022. Summer crops were very poor due to the bad weather in July and August with many, including experienced beekeepers, reporting little or no crop at all as the bees had used all their stores. The bees were very light going into winter with the warmer October resulting in them using more of their stores than usual. As in every year, there is variation with individual people doing better than others, depending on particularly good
Spring Convention
The CBKA Spring Convention was held at Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham. Speakers were Kirsty Stainton whose subject was ‘What is Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus?’, Viki Cuthbertson talking about ‘Preparation for the Season Ahead’, and Joyce Nisbet explaining about producing ‘Cut Comb, Chunk Honey and Sections’.
Members' Honey Show and Autumn Convention.
The Autumn Convention and Members' Honey Show was 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 very interesting talks. Dr Stephen Case-Green of British Wax gave two presentations, the first one was on ‘Commercial Wax Production’, the second was entitled ‘Making Beeswax Products’. Professor Stephen Martin talked about ‘Beekeeping and Bee Research – a Global Perspective. This was a more light-hearted talk than usual, but also informative. There was the usual raffle and the Exam Secretary, Stuart Hatton, presented exam certificates to those who had successfully passed BBKA exams earlier in the year.
At the end of the afternoon members could go and view the exhibits in the honey show and trophies were presented to the winners.
Committee meetings
The Committee now meets five times a year – in January, April, June, September and December – with the June meeting being held via the internet, in order to reduce travelling. Meetings are normally held at Frodsham Community Centre.
At the January meeting Chairperson, Pete Sutcliffe,
Page 6 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2023, and extended a particular welcome to Steve Purkis who had been elected as Chairperson of Mid Cheshire Branch at their recent AGM.
Under Matters Arising, after further discussion, it was agreed that changes to the Cheshire BKA Rules that were circulated before the meeting would be recommended to CBKA members at the AGM in March.
The Treasurer, Simon Nuttall, reported that total funds at the end of 2022 were down by £4,907 from 2021 to £84,348. The County holds 26.76% of these funds. County expenditure overall was balanced with a small surplus of £660. A discussion was held regarding two endowment funds. The William Menzies fund is to used specifically to the benefit of young beekeepers. As there are several schools now that have bees it should be possible to use the fund for their benefit. The Griffith endowment should be used to fund the prize for Novice Beekeepers at the Honey Show, which is currently £40. It was agreed that, since the interest earned on these two funds would never provide a meaningful amount of money, the idea of preserving the capital should be abandoned and any money required should be taken from the funds, thereby running them down eventually. It the case of the Griffiths fund this would likely take about 30 years at the current rate of expenditure.
After each Branch Treasurer had presented their branch finance report for 2022, they then outlined their spending plans for the current year.
North Cheshire Branch planned additional expenditure for 2023 including maintenance of the training apiary sheds at a likely cost of £1,000 and the purchase of a new branch laptop priced at around £500.
South Cheshire Branch 2023 expenditure is likely to include additional extraction equipment and a new speaker system.
Stockport Branch Treasurer said that the Branch expenditure would include the purchase of fondant
and honey jars at a cost of around £2,000, which would then be sold to members at cost. New apiary equipment would cost around £2,000, £1,500 would be required to support beekeeping in schools with budget hives and child-sized bee suits. Website improvements were also planned at a cost of £1,000.
Wirral Branch did not have plans available at the time of the meeting.
Mid Cheshire Branch consider a key activity to be the development of a branch apiary. Chairperson, Pete Sutcliffe, asked Steve Purkis (Chairperson Mid Cheshire) to put together a bid for funds to develop the apiary, which will then be considered in a timely manner. Whether the funds should be in the form of a grant or a loan would be decided later.
BBKA had published a new Safeguarding Policy and this had been circulated for members to read before the meeting. This states that all Member Associations should have their own safeguarding policy. It was agreed that Cheshire BKA would aim to develop a policy which would be accessible to all, simply worded and applicable to both association and branch events. Pete Sutcliffe asked Peter Carefoot to be involved in the development of the policy as Peter had been active in working towards a document for the Stockport Branch.
At the April meeting this year after a welcome by President Pam Hatton, the Committee re-elected Pete Sutcliffe to be their Chairperson for 2023-2024 and Lesley Jacques as Deputy Chairperson. Treasurer Simon Nuttall reported that the County’s total bank balances currently stood at around £38,162 but that £18,000 would be paid out soon for BBKA capitation and BDI. The recent bill from the printers was much less than previous ones: £850, of which £500 is postage, as a result of many members opting out of hard copies. £600 had been paid into the account following various courses but there was a £1,000 deficit from the Spring Convention.
For the first time the Spring Convention and AGM was to be held at Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham,
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 7
after it was found that the previous venue was becoming too expensive and that the service was less than satisfactory. There were 67 bookings to attend. Although the Association underwrites any loss it would be good to see more members attending. attending. Good promotion by email and social media led to a spike in bookings. Positive feedback on these platforms would hopefully encourage better attendance at the Autumn Convention in October.
A draft Safeguarding Policy was reviewed. The Chairperson pointed out that while this is an important issue, in terms of the audience and beekeeping meetings, training and events, it would likely be a miniscule problem. Therefore, there needs to be a simple procedure to be of use to the whole Association. Peter Carefoot, Pete Sutcliffe and David Fray volunteered to form a working group to further develop this policy.
Final arrangements were made for the Auction on 29th April; it was agreed to not run another Bee Health Day in 2023; Cheshire BKA participation in RHS Tatton Park was doubtful; Cheshire Show was on 20th and 21st June and the Honey Show schedules were distributed to Committee members.
A ‘virtual meeting’ by Zoom was held in June. Pete Sutcliffe, Chairperson, welcomed every one and extended congratulations to Steve Donohoe, the Cheshire Beekeeper Magazine editor, on his appointment to the editorship of the Bee Farmers’ Magazine, commenting that his editorship of the Cheshire Beekeeper Magazine would be a hard act to follow. This meant that a replacement editor would be needed for the Cheshire Beekeeper magazine.
Graham Royle was congratulated on organizing yet another successful Auction in April. The sales value of items including over 20 nucs and 2 colonies was around £12,000. The surplus for the Association was £420.
Treasurer Simon Nuttall reported that the savings on magazine costs continued as many more
members have opted for on-line only copies. The Building Society accounts stands at around £16,500 and CBKA assets in the current account at around £4,600.
Peter Carefoot had put together a Safeguarding Policy draft document that he would circulate to Committee members. Each Branch would need to designate a Safeguarding Officer. The Guideline would be available to all members and will be easily understood.
At the September meeting, the Treasurer reported on the current state of Association finances. September is always the lowest point for the Association current account after BBKA and BDI payments have been made. Simon would be applying to HMRC for Gift Aid, expected to be in the region of £4,000.
Plans for Cheshire BKA 125th anniversary in 2024 were discussed. A history booklet covering the past 25 years will be put together including a piece about diseases from Graham Royle. Malcolm Haynes would put together some notes from his extensive knowledge of the Association. An A5 booklet is envisaged, printed in colour. Inevitably there will be facts and figures but also, as in the previous booklet when the Association was 100 years old, there will be a page for each Branch to contribute their own account of the last 25 years. The approximate cost (including postage) to send to each member would be £2,000.
It was agreed that a banner would be produced for each branch and one for the association would be ordered. These would have the usual wording and include ‘celebrating 125 years’.
Tamper labels to celebrate the anniversary will be ordered from Thorne. Further refinements to the Safeguarding Policy were discussed and agreed. Under Any Other Business, Julia Young said she would report back to the Committee on the outcome of the BBKA forum on Swarm Coordinators.
Graham Royle commented that 48 Asian Hornet nests had been found so far this year. Genetic testing would ascertain whether they had been any over-wintered Queens. It was suggested that it
would be useful to have a speaker to talk about practical suggestions about what beekeepers could do at the Spring Convention in 2024.
The final committee meeting of the year was held on an extremely cold Saturday morning in December. Feedback was received regarding the Autumn Convention that was held in October. It was suggested that those on the Branch Beginner Courses should be encouraged to attend the Spring Convention as it would be a good chance to meet up again with fellow students and help to fill the gap between the end of the theory courses in the Convention that was held in October. It was suggested that those on the Branch Beginner Courses should be encouraged to attend the Spring Convention as it would be a good chance to meet up again with fellow students and help to fill the gap between the end of the theory courses in the winter and the practical courses. The idea that a voucher for the Convention could be given to beginners was discussed, possibly starting in 2025 as arrangements for 2024 courses were already finalised.
Pete Sutcliffe reported on a successful meeting for Branch Education Secretaries, a follow up is planned. The Treasurer was not at the meeting but sent in his report. It was agreed that Capitation would not be paid to Branches again this year, apart from £460 to Mid Cheshire Branch as it is our newest and smallest Branch.
There was a detailed discussion of the various propositions put forward by BBKA and
collection arrangements. It was clear that different Associations have developed various ways of organizing volunteer swarm collectors but it was evident that good communication between beekeepers willing to collect swarms is key. It would be useful if each Cheshire Branch were to set up a ‘WhatsApp’ group of beekeepers who will collect swarms. Not everyone wants to be on the BBKA map. Noted that the Swarm Collectors Quiz is live on the CBKA website. It is a useful resource and all should be encouraged to try it.
Other Shows and Events
This year CBKA did not take part in the RHS Show at Tatton, which we have done for many years, or any other major events. However, various members took part in the Royal Cheshire Show, very much led by the Mid Cheshire Branch. As usual, the Branches did take part in many local events.
Over the year, there were many enquiries from members of the public wishing to start up beekeeping and looking for advice, as well as the usual 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 enquirers to access the information they needed.
We wish you every success for the coming year, 2024.
, Chairperson Elizabeth Camm , Hon. General Secretary
Associations for the Annual Delegates Meeting in January. Lesley Jacques, our ADM delegate, will put forward the views of the CBKA committee in the discussions. Further discussions were held regarding the Safeguarding Policy and Graham Royle agreed to circulate a policy he had seen from Bedfordshire BKA, which he thought was a very straightforward document that could be tweaked for use by Cheshire.
Julia Young and Pete Sutcliffe had attended a Zoom meeting held by BBKA regarding swarm
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 9
Page 10 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Examination Secretary’s Report 2023
There has been an increase in members taking examinations in Cheshire in 2023 with 12 members taking the Basic Assessment, 6 taking Module Examinations, 2 General Husbandry and 1 Microscopy.
Module 8
Graham Fifoot (Credit).
Graham Fifoot (Credit).
General Husbandry
Examination successes are:
David Fray, Michael Dale.
Basic Assessment
Rachael Norwood (Credit), Diane Cresswell (Credit), John Hibbert (Credit), Timothy Pugh (Credit), Helen Houghton-Foster (Pass) John Loud (Pass), Andrea Toms (Credit), Julie Nicol (Credit), Carolyn Slater (Credit), Nigel Bale (Credit), Luke Bailey (Pass), Althea Wilkinson (Credit).
Module 1
Margaret Charlton (Distinction), Heather Gregory (Pass), Ian Turley (Pass), Claire Huson (Credit).
Module 5
Christopher Cornwell-Lee (Credit), Warwick Wheatley (Credit).
Module 6
Warwick Wheatley (Credit), Michael Dale (Pass). Anastasia Mochalova, James Tatlow(Pass)
All certificates will be awarded for Module, Basic and Practical Assessments at the Cheshire County Conventions which are currently held at the Forest Hills Hotel, Overton Hill, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6HH.
Certificates for members not attending will be given to a branch member so they can be presented at branch meetings.
Dates for module exams in 2024 are Saturday 23 March, closing date for entry is 9th February 2024. Saturday 16th November, closing date for entry 30th September 2024.
If you require any further information on what is involved with any examinations, please contact me at hattonstuart1@gmail.com or mobile 07778592835.
Module 7
Michael Dale (Credit)
Stuart Hatton
Examination Secretary
Bee Disease Report For 2023
For the fifth year in a row, there were no cases of notifiable disease found in Cheshire. A year of both good and bad news with regard to bee disease and its control. The good news is that the National Bee Unit have been able to appoint a Seasonal Bee Inspector based in Cheshire. The bad news is that the number of colony inspections in Cheshire decreased compared with the 2022 figure from 146 to 116. This reduction in number of inspections is reflected across the whole of England where the total number this year was 15,940 compared with 22,100 in 2022.
The focus of the National Bee Unit this year has been on dealing with Asian Hornet. They have done a fantastic job finding and destroying Asian hornet nests, but inevitably, colony inspections for notifiable disease have had lower priority. As this focus on Asian hornet is likely to continue next year, all members need to be vigilant and to check their colonies for notifiable disease.
This year a total of 72 Asian hornet nests have been found in 56 different locations. This is a huge increase over previous years. The majority of the
nests were found in Kent, and along the south coast. Three nests were found in Yorkshire. 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
Page 12 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
BBKA Annual Delegates’ Meeting
In recent years, a virtual format has been established and refined for the BBKA Annual Delegates Meeting. Delegates could choose whether to attend in person at Stoneleigh or to participate virtually through a webinar format. As in the previous year, the majority opted for the latter – negating the significant travel requirement for many of the Local Area Associations more distant from Stoneleigh and of course bringing significant cost savings to the Association. Of the 67 Area associations represented, only 7 Area associations were represented in person, the others attending virtually. Delegates represented 27,650 members.
The meeting followed the established format, with standing orders and governance issues being handled first, followed by finance reports before nominations and propositions.
Howard Pool provided a review of the charity financial position; accounts for the 2022 financial year show that the charity made a small surplus of £79,017 over the year and accordingly there was no suggestion of an uplift in capitation due from the area associations. The BBKA budget is set in May, and monitored monthly; over the last 8 years forecasts have been broadly accurate and so expenditure predictable and in line with expectations.
Recognitions
The Board of Trustees recommend to the meeting that Honorary Membership of the BBKA be conferred on Margaret Wilson, Past President. The vote was carried by return of votes ahead of the ADM.
The Board of Trustees also recommend to the meeting that the award be made of an Apiculturae Maxime Se Dedit certificate to Mike Ticehurst. Mike has been a key member of the eR2 team that enabled the system to be successfully introduced and continues to work to ensure it remains a vital tool for all the associations that have come to rely on it.
Nominations to BBKA committees
In the previous year, a new process was rolled out for voting for candidates standing for positions on the BBKA committees, with delegates 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 and was upheld for the 2023 meeting. This year there were 4 candidates standing for 5 position on the five vacancies on the Executive Committee. Mark Hunter, Clare McGettigan, Stephen Barnes and Joyce Nisbet were all elected to 3-year terms on the EC.
This year there were two vacancies for three-year terms on the Examinations Board. There was one candidate, Patricia Morgan, who unfortunately died in late 2022. Therefore no appointment was made to the EB in 2023.
Prize winners
This year, the Robert Hammond Award for the highest mark in the Intermediate Theory Certificate was awarded to Stephen Green of Gloucestershire BKA. The winner of the George Knight’s Award for the Area Association making the most effort and progress in examinations beyond the basic was Avon BKA. The Surrey Shield for best association performance in the Basic assessment was awarded to Yorkshire BKA; and the Wax Chandlers’ Award for the highest overall marks in the Master Beekeepers exams was awarded to Diane Webb (Gloucestershire).
Propositions for consideration
This year there were 9 propositions for consideration, of which a few are particularly noteworthy.
BBKA examinations
In the previous year, the BBKA exam board had made clear an intention to discontinue locally available in-person, hand-written Module examinations, intending that all examinations
Page 14 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
would be held on-line. Cornwall BKA put forward a proposition that the BBKA instructs the Exam Board, with immediate effect, to retract entirely this intention, including in those situations where there are fewer than four candidates, to prevent members having to travel an unreasonable distance. The Local Associations should deal with the cost of organising a venue for a small number of candidates and they may liaise with neighbouring BKAs in this matter. The proposition was passed, leading to withdrawal of a related proposition to survey the impact of moving to an on-line only process.
being something of a hot topic in the light of honey adulteration claims, it is not entirely surprising that this came up at the ADM also. Hampshire BKA put forward a proposition that the BBKA resolves to help the general public find and recognise sources of local honey from BBKA member beekeepers. Against the background that much of the imported honey sold on the open market may be adulterated, BBKA will work to extend the impact of the National Honey Day and raise awareness about honey adulteration. In particular it will seek to connect people with their local BBKA beekeepers and help educate the public about the benefits of local honey. This was carried by a small majority.
Adrenaline autoinjectors
Worcestershire BKA had put forward a proposition that the BBKA lobby the appropriate authorities to request a change in the law to allow beekeepers to obtain adrenaline auto-injectors (‘EpiPen’) without prescription to have available at events where a group of people may be exposed to the risk of a bee sting . These would be for use if a person with them suffers an anaphylactic reaction after a bee sting.
This was a contentious issue. Stephen Barnes reported that insurers had been consulted and would not insure this risk. The advice on first aid courses is not to use generic auto injectors. The potential for being sued is very high. Training is required; there is a national shortage of auto injectors and each one is to be personally carried for the sole use of the carrier. A number of amendments were floated, and ultimately the matter referred back to the EC for further assessment.
BBKA constitutional amendments
Several propositions were put forward around refinements to the constitution of the association. Should anyone wish to see this, the constitution is available on the BBKA web site. These propositions were toward the end of the meeting, and a technical issue with the eR2 voting meant that the final three propositions could not be put the vote. The meeting was closed at that point, and adjourned to such time when the system was operational. Unfortunately, this could not be completed within 30 days, which is a requirement for continuation of the propositions. Should the proposing associations wish, the propositions can be brought again in the following year.
As always, should anyone wish to know more about the ADM, then please just drop me a line at lesley.jacques@me.com
Lesley Jacques
ADM delegate for Cheshire BKA
With the provenance of honey and hive products
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, BDI and also to the Regional and Seasonal Bee Disease Inspectors covering Cheshire BKA.
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 15
CBKA Autumn Convention 2023
The Autumn Convention, held on Saturday, 14th October at Best Western Forest Hills Hotel, is always a very social event and when you are not chatting or meeting up with friends from all over Cheshire, there is the trade stand to browse, run by Hatton Lodge Apiary, and the book stand with books provided by Jeremy Burbridge of Northen Bee Books.
We only had two speakers this year. Our first speaker, Dr Stephen Case Green from British Wax, kicked off the day with his talk Commercial Beeswax Production , telling us something of the history of his company, and the fact that in our climate-conscious times, customers want to know where the beeswax comes from and how it is treated to produce the finished product. British Wax source most of their beeswax from Africa, mainly Kenya, and because of this they are now moving their wax production to Kenya, buying direct from the farmers who produce the beeswax making it much more ethical. Stephen’s photos showed some beautiful beeswax produced by the beekeepers in Kenya, which of course, is very pure as they do not use any pesticides or treatments. Also, a lot of the producers are women, as anyone who supports Bees for Development or Bees Abroad will know! Stephen explained the processing process, which is very simple, and the beeswax is then shipped back to customers in the UK and elsewhere, a very interesting talk which produced lots of questions afterwards.
Dr Stephen Martin is an old friend of Cheshire Beekeepers and his talk was about Beekeeping and Bee Research: A Global Perspective in which Stephen told us about some of his adventures around the world studying bees and bee behaviour. He had promised a light-hearted talk and it certainly made us laugh in places, as well as tackling some serious issues – and not all the bees were honeybees! The stingless bees from Brazil were particularly fascinating and are kept as pets, apparently! In the questions afterwards, the topic of Asian hornets came up, and also the fact that
Australia now has varroa, despite doing everything possible to keep it out.
Lunch was a sit-down affair with two courses, and then, after lunch, Stephen Case-Green told us How to make Beeswax Products . Stephen had experimented with quite a few different products, mixing them with beeswax, and he encouraged us to try different waxes in making our own products, such as polish with a lovely orange-zest aroma! Again, a very interesting talk.
The raffle is always very well supported, with prizes supplied very generously by most of the branches, as well as individual members. Following the raffle, our Exam Secretary, Stuart Hatton, handed out well-earned certificates to those who were present and had passed their modules, and then it was through to the Honey Show to view the exhibits and the presentation of prizes. Sarah Johnson, the Show Manager, will give her report separately.
All in all, a lovely, sociable day with friends, and I would like to thank all the people who made it possible. Lesley Parker arranged the raffle prizes but couldn’t be there on the day so Isabel Large stepped in to sell raffle tickets. Liz Camm organised the hearing loop and Lesley Jacques manned the book stall. Not forgetting Graham Royle for organising the website and the sale of tickets! Thanks Graham. Pete Sutcliffe did an exemplary job of chairing the whole day and keeping us on time, and there are probably other people I haven’t mentioned, but you know who you are! Grateful thanks to you all, and to those who weren’t there – why not? You missed a great day!
Happy Beekeeping,
Pam Hatton
Page 16 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
The Annual County Honey Show
The honey show was held in conjunction with the Autumn Convention at the Forest Hills Hotel on 14th October. We were delighted to have a total of 255 exhibits at the honey show and many thanks to the 26 exhibitors from across all the branches of Cheshire. The judges, Ivor Flatman (from Yorkshire), Terry Ashley and Steve Guest (both from Cheshire) were impressed with the standard of the show and were particularly pleased with the clean presentation of the honey classes.
We had entries in nearly every class and after judging all the classes, decisions were made on the special prize cards to be awarded for each section. The Best in Show was deservedly given to Frank Kirkham’s excellent light honey. Frank received the beautiful Rose Bowl which was donated by Barbara Bryant and also the Blue Riband and free membership of the National Honey Show. There were many entries in the wax, mead, photography and gift classes and we are delighted to donate
over twenty jars of honey to be sold in aid of St Luke’s Hospice.
Many thanks to Sidney Hollinshead who kindly sponsored the gift classes. The Confectionery classes were of an extremely high standard with a lot of entries in each class. The judges and stewards enjoyed the tasting of these classes, although I have had a request to provide some cheese to eat with the chutney next time! The microscopy was of a particularly high standard but it would be good to have some more entries next year. It would also be great to have some more novice entries so all new beekeepers should make it an aim to enter the show. We are going to have a few special classes next year as part of our 125year anniversary celebrations and it would be wonderful to have more exhibitors to join the fun. Please let me know if you have ideas for some celebratory classes.
Thank you to Frank Kirkham, who helped to set up the show, and also to our stewards, John Sadler, Stuart Forbes and Ian Turley. Many thanks to Bex Ruskin who wrote up the prize cards and to Pam Hatton who presented the trophies.
Sarah Johnson Show secretary
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 17
Page 18 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
South Cheshire Branch Report 2023
Branch Chair; David Fray Vice Chair; Liz Camm Treasurer; Dee Smith Secretary; Julia Forbes-Leith Librarian; Nichola Summerfield
Education Secretary; Isabel Large Web Manager; Marine Godot Show Manager; Alan Smith Speaker Secretary; Pete Sutcliffe
Other members; Nikki Dakin, Sydney Hollinshead, Sheila Hargreaves, Helen Scott, Liz Jenkinson, Helen Palacz, Neil Williams
Our January AGM was well attended and saw the 2022 committee re-elected en bloc. However, Liz Camm retired from her role as Apiary Manager, leaving a vacancy. The meeting was followed by a popular “Beekeepers Question Time”.
In February, Andrew Easterbrook gave a thoughtprovoking talk to the members on how to “Invest in your Bees”. In March, Steve Donohoe was scheduled to speak, but was overtaken by Covid, so Pete Sutcliffe stepped in at very short notice to talk about “Breeding out bad habits”. We are lucky to have so many excellent speakers in the Cheshire beekeeping community.
Our first joint meeting of the year with North Staffordshire was a talk on the Asian Hornet situation given by Graham Royle, who stepped in for Dr Julia Hoggard who had been taken ill. The last talk of the year was by a young commercial beekeeper, Matthew Ingram, who had used his farming background and some of his family’s redundant farm buildings to set up a large and viable business.
The apiary at Reaseheath started the year with 17 hives and finished with 11, as the result of strange weather and the management of some weak and some bad-tempered colonies. In the absence of an apiary manager, apiary inspections and work have
been carried out by members, including a number of beginners, led by a rota of more experienced beekeepers. This has been helped by the use of Googledocs for planning the timetable and volunteering and a Whatsapp group for last minute changes.
This year’s Beginners Course had 30 participants and 29 are fully signed up for 2024.
South Cheshire’s own Honey Show in October was extremely well organised by Show Manager Alan Smith and judged by Terry Ashley. There were 98 entries from 19 competitors of whom four were novices. Show-cards and rosettes were placed against the staged entries and attendees were able to enjoy the display after the judging.
The sale of apiary honey from 2022 and 2023 brought in nearly £2.5K resulting in a healthy balance for the branch.
The last meeting of the year finished with the Christmas Social and Quiz where members and guests were treated to delicious hot food provided by members of the committee and were challenged by David Fray’s novel and very entertaining quiz.
Julia Forbes-Leith SCBKA Sec
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 19
Page 20 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
North Cheshire Branch Report 2023
Branch Chair; Stuart Hatton Vice Chair; Liz Brindle Treasurer; Peter Woodhead Secretary; Polly Smith
Show Manager; John Sadler Training Coordinator; Maria Heywood Librarian; Cathy Ellis
Apiary Management Committee: Peter Woodhead, Paul Williams, Julia Young, Polly Smith Additional Committee Members: Pamela Hatton, Kelvin Heywood, Graham Fifoot, Graham Platt
For the first time since 2019, in 2023 the branch was able to provide a full programme of activities without the restrictions necessitated by the Covid pandemic.
The AGM and social in January returned to the Helter Skelter in Frodsham, but with a relatively small turnout: possibly some people were still anxious about social gatherings.
The meeting started with a short silence to remember three prominent branch members who died in 2022: Heather Hilder, Chris Pownall and Ian McLean.
The business of the AGM was conducted quickly with officers and Committee being re-elected en bloc, and Liz Brindle was elected to the vacant position of Vice Chair. The meal and free flowing conversation that followed the AGM were as enjoyable and satisfying as always.
Holding the February meeting via Zoom allowed members to attend who might otherwise have been deterred by dark nights, poor weather or a crowded room. It also allowed David Evans to give his talk on ‘Bait Hives’ from the comfort of his home in the north of Scotland. The meeting started a little late owing to a power cut at the Scottish end, but the time was used for an impromptu Q&A session. The 68 attendees then enjoyed an excellent talk on swarming behaviour, why and where bait hives are of value and how to make successful ones cheaply and easily.
Nothing deterred the 25 trainees on the beginners’ theory course from meeting in person at Frodsham between January and March, and subsequently a record 28 trainees enrolled for the practical course held at Walton and Hatton Lodge apiaries, with 3
going to new trainer Warwick Wheatley. Although attendance at Walton was patchy, a core of 6 or 8 trainees contributed regularly to the management of up to 11 colonies, which produced in excess of 150 kg of honey: a good yield in a year that most beekeepers in the area considered to be ‘about average’.
Despite winter dragging on, in March, 30 members turned out to learn from Graham Royle about developments in our knowledge of and defence strategies against the Asian hornet and we were grateful to Graham for stepping in at short notice as the advertised speaker was indisposed. At the same meeting Stuart Hatton announced the death of Paul Arthur, a much liked and respected founder member of the North Cheshire Branch.
A few days previously, Graham had been at Frodsham running his very popular microscopy course and in April he was welcomed back again to give a talk on Beekeeping, the Way I do It , with an audience of more than 40 enjoying a wonderfully illustrated and extremely useful explanation of the methods and equipment that Graham uses to manage his bees throughout the year.
The long but fairly mild winter meant that by the end of April, when it became warm enough for full inspections, hives were bursting – and swarming - across the county. When practical sessions began in May, trainees were thrown in at the deep end helping to manage a variety of swarm prevention and control measures at the training apiaries. Committee members and others were called out to swarms throughout the area, and registered collector Julia Young was not the only one to run out of equipment.
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 21
Fortunately, weather conditions were good for all three branch apiary meetings. The first was hosted by Mark Phillipson and attracted an excellent attendance, the same meeting last year having fallen victim to Covid. As a commercial queen rearer, Mark shared useful tips for saving time and his back when inspecting colonies, and also demonstrated the grafting technique he uses to populate his queen rearing nucs.
On a hot evening in June, Julia Young took us through some of the many swarm colonies she had collected earlier in the year, demonstrating the differences in build-up and temperament: coincidentally the best on both counts was headed by one of Mark’s queens.
Norton Priory proved a popular venue for the July meeting hosted by Paul Quigley. Paul spoke about beekeeping at the Priory, the feral colonies in the garden walls, and the problems associated with managing bees in a public space; particularly when several swarms leave the walls on the same day. With his assistant Helen, he inspected 2 nucs retrieved from a wall-top bait box, and as Paul wanted to clip his queens to minimize future disruption from swarming, Stuart Hatton demonstrated how this should be done.
As usual refreshments at all three apiary meetings were excellent, and thanks go to everyone involved in their provision. In August, 12 ‘new starters’ enjoyed a programme of informative talks from members of the training team on everything a responsible new beekeeper needs to know, and six then signed up for the 2024 training programme.
Members were disappointed when EFB was again discovered in the area of the Llandegla moors, and the September joint heather meeting with the Wirral branch had to be cancelled for the third year in succession. Despite only ‘average’ harvests, the Honey Show in September was a success, particularly for Malcolm Knox who took away four of the seven trophies awarded on the night. This year the Show Manager was John Sadler, taking over from Graham Platt who retired after a
remarkable 17 years of both organizing and showing with great success. Some experienced members chose not to enter this year, to encourage newer entrants; a strategy that worked as the 82 entries showed, and John Goodwin gave an entertaining and helpful commentary, judging them all with a critical eye.
As well as the high number of swarms earlier in the year, many beekeepers were reporting unusually bad tempered colonies going into autumn, so Pete Sutcliffe’s talk in October on breeding out bad traits; not breeding them in, was particularly apposite, as it focused on swarmy and bad tempered bees, the connection between them and how to deal with the colonies that result; the answer in almost every case being to requeen.
The last talk of the year was again hosted by County on Zoom, allowing more than 50 members to enjoy a talk by Stuart Spinks from Norfolk Honey Company in which he gave a clear and helpful account of how to plan for the year ahead and the strategies he uses to manage multiple colonies with minimum disruption to the bees and maximum convenience for the beekeeper.
Environmental awareness seemed to flourish in 2023, with more groups and organisations than ever wanting beekeepers to give talks, sell honey, and provide displays and exhibitions. Trainer Julia Young, as well as other Committee and branch members, duly obliged with several talks to school, youth and adult groups and representation at a number of open days and fairs. Committee members also mentored less experienced colleagues, supported new beekeepers who were struggling and older beekeepers who were reluctantly giving up the hobby, throughout what turned out to be quite a challenging beekeeping year.
Whatever 2024 brings, even if, as seems likely, it is the first sightings of Asian hornets in Cheshire, we are sure that North Cheshire members, with assistance from the hardworking committee, will rise to every challenge as they did in 2023.
Polly Smith NCBK Hon Sec
Mid Cheshire Branch Report 2023
Branch Chair; Steve Purkis Treasurer; Sarah Johnson Secretary; Ian Turley
Show Manager; Stuart Forbes Show Steward; Lesley Parker Librarian; Sarah Johnson
Other members; Lesley Jacques, Jo Zielinski, Natalie Bushell, Ken Houghton, Nick Johnson, Lorraine Butcher (part year), Bob Beards (part year)
The new year started with full optimism with our branch AGM in January. Karl Colyer stepped down as Chair with Steve Purkis taking over the role. We would like to thank Karl for his valuable help and contribution through the year as Chair. Ian Turley and Sarah Johnson remain in their roles as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. An additional four members joined as general committee members. As part of the proceedings, we were entertained by Mid-Cheshire’s own “Dick and Dom” in Nick and Jonny giving us all a few very amusing pointers in what not to do in your first year of beekeeping!
Mid-Cheshire is continuing its steady growth, having an official membership figure of 92 members.
In February, we had a treat at our branch meeting from the future (now) BBKA Chair Diane Drinkwater with her take on Be Prepared - How to be more organised through the year . I think even the experienced members picked up a few tips and suggestions (Never have too many hive tools!). The event was extremely well attended with 35 members in person and a few more watching the recording later.
The informal “Bee Chat” continued in both January and February to get people interested in the coming season. These were still proving to be a good place to introduce people to beekeeping in a very informal way, without the pressure of attending a full branch meeting.
In early March, we again held our branch Beginners’ Meeting attracting a massive 50 people to the event – more than we could fit into the room! The meeting at the Blue Cap included a short introductory talk by Steve Purkis with the room laid out with various pieces of kit to allow lots of
questions and the new beekeepers the chance of handling all the equipment needed. This was followed up in April with Nick and Sarah Johnson hosting a practical hands-on DIY session in skills to “Let’s Build a Hive”. In this session we were giving new and experienced beekeepers the chance to assemble flat pack hives and frames, while also explaining the purpose of each of the parts – something that is never easy to pick up when you first start!
April also proved to be a major milestone month for the Mid-Cheshire branch where, through Bob Beards’ careful sourcing and negotiations, we opened a club training apiary for the first time at Grozone Community Garden in Northwich. We had a formal opening event where Cheshire President Pam Hatton kindly performed the opening, cutting the ribbon on what will hopefully become a very successful place for us to teach practical beekeeping. We opened the apiary with two hives and small inherited abandoned colonies, with the hope of progressing to a regular number of four to six. We looked forward to using the apiary in the coming months, but unfortunately this was not to be for this year. To help with the cost of establishing this new apiary, we have been fortunate to obtain significant funding from sponsorship by J. Parker Plants & Bulbs. This has allowed us to purchase the required equipment needed to start the new apiary.
In May, we attempted to continue our beginners’ theme on the early Coronation bank holiday with a hands-on practical session at Nick and Sarah Johnson’s apiary in Antrobus. Unfortunately, the very poor weather meant that this could not take place on the Monday but was fortunately quickly rearranged for the following Saturday when the spectacular sunny weather and some calm bees
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 23
were enjoyed by 25 keen new and novice beekeepers.
Regular inspections of the new apiary bees started, only to find that as the size of the colonies increased, so did the poor temperament of the bees, a trend that unfortunately continued through the year delaying the use of the apiary as a process of re-queening and merging was undertaken which lasted the rest of the year.
June started the first of our summer branch apiary visits where 30 people visited Mark Phillipson’s apiary. What a great apiary set up Mark has, ideal for demonstrating his method of queen rearing and passing on his very knowledgeable tips of the trade.
June also started a busy time for the branch in supporting external organisations and events. The first of these was the Cuddington and Sandiway Gala where Steve Purkis and Stuart Forbes, along with an observation hive, braved scorching temperatures at Cuddington Playing Fields to entertain the crowds and in the process win the prize and trophy for best stand (well the bees did.)
Later in June, Mid-Cheshire branch continued to hold The Honey Show at the Royal Cheshire Show with nearly 100 entries and exhibitors from most of the branches. We were delighted that we were adjacent to the Bee Education tent which was organised by David Curbishley. There was plenty of information on bees and pollinators, an observation hive as well as a great display of honey, wax products, photographs, mead and confectionery on the show stand. This made a large area dedicated to beekeeping and we were thankful to everyone who helped on the stand and talked to a huge number of visitors.
Finally in June, we had a stand at the Arley Flower Festival where Dave Wright, Ian Turley, Josh Hampson, Jane Turley, Nick Johnson and Sarah Johnson and a three-frame observation hive of bees wowed the crowds. Progress at the new apiary was slow, due to the poor temperament of
the bees, with the plus side that the new comb and foundation was being drawn and progressing well in the warm weather.
Early July, saw Ian Turley, Stuart Forbes, and Ken and Mel Houghton represent the branch, bees and beekeeping at a charity event supporting “Passion for Learning” near Chester. The event was well attended with a huge interest in our stand. Stuart was very excited and pleased to meet the beekeeper and visit the estates apiary and its collection of WBC hives.
Later in July, we were hosted by Lesley Jaques at her Hartford apiary, showing off her new stands of apidea mating hives. Progress was slow in the apiary on the bee front as the re-queening process was being affected by the weather, but one hive was successfully merged with a calmer one so hopefully they will be ready for 2024. On the infrastructure side, we managed to purchase and erect a nice bee shed to store all of our equipment and extras.
Our August branch meeting had a new treat in visiting Radbroke Hall for the first time, where Josh Hampson and Cheryl Flatman showed us around their work apiary. We closed off our seasonal apiary visits with a trip to Ken Houghton’s garden apiary. Unlike most of August, the weather played nicely and everyone enjoyed the late summer social. August also completed our summer branch representations at events where a number of us, together with bees, spent two soggy days at the Cheshire Game and County Fair.
Interest at all the external events was amazing and we look forward to welcoming some new members to both our branch and the wider Cheshire Association. At the apiary, we acquired another hive of bees with a kind donation from Ken Houghton. These were also re-queened to aid with temperament.
In September, Lesley Jacques gave a detailed account on “Bee Nutrition” to 20 at our local branch meeting. Later in the month, Sarah Johnson used her extensive show experience and skill to
Page 24 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
demonstrate how to prepare for and take part in a Honey Show. Tips on preparing honey jars, candles and wax and what to do and what not to do.
Rolling into October, Buckfast Abbey gave our branch a mind-blowing exposé into “Honey Bee Hormones” via zoom. I think we all left the call with greater knowledge and a fascination at the complexity of the honeybee and the hive, even if we did not understand all the science and terminology.
At the Cheshire Autumn Convention Honey Show, Sarah’s tips and knowledge sharing came to fruition when the Mid Cheshire branch managed to win the County Shield for the very first time, claiming a number of first prizes across the various classes. Lesley Jaques then went to the National Honey Show and claimed first prize in two microscopy classes – a very remarkable achievement. In the apiary, the remaining requeened hive finally showed signs of laying a full 12 weeks and 3 test frames after emerging. We go into winter hopeful that we will have three calm hives in early spring.
stewarding as well as expert judging by Joyce Nisbet.
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 2024. Mid Cheshire branch was also invited and participated in a Christmas market, again at Toolerstone House, where we sold lots of honey and some beeswax to those attending and again promoted the branch and beekeeping, but this time without an observation hive!
As a branch, 2024 approaches again with a lot of optimism and excitement as we approach the major milestone of being able to provide our own practical hand on training, albeit at a very small level to start. Our branch numbers continue to grow and have for the first time passed the 100 mark in the official figures with 103 members. Our main aim now is to consolidate and continue to improve with membership growth and with our key objective being the training apiary.
In November we had a new venue for our annual Branch Honey Show at Toolerstone House with another tremendous turn out with our judge Joyce Nisbet presiding over 100 entries. She again provided an excellent running description on the judging process, luckily with no dog hairs or “evil” honey this year. A big thanks to Stuart Forbes for the organisation and to Lesley Parker for
A real success story has been the Facebook group, but more particularly the support WhatsApp group which has seen topics ranging from the very basic “I need some help” type question to exploits of a grafting and queen rearing process. May this continue in the future and Happy Beekeeping.
Ian Turley MCBKA Sec
Stockport Branch Report 2023
| Stockpor | |
|---|---|
| Branch Chair; | Peter Carefoot |
| Vice Chair; | Paul Wheeldon |
| Treasurer; | Alistair Taylor |
| Secretary; | Stephen Donohoe |
| (resigned July) |
Education Secretary; Alan Towse Show Manager; Sue Payge Programme Manager; Patricia Watkins Librarian; Paul Wheeldon Apiary Manager; David Lilley Asst. Apiary Manager; Dermot Carty
Other members; Liz Sparkes, Brian Gee, Mark Davis
At the end of the year, the branch membership was 267, an increase of 10 from the same time last year.
The year began with 32 students completing the 9-
week Beginner's Course at Stockport Homes Group. Most of these students also signed up for the practical sessions at the Woodbank Apiary, with some continuing their education by supporting
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 25
the weekly colony checks when the course ended. In addition, there was a Beekeeping Taster Day in July; again, this popular event was fully subscribed, with many attendees signing up for the 2024 theory course—many thanks to Alan and Linda Towse, who have organised and managed the education programme efficiently.
The new SBKA website went live in May and is up and running with enhancements. There has been a lot of interest; most enquiries have been for beekeeping courses and dealing with swarms. The result is pleasing, and thanks must go to Steve Donohoe for his skill and guidance in putting this together.
David Lilley and Dermot Carty have done an excellent job in a challenging year for beekeepers. David initiated a WhatsApp group to summon people to the apiary's teaching and colony check nights, 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. Through July and August, the wet weather pressured the weekly colony maintenance. It was a case of inspecting whenever the weather allowed it. At the end of 2023, fourteen colonies and one nuc have been prepared and bedded down for the winter.
The branch honey extraction night on September 27th was back at Woodford Memorialwhere the facilities significantly improved on the restrictive space at the apiary. The yield was a disappointing 81 lbs from the 14 colonies, down from 269 lbs in 2022. The wet July and August saw the bees consume most of the stores collected during the warm spring and early summer. The apiary moved to the current site eight years ago and it was necessary to replace all the hive stands and strengthen the security fencing. Under David's direction, Paul Wheeldon and Brian Gee made the stands and members helped to fit them. A special thank you goes out to all who helped.
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.
The World Bee Day celebration in Stockport Town Centre was disappointing. Holidays and sickness prevented members' support; only three people could get there during the day. Poor communication with the town centre support team added to the problems. The public interest was again excellent, but the Shopping Centre Management reported an overall disappointment for the day's events. Special thanks go to Alan, Linda Towse, and Dermot Carty for their commitment and perseverance during the day.
Woodford Community Hall was the venue for the annual Honey Show on Saturday, November 11th. The number of entries was 91, which was lower than previous years. The organisers considered the reduced honey harvest to be partly responsible. Judges Ivor Flatman and Jane Barlow commented that standards were once again of high quality. Thank you to everyone who helped with the setting up and everyone involved in putting the show together. And a big thank you to everyone who entered.
Alan has now successfully established small apiaries at five schools in the Stockport area. SBKA has bought initial equipment and the schools have had fundraising events to finance the set-up. Once again, the celebration of World Bee Day was a delight for the kids and parents involved. The highlight for the schools and pupils was the honey crop, which sold at parents' evenings.
During March, Alan taught the high-security HMP Manchester team members the basic principles of beekeeping. Alan introduced bees from captured swarms and two strong colonies have entered winter.
SBKA remains in a solid financial position. The electronic transfer of money is now more timely and robust to comply with Charity Commission requirements and protect SBKA funds. The main purchases were syrup, fondant, and honey jars, once again available to members at subsidised prices. There was also a significant outlay on the
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refurbishment of the apiary.
Congratulations to Carolyn Slater, Andrea Toms and John Loud, who passed their Basic Beekeeping Certificate, and to Margaret Charlton, who passed her BBKA Module One. Also, Michael Dale passed Module 6 and gained General
Husbandry and Qualified Beekeeper Certificates. The Hot Pot Supper at Woodford Hall was the year's last social event. Thirty-six members enjoyed the excellent food, followed by a seasonal quiz and raffle.
Peter Carefoot SBKA Chair
Wirral Branch Report 2023
Branch Chair; Nigel Brierley Vice Chair; Barbara Bryant Treasurer; John Hamilton
Secretary; Janine Unwin Education and Training and Prog Secretary; Nigel Brierley/Helen Parkinson
Other members; Andrew Clough, Paul Manning, Gill Medley, Graham Wilson, Jane Wright
The year started off in January with our 61st AGM held at Irby Methodist Church Hall. It was well attended and saw the election of four new members to the committee.
February saw Pam Hatton’s talk on Beeswax and Candles. Our beginners’ course was run over a weekend in February with around 25 keen students, many of whom continued their involvement with outdoor apiary meetings.
In March, committee began a search for a suitable training apiary site for 2024. This culminated in the discovery of an excellent site which a team of committee members, lead by Jane, are in the process of setting up. Details will be available on our website when this is complete.
In line with other areas in Cheshire, a warm spring and early summer gave rise to a swift build-up of stores by the bees but the good weather also led to an early start in swarms. Our swarm collectors were kept busy during this time! However, a wet July and August saw the promising stores quickly depleted, leaving little honey to harvest and a need for many colonies to have additional feeding going into winter.
autumn indoor meetings was Preparing for the Honey Show with Joyce Nesbit. Joyce entertained and instructed for the upcoming show in November. October’s talk was Pollen , a fascinating talk from Lesley Jacques. November saw the revival of the Honey Show, organised by Helen and this proved to be a popular event with members and visitors alike. Judged by Joyce Nesbit, over 70 entries ranged from honey and beeswax to candles and cookery with honey. Many thanks to Helen for undertaking this great project.
As ever a big ‘thank you’ is also due to Graham for continuing to oversee the branch website,
WhatsApp and Facebook pages. The WBK website links to the County website, advertising upcoming events and providing information to the members. The beginners’ course for 2024 has been advertised and will be held from January. A full programme of events for 2024 has been organised with details available on the website.
Janine Unwin WBKA Sec
During the summer we enjoyed outdoor meetngs at Gordale, overseen by Nigel. One of these had Huw Evans as visiting speaker. These were also outside practical sessions following on from the beginners’ course. In September, the first of the
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 27
Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ending 31 December 2023
The following pages show the financial accounts for Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association and its branches for the year ended 31 December 2023.
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 £93,637.64 compared to funds of £89,348.34 at 31 December 2022.
All branches other than Stockport made surpluses in the year, predominantly from running training courses and selling produce from training apiaries. North Cheshire made a surplus of £1,854.43; South Cheshire £1,589.94; Wirral £2,674.78; and Mid Cheshire £910.33 after receiving capitation from the County of £460. Stockport branch made a deficit of £2,956.71 after investing in its own apiary, school apiaries and having increased room hire costs. The County’s income and expenditure broadly matched in 2023, leaving a small surplus
of £209.40.
Taking all of the branches, the County, and funds given for the benefit CBKA together, Cheshire Beekeepers Association made a combined surplus of £4,289.30 in 2023 (2022: deficit of (£4,907.44)).
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
Independant Examiner’s Report for 2023
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Cheshire Beekeepers Association for the year ended 31 December 2023.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT
requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act. 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 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: Accounting records were kept in respect of the Association The accounts do accord with those records; The accounts do comply with the accounting
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
20 January 2024
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Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ending 31 December 2023
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 29
Page 30 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Statement of Financial Activities - County
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 31
Page 32 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Statement of Financial Activities - North Cheshire
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 33
Statement of Financial Activities - Mid Cheshire
Page 34 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Statement of Financial Activities - South Cheshire
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 35
Statement of Financial Activities - Stockport
Page 36 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Statement of Financial Activities - Wirral
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 37
Equipment Held by the Association Available to Borrow
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.
Page 38 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
List of Holders of the Canon Evans Memorial Cup
This Trophy is awarded annually for service to Cheshire Beekeeping
1925 E.W. Franklin 1964 W. Vickers 1926 A.J. Blakeman 1965 G.E. Morgan 1927 Miss L. Brooks 1966 W.S. Basnett 1928 E.P. Hinde 1967 J.W. Corbett 1929 W. Stokoe 1968 G.W. Banwell CBE, 1930 H. Stubbs MC 1931 Rev. H.W. Comber 1969 F. Griffiths 1932 W. Bradburn 1970 Miss L. Manley 1933 H. Cropper 1971 J.D. Frimston FBBKA 1934 D.J. Hemming 1972 R. Brandon 1935 R.G. Williams 1973 G. E. Mitchell 1936 H. Hope 1974 D. Smart 1937 T.A. Jones 1975 W. Horn 1938 H.H. Brook 1976 J.C. Tucker 1939 E.W. Hughes 1977 Mrs M. Griffiths 1940 T.W. Wilbraham 1978 J. Smart 1941 T. Moore 1979 Mrs E. Robinson 1942 B.O. Rayson 1980 Dr. R.Bennett 1943 A. Shaw 1981 J. Nixon 1944 J. Rhind 1982 S.S. Hancock 1945 Miss E. Goodier 1983 K.J. McMorine 1946 J.E. Palmer 1984 E. Mobbs 1947 H.B. Eaton 1985 J. Todd 1948 Mrs M.E.H. Edgerley 1986 B. Stonehouse 1949 Mrs Dunkerley 1987 H. Holland 1950 G.E. Hancox 1988 J. Hunt 1951 E. Wallis 1989 I.S. McLean 1952 Sir E.B. Royden, bart. 1990 R.S. Ayliffe 1953 J.F. Johnson 1991 A.A.J & Mrs B.J. van 1954 A. Witter Suchtelen 1955 D. Heaton 1992 D. Lockett 1956 D.R. Hardy 1993 H.J.V. Charlton 1957 E.F. Marchant 1994 B. Chapman 1958 W.A. Dutton 1995 Mrs. H. Turner 1959 W.R. Burgess 1996 H.A. Buckley 1960 Mrs G. White 1997 M.F. Haynes 1961 J. Wright 1998 P. Collinge 1962 H.H. Jackson 1999 Mrs. B Bryant 1963 V.D. Wavish 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 2023 Mrs I. Large
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 39
Page 40 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Page 50 Cheshire Beekeepers’ Association
Report and Balance Sheet 2023 Page 51
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