## The Lancashire and North West ## Beekeepers Association Affiliated to the British Beekeepers Association Lancashire and North West B.K.A (Founded 1882. Reconstructed separately 1899) Registered Charity No 506167 ## **Handbook and annual reports 2021-22** ## **CONTENTS** ## _Introduction_ Officers of the Association Legal and Administrative Details 2021 -22 ## _Central Council Reports 2022_ Chairman’s Report Hon Treasurer report including Consolidated Accounts and Central Council Accounts Hon Examinations Secretary ## _Branch Reports_ Blackpool and Fylde http://www.blackpoolbees.co.uk/ East Lancashire http://www.eastlancsbees.org.uk/ Lancaster http://www.lancaster-beekeepers.org.uk/ Liverpool and District http://www.liverpoolbeekeepers.co.uk/ Oldham & District http://www.odbka.org Ormskirk and Croston https://www.ormskirkbeekeepers.org.uk/ Preston and District http://www.prestonbka.org.uk/ Southport and District http://www.southportbeekeepers.co.uk/ Please visit the branch websites for up-to-date contact details and details on how to join Lancashire and North West BKA https://www.lancashirebeekeepers.org.uk/ _Northern Region Bee Unit Report_ The NBU’s Annual report for the North West. _Officers_ President Mr Martin Smith* Chair Mr Michael Gardner Vice - Chair Mrs Viki Cuthbertson Hon Gen Sec Mr Mike Lavelle Hon Treasurer Mr Arthur Leyland Hon. Convention Officer VACANT Hon Handbook Sec. Ms Diane Drinkwater Hon Honey Show Officer Mrs Elaine Hargreaves Hon Webmaster Mr Mark Oakley Hon Education Coordinator Mrs Viki Cuthbertson Hon Examinations Secretary Mrs Robina Johnstone Hon Examiner of Accounts Mrs Amanda Moat Disease Liaison Officer (Co-opted member) Miss Caroline Coughlin Beecraft Rep & Trophies Officer Mrs Jan Blackthorn Hazell BDI Rep Mr Martin Smith* ADM Rep Mr Dave Heaton * _It is noted that Mr Smith is also President of BDI. The Council is satisfied that this does not present any conflict of issues_ _LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 2021 – 2022_ Status Registered Charity Number 506167 Correspondence address: 47 Trafalgar Road Birkdale. PR8 2NP Patrons None President Martin Smith General Secretary Mr Mike Lavelle Independent Examiner (audit) Mrs Amanda Moat The Association’s Bank: Metro Bank ## _Trustees:_ President Mr. Martin Smith; Chairperson Mr Michael Gardner; Treasurer Mr Arthur Leyland; General Secretary Mr Mike Lavelle ## _Objectives of the Society:_ The primary Objectives of the charity are: To promote and further the craft of beekeeping To advance the education of the public in the importance of bees in the environment and the economy. _Obituaries_ ## **Ian McLean - Master Beekeeper, NDB** For those who hadn't the privilege of knowing Ian, he was recently awarded his BBKA 50 years of Beekeeping certificate at Ormskirk & Croston's AGM and here is the accompanying citation: Ian started beekeeping in 1972 and shortly afterwards enrolled on the first BBKA Correspondence Course. This culminated in being awarded the Wax Chandlers Prize for the best senior candidate in 1980. He joined the Exam Board of which he was Moderator for about 9 years, and in 1984 gained the NDB. As a BBKA examiner he examined many beekeepers at varying levels over the years. Around 1990 he was seconded by IBRA to GTZ, the German overseas aid agency teaching beekeeping in Pakistan. When the funding for this ceased in 1992 he returned to the UK to hear that Varroa had been found in Devon and subsequently was employed by MAFF in searching for varroa in the North. With the reorganisation of the National Bee Unit, he became Northern Region Bee Inspector until retirement in 2002, lecturing on their behalf to many associations including the Scottish Bee Tour and twice at Gormanston. Initially a member of the Cheshire Beekeepers Association he was active on the committee for many years and was awarded Hon. Life Membership on this move to Lancashire in 1989. Ian was instrumental in training the growing numbers of beekeepers that joined in the 2000’s. In particular he instigated the ‘pyramid’ training of those that had taken the lower-level examinations, taking them through the higher levels. He was the driver behind the high number of beekeepers in the North West who have achieved Master Beekeeper status in recent years Despite his retirement from active training, due declining health, in 2012, he continued to take an active interest in branch events, was willing to give advice, and regularly contributed to local newsletter. He latterly attended to four colonies of bees, well down from the peak of 40. ## RIP Ian. ## **Raymond Owen** Ray and his wife Jenny attend the Introductory course with Preston PKA sometime in the 2010's, and kept bees continuously from then on. Ray was a Cabinetmaker by trade, and an enthusiastic Hot Air Balloonist, as well as a keen beekeeper. _Lancashire & North West Beekeepers Association Treasurers Report 1/11/21-31/10/22_ This has been a difficult year. Due to a combination of Metro Bank sending the wrong form, holidays, work commitments, unable to access the bank account for nearly one month and Metro Bank not being helpful, the books and accounts were handed over in late November. (One month after the close of the financial year’s account.) Many thanks to Sue Counsell, the previous Treasurer. Sue continued to make payments, completed the Tax Refund Return, completed the ER2 Autumn Return and generally kept the finances on track. Sue also did much of the work in compiling the Central Council End of Year Accounts. During the year Central Council decided to refund 50% of the Exam Fees to successful candidates. This is for a 2-year trial period, starting with the Autumn Exams 2022. The refund is applied to all exams above the Basic Award. The Annual Account reflects the growing development in education as well as the wide variety of, training, events and activities organised by the branches. Tax Refund (Gift Aid) is a valuable source of income, (estimated at over £13,000 per year) We must ensure these records are accurate and encourage members, who are eligible, to Gift Aid their membership fee. Thanks to Sue, the Tax Refund is now up to date. In future years this will be claimed annually in April. Following the trend of previous years, membership has continued to rise. This has resulted in a steady increase in income. On most branch accounts Income has exceed expenditure. This has resulted in an increase in the end of the year balances. Whilst we are not advocating spending for spending’s sake, we are encouraging branches to look at their income/expenditure and account balances, with a view to making long term strategies. Over the year the adjusted closing balance has increased by over £17,000 to more than £117,000. This is by no means a small amount. If the trend continues, within the next 5 years, balances will top £200,000. Central Council need to consider this and develop long term plans. It has come to light that the income/expenditure guide lines given to branches are outdated and not suitable for the larger membership with an increasing number of activities. Branches interpret the guide lines in different ways, this has caused some anomalies on the consolidated account. I intend to consult with branch treasures, to revamp the various headings and to create a standard Income/Expenditure Account that branches will complete. Guidelines will be issued to explain the various headings. The current online Central Council Account with Metro Bank is operated on a single authorisation. This is contrary to the recommendations of the Charity Commission. This account is being moved to Barclays Bank who operate a dual authorisation charity account free of commission. This problem has arisen with the advent of online banking and BACS payments. Branches who have a single authorisation bank account are advised to revise their banking practices. Thanks to all the Branch Treasures and Members of Central Council for their help and support during the year. Thanks, also to Amanda Moat for stepping in at short notice to audit the accounts. I look forward to the year 22/23 being much easier. Arthur Leyland Honorary Treasurer s LanCa8hi￿ and North West 88okw•rs As￿la￿On Centsal Cou￿11 Act￿nts Year EThJing 31st October 2022 200 20ZZ 20 £18.515 (K) Caprf3tv￿ Br￿% £4.62 Bank Intuest £212.26 £1.492.30 th¥erthM8 £Q.DO AOYerb%rq Revern £0.00 Klembers HrKw ShryAf £0.00 Tax Refur*J¥ HMR £O.W Educalknn £1,633.￿ s￿thy £20.604.50 £0.59 £128.37 £t.716. £0.00 Pogtages £0. £o.rx) É160.CIJ £0.00 H8fK*A e120.00 Room Hir• £56.00 Iwjrw £15.237.￿ BBlfACak*l £0.00 Sub￿l￿a￿s c￿.00 £13.784.70 £850.LK) £159.9J £18,845.00 eo.0) £618.46 £1,413. £10.LX) £20.95 E&J(xt ti £320.00 HLYthna £0.00 EwJrawNJ £4.739.49 BranchTa¥ Reft￿j$ HAIRC £0.00 Meethg E¥4tytsÈs £0.00 &Jndry £0.00 Exdrns £0 00 Admui (￿￿ Cwesl £0.00 Larts Cap r*l)*• to £17.74 Vveb Qi109.58 ExpendHur• £320. £t4.145.17 £9.90 £1*>.60 Éo £17.74 t36￿79A7 £19.817.1B Td41 IrK•m• 7.625.06 Owlry Balanc•s 01111tt1 £000 Cash Ba*e 14.1￿.91 ¢Jvlry BHnk b41 £3.527.49 OF￿ wlrg9 Ac¥>YJrt 7,S3$AO Ckniw B•1•1￿ 31110r22 £164.80 ek￿n9 Cash ￿ce £12.W).21 Bank £3.527.49 Ckisn9 sabY&¢JA¢tya E16.09150 41,36B.00 Unw860ffled tyJe5 £499.50 Undwti& f%Jrn* ICWo1 £15224. £37,333.56 £164.80 É12,400.21 £3.527.49 É16,01150 41.368.tYJ £499 $0 £15324.00 £52149.06 £107.20 É16.566.89 £0.00 ihidep05iteO fLU)d$ £17,516.40 £37,33J.SB £1fi769.59 £52,849.06 At 31110r22 shyAfEXw￿s £619.61 Slgn•d s￿ned Arthur L•yland Honorary Tr8a5ur•r An*nda lknt IrKleFMdent Ex¥Tr￿n 301., IIVLI Lancashir• ind North W•st Bth•epets Aswclatlon Consolldaied Aecounts to 31st October 2022 2021 Inc¢xM 20 2022 £23.rJi.es &JtWiKA tl241.48 Chxatk £0 rNJ Adverts £14.49 Interest £312.20 SITh £i.e82.05 B.D.l. £7,941 00 EthJcaiK)n £0.00 EqulF¥r￿rrt £1.492.30 ￿vent ÈT76.74 Soc4als & Raflyes £4.739.49 Tax Refuthts (Grft Ald) £238.95 Tre8tmefits £0.￿ £695.C#) AF¥ary Inc•mo £l,W3.23 Sw*Jry IrKcrn £O.W £￿7.￿ FuTrJralsr*J £1.338.CKI Cakytation £7.999.85 Sales lo MeIn￿ £3.528.82 FuThts Intrrxduc*J 29.584.93 1,737.17 218.69 PrfrtirwJ & Stall 18.￿.￿) B8KA Cak*8ti C8SXt8lton 180.W Ingjrar $24.33 Sh 2,573.35 BDI Extra Hfv85 1.965 42 Ed￿sti 1.846 07 EquiFfflefit 1.598.40 Convenlkni 135 25 $0¢481s Fur 315.0) Rooms 715.rxi L8ciur¢rs 2￿.15 Tr8￿me￿S 1.057.13 18.845 C 279 10 311.57 7.283.OS 3.883.25 13,D49.80 7.413.85 2.￿.48 4.576.84 4,447.24 1.413.C¥) 1.716.C•J 538.95 13.784.70 441.52 1.769.50 1.935 88 31.IXI 3,030.(KI 558.18 320.W Honornria 0.¢￿ Cup Èwov. & Repaks O.TrJ H8TrJ 1,153.78 &JbsuWlorts & Don￿￿ 321.Tr) StsTrJries O.ts) Bwks 820.92 A¢Jmm i￿4 F 5,195.48 Ak*ry O.CK• Bank Ch 8.ts)3.22 Pur(*ases for rtsa 1249.50 FuThts ir8nsferred 700.(X) 2.072.20 279.37 15.551.45 2.742.82 8.797.56 155.ee 11.785.11 £ST38115 Tolal In¢om• £89,13B.37 £41697.05 Totyi Expenditure £71.977.15 ap￿1￿9 A888ts 31.1021 Closing A¢count As8•ts 31.10.23 £3C042 C•5h In Hand £89.614.55 B&nk Cu￿￿nt Acwjnts 432.58 83,1WJ.66 15.194.13 £98.820.37 .1,368.CQ 499.50 2.628.50 E1110.510.37 t8.￿3.27 C8sh in £98.385.60 Bank CurTent A￿rts 542.95 1CQ.W.40 9.186.74 £110.270.119 £89.914.97 Assets 42th00 C t101.448.87 A58•ts 385.80 strKk £19,IX97 AdJu¥t•d Ass¢i• o(* 11K+.510.37 AdJts8i•d £117.741.59 £147,177.42 Ass•¢s * Incom• £189,718.74 47.1TI.42 Auets + Expendsbjm 189,718.74 Signed IkJ) Arthur L•ylarKI Hon Treasurnr ## _MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR 2022_ Each of the eight Branch membership secretaries control their respective membership data including online renewals of membership, online applications for new members, lapses, and other changes to member information. Similarly, each Branch is responsible for its own maintenance and upkeep of the BBKA membership system. Strict abidance to GDPR rules is meticulously followed. It’s very pleasing to report that overall membership numbers across the Association have again seen significant growth. This positive trend upholds one of the Associations key tenets: “To promote and further the craft of beekeeping in Lancashire and the North West area” There was a total of 922 Active members at the 2023 April AGM compared to a total of 888 active members for the same period (April 2022 AGM) +34 members (+3.8%) I wish to thank the Branch Treasurers and Branch Membership Secretaries for their continued support throughout the year. Mike Lavelle Hon Gen Sec & Membership Sec ## _EXAMINATION SECRETARY'S REPORT NOVEMBER 2022._ November 2022 Modules. 15 Lancashire Members took Module examinations on Saturday 12th November. 10 Online exams (including one Double Entry) and 6 In Person. Branches members participated as follows: EL 4, Blackpool 1, (Double entry), O&C 3, Preston 4, Lancaster 1, Oldham 1 One In Person absentee who had failed to respond to Venue details sent out to candidates and an individual reminder in the week prior to the exam. Still registered on eR2 as a candidate and Module paper included in BBKA exam pack. The BBKA will not tell me if Online candidates failed to log in. There is no evidence of Withdrawals or Refunds although one Double Entry name 'disappeared'. ## Attrition In Marin Anastanov's email to Exam Secretaries (further discussion of this issue later in CC agenda) he refers to the fact that there are candidates who make application for Module Exams and then fail to sit. The refund/withdrawal system is, in my opinion, harsh. Admin fees being charged for members who have suffered bereavements. REVISED SYLLABUS March 2023 - see website Trainers and potential candidates need to be aware of new syllabi which apply. MARCH 2023 In Person Venue Alexandra Suite WA10 3RN already book as instructed by Nicky Campbell before Marin Anastanov's revision of In Person demise. My thanks as always to Mike Lavelle, Viki Cuthbertson, Branch Education Officers and Ian Hinde who assisted me with November's In Person Modules. Robina Johnstone, Examination Secretary. ## **Branch Annual Reports** Each Branch provides an annual report for this handbook. _Blackpool and Fylde http://www.blackpoolbees.co.uk/_ ## **AGM Blackpool & Fylde Beekeepers held on Tuesday 15[th] November 2022** **Apologies** : from Peter Mason, Silvia Schorn 1. **Minutes** of the previous meeting: no matters arising ## 2. **President’s address** : Doris Richardson Welcome to everyone and thank you to Paul Leeks for keeping our group together over the difficult times throughout the pandemic and with successful zoom calls in lieu of face to face meetings. Also my thanks to our secretary and treasurer for their sterling work over this year. Its been pleasing to see we have had some successful results to exams form those who have completed the module examinations and in training for new beekeepers. Congratulations also tour members who exhibited at shows and won prizes; a special mention to Jan Blenkhorn-Hazel who achieved a second prize at the National Honey Show. I very much appreciated the lovely cards and flowers, along with the help given to look after my bees whilst I had my hip replacement earlier this year. I will look back fondly on many years of friendship and happy times over my term as President, as I am retiring this year, and look forward to welcoming the new President and handing over my chain of office. ## 3. **Chairman’s report** : Paul Leeks Following the last two years’ hiatus due to Covid, it was good to get back to normal activities this year. Our regular **Monday night club meetings at the Lytham Hall** out apiary were a bit of a mixed bag. These weekly get togethers do offer an ideal opportunity to meet and chat about bees and share and help each other with beekeeping issues. However, the quality of the training sessions has been severely hampered by the location of the apiary which is cold, dark and damp, making inspecting the bees very unpleasant and perhaps not the best introduction for newcomers! I’ll come back to this in AOB. Having said that, we did welcome quite a few newcomers in the spring and were lucky to have a very informative bee inspection from Caroline Cofflin, one of Lancashire’s Bee Inspectors. So, this does demonstrate that some sort of out apiary is a valuable part of a successful beekeeping club. On a more positive note, we were able to reinstate our highly successful **Bee Awareness Day** at Lytham Hall during the summer which attracted many visitors and brought in good revenue for the club. Thank you to everybody who participated. I know it was very hectic and next year we will need more volunteers. Our return to the **Great Eccleston Show** was also a huge success. It is great fun talking to the public about all things bees and again the stand made valuable revenue for the club through sales of honey, candles and other bee-related items. I would encourage all members to get involved in these events. They are hard work, but great fun. And I’d say to newbies, don’t worry if you think you don’t know much about bees … you only have to know more than those you are talking to :-). We also had two very enjoyable out-apiary days at **Doris’ and Michael’s** with lots of beekeeping tips and advice, not to mention excellent hospitality! Now some thank yous … I would like to start by thanking our out-going president **Doris** for her sterling work over many years. You will be missed as our President, and we wish you and Ted all the best. I would also like to give my sincere thanks to the **committee** for all their help and support during the year as we got back on track after Covid and moved from virtual Zooms to reallife hands-on activities again. I’d like to thank **Will** , our Vice Chairman, for stepping in for me at meetings and also looking after my bees when I was away in Italy sunning myself. I’d also like to thank **Janet** for all her hard work as Secretary; doing an excellent job keeping us all informed of club activities as well as arranging some very informative talks from some excellent speakers. We will be sorry to see her go, as she stands down as Secretary. Thank you also to our Treasurer, **Karen** , who, as well as sorting out the memberships payments and doing all the usual accounts work, has also battled bravely with BBKA’s ER2 system (don’t ask) as well as RBS’s antiquated banking practices, to try to bring the club’s financial control into the 21[st] century. Huge thanks also to **Janet** who has been a stalwart on our Monday evenings at the Lytham Hall out apiary; guiding new and not-so-new beekeepers through the beekeeping season. In the spring, Janet also ran two highly successful Bee Introductory Days with on-line theory sessions couple with hands-on practical sessions at the out apiary. On top of all that, Janet has also found time to teach several educational courses for our members preparing for their BBKA modules. Thanks also go to **Peter** , our web master, who has maintained the club’s website as the ‘goto’ information source for, not only members, but also the local general public. Peter is currently working on an update to the website which we look forward to going live in 2023. Last, but not least, thanks to Michael for being our representative on the North West Committee and feeding back to us directives from on high and helping us to have a voice at regional level. Finally, thank you to you; all **our members** for your continued support for what is a very happy and thriving Association. The club is lucky to have so many skilled members and all the club’s highly successful meetings and events could not happen without your tremendous hard work and dedication. 4. **Treasurer’s report** : Karen Lay A very short report from me as the club accounts, whilst in order, have not yet been finalised due to some issues with the eReturn2 system and delayed access to banking. However, suffice to say we have had a successful year, with income of approx. £6.000, made up of member subscriptions plus two successful ‘Introduction to beekeeping’ courses held by janet Preece. We also had success at the local honey shows and our ‘Bee Awareness Day’ held at Lytham Hall. Out closing balance as of 1[st] November is £6,300. 5. **Secretary’s report:** Janet Rimmer ## 6. **Education Officer’s report:** Janet Preece ## 7. **Quarter master’s report** : N/A ## 8. **Central council’s representative’s report** : Michael Gardner ## 9. **Election of officers** : New President (ex Doris Richardson): **Paulette Goldstone** Proposed by Paul Leeks, seconded by Janet Preece New Secretary (ex Janet Rimmer): **Karen Lay** Proposed by Paul Leeks, seconded by Janet Preece New Treasurer (ex Karen Lay): **Will Aucott** Proposed by Paul leeks, seconded by Michael Gardner New Vice-Chairman (ex Will Aucort): **Keith Henning** Proposed by Paul leeks, seconded by Janet Preece ## 10. **Any other Business:** Topics for speakers for club meetings for 2023 Members to send in suggestions for speakers and topics email to be sent out Club out apiary - new set-up/home needed Some interest and concern around whether to keep one fixed out apiary or move around members apiaries during the season. General agreement that Lytham Hall is no longer suitable due to environment and location. Members to send in suggestions of researched possible locations to be considered by the committee. Email to be sent out Members asked to sign up to commit to time at an out apiary and to support the club at events and in running education courses Some suggestions at the meeting for possible apiary sites: The Villa at Wray Green – suggested by ? World of Water – suggested by ? Lancashire County Council (contact) Blackpool County Council (contact) Kirkham Prison – suggested by Eric ? Prison site did have some beekeepers who have now moved to Scotland; secure site, would need to train some inmates as part of any deal. To be investigated. Facebook - requires a member with social media skills/knowledge to manage. Jan Hazell has volunteered to pick this up. She will need to be given the account access details by Janet P Members were told that yearly subscriptions are now due; however due to changes in access to eReturn2 system, were asked to wait until an email is sent out by the secretary before completing renewal. ## _East Lancashire http://www.eastlancsbees.org.uk/_ ## Welcome As Chair of the committee I would like to welcome all members to the East Lancashire branch of the BBKA AGM. This is the chance for us as your committee to report back, reflecting on the previous 12 months. We will be looking to elect members of the committee. The committee members will be reporting individually on what feels like a very successful 2022. Membership has increased, club assets have increased, apiary sessions have been well attended with the year culminating in an exceptional club honey show. ## Membership As will be reported by our membership secretary Juli, the number of members continues to increase. I would like to thank everyone that was able to do the online payment early, and hope everyone will do it at renewal. This simplifies the somewhat difficult task of membership management. ## Finance Club finances remain very healthy. Hilary Wilson, our treasurer talk us through the audited finances. ## Committee As a committee we have a zoom calls roughly every month to keep the club ticking over, Gwen Walton, as Club secretary keeps us in order during these meetings. ## Education The education report from Nicky Leeth will show that we continue to provide excellent opportunities for our members to learn from both the BBKA syllabus and practical sessions at the apiary. We took some of our training materials and demonstration hives into Stonyhurst, West Bradford and Broadway Primary schools. These have been very well received, thanks to the members that devoted time to help. ## Club Apiary 2022 saw the return of the bees to the club apiary. This area and storage is provided by offshoots is a fantastic resource. ## Club Meetings In addition to our own panel of expert type meetings we have had some great guest speakers for our club zoom and in person meeting this year. Coordinating the club meetings, organising the speakers and Zoom admin has fallen onto Barrie Scott, in addition to the work he does on the club Buzz website, club emails and the “who wants bees” swarm register. Much of what Barrie does for the club is behind the scenes and probably not apparent to anyone other than the committee. I would like to take this opportunity to once again, thank him, for what at times feels like thank-less tasks. ## Honey Show Emma will report on the honey show whichwas an amazing success this year with the largest number of entries I have seen. A number of the club members were also successful at the Lancashire honey show. ## Further afield We continue to represent our club at a County level, feeding into the BBKA ## Notifiable diseases in our area Once again it looks like we have had no reporting of EFB or AFB in our area, for which we should be thankful. This does not mean however that we are free of these serious diseases and vigilance is required. We as a club should ensure all our members are aware of the signs of the diseases, and encourage potential non members to be be aware. As a minimum I would hope that all our members are registered on the National Bee Units “BeeBase” database of beekeepers and hives. The potential threat of Asian Hornet, Small Hive Beetle and Tropilallaps beetle has not gone away and we need to remain vigilant. In 2022 our objective to commission some of our members to provide queens to club members was very successful, and I feel we should continue to provide this service going forward. ## Honey harvest Across our area we have seen record temperatures once again. We have had long periods of low rainfall, and high temperatures, many of our members reporting good harvests. Some members, including the club’s own apiary have reported a heather harvest for the second year on the run. I feel as a club we need to be providing equipment to enable members to extract heather honey. I would now pass on to the committee leads for their reports. ## Closing words I would encourage the 2022 cohort of new beekeepers to continue to get involved and reach out to other members of the club. Between us we have a vast experience of beekeeping within our area that has been passed down over many years. It is a valuable resource that you should make the most of. To close I would reflect on what has been reported here to say we have had a good year in 2022 I would like to once again thank all the committee and members for their support and efforts in 2022 Finally we need to move forwards in 2023. We can only do this if we have members that support the club, and we need your specific help. - We need members to attend club meetings, help with managing the apiary, apiary sessions, teaching members and educating the general public about bees and beekeeping. - We need input to guide the direction of the club As always this is a specific request for you to devote some of your time to the club, to be active and not passive. We are always looking to share the workload. If you have specific skills and knowledge that will help, please make yourself known to us. ## _Lancaster http://www.lancaster-beekeepers.org.uk/_ Annual General Meeting Date: Saturday 19th November 2022 Agenda Item Topic 1 Apologies for Absence 2 Election of Management Committee - Chairman - Secretary - Treasurer - Membership Secretary - Vice Chairman - Education Coordinator - Programme Coordinator - Apiary Maintenance Coordinator - Examination Coordinator - Swarm Coordinator - Asian Hornet Coordinator - Marketing Coordinator • Health and Safety Lead 3 Officers Reports - Chair – Annual Report - Treasurer’s Report - 2022/2023 Subs - Bids for funding - Education Report - Update from Bolton Le Sands 4 Any Other Business - Events in 2022 5 Honey Tasting Item 1 Attendees Emma Wright Crooks Richard Wilson Linda Wilson Mark Stott Sue Counsell Jenny Webster Geoffrey Higginson and Friend Christine Hamilton and Jim Heather Wilkinson and Steve Roger Jump Helen Jump Jane Rees Cath Briggs Chris Humphreys James Anderton Apologies Jenny and Kevin Gilpin Edell Armes Sue Capstick Ian Morley and Michaela Pennie Drinkall Samantha Walton Skye Lyselle Paul Tynan Caroline Nussey Tracy Hornby Peter McClintock David Wareing ## **Item 2 – Election of Management Committee** Roger opened the meeting, welcoming attendees and pointing out housekeeping for the venue. Chris welcomed the attendees and explained the format of the evening for those new to attending the AGM. Sue and Richard both stepped down from their roles on the committee. Role Elected Nominator/Seconder Chairman Chris Humphreys Linda/Jane Secretary Emma Wright Crooks Jim/Helen Treasurer Jenny Webster Mark/Roger Membership Secretary Jane Rees Chris/Sue Vice Chairman Roger Jump Emma/Sue Education Coordinator Mark Stott Chris/Emma Programme Coordinator Edell Armes Richard/Roger Apiary Maintenance Coordinator Mark Stott Chris Humphreys Jim/Linda Examination Coordinator Mark Stott and Emma Wright Crooks Chris/Sue Swarm Coordinator Chris Humphreys Richard/Roger Asian Hornet Coordinator David Wareing Emma/Linda Marketing Coordinator James Anderton Roger/Heather Health and Safety Lead Tracy Hornby Jane/Geoff Jenny was thanked again for stepping forward to take on the treasurer role and welcomed onto the committee. Jenny has a back ground in finance so she is well suited to the role. ## **Item 3 – Reports** Chairman’s – Annual Report I believe that this year has been a very successful year, both for the Club and its members, and as a result we have a number of new members. The dedicated committee has managed to keep a programme of events running smoothly. There have been a number of events hosted by some of our long standing members: - Harvesting and Spinning honey • Wax wraps and candle making event These were well attended and I believe the members enjoy these socially focussed gatherings at member’s houses. We make a particular effort to ensure the culture of the club is friendly and welcoming and very much focussed on hobbyist beekeeping, promoting good bee husbandry and social networking. The Beginners Course has been a success, as a result we have … more members Open day. In accordance with our charitable objectives we also facilitated a very successful open day event at the apiary for members of the public coming to an educational talk and practical demonstration. A number of families and young people attended who have signed up to take next year’s beginner course. A group of committed members hosted a number of successful marketing stalls at: - Bee Heath Day at the Boys Grammar School - The High point Festival in Williamsons Park - The Judges Lodgings in Lancaster - Visit of 3 Japanese University students - Morecambe Library - Leighton Hall. Where Roger gave a talk on basic beekeeping to a team build session. Several club members attended the Lancashire Honey Show and came away with 4 x 1st, 1 x 2nd 1 x 3rd and a Highly Commended. It has been suggested that we enter the Club class next year, and we encourage more members to have a go. Although a little stressful it turned out to be a really good fun experience. Bolton Le Sands Junior School. Last year we gave a £3,000 Grant to the school to set up an Apiary in the school grounds. With the aim to teach basic beekeeping to the pupils. Hopefully these will become the Beekeepers of the future. A number of members gave their time and expertise to help to locate and build the apiary and as a result the school got its first two colonies in late June. A WBC and a Top bar hive. Both colonies are doing well, in fact the WBC produced a super of honey but it was decided to leave it on the hive for the bees. Both are tucked up for winter. b) MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS Overall numbers were down from 101 members to 72. Various new members joined during the year however we also saw some people leave. Having another bee club in the area has had an effect on LBK club numbers however many of the people who have left have just stopped keeping bees and some older members have passed away. We expect some members may join both organizations to receive extra benefit. LBK is the only BBKA associated organization locally so we wish to maximize on this with regard to the standard of training and bee husbandry to promote our advantages. At the end of our bee club year we have 106 (at AGM) active members and is split as follows: LBK only 10 (23) BBKA registered 55 (65) BBKA Partner 10 (11) BBKA Country 2 (2) Schools 3 Lancaster only Not BBKA -15 Honorary BBKA 3 ## **Plans for 2023** - Ongoing monthly programme for club members - May public open day – targeting new students - Guest speakers for example Buckfast Abbey amongst others - Ongoing maintenance and improvements to the Apiary itself - Site visits: Safari Visits to other members Apiaries - Marketing Events - Club Honey Show. Hopefully a talk on how to prepare before hand ## **Volunteers and additional information:** If anyone would like to volunteer to help out at the practical course opening hives with our new beekeepers or for any information regarding the beginners courses, please get in contact with Emma. ## **Acknowledgements:** I feel it is important to recognise that the training couldn’t take place without a committed group of individuals who freely give their time and effort to make this a reality. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by all of those members. I would like to thank our committee for their ongoing support. A lot of pressure falls on a few people but people always rise to the challenge and are positive, collaborative and we have great fun at our committee meetings. In particular, a number of committee members such as: Mark Stott, for his tireless contribution to the training of others and how he never fails to step up when things need doing. Edell for producing amazing tea and cakes without a second thought. Emma who despite having two very young children continues to amaze me how she finds time to do all she does. Jenny, Lynda and Richard, for their continuous work on Workshops And everyone else for their ongoing support, commitment and effort to the club and in making the training a reality. Treasurer’s Report Introduction The attached accounts are set out in the format required by Lancashire and North West Beekeepers Association using their categories for income and expenses. The accounts presented are currently in Draft and have not yet been independently verified. Final accounts will be circulated when available. ## **Income and expenditure highlights** Looking at the ‘true’ position, this year has seen our income (£8,687) exceed our expenditure (£8,350) generating a ‘profit’ of £337 compared to £1,285 in 2021. The club’s income is mainly made up from membership subs and income generated by the training courses. ## **Membership** This year has seen an increase in our membership to a total of 102 current active members and income from membership subscriptions is up for the fourth year in succession from £1,860 in 2019 to £1,943 in 2020, £2,418 in 2021 and to £2,932 this year which again is a reflection of growing member numbers, as subs were again held at their previous level. It should be remembered that we retain only £10 of each member’s subscription, the remainder being passed on to BBKA and Lancashire (£1,828 was paid across this year). Additional income of £1,445 came to us by way of Gift Aid reclaimed by LNWBKA. This included a ‘catch up’ element and is now up to date to 5th April 2022. ## **Education and Training** Mark and Emma ran very popular and successful theory and practical training courses for new beekeepers and the income from these added £2,700 to our overall income with the Bee Health Day bringing in a further £608 making a total of £3,308 under the heading of Education. Total direct costs under Education amounted to £215 plus apiary and equipment costs amounting to around £1,000. Overall the training income has more than paid for the upkeep of the apiary and the bees including the renewal of a substantial amount of kit which was agreed in October by the Committee. ## **Donation out of reserves** We were delighted at last year’s AGM to agree a substantial donation of £3,000 to support the establishment and running costs of an apiary at Bolton-le-Sands school. This has been passed over to the school within this year’s expenses. ## **Other** It was agreed at the start of the year that we needed to renew our exhibition equipment and we invested in the design and production of two new banners for use at exhibitions and shows. We also invested in a new laptop and portable solar power supply to enable presentations to be run at the apiary. This, together with the bee keeping equipment that we renewed last month represents an investment in the club’s asset of over £1,400 this year. ## **Bank Balance** We opened the 2021/22 year with a bank balance of £13,431 and petty cash of £49, total funds of £13,480. We closed the year with a bank balance of £13,759 (after adjustments) and petty cash of £77, total funds of £13,836. ## 2022/23 Subscriptions Based on these accounts and the plans for 2022/23, the committee propose no change to the Lancaster Beekeepers’ element of our subscriptions which would remain at £10 for the year. This was passed at the AGM. BBKA and LNWBKA have also agreed to maintain their subscriptions at the same level. The overall subs from 1st November 2022 will be unchanged at: Category of membership Fee from 1st November Registered £35.00 Partner £25.00 Country £21.00 Junior £20.50 School £35.00 Local (LBK only) £10.00 Jane will be issuing the invitations to renew via the online renewal system some time later in November. ## **Reserves** Lancaster Beekeepers is a branch of Lancashire and North West Beekeepers Association (LNWBKA), a Registered Charity. LNWBKA recently updated their stance in terms of the charity’s reserves policy for which the LNWBKA Trustees are responsible as follows: ## **Reserves Policy** We are required as a charity to spend the money that we raise from donations and membership in line with our charitable aims. It is appropriate that we hold reserves to: o Cover for unforeseen expenditure o Keep the charity going should there be a fall in our income o Ensure that we could wind down in an appropriate manner The trustees, following discussion at Central Council have determined that an appropriate reserve is two times our annual expenditure (excluding payments received by members for onward transmission to BBKA/BDI). The trustees therefore encourage the branches to review their cash positions in light of this and to consider how best to spend any excess on the furtherance of beekeeping or the promotion and protection of honey bees in your area. Two years’ approximate expenses (excluding BBKA capitation/BDI and one off payments out of reserves) is approximately £3,000. The committee has quantified the costs associated with vacating the apiary to be in the order of £500 - £1,000 to remove the container. This would represent our general reserves. Equipment has largely been renewed in 2022 and the Committee has no concrete plans for any major spending in the forthcoming twelve months, therefore our current requirement for reserves is approximately £4,000. Our actual reserves are almost £14,000. We are actively encouraging members to put forward suggestions as to how we may consider putting our excess to good use in line with our objectives, which are: ## **4 Objectives** 4.1 The objectives of the Branch shall be: 4.1.1 to encourage and promote the craft of beekeeping in Lancaster and the surrounding district; 4.1.2 to support the role of bees in the environment. 4.2 In accordance with LNWBA Rules, the Branch commits to conducting meetings, lectures and demonstrations within the Lancaster district. Should you have any suggestions, please do let the incoming Treasurer, Jenny Webster know. I would just like to thank Jenny for volunteering as Treasurer following her appointment at the AGM. Sue Counsell Treasurer 2021-22 20th November 2022 ## **Education Report** Beginners Training Report 2022 This year saw 24 people registered to attend the theory course and 16 people for the practical. The theory course consisted of three face to face meetings and six zoom sessions. Two of the in person meetings were at the meeting room of Farm Gate Vets at J36 Rural Auction Centre. All were held on a Wednesday night at fortnightly intervals from February to May. The final meeting was on a Saturday at the club apiary. The practical sessions were held fortnightly on Saturday afternoons at the club apiary for six sessions from June to September. Generally, the weather was kind to us and it was only latterly that inspections became more difficult as robbing was triggered by the inspections. The “bee cage” seemed to work well. This allows a colony to be kept near to the store area and people can watch a hive inspection without needing to wear a bee suit. This hopefully means that in the future we can have open days there without dressing everyone into bee suits. The bees did very well this year and plenty of honey was available for the extraction session. The top bar sadly, despite surviving a tree falling on it in winter, died out this summer. We will replenish it hopefully with a swarm next year. The club now has 7 colonies to overwinter. Chris has already taken two hives away and I have received notice of another couple of volunteers to take a colony for the winter. I intend to over winter 3 colonies at the apiary this year. Looking forward to next year, there are already ten on the list of people interested in attending the beginners’ course in 2023. I will shortly work out the dates and produce the course schedule. This course puts large demands of time and effort on the members who take part and I’d like to propose a few changes to reduce the workload. I’d like to reduce the theory face to face classes to two. One at Farm Gate Vets at the beginning and then one on a Saturday at the apiary about half way through the course. This session would be the introduction to the equipment. I’m hoping this reduces the need to move equipment from the apiary to Farm Gate and also introduces the trainees to the apiary. The major change would be to reduce the practical sessions to monthly, starting at 10:30 and finishing at three. This reduces the number of sessions the trainers have to commit to and gives a better opportunity to teach frame building, equipment sterilisation etc. Candidates will have to bring their own lunch. I’d like to thank all the club members who help with the training, especially Emma who does a lot of the organising and Edell who never fails to produce one or even two fantastic cakes each practical session. Finally, I’d like to propose an increase in the training fees per course from £75 to £100 (at least). The trainees do receive a lot of time and input from experienced club beekeepers and I’d like the fee to reflect that. Vote: Should the price of the beginners course increase to £100 for each part? Result: Yes, the course price should increase as it provides good value for money and means we can invest in more training resources. ## **Examination Update** Also noted that we are going to offer members the opportunity to refresh their beginners course so that they can undertake the Basic Assessment in 2023. The goal of the LBKA training program is to improve the general standard of bee husbandry and enable new beekeepers to reach the levels outlined by the BBKA and assessed via the BBKA Basic Assessment. All members who have been keeping bees for a year or more are encouraged to take the Basic. The beginners training is designed to complement the basic examination syllabus and provide a good foundation of knowledge that can then be utilized and expanded upon during the practical course. If anyone wishes to undertake the Basic Assessment during 2023 we can offer extra sessions in preparation for the assessment for both the theory and practical elements. Please contact Emma if you would like to join this group (secretary@lancaster-beekeepers.org.uk) There are going to be upcoming online courses for those wishing to take any modular exams next year. An email will be sent by Lancashire with those details so look out for that. Update- Bolton Le Sands Primary School After the funding bid last year and the news got out to members, some equipment was kindly donated. An apiary area has been built including 2 viewing windows so that the bees can be observed without suiting up. The money donated by the club has been put towards, bee suits for both pupils and staff, equipment such as smokers, hive tools. The money has also been able to pay for frames and foundation and storage for the equipment. Plus, an observation hive so that we can show parents and visitors at events. Epi-pens have been purchased and staff trained in case of use. The garden area has been improved by purchased seeds and bulbs so that it can become more pollinator friendly. Chris made a teaching broad box for the school so that children can learn while in the classroom. The donated WBC hive was divided up and the children decorated as part of a competition which was then judged by Emma and prises donated by Chris. The school has started an after school bee club which can take 20 pupils and is over subscribed. The school is in the process of developing the curriculum and hope to incorporate bees, pollinators and the environment into it. At the summer fair there was a bee stall, where Lancaster Beekeepers brought along the observation hive and honey was sold. It was well received by all visitors. Please see the attached letter of thanks from the Head Teacher and thanks given by those members of staff for the donation given by the club as it has made an impact on the school and its students. **Items 4 – Any Other Business** With the view that the club has the funds available it would be good to invest some of the money into our training course resources, for example a few different types of hives for the beginners to experience as well as bait boxes for catching any possible swarms. One of the gates at the apiary needs repair or replacing. We also have a good bird population at the apiary and it would be good in invest in some more bird boxes for the site as the ones currently there are aging and some extra would extend our objective to increase wild life in the area. The club is committed to education of the community in relation of supporting pollinators. Therefore, it was agreed that continuing our presence at High Point at Williamsons Park and other events (Carnforth Carnival) if we have the volunteers available, would help not only promote the club and its courses but also help towards our education objective education. Remuneration was raised for key members of the committee who have a monetary outlay to perform their roles. For example, increased mileage for looking after the bees or producing resources for the club. Vote: For key committee members to be reimbursed for their outlay. Result: Members present agreed for the committee to find a suitable method to make sure that committee members were not out of pocket undertaking their role. ## **Item 5 – Honey Tasting** This year’s winner was Chris Humphreys. Well done Chris. ## **Final Note** The committee presented on behalf of the club some flowers and chocolates to say a big thank you to Sue for being Treasurer for the last 6 years (this time around) and Richard for being the swarm coordinator, as well as part of the committee for many years in one role or another. You will both be missed on the committee but look forward to seeing you at future socials. _Liverpool and District http://www.liverpoolbeekeepers.co.uk/_ LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION LIVERPOOL& DISTRICT BRANCH MINUTES OF THE 80th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Held at St Ann’s Millennium Hall, Rainhill on Saturday, 5th November, 2022 Members present Attendance Numbers: Around 30 In the absence of a Chairman since Tony Gordon resigned in February, the meeting was officiated by Vice Chairman Doug Jones Apologies for absence John McCann Eric Graham Freddie Tonkmor Minutes of the 79th AGM Minutes from the 79th AGM were read out. Matters Arising - Non Proposed: Cliff Porter Seconded: Dave Harrison Secretary’s Report for 2022 Report It was great to have a 'normal' year again as we welcomed the full return of in-person branch meetings without restrictions. The weather in spring varied, with storms and prolonged unseasonal warm spells followed by one of the warmest, sunniest summers on record - a bit too dry for the bees sometimes. Global warming is having quite an impact on the beekeeping year. Our first meeting in January was well attended. We enjoyed a talk from Fred Ayres - from the Lune Valley - who proved to be popular with his alternative 'leave the bees alone' approach to beekeeping. We tried a pie and pea evening in March with our bee inspector, Mark Mclaughlin who quizzed the barely 20 or so members who braved the elements on bee diseases. The meeting in April was with Mark Phillipson from our neighbours in North Cheshire who gave a great talk about increasing your stocks at Rice Lane. Keith Bartlem came across from Yorkshire to look through our bees in the Woolton Apiary in late May - a meeting which was disrupted by a group of youngsters who returned over the next couple of weeks and vandalised our apiary. This was given a lot of press coverage and raised concerns about the future of our Woolton apiary. Instead of a BBQ in July we had a gathering with a Q & A session at Rice Lane. The popular Karl Colyer, a regular for us now, gave a good talk in August at Woolton and left some useful notes on how to prepare your colonies for the winter. Our very own John McCann gave away some secrets as to how to prepare the products of the hive for the various end of season shows at the Liverpool Caribbean Centre in Toxteth in September. Taking John’s advice on board, we came a close second with our collective Branch entry at the Lancashire show - next year we hope to go one better! So some very good talks - but attendance was disappointingly low at many meetings - the branch meal usually held in February had to be cancelled due to lack of interest and the summer BBQ also didn't take place. Both apiaries are in good shape thanks to some hard work and dedication by our very important apiary teams. 10 people attended our new look Beginners’ Course and thoroughly enjoyed it at Rice Lane - great credit must be given to all who were involved - the beginners are the future of our branch. Honey crops were reportedly good throughout the year - those who went to the heather were well rewarded too. John Mooney, Branch Secretary, October 2022 Proposed by: Dave Harrison Seconded by: Tracey Seddon I will continue to organise the events in the Secretary’s role again, produce a monthly newsletter. Need a Tea / Raffle help - social secretary - Karen Young and her mam Anne volunteered to help out whenever possible. Need someone to take photographs at the branch meetings and upload them onto our Facebook site. There were no other matters arising Treasurer’s Report for 2022 In the absence of John McCann hard copies of the Treasurer's report were circulated and it was read out. Reference was made to the £500 donation from NW Housing in relation to the damage to Woolton apairy in the summer. Also noted that the very useful Gift aid was now up to date. Fundraising was made up of colony sales from Woolton and the sale of a bucket of honey to a member. Reference was made to the income and expenditure in relation to the Beginner's course - extra expenditure due to the supply of BBKA beginners beekeeping books to each applicant. The pie and pea event in March was the only income for the Social functions and Lectures were payments to Karl Colyer, Keith Bartlem, Fred Ayres and Mark Phillipson. The supply of equipment to both Rice Lane and Woolton apiary was explained too. Proposed by: John Mooney seconded by: Dave Harrison The report will be audited by Geoff Todd in due course. Education Secretary's Report Although Cliff has stepped down as Education secretary he devised and delivered a new look beginner's course over 5 weekends at the Rice Lane Apiary - helped by Tracey, Eric and a special mention to Trevor Lathom who dealt with all the admin. The changed format - (5 sessions over 5 weekends involving 45 minutes theory followed by a practical session in the apiary) worked well and will be repeated this year. Cliff appealed for more help in the delivery of the course as it is too much of a commitment for one person over 5 weekends. Thanks to Eric for making the hives available - and to Tracey, Eric, Trevor and John M for helping out. We learnt a lot this year and hope to improve on this format next year. 10 beginners completed the course including Luke who works at the City Farm. Apiary Managers' Reports Woolton apiary Read out Denis report: At present we have twenty colonies at Woolton plus the Top Bar hive (which has never been inspected in three years). We do not expect to get them all through the winter and may lose some of the weaker ones. To date we have been feeding eight colonies with sugar syrup and intend to replace this on a weekly basis with Fondant from November and as required into 2023. The other twelve colonies will be given Fondant as and when we think they need it. We took thirty pounds of honey using frames from various colonies, this was sold to a member of Liverpool Beekeepers, other frames of stores from strong colonies were given to swarms or weak colonies throughout the year. Fallen branches and leaves will be tidied up and brambles and nettles cut back in the next few weeks. Depending upon how many colonies we can get through the winter we would hope to sell some, as at present we would have no room or equipment for swarms next year. Denis Neale Oct 2022 It was noted that the branch appreciate the work done by Denis and Ted this year - particularly after the hives were vandalised. ## Rice Lane Apiary Rice Lane has continued to make progress. Eric along with Rice Lane Luke, Trevor Latham and Karen Young has taken shape this year building on work done last year. John M spun honey produced by the hive donated by the family of Izzy McEgan and 3 supers later in the year which produce 84 jars for the City farm. It was also mentioned that the Whatsapp group is open to all branch members who are welcome to come along to the Apiary on Saturday mornings to assist with inspections and raise any concerns. Election of Officers Chair: Doug Jones New Chair Vice Chair: Karen Young Secretary: J Mooney To remain Treasurer: J McCann (Trevor Lathom to assist this year) Memb Secretary: Due to the development of the eR2 system the role of the membership secretary is redundant and will be amalgamated with the Treasurer. Education Secretary: Vacant But will be helped by C Porter and Eric Graham. Honey Show Sec: R Myron (is stepping down) - Karen Young and John Mooney to assist this year) Librarian: J Mooney Webmaster: David Read (TBC) Auditor G Todd To Remain Central Council Delegates: S Myron & R Myron (Karen Young and Ian) Committee: D Jones, E Graham, D Harrison, J McCann, R Myron, S Myron, C Porter, J Mooney, T Seddon, F Tonkmor, Karen Salettes Young. Alan McKenzie, Apiary Managers: D Harrison (Woolton), E Graham l (Rice Lane) Suggestions for 2023: Agreed to devise a questionnaire to circulate to all members to find out what members want. John M and Cliff P will work on this together and circulate when ready. Attendance at branch meetings continues to be disappointingly low. Joining with other branches - Ormskirk. Doug J invited a joint meeting with Wirral beekeepers in the Summer at his house in Heswall. Controlling swarming / uniting colonies. How to build a hive and other beekeeping equipment. Trevor Lathom suggested we look into filming the presentations an make them accessible to members. Instead of a meal it was suggested we have a less formal meeting for a drink in the Ship and Mitre which has a function room and does food as well. Ian asked if we had a mentoring system in place - Any other business Membership application forms were available - but will be circulated to all members this week as membership runs from 1st November 2022 to 31st October 2023 Tracey thanked John M for work over the summer in relation to the Vandalism and the recent article in the November issue of the BBKA magazine which raised the profile of the Branch. Meeting closed at 3.20pm Signed: Hon. Secretary Chair ## _Oldham & District http://www.odbka.org_ ODBKA BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the OD Beekeepers Association held on Friday, 4th Nov 2022, 7.45pm, Springhead, Liberal Club, 136 Oldham Road, Oldham OL4 5SN ## 1. Present |Name|Role| |---|---| |Ian Barker|Committee Member| |Cath Charnock|Committee Member| |Luke Charnock|Committee Member| |Mr Charnock|Friend of the Committee| |Stan Deary|Member| |Marian Gartside|Committee Member| |Bob Holland|Deputy Chair| |Amanda Moat|Committee Member| |John Ogden|Member| |George Tavener|Chair| |Robert Titherington|Member| ## 2 & 3 In memorandum & Apologies for Absence George as Chair welcomed all attendees to the AGM meeting. Apologies were received from Cath Charnock, Ian Screen, Susan Screen, E Danko, Les Latham, Jane McClean ## 4. Approval of Minutes AGM 2021 The minutes of the previous AGM were approved and adopted with no amendments. Proposed by Amanda Moat, seconded by Stan Deary. ## 5. Matters Arising from Minutes of AGM (2021) None recorded ## 6. Report of the Honorary Chair The chair made a few summary observations; - It was a good honey show at Bamber Bridge attended by himself and other committee members and hopes for entries from Oldham BKA members in future. - The association’s finances are OK, supported by the significant repayment contribution of GIFT AID. The Chair made a point that we as a branch must encourage new and existing members to check and tick the gift aid box when signing up, or checking with our Treasurer if there is an opportunity to update records and tick this box to maximise income. - The Chair reflected on the really good progress made with changing to a google website platform with increased functionality - with lots more to opportunities to engage with members and other useful links to follow. - On behalf of Cath Charnock, Honorary Education Coordinator, the Chair updated the meeting with news it has been agreed through the Committee members that there is to be increased activity and governance to support members with the mentoring system and support for the BBKA Basic exam for members in 2023. - Next meeting we look forward to a Jacob’s table, details to be issued and coordinated for members. - The branch supports and encourages members to complete the National Bee Unit hive survey. The Chair using the database, reported that there were 175 hives within 10km of his own apiary. - The Chair made express thanks for committee member efforts in all that had been achieved this year and for the forthcoming Committee Member reports, and acknowledged thanks to our members for their contributions to the branch. - The Committee members thanked the Chair for his contributions and support also. 7. Report of the Honorary Secretary Aside from issuing the monthly newsletter and other notices and facilitating responses to member and community online enquires, the Secretary reported her efforts in developing relations with L&NW BKA. Oldham was noticeably absent from the April AGM, but since then she has attended the Sept Central Council meeting and will do again on November 26th. Draft minutes are circulated to committee members and referenced for comment in ODBKA Committee meetings. Agenda items cover reports from each of the L&NW Committee members. Of noted interest for Oldham Branch, (added here but not discussed at the ODBKA AGM), are - NO EFB or AFB reported to this year in the region, although both diseases have been reported present in West Yorkshire. - The Council proposed to second a motion from Cornwall BKA to enable sitting of exams face to face rather than the proposed abrupt termination of such facilities with online exams only going forward. The next AGM is March 2023 during the Spring convention, date TBA. At the September council meeting it was agreed Oldham’s secretary would be a representative of L&NW BKA at the North of England Forum at on Bee Diseases, however due to a date change, the secretary could no longer attend, but will seek feedback from the useful and interesting event. Member attendees then agreed topics for member meetings for 2023 with some proposed timings as follows: |July|- Diseases, Pests and their Countermeasures| |---|---| |October|- Using Wax to…..| |Dec|- Jacobs Table with Bee Quiz| |TBC|- Website Demo| |TBC|- Honey Extraction and Labelling| |TBC|- Guest Speaker| |TBC|- Swarming Control and Prevention| |TBC|- What is good beekeeping husbandry?| |TBC|- Hive Observation - What does it tell us?| |TBC|- Queen Rearing| |TBC|- Promoting Bee Health| The Dec 2022 member meeting format was confirmed as Jacob’s table with a General Knowledge Quiz hosted by Bob Holland. ## 8. Report of the Honorary Treasurer Marian distributed copies of the verified accounts for the Year Ending 31st October 2022 at the meeting. A new auditor with a senior professional finance background, Christine Hodgson, had been introduced for the purpose of verifying this year’s accounts from outside the area, the preference being to determine a local mid-term solution in the coming year. The accounts included 2022 and 2021 figures for comparison purposes, branch income and expenditure, cash and assets and a statement of the profit/loss excluding monies introduced from Medlock. The verbal update made reference to the following: - Surplus £809.23 made up of; - Branch equipment auction proceeds £231 - Gift Aid of £536.64, however this is includes prior years, expressly Sept 2019 to April 2022. The part which results from activities is £41.69. - Subscriptions and capitation is higher this year due to increased membership. - Postage has increased as it includes arrears from last year but there are plans to reduce this expense. - Website costs will reduce going forward by circa £40 - Room hire - a small increase £5 to £7 per meeting for member hire. - In summary there is a healthy bank balance Marian proposed the ODBKA 2023 subscriptions were maintained at the same level, seconded by John Ogden. The Hon.Treasurer’s Reports were received and noted and there was a unanimous vote to maintain current subscriptions. A discussion took place to enquire about opportunities for postage expense reduction. The secretary confirmed there are no claims for newsletter printing supplies only postage for those who cannot receive them digitally. (6 members). Instead, from Jan 2023 she suggested she will bring printed newsletters to 4 of the members attending meetings, continue to post out to 1 member and hand deliver another. This would make further postage savings in year. Proposed Robert T, seconded Ian Barker. ## 9. Honorary Editor’s Report Ian acknowledged the Chair’s ‘clanger of the month’ contribution to the newsletter this month, and to others who regularly contribute. He highlighted that editorial pieces have largely been concentrated on efforts being undertaken in warmer climates especially reflecting on the impacts of the Mid European and Italian fires. Of interest too has been New Zealand’s excesses in Manuka honey. In effect the editor wished to make note that he has tried to anticipate interest in the many major happenings this year and report to members. Next year the editor proposed some cleansing of some of the repeated sale offers that are no longer relevant and using volunteers, (Rob, John, Bob and Stan to name a few), to contribute their valuable skills, experience and knowledge to newsletter articles on topics such as equipment tweaks and tips. There will also be attention to practical jobs advice. Members contributions would be very welcome to share helpful practices to our community for both new and long standing members. ## 10. Honorary Library Custodian’s Report There was very little to report due to only 1 or 2 books being borrowed with 1 not returned. A discussion concluded in recommending a system to increase visibility of the library online and at meetings, and a retainer system for books borrowed. This proposal was unanimously supported by members present. ## 11. Election of Officers of the Association for the Ensuing Year The following were elected unopposed en bloc. Proposed by George Tavener, Seconded by all member attendees. ## Officer Chair Mr George Tavener Deputy Chair Mr Bob Holland Hon Secretary Mrs Amanda Moat Hon Treasurer Mrs Marian Gartside Hon Webmaster Mr Luke Charnock Hon Education Mrs Cath Charnock Coordinator Hon Examiner of Ms Christine Hodgson (until further notice) Accounts Hon Editor & Librarian Mr Ian Barker Hon Library Custodian Mr Bob Holland ## 11. AOB None Date of next AGM – To be confirmed There being no further business, the meeting was brought to a close at 8.50pm before the ODBKA Honey Show AM/Draft: 15/11/22 _Ormskirk and Croston https://www.ormskirkbeekeepers.org.uk/_ ## **Minutes of the Ormskirk & Croston Branch of Lancashire & North West Beekeepers Association 81[st] Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 6[th] December 2022 at 7:30pm Church House, Church Street, Ormskirk L39 3RD.** **1. Apologies –** Vicki Hall, Phil Newton, Tony Lee, Steve Hargreaves. - **Present** were committee members Martin Smith (Chair), Graham Hull, Graham Curwen, Ian Bickerstaffe. The meeting was open to members and a good attendance can be reported. **2. Minutes of the 80[th] AGM held in December 2021** - These were presented to the meeting by Martin Smith and the following matters arising were noted: - Mark and Penny Oakley were made Life members supported by the Branch - Ian Bickerstaffe confirmed that Beginners’ assessment fees are in the process of being paid. Refunds of exam fees (50%) for successful Modules passes also being paid – funded by L&NWBA. - Martin Smith negotiated a second apiary at a site in Aughton, as the proposed site in Newburgh was not completed. At the time of the meeting the branch had been given notice to leave the Aughton site. Discussions were in place to move to a new site at Burscough Community Farm. ## **3. Adoption of the branch accounts for the year ending 31[st] October 2022** - Ian Bickerstaffe gave a summary of the accounts, a copy of which had been circulated to the chair prior to the meeting. As in the prior year the branch was considered to be in a healthy situation. - Ian Bickerstaffe to contact Conor Edwards to act as Independent Reviewer and sign off the accounts before submission to L&NWBA. ## 4. **The Branch Report** In the absence of the secretary a verbal report was presented to the meeting consisting of: Review of the accounts by Ian Bickerstaffe that highlighted the following: - The branch had invested in new equipment during the year to the value of £3,430 - Gift Aid returns were brought up to date by L&NWBA resulting in a cash inflow of £4,056 - Fund rising increased via auctions, hive and honey sales to a total of £2,692 ## 5. **Presentation for 50 Years in Beekeeping** Martin Smith presented the BBKA 50 years of Beekeeping Certificate to Ian McLean, Master Beekeeper, NDB. Ian gave a short talk on his experiences over the past 50 years as an exam moderator, teaching beekeeping in Pakistan, and the early research of varroa on behalf of MAFF. ## 6. **Election of Officers** The following Committee Members were confirmed. Chairman, Martin Smith Vice Chairman, Phil Newton Treasurer, Ian Bickerstaffe General Secretary, Vicki Hall Membership Secretary, Graham Hull Fir Tree Farm Apiary Manager, Graham Curwen The following Team Leaders were confirmed. Burscough Out Apiary, Mike Hinton Education, Tony Lee Schools Liaison, Vicki Hall Outside Events, Hazel Smith Independent Examiner, Conor Edwards Equipment Hire, Dave Farmer (tbc) Webmaster/Social Media, Mark Oakley County Reserve Delegates, Ian Bickerstaffe & Graham Curwen ## 7. **Any Other Business** Branch Honey Show – Graham Curwen proposed that Ormskirk & Croston should hold a Honey Show for members in the upcoming year. This was agreed. BBKA policy on written exams – Robina Johnstone outlined the case being put forward by BBKA to limit the number of in person examinations for Modules; the intention being to promote the online portals for exams. It is understood that L&NWBA will be writing to the Association to propose that in- person exams should continue. The Branch endorses this proposal. Date of the next AGM, to be decided at a later date. There being no further business the meeting was closed. ## **Addendum:** The Committee note with great sadness the passing of Ian McLean just a week after his attendance at the AGM and acceptance of his 50 Years of Beekeeping certificate. He will be sadly missed by all. ## _Preston and District http://www.prestonbka.org.uk/_ **Lancashire and North West Beekeepers Association Preston Branch Annual General Meeting** Thursday 24th November 2022 ## **1. Welcome** The meeting was opened by Liane Doree who thanked everyone for attending. ## **2. Members Present** Viki Cuthbertson, Liane Doree, Alan Manwaring, Kath Shield, Chris Carey, Andrew Fowler, Arthur Walmsley, Tony Houghton, Joanne Kennedy, Kathryn Wilkinson, Nik Birkby, Sheila Birkby, Najma Shafi, Arthur Leyland, William Helm, Elaine Hargreaves, James Haworth, Phil Halliwell, Joe Worden, Jan Blanthorn Hazell, Jan Elkins, Ertan Demir, Alison Wilson, John Wilson, Sheikh Ahmed, Tracey Ragsdale, Johnny Wilson and Gill Paul. ## **3. Apologies for Absence** Caroline Coughlin, Keith Pearson and Nick Middleton. ## **4. Minutes of the last AGM** These were accepted as a true and correct record of that meeting. ## **5. Matters Arising from the Minutes** None ## **6. Reports** Copies of the reports are attached to these minutes. Chair’s report – Liane Doree presented her report. Secretary’s report – Kath Shield presented her report. Treasurer’s report – Arthur Leyland presented his report and distributed the Income and Expenditure Report for the year ending 2022. Education Secretary’s report – Alan Manwaring presented his report. Apiary Manager’s report – VC presented her report. There were no questions from the members regarding the reports. LD thanked everyone for their reports. AL brought up the issue of apiary insurance. AL clarified all questions and assured the meeting that the club has sufficient funds to cover its own insurance due to the restrictive conditions set by potential insurers. ## **7. Election of Officers and Committee Members** LD explained the work of the committee and the need for new members. She explained that all committee meetings have been held by Zoom and this would continue in the future with meetings held every two months. Election of Chairperson The current Chair, Liane Doree, is willing to continue in the role. KS proposed, VC seconded and LD was re-elected unopposed. Election of Secretary The current secretary, Kath Shield, is willing to continue in the role. LD proposed, SB seconded and KS was re-elected unopposed. Election of the Treasurer The current treasurer, Arthur Leyland is willing to continue in the role. LD proposed, AF seconded and AL was re-elected unopposed. Election of the Committee JH asked if the current remaining members of the committee were happy to continue and they all agreed apart from Andrew Fowler who would like to step down. The committee thanked him for all his hard work. LD asked if anyone at the meeting would like to join the committee and the following members volunteered : Jan Blanthorn Hazell, Jane Hassall and Arthur Walmsley. Roles will be discussed at the next committee meeting. Committee members are now as follows: Liane Doree, Arthur Leyland, Kath Shield, Alan Manwaring, Viki Cuthbertson, Gill Paul, Chris Carey, Caroline Coughlin, Sheila Birkby, Joanne Kennedy, Keith Pearson, N Middleton, Kath Cordingley, Jane Hassall, Jan Blanthorn Hazell and Arthur Walmsley. Election of Reps to Central Council JH and AL are happy to continue as PBKA reps along with Jan Blanthorn Hazell. Proposed by KS and seconded by VC. Appointment of Independent Examiner of the Accounts John Ward is willing to continue as Independent Auditor. Proposed by AL and seconded by KS ## **8. Any Other Business** Donations to Bees Abroad/Bees for Development are to be doubled by the Government next year. ## **Date of next AGM** The provisional date of the next AGM is Wednesday 22th November 2023 at 7.30pm. LD thanked everyone for coming and wished them and their bees a very successful 2023. Meeting closed. ## **Preston BKA Committee 2022** ## **Chair’s report Nov 2022** Firstly; I would like to thank ALL the members of the committee for their time and commitment. Without this dynamic and hardworking team there would be no PBKA. Much of this work goes on unseen and because of it we are able to maintain our reputation as a proactive, friendly and accessible club which provides a high standard of education for both beginners and advanced beekeepers. So a BIG thanks to you all. This year after 2 years of Covid restrictions we have been able to be more active. We have designed and produced a glossy information leaflet which we can hand out to prospective beekeepers, interested parties for the beginners course and interested members of the public. It directs readers to our new updated website. If anyone would like a few leaflets to hand out please let me know. The website has undergone a huge overhaul and upgrade making it easier to navigate and keep up to date with club activities. Please do access the pages for current information. This year we were able to run a well attended beginners course face to face, and followed with our usual practical sessions at the apiary. In addition to this for the first time we held 2 taster days at the apiary which although did not have a huge attendance was well received and may yet generate some new beekeepers. We intend to repeat these 2 days in mid summer 2023 We continue to hold our committee meetings, occasional lectures and training via Zoom and we now have 3 licensees. We have had an interesting and varied lecture programme, thanks to Andrew who is sadly stepping down from the committee. These events didn’t generate the attendance I would like to see but we are looking into this for 2023, we have booked a new venue at Tanterton village centre on 3rd Wednesday of each month. Was an organised coach trip to the Harper Adams Spring Convention, something members would be interested in? Our apiary shop has gone from strength to strength and has been well patronised by the members. We now have some classy looking corporate hoodies, which are still for sale. We held a well attended Honey show with over 100 exhibits. The club entries at Lancashire county all gained awards. We then had 3 members attend the national honey show, all of whom brought home prizes. I think PBKA has continued to maintain a progressive attitude to the support and education of local beekeepers and the public and this ultimately gives rise to healthier and more productive local bees. Finally I would like to invite all members to the Christmas lunch to be held at Stumbles Bar at Myerscough on Saturday January 7th beginning with a walk round the Apiary at 11am, lunch served at 12. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all. Liane ## **Lancashire &Northwest Beekeepers Association – Preston Branch Treasure’s Report Year Ending 31st October 2022** The club continues to hold bank accounts with Barclays. Throughout the year we have continued to develop and encourage online banking. All but one expenditure payments have been made by bank transfer and most income payments have been made by BACS. All monies collected are paid directly into the bank. During the year steps have been taken to improve our communication and image. This has involved the professional development of our web site, printing of promotional leaflets, purchase of a gazebo, the running of Taster Days, producing a monthly newsletter and the subsidising of “hoodies”. Throughout the year meetings have been held covering a range of topics. Most meetings had an outside speaker. The annual honey show was once again a great success. A buffet lunch was provided and a speaker entertained the exhibitors in the afternoon. The development of the apiary has continued. The four sheds are almost complete, perimeter fencing and the entrance gate have been renewed, extensive ground work carried out and a new mower purchased. Generation of income has followed the pattern of previous years. The main sources being membership (£3.00 per member), education (running a beginners’ course and modular courses), shop sales (66% increase on last year) and gift aid. Membership continues to rise with 198 members at the end of October, making the club one of the largest in the Lancashire and Northwest BKA. Gift Aid is now up to date with 2 years being refunded. Future payments will be refunded annually. This will yield approx. £1200 per year. The shop has proved to be very successful. It now carries a much wider range of stock and is used by more members. The aim is to provide a service to members, supply equipment at a competitive price whilst making a small profit for the club. The shop is run by a team of 7 members. The finances continue to be sound with healthy bank balances. Consequently, I see no need to raise the membership fee. I will propose that it remains at £3.00, one of the lowest in Lancashire, for the year 23/24. (This is included in the £28 membership fee) Many thanks to all those who help to raise funds and collect money, to the committee for their support and financial prudence and to John Ward for checking and verifying the accounts. Arthur Leyland Treasurer 31st October 2022 ## **Education Secretary’s Report 2022** Education is at the heart of this club. The financial benefit from course fees and equipment sales enables us to continue moving forward in replacing and updating materials needed to provide quality education for all club members. This year, courses have been run for beginners, the Basic exam, different module exams and preparation for the General Husbandry exam. None of these would be possible without the commitment and dedication of all those members who give up their time to deliver and support the theory sessions and practical sessions at the club apiary. Our beginners’ course continues to be popular, with 31 people undertaking the course this year. The new taster days were well received by those who came and have spurred at least one family member to undertake the beginners’ course next year. Modules were passed this year by Liane Doree, Joanne Kennedy, Louisa Simpson-Brown, Janet Harrison, Jan Elkins and Caroline Coughlin. The Basic Exam was passed by Sue Cross, Denise Davies, Michael Nolan, Helen Wright and Louisa Simpson-Brown. Thanks to Viki Cuthbertson for providing module training and to Jane Hassall and Jan Elkins for training people to take the Basic Exam. Thanks also to Viki for organising the Annual Convention which had visiting speakers, food, presentation of certificates for successful candidates, and a chance to compare notes with other beekeepers. (Make a note in your diary to attend next year’s event). Despite not having the Myerscough Open Day Show again this year, we have had representations at several shows and fairs around the area this year and we were even able to use our new gazebo at some of the events! Thanks to everyone who helped to run these stalls and to Nick Middleton for jumping in at the deep end and helping to co-ordinate these events. The Honey Shows are a chance for members to showcase the results of their beekeeping activities and it was pleasing to see members old and new winning trophies and certificates at local, county and national events. Particular thanks are due to Caroline Coughlin and Elaine Hargreaves for organising the Local and County Honey Shows. Thanks also to Liane Doree and Janet Harrison for co-ordinating the club entries into the County Honey Show. Thanks to all those who offer mentoring services, both verbal and practical to new beekeepers. Apart from designated mentors, I include all those who attend the club apiary on instruction days and on shopping days, as people often come to receive advice along with their purchases. A huge thank-you goes to Joanne Kennedy, who has taken responsibility for improving and updating the club website which is dynamic, informative and a valuable resource for beekeepers and the general public. Thanks also to Viki for the newsletters to members, which keep all members informed of club issues. Thanks also to Liane for co-ordinating the design and content of our information leaflets about the club. At the time of writing this report in November, the continued warm weather is keeping the bees flying longer than used to be the case but, hopefully, as long as suitable winter preparations are in place, we can look forward to a good start in 2023. Alan Manwaring - PBKA Education Secretary ## **Apiary Manger’s Report 2022** 2022 has been a successful year at the Joe Birkby Teaching Apiary. Inspections resumed with lunch organised by Janet Harrison, and eaten at the apiary. There was also a raffle in aid of Bees Aboard which raised over £100! As always the dedicated team of inspectors turned up every week to share their knowledge and experience with the beginners, who gain so much from this practical activity. We have had a bumper crop of honey this year, with 120 jars (approx 90lb) being bottled and sold for funds, either to members or the Myerscough shop (where I’m told it is a best seller!) The shop has also been a success, although we have had quite a steep learning curve on stock levels – especially for frames and foundation – but we hope we have a better feel for demand and so will not have shortages in 2023. It has also been nice to see club members visiting the Apiary, who hadn’t been before – they were usually impressed with all our facilities. I will finish with my very grateful thanks to the Inspection Team for continuing to support our beginners, and to the Maintenance Crew and the Shop volunteers. I also want to thank Jan Elkins (my deputy) and Janet Harrison for their support and Ribby Hall for generous sponsorship of the Apiary lunch, and a new notice board. You all do a fantastic job, and the Apiary would not function without you. Viki Cuthbertson Volunteer Apiary Manager ## **Secretary Report** It is great to see everybody here in person and back at the apiary and café afterwards. It does feel like we are back to normal. The main point I want to make in this report is that I feel that the club has really moved up a level this year. We have almost 200 members and have made significant improvements to the club throughout the year. We now have a fourth shed at the apiary for storage with new flagging and a seating area – many thanks to the Thursday Crew for all their ongoing work and maintenance and to Janet for our table and chairs. Our website has had a makeover and is now much more informative, professional and easy to navigate for members and anyone interested in starting beekeeping – thanks to Jo Kennedy for sorting this for us. A monthly newsletter sent to all members keeps us all informed with the latest news and events. We have also no excuse not to look smart and professional at shows and events now that we have polo shirts and hoodies with our new Preston and District logo. Thanks to Caroline for arranging these. Liane has organised promotional leaflets to hand out at shows and events promoting our club and these have been very useful at the shows we attended this year including the Garstang Show and the Chorley Flower Show amongst others. This year was the first year we have run Taster Days where anyone interested in beekeeping can visit the apiary and find out what beekeeping involves. We ran one in May and one in July and these were a great success and we will run them again next year although probably in July and August to avoid swarm season. Health and safety has also been a focus this year with Epi Pen training given by Kath Kindred and a sign at the apiary with directions to the nearest defibrillator at Myerscough College. We have had a busy start to the year with 30 new beginners on the course and it has been great to see new faces at the apiary. All our Basic Assessment entrants passed the course and we hosted the Honeybee Health Course in July for county members. Thanks as always to Viki for all her hard work keeping the bees in check at the apiary. The Queen rearing course was very popular and it is something we would like to run again next year. Our own Preston Honey Show was a great success with over 100 entries and we had success at the County Show with 2nd place for our 6 jars of honey, 3rd place for our beekeeping calendar and 3rd place for our display. The shop is thriving with record sales and a fantastic range of stock and has proven to be a great asset to the club. We are also running a wax exchange where 1kg of wax gives you £9 to spend in the shop. Many thanks to Arthur and his shop team for all their hard work. We are arranging an interesting programme of monthly speakers for next year to be held on the third Wednesday of every month and we aim to promote this as much as possible. I think next year we will continue to go from strength to strength. A huge thankyou to all our committee and helpers. We would not be in this great position without you. I hope you all have a relaxing and peaceful time over Christmas and get all your equipment cleaned and ready well in advance instead of last minute as I do every year! _Southport and District http://www.southportbeekeepers.co.uk/_ ## **Southport Branch Annual Report** ## **SOUTHPORT & DISTRICT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION** Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 10th November 2022 at 7.30pm at The Community Room, Southport Fire Station ## **1. Members Present** 12 in total ## **2. Apologies for Absence** Anne Belcher; Susan Fisher; Chrissy Gregory; Diane Drinkwater; Diane Banahan; & Karen Reid. ## **3. Minutes of the Previous AGM (11th November 2021)** No changes were necessary and they were adopted as being correct. Proposed by John Whitton and Seconded by Mike Lavelle ## **4. Matters Arising from Minutes of last AGM** None recorded ## **5. Reports** Barry Milne, co-Chair, read the co-chair’s report (copy attached) which was received and noted. Karen Reid’s Treasurer’s report was circulated for perusal in her absence. Copies of both reports are to be found at the foot of these minutes. ## **6. Vote of Thanks to the Officers of the Branch** Acknowledging the officers and apiary helpers work, Barry Milne proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of all S&DBKA members to all concerned ## **7. Election of Officers of the Association for the Ensuing Year** The following were elected unopposed: Southport & District Beekeepers AGM 10.11.2022 Election of Officers ## **11. AOB** Nil There being no further business, the meeting was brought to a close at 7.50pm ## **Joint Chairman’s Report S/P & District Beekeepers 2021/22** 1. At last we have managed to get back to some sort of normality after the Covid outbreak. 2. The winter was a fairly mild one again followed by a very warm spring and then the weather took a nosedive with it being wet, windy and cold but then the weather went the other way to being quite hot and dry. Members had problems with queens either disappearing or not mating properly. Honey yields on the whole are lot better than last year. 3. Diane our Branch Apiary manager along with Kate and Justine have been looking after the Branch Apiary this year. Lorraine had to call it a day after getting stung and having bad reaction. Thanks to them for all their help. 4. Our Introduction to beekeeping course, taster day and our main publicity event, The Southport Flower Show all went well. 5. Diane Drinkwater our Education Officer has again organised some module tutoring online as well as organising monthly speakers at our new venue in the Community Room, Southport Fire Station. Thanks again Diane for your dedication. 6. The supply of spilt sugar from Tesco’s is still ongoing with a good amount coming in. 7. The situation with our Branch Apiary in Hesketh Park is still in abeyance as the new tenant for the compound has still not finalised its tenancy with the council. Unofficially we have heard that if the Bridge Inn do take it over they will probably allow us to stay but under what conditions we do not know as yet. It maybe we might have to pay them some sort of rent! 8. The Southport Flower Show went very well with Barry, Diane and Pat Hustings sorting out the organisation. We did not have a lot of honey to sell because of being a funny year with the bees a lot of our members had not extracted their honey until after the show 9. Finally can we thank all the committee and members for their hard work in what has again been a very trying year 2022. Barry & John (Co-Chairmen) Treasurer’s Report 2022 |Membership|2021|2022| |---|---|---| |Full|52|54| |Partner|3|2| |Country|0|3| |Junior|1|1| |Family/Social|3|3| |Totals|59|63| Branch subscription fees had to be increased for 2022 due to the BBKA increasing Capitation. Income to the branch from 63 members, after the Capitation and BDI payments, is £315.00. Gift aid is now up to date and we received £672.89 for 2020, 2021 and 2022 subscriptions. We held a Beekeeping Taster session which raised £80.00, and commission on the sale of members’ honey at Southport Flower Show and Bank Hall raised a further £833.55. A mobile observation hive for live bee demonstrations at shows was purchased at a cost of £478.20. The branch made a profit of £1,336.64, although part of this is gift aid from two previous years. The bank balance at the end of October is £10,026.55. Finally, I would like to thank David Southeard for verifying the accounts. This concludes the Treasurer’s Report to the L&NWBKA Southport & District Branch AGM 2022. 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(Vaff(ws} 12 Exotic Pest Surveillan As as N8U insFecirA5 SP8cffK exotic F*St iwc11y￿ (f¢x Small HNe Beeue aThJ Tropilae*mles}, weaso havea grwp rfbrAunteer beekeepers vtho have apkws f￿K ponts a￿1 who speoficaty n￿ttor Ihwr ho￿￿1)ee ccknie5 these exotic test ¥￿eS cffi t*all of the NBU. TIEse Vduntary Sentiiel War Ris* Frfxnts inLkn* tre•Jht wrts. Fknl 1mwmt￿S. airports. cnKl8 luve irrwtet4 Iwi arml irwrtews. The di5thtxrtKffl ofVSAs tK)th rEa[r￿< Frfjmts and at rarKIL¥n sites m￿Mise the h"helihc(#J ol earfy pest detec￿. VSA beekeepers we wovthd wrth a kit and reguW eKaffllne Iheir c(4￿leS aCctXdv￿ to stw¥Jard Safv of hNe del￿5 arp sent June aThJ SeptemLw each Sea￿ to te examiwj k* the wesence ￿ Small H¢ve Beele ISHB} and TrcOaeW mrtes. 'Enh*ttd SentrW W. (ESA} three b.mes each Seas￿ ￿ to areas deemed as ligh iisk. VSA pr(#]ramme. or beekew with kn[h￿edge ￿wIsh to mahe u5 re of hAJh-rtsk po￿tS near twi. If are inlerpslaa C(￿ your Bee yellow.leg￿ Asian Hornet (Vespa vel￿Nna nigrathorax) Thrs year has seen Con1￿ kyw le¥* of cLvffitfT*d AS[￿ FkXr￿I sighting5 in the UK just (Th ￿"an Fkmnet nest louThJ ty NBU a sycamore tree n Ihe Ray￿￿jh area cl Essex on FTrJay 30th rA Sept￿ber 2022, whth Yas thewentty wras laroe ccwwed to otws to￿¢1 m Ihe UK at approxwlely 41km (lameter, kxal beekeeFers ma(k aware via the Homet IAHTS) Chelmsftxd m Essex arK1 Dw in K￿t. No ffu￿ irtsects were seen bui ￿al Asw FtqnelTe¥rtshaye been aWe¢ aTrJ are to 01)8￿er￿ nKfjft(Y 13 Chelmsford hor￿. RayWh knan FKxn&t nest Lthj I￿j ty RBI Ellwty. keep a crtrt on lale summer plats wch a5 r¥y the hor l￿d olher ￿Sects} cn rtr￿S. report ywct shJhliFWJS USI￿ the 'A￿ H(￿1 Watth. w, or ty an report T￿, ￿ by ￿nalh"n9 alerInC￿th" e ceh.ac.uk . We in ￿)rt￿M Eryland are currth at th8 ethje of Ihe A￿ IMXT￿5 Eur(wn rarvJe and by W￿￿1Th) logetlw to keep thi% nmsive sK*c*s at bay aThJ Imports and exports of honey bees Thir(I Cixwty ru￿ now ¥pty to wxj ex￿1 tr*Je ￿￿een UK aKI EU treat8(J as expyts aTrl so ate *so sut48Ct to these Imm rule5 Ik> not w to ImpcK Certrfc*e IEHC). Tr heallh cerbficale nx￿1 be issu&J by ￿ Thir(J Cumtys Cmenl Authority ￿ Iheir QhThcial Certs"fier. QJrwUy ¢xty the imt¥Ni of weens lin es attend*rt vn*ef51 ts kErJnitted ￿der Third rules. except Irom 14 IMF￿ must notify 3ll impoTts in a(fv￿￿ via Ihe IPAFFS S￿rn. From 1• N(Nernt 2022, the hearth cerbficale fr(￿ EU C￿nIn.￿S must u[A0￿@d onlo IPAFFS {Imtth of Pr(MJucts. ATh"m*s. F(K¥J Feed System) w thal rt can te wewed oNTh. There ￿ rrf) lorh]er a rawIren￿l for the ory]inal parw EHC th￿Ument lo accOmp￿y1 c(YwimenL (Jiglial I(￿uMen15 wrfl Teman valmy ￿j1. by [￿tjing ￿ Or￿ (kojnwst, thL% ¢Jc*s not remove Ihe Nuirement to uph)ad ￿ eleCtrc￿lc ¥ersK￿. P