Minutes of the 82nd AGM, held in Greenmount on Saturday 4th October 2025
1. The meeting was called to order at 2:30pm by the Chairperson, Valentine Hodges.
2. Those present:
Roy Bell – Randalstown Gareth McGreevy – Dromore Malcolm Megaw – Clogher Michelle Megaw – Clogher Geoff Davidson – Dromore Helen Davidson – Dromore Simon Wheeler – Belast and East Antrim James Ellison – Randalstown Alan Jones – Belfast Jean Jones – Belfast Grania Mackie – Belfast Brian Grzymek – Belfast Iverene Carlton – Mid Antrim John Hill – Randalstown Fiona Stewart – Randalstown Brian Steward – Randalstown Susie Hill – Randalstown Rose Crozier – Randalstown Stuart McC – Randalstown Kai Young – Randalstown George Carlton – Mid Antrim TrevorDawson – Randalstown Conall McCaughey - ? Ruth Simpson - ? Sonia Woolley – Randalstown Leah Bell – Mid Ulster Gail Orr – Dromore Valentine Hodges – Chair Les Sims – Treasurer Nichola Whan - Secretary
Associations not represented: Fermanagh Foyle Low County Rasharkin Roe Valley Cornfields
3. Apologies for non-attendance were received from: David Morgan and Gwen Earnshaw
4. Minutes of 81st AGM on 5[st] October 2024: Adopted as a true record on a proposal by Alan Jones and seconded by Gail Orr
5. Matters arising from minutes of previous AGM: None
6. Correspondence: None
7. Education Report: Given by Susie Hill, Chair of the Education Committee
The Education Committee continues to meet every Monday via Zoom. Level 1 had 190 students.
Level 3 has 40 students. Level 5 Bee Master will be launched in November 2025 Microscopy Workshop will be held on the 11[th] of October Level 1 will be an official qualification from 2026
Query from member re use of AI
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity:
Northern Ireland Charities Commission No. NIC100709
Susie reports that AI is very easy to spot and not used by the Education Committee (EC). John Hill advises that the EC has a robust plagiarism policy. Susie Hill advises that OCNI are advising the EC about the use of AI.
Query from member re finances of education
Susie Hill advises that all the money made from L1 goes to the association. L3 is breaking even. Once the figures have been finalized, Susie will send them to the Chairs. John Hill advises that course fees will likely be increasing.
8. Reports by UBKA Officers: The reports of the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, as circulated in advance, were presented to the meeting including the following: -
Chair’s Annual Report
Valentine Hodges, Executive Chair UBKA — 2024/25
Introduction
As I conclude my second year as Chair, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all members for their continued support. This has been a challenging year, with ongoing issues relating to disease control and limited government assistance. Despite these obstacles, our collective efforts have ensured that UBKA continues to thrive. Bee Health The lack of government support for inspections and disease management remains one of the most pressing issues for our community. While progress has been made — including securing regular updates and meetings with DAERA, a commitment in recruitment and a desire to work with us — the shortage of bee inspectors continues to present risks. We are aware that there are changes to legislation coming our way so Ulster b please keep an eye on this we are unsure what this will mean to beekeepers her and in the South of Ireland. Nevertheless, I am pleased to report another successful year of bee health workshops. The return of guest expert Jack Silberrad was well received, and his practical and theoretical training sessions provided significant value. My thanks go to Randalstown BKA for hosting and extending such a warm welcome. We will continue to push for greater government involvement while also strengthening our internal beekeepers practices to ensure the best possible standards in disease management. Yellow-Legged (Asian) Hornet Association With confirmed reports in Cork and increasing likelihood of its spread to Northern Ireland, the Asian hornet presents a serious challenge for 2026 and beyond. Our visit which included Nichola, Chris and I to Jersey planned by Alastair the government rep. John and Jane both tracking volunteers and Chris a citizen scientist, all provided valuable insights into effective management strategies, used in Jersey. Brian Gryzmek then met up with the team from IBA in Jersey and we all gathered information Jerseys’ experiences and learning curve and we also continue to collaborate with the All-Ireland group, now chaired by our own Brian G. Training initiatives and shared learning have proven invaluable, and we ask that you support the government DEARA and NIEA as they are working to review the contingency plans to tackle the Asian Hornet and other invasive species which are on the increase. I also encourage all members to remain vigilant and ensure that any shared information — particularly via social media — is
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity:
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accurate and responsibly sourced. We are aware that some media platforms are using sensationalised reports.
Data bees.
I recommend ALL members register. I firmly believe this will be a good way for the department to let you know should there be disease or a sighting of Asian Hornet plus another invasive species such as Tropilaelaps in your area. If we don’t use it – we will likely lose it!
Annual Conference
This year’s conference welcomed over 400 attendees and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. My thanks go to the Conference Team headed up by Brians Gryzmek for their outstanding commitment. Their tireless efforts ensure that UBKA hosts one of the most respected conferences on the island. The team are also looking for new members to support their efforts. Please talk to Brian and his team for more information. Planning for the 2026 Conference (13–14 February) is already well underway, with worldclass speakers already booked and new exciting exhibitors attending. Education The Education Team continues to excel, delivering a gold-standard programme through meticulous preparation and dedication. Special thanks to Susie, John, Ethel, Robert, Esther, and Wendy for their leadership and organisation, and to our tutors and assessors whose contributions make the programme possible. We are also excited to introduce new modules, including microscopy training led by John Hill and Rodger Adair, expanding opportunities for advanced learning. Ulster b Honey Show & Balmoral Congratulations to Mark and Wendy for successfully organising the Honey Show, and thank you to all the entrants, stewards, and judges for their contributions. A special thank you goes to Nichola for her excellent coordination of her first Balmoral event, supported by John Hill and Gavin McKenna in setting up and to the associations across beekeepers the region. Please talk to Nichola about how to become involved as it’s a great way to engage with the public and attracting new members to your association. I would also like to register my thanks to Phelim Breen who was the event organiser for many years. Association
Young Beekeepers Report
This year has been particularly encouraging for our young members, with several notable achievements and milestones:
• International Representation: A UBKA team participated in Dubai, supported by Susie and Charlene. Our young beekeepers Toby, Bertie McCrea and Sarah Kane were great ambassadors for Northern Ireland and a very popular team.
• Home Nations Event: The first-ever Home Nations Young beekeepers gathering took place at CAFRE on 12 July and was an outstanding success. Delegations from Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland attended, with Randalstown hosting the practical sessions. Twenty-one young participants took part, showcasing the promising future of
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity:
Northern Ireland Charities Commission No. NIC100709
beekeeping talent. Great profile was in both the BBKA magazine Bee Craft and the BBC. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who helped organise and support this inaugural event. Appreciation goes to Susie for organising the programme, and to John and Susie for hosting the English team when they could not travel until the following day. It is our hope that this event will now become an annual fixture. To all the volunteers who supported the programme.
• Looking Ahead: UBKA is proud to have been awarded the honour of hosting the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in 2026. This prestigious opportunity will showcase both UBKA and Northern Ireland on the global stage. Planning is already underway, and we warmly invite members to volunteer and contribute to what promises to be a landmark event in our history. To make it a success we are working hard to raise the much-needed funding through sponsorship and ask any member who could assist to please get in touch.
Safeguarding
We have our policies on the Website, and 2 training days were organised for associations to send representatives. We will arrange more training next year. Acknowledgements Our organisation could not function without the tireless efforts of trustees and volunteers. My personal thanks go to: • Les Sims, Treasurer — for his diligence in financial management. • Nicola Whan, outgoing Secretary — for her calm support and invaluable contributions. Ulster b
Acknowledgements volunteers. My personal thanks go to: contributions. Ulster
• Nicola Whan, outgoing Secretary — for her calm support and invaluable contributions.
To all the trustees and members: your commitment makes our progress possible.
We also want to thank CAFRE for their continued support. Closing Remarks beekeepers As we look to the year ahead, I am confident that, together, we can build upon our achievements and meet the challenges before us. Please do not hesitate to reach out with ideas, concerns or questions. While I may not always have the answers Association immediately, I will ensure that you will receive the right guidance from our professional network. With your continued support, I believe 2026 will be a defining year for UBKA.
Valentine Hodges Executive Chair, UBKA
Secretaries Report
Nichola Whan – Secretary 2022 – 2025
Three years done, and what a weird and wonderful journey it’s been. Everyone I’ve met along the way has been a top-notch weirdo, and I hope you never change! I want to take a moment to thank Valentine and Les for their unwavering support and patience. They’ve been a constant source of encouragement, and I will truly miss our monthly chats.
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity:
Northern Ireland Charities Commission No. NIC100709
As I reflect on the past few years, I’d like to make a few requests: First, as the world becomes increasingly divided, it’s more important than ever that we come together to address the shared challenges we face. One such challenge is the arrival of the Asian Hornet on our shores. This invasive species poses a serious threat to our local ecosystems, and in times like these, we must set aside borders and politics to work collaboratively toward protecting our island.
Second, the UBKA remains committed to promoting bee health. To further these efforts, I ask that all associations make full use of their Bee Health Advisors. Please encourage members to take advantage of the free disease testing services provided by AFBI. We must work together to protect our bee populations.
Third, Northern Ireland has been awarded the honor of hosting The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2026. I kindly request that all associations support the IMYB team in any way possible. Whether it’s through fundraising, safeguarding, or
volunteering, your help will be invaluable.
Finally, let’s continue to take care of one another. I am proud to be a member of UBKA, and I look forward to seeing it grow and thrive in the years to come. Thanks for listening! Nichola Treasurers Report - Les Sims, UBKA Treasurer See separate report as errors found in account by Ivan McMinn two days before AGM Ulster b 9. Adoption of the reports: On a proposal by Brian Grzymek and seconded by Grania Mackie
10. Capitation beekeepers Valentine proposes that due to increasing costs, capitation should be increased from £8 to £10 per member. Association
Query from member
Currently, the UBKA current account has a balance of £34,100. Why can’t the UBKA absorb the cost of increasing costs. Also, the money ring-fenced conference as never been needed. Can this be freed up?
Les advises that capitation covers more than just insurance – it covers the annual zoom subscription, the mailing system used by the Secretary, printing costs, etc
Valentine advises that due to outstanding claims, the insurance renewal will likely increase, but the Committee won’t know the cost until 30 days before the renewal date. Asian Hornet and Tropilaelaps may cost the UBKA considerable and risk assessments are required.
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity:
Northern Ireland Charities Commission No. NIC100709
Susie Hill advises that Greenmount will be undergoing extensive renovations in the coming years. This will significantly increase the cost of the annual conference. The ring fenced money is kept aside for situations like that.
Those present discussed possible incremental increases in capitation.
It was agreed that clearer accounts are required – separate expenses and expenditure requested by those present.
Valentine moves the proposal to a vote – 9 for the increase, 10 against it. Chairs vote brings it to a tie. It is agreed that capitation will remain at £8 per member. More clarity required around costs.
11. Beekeeper of the year award, The Bobby Burns Shield for Beekeeper of the year for the year 2024 was awarded to James Ellison. There were no other nominations.
12. The UBKA offices were declared vacant by the outgoing Chairperson Valentine Hodges.
Election: James Ellison conducted the election for 2025 / 2026, as follows: -
| Role | Nominee(s) | Proposed | Seconded | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBKA Officers | ||||
| President | John Hill | Alan Jones | Simon Wheeler | Yes |
| Vice-President | Alan Jones | Brian Grzymek | John Hill | Yes |
| UBKA and Executive Committee Officers | ||||
| Chairperson | Valentine Hodges | Alan Jones | Les Sims | Yes |
| Vice-Chairperson | Brian Grzymek | Les Sims | Valentine Hodges | Yes |
| Secretary | Michelle Megaw | Nichola Whan | Valentine Hodges | Yes |
| Treasurer | Les Simms | Nichola Whan | John Hill | Yes |
| Supporting Roles | ||||
| PR/Media/Web | Cathal Tunney | John Hill | Brian Grzymek | Yes |
| Auditor | Ivan McMinn | Alan Jones | Les Sims | Yes |
There being no further nominations, the above names were declared elected.
13. Safeguarding
Nichola Whan will stay on DSO for the next two years There have been no safeguarding concerns since last years AGM
Valentine proposes the adoption of an Anti-Bullying policy – Belfast have offered to help with drafting this policy – to be discussed at the next executive committee meeting
14. Any Other Business
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity:
Northern Ireland Charities Commission No. NIC100709
Asian Hornet
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Four members have been to Jersey and received training in tracking and tracing
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Brian Grzymek working closely with associations in the South. They have set up an all Ireland action group - NIBAG
Valentine Hodges, Chairperson
Nichola Whan, Secretary
The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association is a registered charity: Northern Ireland Charities Commission No. NIC100709