Bannside and District Beekeepers registered charity NIC107483
Annual Report 2023 - 2024
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 0 Secretary’s report ................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction
Bannside and District Beekeepers became a registered charity in June 2020 with the principal objective of promoting and furthering the craft of beekeeping.
It is one of 14 local associations connected to the Ulster Beekeepers Association. Bannside and District beekeepers operate under their constitution adopted on 24 Feb 2016.
Public benefits
The most direct benefit to those taking part in any of our activities will be the health benefits of working outside in the fresh air coupled with the manual labour associated with these activities. When honey is harvested along with pollen and propolis the health benefits will be added to for the like of hay fever sufferers. Friendships with our fellow participants will be made that will last for a lifetime with every support offered to any that may need it. The benefits can be demonstrated by the general health and wellbeing of all who take part in the activities of our program.
The beneficiaries of the charity will be the school children, scout groups and any groups that we interact with who will learn of the importance of bees and the other pollinators in our ecosystem There will be no private benefit to anyone involved in our activities.
Our group gives talks on beekeeping and other pollinators to schools and scout groups in the Mid and East Antrim Council area, we also have talks and demonstrations for groups in the Portglenone area. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly meetings or visit us at our apiary.
Secretary’s report
A lot of local beekeepers are still recovering from bee losses in the previous year, the past summer was still wet, with bees needing to be fed. It was difficult for some to obtain new bees, as local breeders were also struggling.
This year our apiary was supported by a small number of people through the season.
There has been a lot of developments with the club, now that we have our new club house club house at Killycon Road. Tim has given up a lot of his spare time to add the finishing touches to the club house and apiary, and we are now established in our routine of monthly meetings on the last Thursday of the month.
The club held its Annual General Meeting on 28 September 2023.
Trustees
Chair: Tim Dowie. Vice Chair: Sheryl Duke. Secretary: Lisa Bailiey (Tracey Mitchell has stepped in for Lisa) Treasurer: Tracey Mitchell.
Membership
Currently club membership stands at 16 (Individual) members.
The renewal subscription for a full member is £20 per year. This includes UBKA Insurance. Membership subscriptions are due for renewal on 1[st] April annually.
Capitation and Insurance
Bannside and District Beekeepers are a Beekeeping club affiliated to the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association by payment of an annual capitation fee. The club will pay a capitation fee of £8.00 to the Ulster Beekeepers Association for every club member.
This provides insurance to Bannside and District Beekeepers and its registered members in carrying out beekeeping activities.
PAGE 1
Training
The club had proposed to fund further training courses for members. There were no new club members ready to undertake the Introduction to Beekeeping course.
The club are keen to promote beekeeping and are looking at running an informal introduction to beekeeping in the summer months, as well as opportunities for talks and demonstrations for groups in the Portglenone area.
Club Apiary
The club bees are being inspected by Tim Dowie, at present there is one hive. In addition to the club bees at the Apiary, the club is also keen to promote other pollinating insects.
Club Meetings
The club meet monthly at the club house in Scroggy Moss. Average attendance this year increased to 8 members. The club runs informal introduction to Beekeeping courses, for new and experienced members to share thoughts and ideas.
Social Media
The club continues to use a WhatsApp group chat for members and its Facebook page to stay in touch and promote the club.
- Bannside & District Beekeepers Home | Facebook
Tracey Mitchell Secretary/ Treasurer
PAGE 2