The Vale and Downland Beekeepers Association

Registered Charity Number 1015801

The Vale and Downland Beekeepers Association, formerly known as Wantage and District Beekeepers Association, was founded in 1963. In 2007 we changed our name because the membership of 52 suggested the change as the association now covers a much wider area, namely parts of Wiltshire, West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire and the Vale of the White Horse.

We have been a registered charity since 1991 with a constitution that has similar objectives to the BBKA and is satisfactory to the Charity Commission requirements.

Our yearly programme of monthly meetings includes apiary meetings during spring and summer, and indoor meetings during the winter where we usually have a guest speaker. We hold additional apiary meetings during the summer especially for beginners to be able have close contact with the bees. We also arrange visits for local groups to attend an apiary as one of their group meetings.

Our association also educates the public by promoting the craft of beekeeping at local craft and Agriculture/Horticulture shows where we exhibit our wide range of products.

We provide demonstrations for schools and other organisations, such as scouts, residential homes for the elderly.

We liaise with local councils, police and other beekeeping associations for swarm reports. We also work closely with farmers and contract sprayers to provide spray warnings for our members in the areas concerned.

Membership of our association includes use of our extensive library, hire of some beekeeping equipment, insurance for Public Liability and Brood Diseases.

For further information please contact Lilian Valentine