Vale & Downland Beekeepers’ Association
formerly
Wantage & District Beekeepers' Association
For more about the Vale & Downland BKA click HERE
The Association is a registered charity, number 1015801. Its objectives are to improve the practice and science of apiculture for the public benefit, in particular to:
Benefits for the established beekeeper:
| Insurance | Public liability for all members. Special bee disease insurance is also available. |
| Equipment Purchase | Equipment may be purchased from a local supplier. |
| Equipment Hire | Extractor, pollen trap, wax extractor. Microscopes available by appointment. |
| Library | Comprehensive library about all aspects of beekeeping including slides and videos |
| Marketing | Members' bee products may be sold at craft exhibitions and other shows |
| Spray Warnings | Central system for disseminating crop spray warnings |
| BBKA | The national association encourages best practices in beekeeping, promotes research on bees and extends support to beekeepers. |
| Bee health | The National Bee Unit (part of the Central Science Laboratory, part of DEFRA) maintains the bee health inspectorate and the BeeBase database. Our Regional Bee Inspector is Nigel Semmence (phone 01234-338694) and our seasonal Bee Inspector is Phil Spelane (phone 01865-396383). |
Benefits for the new beekeeper:
| Setting up | Help with setting up a new apiary |
| Handling bees | Bees can be handled at summer meetings. There are also special beginners meetings in the spring. |
| Assistance | Experienced members of the Association are always willing to help new beekeepers |
Meetings:
| May to September | Monthly on a Sunday afternoon, at members’ apiaries with talks and demonstrations |
| October to April | Monthly at 7:30 pm on a Friday in Wantage. Visiting lecturers and demonstrations or social events. |
Subscription rates, year 2011
All categories, except BBKA Country Members (members without bees), are covered by public and product liability insurance under the BBKA scheme
| Family including children receiving full time education (includes BBKA Registered membership of £14.00) | £30.00 |
| * optional extra for Partners involved in Beekeeping (Add BBKA Partner membership of £9.24) | £9.24 |
| Ordinary member (including BBKA Registered membership of £14.00) | £29.00 |
| Ordinary member without bees (including BBKA Country membership £7.00) | £22.00 |
| Bee Craft magazine (special discounted rate for January - December 2010). This must be paid before mid November 2009 in order to receive the first issue in January. | £21.60 |
For membership details contact Lilian Valentine by email or telephone on 01235 767524. To download a copy of the membership application click here
Updated 21 November 2010