| Many thanks to those members who turned up at the AGM and helped select our new committee. There aren't many changes.
Chairman
This post again not filled.
Secretary
Peter Bowbrick
Treasurer
John Masters
Membership Secretary
Phil Barns
Programme Secretary
Norman Chapman
News letter/Librarian
Charlotte Winterborn
plus the other stalwarts (and when I find the complete list I will put their names it the
next Newsletter.... Apologies )
We took time for some silent thought as we remembered our friend and treasurer David Cook who passed away this year. A good friend, whom we shall remember for his help, hard work and sense of humour.
It was acknowledged that the year ahead was going to be challenging for Beekeepers across the country. You will have read in your Beecraft and
BBKA news that the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ( DEFRA ), intends to reduce the funding for the National Bee Unit . This affects England only. Now is the time to write to our MPs. Ivor Davis and Mike Rowbottom have put together some questions you might like answered (SEE BEECRAFT). If you have customers who enjoy your honey encourage them to put pen to paper.
We all have a part to play in keeping the association strong and supportive to Beekeepers. One way we can encourage this is to organise courses to encourage people to take up the craft. "Beekeeping for Beginners" is something planned for the new year 2005, possibly starting 24/1/05. Seven fortnightly meetings plus seven Sunday morning apiary meetings in the spring. Cost £35 and Concessions £ 30. It will be based on the programme recommended and promoted by the BBKA. We would ask all members who know of anyone who would like to attend a course , possibly over 3 or 4 months, to contact Peter Bowbrick our secretary. Hopefully in May we will be able to arrange our 2 day weekend course. This has been popular and aimed at people who are curious about the craft. It gives them an opportunity to get closer and see if it is something they could take further. All this activity depends on students and tutors being available.
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