Report by Secretary Nicky Kakkar
Saturday, 27 February, 19.30 via Zoom, 19 attended.
1. Welcome: Chairman John Hammond
2. Minutes of AGM 2020, proposed by Phil Smith seconded Louise Evans. Matters arising none.
3. Secretary’s report: Nicky Kakkar
We have had a very unusual year. Education of prospective new beekeepers started and almost finished under strict social distancing.
A new apiary was found in Hedge End and set up under Denise, Phil and Pete‘s supervision and hard work but we haven’t yet met there as an association.
In fact, we have had no apiary meetings but we were able to meet up in the autumn to clean and tidy supplies and equipment ready for next year at a distance.
And so here we are remotely! Starting another year of our association with the AGM. There is a lot to look forward to; apiary meetings at two sites, Zoom meetings, fireside chats, remote learning and a new website. We are also holding a meadow creation event at West End on Saturday 24 April.
The password-protected members area will be maintained to provide up-to-date information about what is happening. It was suggested by Anthony Ashworth that the members only password be changed regularly. This is a good idea and new passwords will be circulated by email.
4. Treasurers report Phil Smith. Last year’s accounts were proposed by Peter Clark and seconded by Louise Evans. There is around £5,500 in the account and we have a good stock of foundation for members to purchase.
5. Website and membership: Howard Towl. The idea behind the website is that it should be the first port of call for all members. There will be Meridian content added throughout the year with links to trusted, good quality further information. Members are strongly encouraged to contribute by writing blogs about their activities or short articles about beekeeping subjects.
At present there are 52 active members including eight enthusiastic new members; Fiona Hickley, James Savage, Richard Skinner, George Grimes, Kerstin Wheeler, Gela Jenssen, Ritchie Latham and Colin Wilton. A very warm welcome to them from all of us!
Colin Wilton and partner Dawn Tryon getting stuck in (even before their practical in June) with their first hive inspection. March 2021
At present there are 52 active members including eight enthusiastic new members; Fiona Hickley, James Savage, Richard Skinner, George Grimes, Kerstin Wheeler, Gela Jenssen, Ritchie Latham and Colin Wilton. A very warm welcome to them from all of us!
6. Apiary manager position: This is a coordination role for a team of people who are working with the bees. To volunteer, please speak to John, Nicky or Howard. For further information please click here.
7. Education: Louise Evans. New members are encouraged to help at the apiary for a year before buying equipment. To that end, a honey share scheme was suggested by Louise at the last committee meeting. This is a point-based system whereby people helping with our bees will be entitled to a share of the honey. Volunteer
BBKA modules and assessments are going ahead. Further details will be advised to members shortly. Louise’s full report can be viewed and downloaded here.
8. New committee member. It has been proposed that Richard Skinner join the committee. This was proposed by Anthony Raymer and seconded by Nicky Kakkar.
Thank you to Anthony for all his help with representing us at Hampshire Beekeepers Association. Anthony will remain on our committee but Rick will now take over as our representative at HBA.
The current committee plus Rick Skinner are happy to stand again. They have been proposed on block by Peter Clark and seconded by Louise Evans.
9. Any other business:
Our next lecture will be on queen rearing with Brian Dirk via zoom on the 29th of April 2021.
Apiary meetings will hopefully begin at the end of April, social distancing rules permitting. Members will be advised as soon as possible. Currently, the first scheduled meeting is Friday 11 or Saturday 12 June. Apiary meetings
Fireside chats are every two weeks on Monday evenings at 8pm. Members will be reminded by email and there is always a link to the meetings on the members page.
The idea of the chats is for members to discuss matters arising as the season progresses and to ask questions of each other.
Next years AGM date will be set at the next committee meeting.
NIcky Kakkar, Secretary Meridian Beekeepers Association, 21 March 2021
Meridian Beekeepers’ Association 