How we fulfil our charitable status

Cambridgeshire Beekeepers’ Association advances its charitable aims in many ways including the following:

To arrange meetings and lectures;

A One Day Seminar is held each March to address topical issues of keeping bees, with talks covering such subjects as health, feeding and forage. Monthly indoor meetings include theoretical talks and presentations on a range of topics of interest to beekeepers. From April to August outdoor, monthly meetings at Wandlebury Apiary see practical demonstrations of various bee handling techniques for members of the Association. In the intervening weeks, when Association members continue to check and record the progress of the hives, the relatively small attendance usually enables hands-on involvement for all present. Non members are invited to attend on these Sundays.
An Annual Dinner is followed by a talk on a subject of interest to beekeeper.

To stimulate co-operation among beekeepers;

Our website provides a source of information for members and non-members alike. It was used to publicise the campaign for greater investment in research on the problems facing bees. It also provides facilities for members and non members to obtain information on beekeeping matters and events .
The Bee Exchange, a system whereby nucleus colony collection and supply are co ordinated, continues to be a great asset. It also provides a contact point for the collection and distribution of swarms.

To provide advice and assistance to beekeepers;

Our increasingly popular beginners’ course has been revised to accommodate a much higher number of attendees. It comprises theory classes (led by members, making individual presentations) followed by practical sessions at our Wandlebury Apiary. The Try-a-Hive scheme remains popular, while the Mentoring Programme is in the process of being restyled to enable and encourage wider participation.

To assist horticulture and agriculture through beekeeping;

The Education Training Working Group, in addition to promoting a high standard of beekeeping takes an active interest in scientific research as it relates to apiculture. The committee endeavours to keep itself informed of pesticide issues. Although the Association does not see Swarm Collection as an obligation, it offers this service and urges members to help with it. In various ways, the Association raises awareness of beekeeping and its role in pollination.

To co-operate with educational and other authorities in disseminating knowledge of bees

Members of the Association undertake talks and presentations for schools, groups and organisations. The Association’s presence at events throughout the spring and summer is much appreciated by both event organisers and the public. The Honey Show, our principal, public event, is not only highly informative about bees, but also includes a display of wild flowers beneficial to bees, as well as demonstrations of the traditional crafts of skep-making and spinning. CBKA members staffing the event are enthusiastic and engage well with the public.

These are just a few examples of the ways in which the Association promotes the craft of beekeeping, seeks to care for the environment and fulfils its obligations as a registered charity.