Membership

Education and Training
All branches hold local apiary meetings at which practical beekeeping skills are demonstrated and discussed. Beginners are prepared for the Basic Assessment, (download syllabus from BBKA) they are encouraged to take in their second year. Winter evening classes and discussion groups are held throughout the county, depending on local needs and interests. Those beekeepers who are interested are guided in their preparations for the various British BKA Examination Board modules ranging from management, biology, behaviour, diseases, breeding to anatomy, history and microscopy.
See the BBKA website for full details
See BBKA examinations and assessments page
See our Education page for local courses available

Branch Libraries
Several branches have a good range of books on various aspects of beekeeping that may be borrowed either for general reading or, by arrangement, for special study.

‘Beekeeping’
The county magazine which is issued ten times a year. It is included in the Members’ annual subscription. It provides information about the Association, matters of interest to beekeepers generally (including seasonal management tips, updates on disease treatment, new official regulations, national/regional and branch activities and book reviews). Local and national beekeeping equipment and suppliers support us with regular advertisement.
Editor: Mr Glyn Davies
Landscore, Eastern Rd, Ashburton, TQ13 7AR
01364 652640
 landscore@eclipse.co.uk

Adult bee disease diagnosis (acarine, amoeba and nosema) is available through the microscopists appointed by a few of the branches.

For information about American and European Foul Brood and Varroa, see the leaflets issued by the National Bee Unit. Our Regional Bee Inspector is Adam Vevers, who is helped in Devon by three Seasonal Bee Inspectors.

South West Regional Bee Inspector
Adam Vevers
01364 653474
adam.vevers@fera.gsi.gov.uk

Link to National Bee Unit – Bee Pests and Diseases
Link to National Bee Unit– download advisory leaflets

Queens and Nuclei
Some branches raise good quality queens and nuclei for sale to members - especially beginners. This is to encourage members to improve the docility, vigour and, hopefully, disease resistance of colonies. Ask your local Secretary for details.

Other Services
General beekeeping advice is available from the Branch Secretaries who, if they do not know the answer themselves, will 'know someone who does’. Each Branch boasts one or more local ‘experts’ who are very pleased to help newcomers to the craft and help with colony management problems.
see our contacts page for your local Secretary

Bees and the Community (including schools)
Each branch is encouraged to provide speakers for other local interest groups, particularly those concerned with the environment, gardening and horticulture, and the retired. Branches have been supplied with information packs of particular interest to children that includes books and videos.
(photo courtesy of Jenny Buckle)

Representation
Registered Members have the right to vote at Annual General Meetings (AGM) and Extra-ordinary General Meetings (EGM). By virtue of a captiation fee paid annually on their behalf, they will be Registered Members of the British Beekeepers Association.