Leeds Beekeepers Association

The Leeds Beekeepers Association (LBKA) is a charitable incorporated organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of beekeeping in Leeds and the surrounding areas. Founded initially as the Leeds County Beekeepers Association on July 25, 1943, the association later changed its name to the Leeds Beekeepers Association in 1949[1].

Objectives

The primary objectives of LBKA are twofold:

1. Promoting Beekeeping: To promote and further the craft of beekeeping within Leeds and its vicinity[4].
2. Public Education: To educate the public about bees and their role in the environment[3][4].

Activities

Education and Training

LBKA offers comprehensive educational programs for beekeepers at all levels of experience. These include:

• Beginners Courses: Held annually, these courses provide foundational knowledge, often conducted over a weekend or during the winter months.
• Improver Sessions: Tailored for intermediate beekeepers, these sessions cover topics such as queen finding, winter preparation, and varroa treatment[1].

Public Awareness

The association works to raise public awareness about the importance of bees in the ecosystem. This is achieved through various activities and events aimed at highlighting the role of bees in environmental health[3].

Community Involvement

LBKA engages with the local community through regular apiary meetings and training sessions. From April to September, weekly meetings are held at Temple Newsam, serving as a hub for both beginners and experienced beekeepers to exchange knowledge and best practices[1].

Structure

The Leeds Beekeepers Association operates as a charitable organisation with a registered number of 1175455. It is also registered with Companies House as a charitable incorporated organisation under company number CE011916[5].

Conclusion

The Leeds Beekeepers Association plays a vital role in promoting beekeeping as a hobby and an environmentally beneficial activity. Through its educational programs and public awareness initiatives, LBKA contributes significantly to both the well-being of bee colonies and the larger ecosystem in West Yorkshire.

[1] https://www.leedsbeekeepers.org.uk/about [2] https://www.leedsbeekeepers.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5103837/charity-overview [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5103837/governing-document [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/CE011916