Fleet & District Beekeepers' Association

Overview

The Fleet & District Beekeepers' Association is a UK nonprofit organization, registered as a charity with the number 1188934. Founded in 1918, it supports and trains beekeepers in North East Hampshire and surrounding areas, including parts of Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Devon[1][5].

Mission

The association's mission is to promote and further the craft and science of beekeeping, and to advance public education on the importance of honey bees to the environment[1][4]. It emphasizes the role of bees in pollination and food production, highlighting how bees contribute to everyday food items[1].

Membership and Activities

The association has approximately 200 beekeeping members and over 30 non-beekeeping family or associate members[1]. Membership through the association provides access to public and product liability insurance, bee disease insurance, and a monthly magazine from the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA)[3].

Members engage in regular local apiary meetings, typically between spring and autumn, to discuss and demonstrate practical beekeeping skills[5]. The association encourages beginners to prepare for and take the BBKA Basic Assessment. Regular meetings are held, often with speakers on topics related to beekeeping, accompanied by social events[5].

Educational Programs

Fleet & District Beekeepers' Association offers a "Beekeeping for Beeginners" course annually. The course starts with theoretical sessions in February and March, followed by practical sessions throughout the year[5]. This course is a key part of the association's educational efforts, supporting new beekeepers in developing their skills.

Resources

The association operates a shop, open every Friday from April to September, providing essential beekeeping equipment and supplies at competitive prices. Any surplus from the shop is reinvested in the association for member benefits[5].

Community Engagement

Beyond its core activities, the association plays a vital role in promoting beekeeping within the community. It helps raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and food production[1].

[1] https://fleetbeekeepers.com [2] https://honey-bee.co.uk [3] https://webcollect.org.uk/fbka [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/sector-data/top-10-charities/-/charity-details/5158431/contact-information [5] https://hereforhartdirectory.org.uk/services/view/194