Monthly meeting April 2006

On Tuesday 18th, we were delighted to meet and welcome this months guest speaker, Martin Tovey, General Secretary of the BBKA. Martins presentation was entitled “The History of the BBKA”.

He outlined the fascinating history of the beginnings of the first bee societies in Britain in the early 1800s, the publication of the British Bee Journal in 1873 and the eventual inception of the BBKA in 1874 by Cohen. He showed us some wonderful historic photographs including the first Honey Show in 1884.

 

Martin explained the history of the examinations board set up by the then prime minister Robert Peel’s brother, who was president of the BBKA at the time.A list of committee members of the day read like an honours list!

 

He entertained us with fascinating photographs accompanied by snippets of information about influential beekeepers over the years. From Herrod-Hempsall who had a profound impact on the association during his 20 years as secretary, to David Lloyd George, president of the BBKA in 1939 when sugar was rationed to beekeepers of the nation. and beekeeping was taught to POWs during WW II.

The years 1943-1949 were devoid of a journal, following which our favourite monthly magazine, Beecraft, became the official journal of the BBKA. 1965 saw the opening of the bee garden at Stoneleigh. and 1972 the first BBKA newsletter.

Martin himself well remembered attending the first Spring Convention in a small tent at Stoneleigh in 1977. How things have changed, as we will no doubt see next weekend as the convention continues to be a major success.He then covered the role the BBKA plays regarding current developments and threats to modern beekeeping. From issues such as the cuts in the DEFRA Bee Health Programme, to the Veterinary Medicines Directive, the BBKA is involved in these political issues. He outlined the structure of the BBKA, its vital work in promotion, publicity, training, technical committee work with the NBU and government body representation. It was reassuring to know that the BBKA is managing these issues on our behalf for the good of beekeeping in this country

Dennis then gave a vote of thanks to Martin for a most entertaining talk, which had been enjoyed by a well attended audience. We look forward to seeing him again in the future