Killinchy beekeepers hold AGM

Killinchy beekeepers hold AGM

3 October 2012

THE Killinchy and District Beekeepers Association has elected new office-bearers.

The positions were filled at the club’s recent annual general meeting. The Killinchy group is one of the Beekeeping Associations in Ireland which rotates its principal office bearers in a planned way.

The chairman can hold office for no longer than two consecutive years, while the secretary and treasurer cannot be in office for more than three years.

Canon John Bell was elected president, with Valentine Hodges appointed chairwoman. Her deputy is James Nixon. Dawn Stocking was appointed secretary, with her deputy Deirdre Pim.

The group’s financial affairs will be handled by treasurer John Pim, while the apiary manager is Mervyn Warrington. Public relations duties will be handled by Ken Tait. Committee members are David McCartney, Wayne Fraser, Phelim Breen and John Witchell.

The AGM reports described a most successful year’s activities, the highlights being the increase in membership from 66 to 75 which ensures the Association continues to go from strength to strength.

The success of the preliminary class of 2012 with all 18 trainees qualifying under the excellent instruction and direction of Phelim Breen was also highlighted.

Tributes were paid to retiring president, the Rev. Margaret Johnston, for all her hard work. She was one of the founder members and a very active member of the Killinchy & District Beekeepers Association, holding many offices. 

Following the formal part of the annual meeting, Valentine Hodges showed a presentation of “the class of 2012” showing all the practical workshops and the training points from the preliminary beekeeper course.

As well as covering the training points, Valentine ended by discussing the ongoing need for beginners to continue their training and learning in a practical way, along with the importance of becoming an active member of the Association.

The group’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 24, at 7.30pm at the Lisbarnett and Lisbane Community Centre. There will be a talk and discussion on winter Varroa treatment and all beekeepers and aspiring beekeepers are most welcome.

To find out more about becoming a beekeeper or joining the Killinchy and District Association, contact Dawn Stocking, telephone 07738 116580.