Message from WBKA re Modules and Assessment

Dear Beekeepers

Happy New Year.

Since 2015 WBKA members have benefitted from an arrangement with BBKA whereby, with a levy paid by the WBKA, they could sit BBKA modules and assessment without the need for them to become BBKA members.  Recently this arrangement has been reviewed by the BBKA and we are still negotiating proposed changes with them. With the closing date for taking the BBKA March module exams, 31st January, fast approaching we urgently need to know how many WBKA members are intending to sit a module in March. Could you please email secretary@wbka.com by 11th January if you are hoping to sit a module in March this year?

Similarly we would like to know if you are working towards taking the BBKA Bee health Certificate or the  General or Advanced Practical assessments in 2025. Knowing how many candidates are likely to apply to sit modules in March and/or practical assessments this summer will aid our negotiations with the BBKA.

Due to the logistics of arranging assessors for the WBKA Basic and Junior assessments the closing date for these assessments in 2025 has been brought forward to April 1st. Please ensure that you get your application in as soon as possible.

Cofion cynnes / Kind regards,

Jenny

Jenny Shaw
Ysgrifennydd / General Secretary
Cymdeithas Gwenynwyr Cymru / Welsh Beekeepers’ Association

ffôn / tele: 07791572843
e-bost / email: secretary@wbka.com
gwefan / website: www.wbka.com

PBKA Membership changes for 2025

IMPORTANT: Please read the information below before proceeding!

  • PBKA membership renewals and new applications are available and will be valid until 31st December 2025.
  • Please note there is a change of PBKA bank account, which is now with the Co-operative.
  • Also, note the changes in Annual Membership Fee, which now starts at £28.00, due to an uplift in costs to us by the WBKA.
  • Note that all memberships will now be for a ‘Single Paid Person’ only, starting at £28.00.
  • Previously available categories (such as ‘Partner’), will no longer be available. This has been made necessary, due to changes in the WBKA insurance arrangements.

For full details of how to join or renew, please go to https://pbka.info/join/

Details of future events such as:

  • The Honey Show Awards
  • Annual General Meeting
  • Beginners One Day Beekeeping Course
  • Apiary Meetings, etc;

To be advised further in due course.

A Happy New Year to you all!

Paul Eades

Chair

Pembrokeshire Beekeepers’ Association 

Pic: PBKA 2014

Bee-harming pesticides found in English waterways

Pesticides that harm bees were found in the “majority” of English waterways tested in the last year, according to data analysis by two environmental charities.

The Rivers Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link found neonicotinoid pesticides were present in 85% of English rivers tested by the Environment Agency between 2023 and 2024.

See link for further details!