Buzz in Killinchy at Beekeepers’ AGM

THERE was a buzz in Killinchy last week.

Killinchy and District Beekeepers’ Association  which has a lively group of enthusiastic beekeekers held its annual general meeting. This club is one of the Beekeeping Associations in Ireland.

The Killinchy beekeepers class of 2012 pictured during a training session.

The reports all described a most successful year’s activities, the highlights being the increase of the number of members from 66 to 75 which ensures the association continues to grow 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 a major highlight of the year.

Tribute was paid to retiring President, the Rev Margaret Johnston, for all her hard work, as one of the founders and a very active member of the organisation holding many offices.

Following the formal part of the AGM, Valentine Hodges showed a presentation of “The class of 2012” from all of the practical work shops and the training points from the preliminary beekeeper course.  As well a covering the training points Valentine ended by discussing the ongoing need for beginners to continue their training and learning in a practical way and the importance of becoming an active member of the association.

The officers elected were: President – Cannon John Bell;  Chairperson – Valentine Hodges;  Vice Chair James Nixon;  Secretary – Dawn Stocking; Assistant Secretary – Deirdre Pim.

Treasurer – John Pim;  Apiary Manager – Mervyn Warrington; PR and press officer Ken Tait.

Committee members – David McCartney, Wayne Fraser, Phelim Breen and John Witchell

The October meeting will be held in

The Lisbarnett and Lisbane Community Centre,

16 Lisbarnett Road, Lisbane, 

Comber BT23 6AW.

on Wednesday 24th October at 7.30pm. 

There will be a talk and discussion on Winter  Varroa treatment

All beekeepers and aspiring beekeepers will be most welcome.