Minutes of the virtual Delegates Meeting of the Beekeepers Association, 27th March 2021, starting at 10am Present: Dave Shannon (Chair); Mark Millard (Vice Chair); Norbert Cooper (Treasurer); Clare McGettigan (Education and Training); Kirit Gorhandas (Exams and Assessments); Linda Schofield (Secretary); Peter Lewis (Chief Steward Yorkshire Honey Show); Richard Bond (BBKA Link Trustee) and representatives from the following districts: Rotherham; Barnsley; Doncaster; ; Airedale; Barkston Ash; Leeds; Huddersfield; ; ; Wakefield; ; Halifax; Bradford; Beverley; Wharfedale; Darlington

1. Dave Shannon welcomed all attendees at this the first virtual YBKA Delegates Meeting, resulting from the restrictions imposed by the Covid- 19 pandemic. Dave handed over to Mark Millard to lead the meeting through the agenda. 2. Apologies for absence: Richmond BKA; BKA; Phil Gee; Brian Lightfoot 3. Quoracy confirmed as 17:22 districts represented. Information on voting had been pre-circulated. Norbert to act as Teller, in the event of a formal, weighted, vote being taken. 4. Minutes of the Delegates Meeting 2020 had been pre-circulated. 5. Matters arising - Linda explained the small amendment made to the Examinations and Assessment section. Clare McGettigan proposed acceptance of the minutes as an accurate record, seconded by Tony Jefferson. 6. Reports of all officers had been pre-circulated. Mark asked for any queries/clarifications regarding reports of: • The Chair (none) • Secretary (none) – Linda reminded district representatives to ask that changes of members’ email addresses are raised with the local membership secretary to change on the eR2 system. Norbert needs details of Officer address changes to amend mailing lists. • Treasurer – Wharfedale asked for clarification of the sum of monies YBKA holds in reserve. Norbert advised Norbert advised that the Charity Commission requires a minimum reserve of 50% of annual expenditure to provide sufficient working capital and to fund future equipment purchases. Financial accounts for the year ended 30th September 2020 show a reserve of £39,029 which is 87% of total expenditure of £44,872. This is not considered to be excessive and provides a financial buffer against unexpected falls in income or increases in expenditure Whitby thanked Norbert for his help with a recent Gift Aid claim. Norbert reminded all districts that he is happy to help with Gift Aid applications and noted that HMRC is especially prompt in processing them at present. • Examinations and Assessments – Wakefield asked whether exams will be available in both written and electronic formats in November 2021; Airedale asked whether members will be asked for their preference. Kirit noted that written exams will be offered, subject to restrictions at the time, but location of examination sites may be reduced. There are challenges to offering examinations in both formats and some technical issues in respect of suitable equipment to permit electronic entry. Richard Bond clarified that the Examinations Board is meeting weekly to address the challenges, but the present intention is to offer both formats. Last week’s electronic mock exams received positive feedback. Technical issues still to be resolved, including accommodating candidates with special needs. • Education and Training – Clare thanked all presenters and contributors to the virtual Modules training sessions. The membership survey had suggested a reluctance to travel any great distance for face-to-face training, but it has been suggested that the way the question was posed could have influenced the outcome. A further consultation is intended after the Module 1 and 2 training sessions have been completed. Airedale noted that the location of training venues has been a longstanding issue. Wakefield thanked Clare for all she has done to keep training and learning alive during the restrictions. The meeting agreed to forgo the scheduled refreshment break and continue with the business of the day. 7. Tony’s report from the BBKA virtual ADM 2021 had been pre-circulated. In brief, he noted that despite some initial reservations, the virtual meeting ran much more smoothly than anticipated and there had been plenty of opportunities for pre-meeting discussions/consultations between area delegates. There had been training sessions offered for attenders, but some, who should have taken advantage of these, sadly did not use them to full effect. On balance, Tony feels that this is the way forward: more effective in terms of costs (eg travel and accommodation) and time. Tony welcomed having a voting substitute on hand (Linda), allowing for regular communication throughout the meeting to check out views on issues arising on the day. Tony asked Richard to feedback his impressions to BBKA. Wharfedale asked for some clarification on how Tony had voted. Tony reminded the meeting that a full YBKA consultation on all the propositions to be voted on had only resulted in 2 responses. In the event, final decisions had needed to be taken by the GPC. • The proposed £2 increase in BBKA capitation fees had been supported, on balance. • The proposed change to the weighted voting system (that Tony had helped to devise), modified to accommodate the YBKA proviso that the new system be trialled for 3 years, was, ironically very narrowly defeated on a weighted, membership, vote, having been passed on the, single, delegate vote. As a constitutional matter, the vote needed to meet a threshold of 75% to be carried. This means that the previous dual system of voting continues. • The required membership size of new applicant Area Associations was confirmed at 75. • An emergency proposition, on the day, to demonstrate the BBKA membership view on the neonicotinoid derogation, was passed unanimously. Tony noted that some delegates were representing areas whilst also members of the BBKA executive and felt this poses a potential conflict of interest. He suggests that this is a suitable proposition for YBKA to table next year. Airedale thanked Tony and Linda for representing YBKA at the meeting. 8. Peter Lewis provided an update on the Great Yorkshire Show 2021 as follows: On 1 March it was announced that, subject to Covid regulations at the time, it is hoped to stage a 4-day GYS, beginning 13 July. Three weeks earlier, discussion between the Hives and Honey Show representatives and GYS directorate had agreed that a full Yorkshire Honey Show would not be viable this year. Representatives clear that the usual volume of visitors and the judging of a food product could not be accommodated safely. It was agreed, however, to attempt to stage a “grocer’s shop window” display of hive products, with the possibility of a static display of the hive to jar extraction process, to accommodate public interest and maintain a safe profile within the Show. Management of the venue to include a one-way visitor flow on a 1:1 exit/entry basis. The finer details of how the entire GYS will be managed are still to be confirmed. Peter noted that every other major agricultural show throughout the country has been cancelled for this year and, usually, exhibitors move their entries between several shows in succession.

• Peter asked for feedback from districts regarding interest in contributing to the proposed showcase display. He notes that any honey exhibits for the display could include both unlabelled (as for competition entry) and labelled, providing an advertising opportunity for exhibitors. • Requests for more information about what this would entail and numbers of volunteers to steward the exhibition cannot be answered fully yet. • Beverley BKA noted that the Driffield Show has decided to go ahead if possible, with 50% fewer visitor admissions spread over more days. There will be no Honey Show as such at the event, but an educational display. This seems to mirror the GYS planning. Peter agreed to let Linda have any further details/expectations to circulate to districts. Dave asked delegates to raise the matter in their districts and feedback to Peter. 9. Mark Millard advised that the Yorkshire Agricultural Show executive has not yet made any announcement about the 2021 Countryside Live event. The primary focus is clearly on the GYS. Mark noted that the National Honey Show Committee is still debating whether this year’s event, in November, will be held live. • Airedale suggested that in the light of so many cancelled Honey Show events and the proven success of Zoom as a vehicle for providing training, this would seem a good time for providing some guidance to beginners on how to prepare exhibits to show. Mark Millard and Peter Lewis both expressed interest in this.

10. No formal propositions had been received from any YBKA district within the given timescales for circulation, however:

• Mark Millard noted that an issue raised by a Wakefield member in respect of the importation of bees had been overtaken by events, most significantly the BBKA parliamentary petition, raised by Anne Rowberry. Dave encouraged all YBKA members to sign this. Richard Bond advised that discussions were being held, late last night, at BBKA discussing the potential to ban Bee Equipment UK advertising in BBKA publications and at events. There are some legal issues to be clarified and potential costs in actioning this. A previous proposition that BBKA express concern regarding the practice of importing bees, was passed at an ADM, when the UK was still an EU member state. BBKA addressed this by means of a position statement in its publications. Northallerton BKA had suggested that /asked for clarification whether BBKA was intending to persuade all major suppliers not to stock imported bees? It was suggested that other traders may well follow suit and attempt to utilise the Northern Ireland trading anomaly as Patrick Murfet is intending. Richard advised that there are complexities in issuing a blanket ban on all advertising involving imported bees. This could potentially be presented as a proposition by YBKA? Richard encouraged all members of other NGOs such as Wildlife Trusts to bring the petition to their attention to emphasise the potential impact of Small Hive Beetle across pollinator groups (recommends the pdf on Bee Base as a communications link).

Tony advised that his workplace, SembCorp, has a sustainability forum and the matter of bee imports has been raised there. Thorne Beekeeping Supplies are carrying a link to the petition on their website.

Dave noted that the matter of advertising had been raised at the last GPC meeting and a view taken to issue a similar position statement about imported bees in the YBKA Newsletter. The proposed Festival of Bees events being promoted by Patrick Murfet, further to his purchase of Bee Tradex, was mentioned. Specifically, the Yorkshire event scheduled for July 30/31 Clare noted some comments on the British and Irish Beekeepers Facebook page today, drawing attention to the advertisement for Bee Equipment UK in this month’s BBKA Newsletter. Richard advised that there was an inevitable time lag between advertising applications/submissions and recent events. Clare to send links to the comments to Diane Drinkwater to clarify the apparent discrepancy. Richard clarified that the loss of advertising income from Bee Equipment UK would amount to less than £10,000 pa. Tony suggested that meeting the deficit to enable this may be another potential YBKA proposition. Airedale expressed approval of the more politicised approach being demonstrated by the current BBKA leadership and hoped for further action, such as breaking away from work with the NFU in response to the neonicotinoid situation and recognising the threat posed by the importation of bumble bees into the UK. • Halifax asked whether YBKA/BBKA is to issue any guidance on safe resumption of Beginners Training and Mentoring, given an apparent postcode lottery in terms of roll out this year. Dave noted that this should be a matter for a BBKA lead. Richard advised that BBKA meets with government to discuss beekeeping issues, but finds little specific guidance emerges. Hoping that the impending “Rule of 6” may help in defining “safe”. Richard to check on any further DoH feedback and pass to Linda for circulation. Noted that a couple of BBKA courses (Beginners and Improvers Theory) will soon be available in memory stick format. Beginners takes students through 6 lessons designed to get them through their first winter with bees and the Improvers Theory is aimed at continuing to Basic Assessment level.

Airedale noted that their current “waiting list” for beginners training now spans applicants from 2020/2021. Decision taken to defer again this year, as many students and mentors fall into “at risk” categories. Dave voiced concern that some associations offer time limited courses, with little/no back up to students. Finds this very poor practice, as support is needed beyond Basic Assessment level in most cases. Asked any districts offering such courses to have a re-think. Linda noted that such students are often told to approach their local district association for mentoring and support, but this can tip the balance for many smaller districts, struggling to meet their own training/support needs. Airedale asked whether a statement from Education regarding this might help? Doncaster noted that many such courses are offered by private companies eg garden centres.

• Wharfedale asked whether YBKA/BBKA were in the position to provide guidance on Safeguarding procedures, in respect of both children and vulnerable adults, for districts with association apiaries. Clarified that they have some students, under 18 years, from College liable to be visiting their apiary site when sessions can resume safely and are wanting to review their existing child safety policy/procedures. A coherent policy for all BKAs would be helpful. Kirit noted that Selby had devised a policy in conjunction with Council, who provided guidance and contacts for further consultation. Clare noted that she has been advised that BBKA is looking into some online Safeguarding training. There is a safeguarding document on the BBKA website dated November 2019, that Leeds included on their own. This is due to be up-dated soon. Barnsley BKA posted a link to the document on Chat. Richard noted that it is not usually the case that youngsters under 16/18 years would be allowed on an apiary site without a responsible adult. DBS checks can be expensive and onerous. BBKA require a parent/guardian to accompany child visitors at Stoneleigh. Will investigate further and feedback.

11. Norbert outlined the circumstances resulting in the addition of a late, emergency item to the agenda – a brief was pre-circulated. Further to a virtual meeting with Stephen Barnes from BBKA, it was clarified that access to the eR2 records/system is, as defined in the YBKA Constitution, and this should be reflected in the constitutions of all affiliated districts. Richard noted that eR2 was prepared for the use of BBKA members and specifically to be GDPR compliant. A user would need to be at least a Country Member to have access to the data base. Committee Officers are covered by BBKA insurance cover in the course of their duties. This eventuality was never envisaged and BBKA will be addressing the eR2 loophole with a written statement. Membership of Asian Hornet Teams depends on completion of the online training materials on Beebase and the facility of BBKA insurance cover, should an NBU officer ask for team assistance with tracking and tracing. BBKA membership is essential. A district might choose to pay the subscription costs of a committee member who is not a registered BBKA member. Wharfedale noted that the BBKA website states that public liability insurance cover does not extend to Country Members. Richard advised that Country Members cannot collect swarms/be part of the AHT. Kirit noted that some districts start beginners as Social Members. Airedale outlined their course structure that is designed to “weed out” students unlikely to progress to actively keeping bees. Richard advised that as the intention of Beginners is to keep bees, it is better to start them off as Registered Members, possibly from the completion of an apiary-based taster event after some initial theory teaching. Clare clarified that the Committee viewed the matter as arising out of the best of intentions, Dave noting that filling spaces on any committee is always a struggle. However, it is important that we now check all affiliated district constitutions ensure they chime with that of YBKA. Please forward document files to Linda if not already done. 12. YBKA awards: Dave reminded the meeting that as last year’s YBKA Spring Conference fell victim to Covid-19 restrictions, it had not been possible to present the intended awards to those candidates nominated, namely: • Brian Hinchliffe (Certificate of Merit) an ex-Chair and long-serving member of Huddersfield BKA receiving a copy of the new-look YBKA certificate. • Peter Hewitt (Honorary Membership of YBKA) President of Airedale Beekeepers and longstanding member of YBKA. A winner of multiple awards, locally, regionally, and nationally. A renowned speaker and trainer and now, in his later years, still an avid student of the honey bee, courtesy of Zoom webinars.

This year, 3 candidates have been nominated, namely: • Phil Gee (Certificate of Merit) who has undertaken considerable work for YBKA over the past 14/15 years, including his role as the organiser of the Schools Day event and his term as Chair. Phil has also been a long serving officer of Halifax BKA and was nominated by their current Chair, Roger Pool. Sadly, Phil could not join us today, due to poor internet connection from his home address, but Mark Millard will be delivering his certificate in person. • Norbert Cooper (Honorary Membership of YBKA) nominated by Malton BKA. Since his inception to the post of Treasurer, Nobby has provided an invaluable service to YBKA, not least in respect of recouping Gift Aid claims, supporting districts in their use of eR2 and his management of honey sales at the GYS and Countryside Live events. As a non-beekeeper, his dedication to the work of the Association has been exceptional. Malton’s nomination specifically notes his patience and willingness to help them, even during times of great stress, when he was a leading light in his home area flood defence team. • Tony Jefferson (Honorary Membership of YBKA) who has been around YBKA events “for yonks”, beginning as a young lad accompanying his dad, Allan. He has served as a YBKA Chair and Vice Chair in addition to his current role as our delegate to the BBKA ADM and much more. All this in addition to his dedication and long service to Whitby BKA, where his nomination came from Chris Smailes and Brian Lightfoot.

13. Dave thanked all present for their attendance and contributions to a productive meeting and thanked Richard for the clarifications he had been able to offer in respect of issues involving BBKA. He felt the meeting had been so well attended and matters had been able to be addressed so successfully by the pre-circulation of reports, that the potential to hold further main meetings of YBKA via Zoom should be given serious consideration. Dave asked for a show of hands in respect of holding the AGM (27th November 2021) as a virtual meeting and this was carried unanimously.

Linda asked delegates whether there was a preference to convene the next Delegates Meeting in the usual February or March 2022. March was agreed when it was clarified that this still allowed time for YBKA proposals to the BBKA ADM to be fine-tuned and costed. Linda to circulate a date, via the YBKA Calendar, after booking the Pavilion as a fall-back venue.

The meeting closed at 12.15pm

Linda Schofield Secretary YBKA