In message <[log in to unmask]>, Peter R Watt
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Dear all,
>I am researching the cost of being a member of Local Beekeeping
>Associations. (Not National ones)

Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers Association is affiliated directly to the
British Beekeeping Association.  The annual subscription is 12 UK pounds
which provides the following benefits:

-Third party/public liability insurance
-Bee disease insurance for 2 colonies (more covered at member's cost)
-Quarterly Asociation magazine (typically 32 pages per quarter)
-Annual Association Directory stuffed full of contacts and information
-Access to library of over 350 books and video
-Access to low cost Group Subscription to Beekeeping Quarterly
-Monthly indoor meetings with guest and local speakers (September -
April)
-Monthly outdoor meetings/visits (May-August)
-Low cost hire of honey extractor, heather honey press, steam wax
extractor and refractometer (for moisture measurement in honey)
-Loan of compound microscope (for members who have taken microscopy
course)
-Free advice on all aspects of beekeeping via visiting advisors
-Fellowship of fellow beekeepers
-convenient access to purchase a full range of beekeeping supplies
-slightly subsidised and extremely convivial Winter Dinner and Summer
Barbeque
-Free bee health clinic for diagnosis of acarine and nosema
-Annual Honey Show (as part of the Great Autumn Flower Show held on the
Yorkshire Showground) where members who exhibit or steward can sell
honey and hive products.
-50% rebate on BBKA exam fees for all exams passed
-Free SWARMSEARCH operation to put beekeepers in need of swarms in touch
with members of the public who have swarms they want removed
-Spray warning scheme in conjunction with contractors and farmers
-Access to low cost courses on beekeeping and related subjects.  The
Association runs a 24 week combined theoretical and practical course
every year, a weekend course for novices to try out beekeeping, and
candle making and microscopy courses in alternate years.

The Association is a Registered Charity, so is able to reclaim basic tax
paid on the subscriptions of members who give a Deed of Covenant.

--
Mike Rowbottom
Hon. Treasurer, Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers Association

HARROGATE
North Yorkshire
UK