Bishops Stortford news by Paul Cooper

Our AGM took place on 14th March and was attended by 9 members. Alan Lewis, our outgoing secretary, gave his report on the year and this was followed by Valerie Edel who presented her treasurer's report.

The membership fees for 2007 are £16 (up to 3 hives), £18 (up to 5), £21.25 (up to 10). Family membership fees are £5 which is the same as the fee for a member who does not keep bees. The bundled subscription to Bee craft Costs an extra £19.80 at present.

The officers were duly elected: Gerry Jeanes (chairman), Valerie Edel (treasurer), Frances Luck (secretary). I will produce the BSBKA monthly article for the Herts Bees newsletter, Susie Brickwood will do the newsletter distribution and Dennis Osborne will be the local contact for swarms.

The dates and locations for the 2007 meetings are:

• 12th May - Susie Brickwood, Widford
  
• 16th June - Paul Cooper, Albury
  
• 14th July - Dennis Osborne, Widford
  
• 15th Sept - Alan Lewis, Bishops Stortford
  
• 12th Mar 2008 - AGM

Yours truly was awarded the Charlie Page Competition Cup for producing the most honey in 2006 - 630lbs from 5 hives. Charlie Page, who died about 20 years ago, lived at the Old Forge, in Much Hadham. He kept bees in a beehouse - the only one in Hertfordshire.

There were no takers to organise a Bishops Stortford display. Members were reminded that there is a divisional hive (National) and a two-frame extractor for members to borrow. Stan Brownridge announced that he has a deep comb observation hive if anyone would like it.

A vote of thanks was given to Alan who has stepped down from being divisional secretary - a post he has held with enthusiasm for many years.