This year the AGM is postponed until April 14 because of the COVID-19 situation and the business of the meeting will be conducted through an online and postal vote.
As the Constitution makes no provision for the adjournment/postponement of the AGM, or the holding of an electronic vote, Council delegates were asked whether to postpone the AGM or to hold a vote by other means; they chose the online/postal vote.
At the end of this month (March) we will contact all SBKA members with further information by email and, for those without email, via their Division’s secretary.
This will allow the new committee to take up office and continue the smooth running of the Association.
These arrangements are being put in place for 2020 only. 
And, of course, SBKA hopes you stay well, the sun starts shining and we have a good beekeeping season!    
Anne Pike, Chairman

All members are invited to the SBKA AGM on Saturday, March 28 at Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton, TA13 5DJ.
This is your chance to hear an interesting lecture, meet members from other divisions and to have a say in how the association is run.  Do come along and help SBKA to continue to be a successful beekeeping association.
​If you would like to have lunch, please book by March 21. Otherwise arrive by 2pm in time for the talk and AGM.
Lynfa Davies is the latest beekeeper to be awarded the National Diploma in Beekeeping. Not only is she very knowledgeable, but also she is a practical beekeeper keeping around 20 colonies.
Lunch will be two courses, costing £14.50. Booking for lunch should be made by sending a cheque payable to ‘SBKA Yeovil Division’, stating your choice of menu options for both main course and dessert to: Sharon Blake, Stratton Court, Over Stratton, South PethetrtonTA13 5LQ by 21 March 2020.
Menu:
Beef and Cider Casserole, served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes.
Chicken Parmesan, served with potatoes and mixed salad or seasonal vegetables.
Vegetable Lasagne, served with mixed salad and specialty herb bread.
Followed by a choice of:
Lemon Passion
Blackberry and Apple Crumble with cream or ice cream
And tea or coffee.
 
Special dietary requirements can be catered for if advised by 21 March 2020.
 
Timetable
12 noon – Frogmary Green Farm will be open for guests to arrive and purchase their own drinks from the bar upstairs.
12.30pm – Lunch
2pm - Welcome by the SBKA President.
2.05pm – Lynfa Davies, Master Beekeeper, NDB
 
We asked Lynfa to introduce herself:
I live in Mid Wales where Rob and I are part of Aberystwyth and District BKA. I have been keeping bees for 15 years after Rob bought me a week's beekeeping course as a birthday present. I was immediately hooked and over the years worked my way through the BBKA modules to become a Master Beekeeper in 2015. This year I passed the National Diploma in Beekeeping.
I have 20ish hives (if Rob asks it is a dozen!!) that are on Nationals with most of them on double brood. We have had two exceptionally good seasons; we thought last year was amazing but this year has almost equalled it despite the weather being more unstable.
I rear my own queens and sell a few nuclei locally. I really enjoy teaching new beekeepers and sharing what I have learned with others and hopefully help make a difference to their beekeeping.
When I am not with my bees I can usually be found on my bike cycling up all the hills near my home or going for a dip in the sea.
 
3.15pm  - Tea or coffee. The cost will be £1.75 per person, payable on the day.
3.30pm AGM
 
Directions
From the M5:  Exit at junction 25 and take the A358 towards the A303.  At the Southfields roundabout with the A303, take the first exit and travel east on the Ilminster by pass.  At the east end of Ilminster by pass take the fourth exit from the roundabout, passing the Esso garage on your left.  On for 1.1 miles to the first mini roundabout where you turn right. Frogmary Green Farm is on the left after .6 mile.
 
From the A303:  At the east end of Ilminster by pass take the fourth exit from the roundabout, passing the Esso garage on your left.  On for 1.1 miles to the first mini roundabout where you turn right. Frogmary Green Farm is on the left after .6 mile.
 
Do not use your SATNAV for the last part; please follow the directions above. If you have any problems finding the venue, please phone Frogmary Green Farm on 01460 249758.
 
There is plenty of parking at Frogmary Green Farm
 
AGM Agenda

1. Apologies
2. To Approve the Minutes of the 2018 SBKA AGM
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. BBKA Delegate’s Report
7. Election of Officers
8. Adoption of Revised Rules
9. West Country Honey Farms Award
10. Venue for 2021 AGM

 
Coronavirus (COVID-19):
The coronavirus situation is fast-changing: currently we are planning to go ahead but we are closely monitoring the situation. We will follow government advice and keep you informed.
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

 

Like everyone in the country, SBKA is concerned about the rapid spread of coronavirus. Currently events are going ahead as planned. However, this is a fast-moving situation and we will continue to follow advice from Public Health England and keep you informed.
And, of course, if you have symptoms of coronavirus (which include a cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath), or have been in contact with someone who has the illness, contact the NHS and please stay at home.
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response