The SBKA is a thriving community of over 1,000 people in six local associations across the county. Our purposes are to teach the craft of beekeeping and to advance the education of the public in the importance of bees.
Our Member Associations
Our member associations are: Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal, Stowmarket, Waveney, West Suffolk and the Norwich & District Beekeepers Association.
We provide instruction in subjects related to honey bees, leading to an understanding of these fascinating insects and how to look after them. Our courses work towards the British Beekeepers' Association (BBKA)’s nationally recognized examinations and practical assessments. Come and meet us at the Suffolk Show, other local agricultural shows and at our teaching apiaries in the summer.
Honey bees do not hibernate – in winter they live off their stores of honey – so we are only really busy during the warmer months from April to August. In the quiet season, from autumn to spring, we hold regular indoor meetings. More information can be found on the events pages. The best way to find out what beekeeping entails is to come and see.
The full annual subscription is about £26.00 but varies between our associations. This includes affiliation to the BBKA which provides representation, help and expert advice at a national level and public liability insurance cover for up to £10 million. There is also cover for the more serious honey bee brood diseases. The rates for non-beekeeping partners and children are much less.
A word of caution: beekeeping is not for everyone. Honey bees may sting and neighbours are unlikely to appreciate thousands of swarming insects next door. In the wild, bees look after themselves but managed colonies need care and attention most weeks in the active season.
Officers
President
Jeremy Quinlan
[email protected]
Chairman
Jane Corcoran
[email protected]
Hon Secretary
Helen Davies
[email protected]
Hon Treasurer
Ian McQueen
[email protected]
County Examinations Secretary
Mark Dua
[email protected]