Beginners Day (Please note the organisation of the event is on hold due to covid 19)
2020-04-25 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
Bromley beekeepers are having a beginners day, run at the branch apiary, on Saturday 25th April 2020. Should demand exceed capacity, the day will be repeated on the following Saturday. The aim is to give initial experience of the honeybee life cycle, and how bees operate inside and outside the hive. Once the season gets going, there will be opportunities to handle bees in the branch apiary throughout the spring and summer. This day will hopefully establish a solid foundation for those intending to become regularly attending beginners.
Anyone wanting an initial experience of beekeeping is urged to attend a branch apiary meetings in March or April. (See Apiary Page).
Advance Booking Only: Please contact Bob Jackman
Email: rfjackman@yahoo.co.uk
Please note the organisation of the event is on hold due to covid 19.

Keston Countryside Day
2020-06-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Hayes Common, Commonside, BR2 6BP, United Kingdom
Held on Keston Common this event celebrates local organisations relating to the countryside and Bromley Beekeepers will be there with the marquee, honey for sale, candle rolling, observation hive and, usually plenty of Beekeepers to talk to about their favourite topic.

Viruses in Honeybees and Humans Robert Pickard webinar hosted by Central Association
2020-09-16 19:30 - 20:30
Viruses exist at the borderline between the living and the non-living. Individual viruses probably outnumber all other systems in the world that contain nucleic acids. This talk illustrates the morphology of the different types of virus and the ways in which they invade host cells. The mechanism by which the viral genetic code is expressed is also described. Viruses constantly threaten the wellbeing of all complex organisms but they can also be extremely beneficial to them. Viruses transfer genes between different host species, add some of their code to their hosts’ DNA, and take some of the hosts’ code for themselves. In doing so, they can transform an evolutionary process. The production of the human placenta relies on a sequence of viral DNA that has been incorporated into the human genome. Signs of honeybee viral disease will be discussed along with activities in beekeeping that can reduce the problems created by viruses.
About the speaker
Robert Pickard is an Independent Member of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee; Emeritus Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Cardiff; Visiting Professor at the Royal Agricultural University; and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, the Royal Society of Medicine and the Learned Society of Wales. Professor Pickard has studied bees since 1956 and his postgraduate students are spread through 50 different countries worldwide. He is Chair of the International Bee Research Association, Patron of the Welsh Beekeepers Association and President of the UK Central Association of Beekeepers. Formerly, he was Editor of the Journal of Apicultural Research, Director-General of the British Nutrition Foundation, Chair of the UK Committee on Radioactive Waste Management and Chair of the UK Consumers’ Association, Which?.
Our members will be allocated places, included in their membership fees.

To register for a place (and places are limited) priced £3.00, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us

The 89th National Honey Show
2020-10-22 - 2020-10-24
This year’s National Honey Show, 22nd to 24th October, will be a professional, online conference welcoming beekeepers worldwide.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event, free of charge.
Attendees will be able to attend lectures, demonstrations, visit our trade hall and take part in other exciting activities.
The show will feature a series of lectures and demonstrations, followed by live online Q&A sessions, with the opportunity to ask questions via the ‘chat’ facility.
Conference Programme
Thursday 22nd October
13.45 Welcome
14.00 Mike Palmer: A year at French Hill Apiaries
15.30-16.30 Demonstration: Gwyn Marsh Making Beeswax wraps
17.00-17.15 National Honey Show AGM
17.30-17.45 National Council AGM
18.30 The Central Association of Bee-Keepers Lecture: Medhat Nasr: Wintering honey bees – but not as we know it
Friday 23rd October
11.00-12.00 Demonstration: Chris Park, Skep making
14.00 Etienne Bruneau: The honey market in turmoil
15.30-16.30 Demonstration: John Goodwin, Showing honey
18.30 Bees for Development Quiz:
Saturday 24th October
11.00-12.00 Demonstration: Same day soap: The Robb recipe
12.30-13.30 Bill, Bob and Bees. Bill Turnbull and Prof Robert Pickard interview
14.00 Jeff Pettis: Long live the queen, please!, why are queens failing?
15.30-16.30 Closing
We know the lack of a physical Show will be disappointing, as it is for us all, but we hope to offer an exciting armchair event, where the National Honey Show Community can come together online.
Virtual Trade Hall
All your favourite traders will be represented in the Trade Hall, where you will be able to keep in touch with their latest offerings.
Donations
We hope you can support our National Honey Show 2020 conference. This event is expensive to stage and our current sponsorship covers only a fraction of the cost.
We are asking for donations and are most grateful for whatever you can contribute.
https://platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/HONEYBEE?charity=HONEYBEE

Bromley Beekeepers AGM
2020-11-17 19:30 - 20:10
Kent Beekeepers Association – Bromley Branch
The Annual General Meeting of Kent Beekeepers Association/Bromley Branch will take place on Tuesday, 17th November 2020 at 7.30 pm promptly.
For safety of our members this years AGM will be conducted using Zoom.
If you would like to attend this meeting please make sure you are competent with zoom before joining.
Venue: Zoom meeting details will be sent to members nearer the time
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of AGM 2019
3. Treasurer’s report
4. Membership secretary’s report
5. Publicity officer’s report
6. Outside events report
7. Show secretary’s report
8. Beginners and education report
9. Report of delegates to Council
10. Election of officers:
Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership secretary
Show secretary
Publicity officer/website
Committee members
11. Election of delegates to Council
12. Election of auditor
13. Date and time of next meeting

Members Zoom Social
2021-04-25 11:00 - 12:00
Branch members Zoom meeting until we can have normal apiary meetings.
Members will be notified by email with the zoom link before the event starts.

Preparing Honey and Wax for the Show bench
2021-08-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
Peter Bashford will reveal his secrets on preparing honey and wax for the show bench.

This FREE talk could give you the competitive edge at the Bromley and Orpington honey show on the 18th September.

All are welcome and refreshments provided.

Covid19 Precautions

Do NOT attend if you have Covid symptoms or have been pinged or told to isolate.If you can please wear a mask at appropriate times.Use the hand sanitizer at the entrance.Masks available if you don’t have one.Windows will be opened for maximum ventilation.

Bromley Branch Talk: Foulbrood how to recognise it, and how to spot where things are going wrong
2022-03-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
After two years interruption of our talks programme, we are glad to be back. We are pleased to welcome Danyal Conn, who will be talking on:- Foulbrood: how to recognise it, and how to spot where things are going wrong.

Our talk will last approximately one hour, followed by questions and refreshments.

Danyal Conn started keeping bees in 2010 and has worked as seasonal bee inspector since 2020. Many of you may have met him when he has visited you to inspect your bees.

All are welcome.

Cudham Village Fete
2022-08-29 12:00 - 16:00 | Cudham Village Fete, Cudham Recreation ground, Cudham Lane South, TN14 7QB, United Kingdom
Cudham Village Show and Fete draw draws nearly 2000 visitors each year and is a fabulous afternoon of fun for all the family; young, old and in between. Bromley beekeepers will have the usual beekeeping display and local honey for sale.

Bromley Beekeepers and Orpington Beekeepers Honey Show
2022-09-17 10:00 - 16:30 | Emmanuel Church, The Grove, West Wickham, BR4 9JS, United Kingdom
Celebrate the end of the beekeeping season by showing your honey at the annual Bromley and Orpington Honey Show. Beekeepers from London and Kent compete for prizes with their honey, bee hive products, cake baking and confectionary.
Need a Schedule visit Honey Show

Bromley Branch AGM 15th November
2022-11-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
The Annual General Meeting of Kent Beekeepers Association/Bromley Branch will take place on Tuesday, 15th November 2022 at 7.30 p.m.

Download AGM Agenda 2022

Jan 7th BBQ
2024-01-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
There will be a Social gathering in the KHLG Allotments clubhouse with an indoor BBQ and mulled wine. All branch members and friends welcome.

Winter Lecture Programme January to April 2024
2024-01-16 19:30 - 21:30 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
There will be a lecture in the KHLG Allotments clubhouse on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm. Topics to be confirmed soon.

Free Talk - Asian Hornet update
2024-03-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
Danyal Conn, our local seasonal bee inspector will give round up of the Asian Hornet situation from the perspective of the National Bee Unit, drawing extensively on his own experience during the 2023 season.

David Perkins - Solitary Bees
2024-04-16 19:30 - 22:00 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
Dr David Perkins is soon to see his book, “Hairy Foot, Long Tongue”, published. With a bit of luck it may well be published by by the time of this talk. As you may have guessed, the subject of both book and talk is one that David has long been involved with, the solitary bee. His drawings and photographs are a total delight, and his involvement with these creatures is long and deep. Be sure that you will be drawn in by his expertise and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, the first male hairy footed flower bees were seen in Bob Jackman’s garden on the 4th March. Keep a sharp eye open.

New Year ‘BBQ’ indoors!
2025-01-05 11:30 - 15:00
Our annual winter BBQ will be on Sunday, 5th January 2025 at the Allotment Clubhouse from 11.30am. There will be the usual wonderful refreshments and a good opportunity to socialise with other members. Everyone is very welcome including family and friends.

Anyone who is happy to help with cooking etc. please contact Mary or Bob on 020 7733 9568 or tell us at the December apiary meeting on Sunday, December 1st at 11.30am.

Meeting: Andrew Gibb on Drone Psychology
2025-01-28 19:30 - 21:30
This is just a reminder of the talk given by Andrew Gibb on Drone Psychology this Tuesday 28th January 2025.

It will start at 7.30pm in the pavilion at the Kent House Rd Allotments.

Talk: Julie Coleman - Many uses of a Nucleus Hive
2025-03-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Kent House Road allotments pavilion, opposite Woodbastwick Road, 91a Kent House Road, London, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
This is just a reminder that our next winter talk will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 18th at 7.30pm at the Pavilion, Kent House Rd Allotments, SE26 5LJ.

Julie Coleman, a trained biologist who was, until recently, a BBKA trustee, will talk on ‘The Many Uses of a Nucleus Hive’.

Neither the talk nor the tea and cake should be missed.

Tuesday 29th April: Lecture evening - My Bees have died! How did that happen?
2025-04-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
This seems to be a common story as we came out of the 2025 winter.

Mick Coen and Bob Jackman will lead a discussion on why this might be happening and looking at what might be done to prevent/reduce it in the future.

All are welcome at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 29th April 2025 in the Kent House Road allotments main pavilion.

Tea/Coffee and cake will be available as usual.

Please come buzzing with ideas.

Annual Open Day at KHLG Allotment
2025-05-18 11:00 - 16:00 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
The annual Open Day at KHLG Allotments, (where our club apiary is) will be on Sunday, May 18th and will be open to the public from 11am until 4pm. As usual we will have the marquee up, with honey sales, an observation hive, candle rolling and information about bees and beekeeping.

Help is needed on Friday 16th May.Six people are needed to put up the marquee. We will do this in the late afternoon/ early evening.

On Sunday,18th May, help will be needed from 10am to set up and staff everything. You do not need to help for the whole day 2 or 3 hours will be very useful.After 4pm we need help to pack up and take down the marquee.If you can help at all please contact Mary on 020 77339568 or email maryeslater@yahoo.co.uk

If you have honey for sale please make sure you book it in with Bob before it goes on sale to ensure you receive the correct money at the end.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mike Elliott's Wake
2025-11-06 13:00 - 16:00 | The Marine Hotel, Tankerton, 32 – 33 Marine Parade, Whitstable, CT5 2BE, 32 - 33 Marine Parade, Whitstable, CT5 2BE
Mike died suddenly on Friday 3rd October. He was seen on line the night before when he was in relatively good form. Monitoring suggests that he had a good night’s sleep. He was known to have a heart condition, and was found dead in his usual chair later that day.

The family want a quiet funeral, but welcome his friends and associates to a wake at:-

One o’clock, on the day of the funeral, Thursday 6th November, The Marine Hotel, Tankerton.

Al donations in memory of Mike should be sent to:-

St Christopher’s Hospice

51 – 59 Lawrie Park Road

Sydenham, London, SE26 6DZ

Marine Hotel pub in Whitstable | Home

AGM 18th November 2025 @ 7:30pm
2025-11-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATIONBROMLEY BRANCHThe Annual General Meeting of Kent Beekeepers Association/Bromley Branch will take place onTuesday, 18th November, 2025, at 7.30 pm, in the Apiary Allotment hall, Kent House Road, Allotments, SE26 5LJ.

AGENDA

Apologies for absence

Minutes of the 2024 AGM

Minutes arising

Chairman’s report

Treasurer’s report

Membership secretary’s report

Secretary’s report

Apiary Manager’s report

Education and beginners’ report

Outside events

Publicity Officer’s report

Asian Hornet report

Report of Delegates to Council

Election of Officers

Election of Delegates to Council

Election of Auditor

AOB

Date of the next AGM

Last years AGM report

KENT BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION – BROMLEY BRANCHMinutes of the Annual General MeetingThe Apiary Allotment Hall, SE26 5LJ – Tuesday 19th November 2024The meeting started at 7.40pm

Those presentMartin Hemming (Chairperson) Peter Macan and Ron Findley(treasurer), Bob Jackman (vice chair),Eileen Reevell (secretary), Dithema Chiloane, Jenny Spon-Smith, Mary Slater, Will Purvis, ClaireJoseph, Ivan Whitley, Tim Downes, Steve Ferrar, Trevor Powell, Mick Coen, Jane Forster.Paul Bond.

Apologies for absenceAlan Lynch, Alex Miles, Tony Ashby, Grace Madden, Koral Ikiz

Minutes of the 2023 AGMThere were no matters arising and the minutes were signed. Proposed. D Chiloane,Seconded. W Purvis.

Secretary’s reportE Reevell said that she was able to continue being the secretary if nobody else wanted to fill theposition, as much of the work can be done remotely, but expressed regret at not always being able toattend the apiary meetings.

Treasurer’s reportP Macan expressed pleasure at being able to share the financial accounting with Ron. He reportedthat apart from the membership subscriptions, the shop and fetes there has been little other financialactivity this year and we remain financially sound. P Macan thanked Linda Rapley and W Purvis forsuccessfully integrating the useable 2021 Thorne stock with the new purchases. The records of thestock are now in order. The use of the Sumup Card Reader will now help ensure stock sales recordsare scrupulously kept.The accountant, Anne Fletcher, will be retiring so B Jackman will make enquiries as to hersuccessor.

Membership Secretary’s reportR Findley expressed delight at getting to grips with the eR2 system that Steve Clarkson, themembership secretary of the KBKA, is experienced with.The membership of the Bromley Branch continues to remain constant. There are now 4 classes ofmembership; Registered, Junior, Partner Member (Friend with BBKA Insurance) and Friend.

Outside eventsM Slater reported that Kent House Open Day was very successful regards the amount of honey soldand the interest shown in bees and beekeeping.Cudham was less busy and less honey was sold, possibly due to the increased price. Some honeywas sold in ½ lb jars.The branch did not attend the Keston event as the date was changed and there was little honey leftto sell.Only a small amount of honey was sold at the KHLG social event which was was attended by 4membersMary thanked all the members who staffed the events with special thanks to P Bond and W Purvisfor their wonderful bacon rolls.M Coen suggested we consider Nunhead Cemetery as a venue next year and reserve honey forK H Allotments Open Day.January 5th was confirmed for the New Year BBQ.

Apiary reportM Coen reported it had been a very good year with 11 healthy colonies with 3 given away.Queen rearing will be the goal for 2025. The area at the bottom has been cleared ready for the wildgarden and the apiary woodwork has been been painted with preservative.Mick thanked Steve, Tim and Simon for their hard work for 2-3 hours every Tuesday.

Education reportB Jackman reported that no beginners’ education days were held due to a combination of poorspring weather and intermittent interest by just a few people. The beginner evening sessions werenot initiated.In late spring 2 retirees were keen to learn and regularly attended M Coen’s Tuesday managementsessions. R Findley was congratulated at passing the basic assessment exam in the summer.School sessions have been in demand with 3 local schools visited, with one school visit imminent.Bob expressed delight at the successful year recent beginners, I Whitley and A Miles, have had withtheir colonies expanding.It is hoped the winter talks will have a basic beekeeping emphasis to encourage the beginners.

Election of OfficersChairperson – M Hemming Proposed C Joseph Seconded J Spon-SmithVice Chair – B Jackman Prop M Coen Sec D ChiloaneTreasurer & Membership Secretary – Ron Findley Prop M Slater Sec P BondSecretary – E Reevell Prop C Joseph Sec B JackmanApiary Manager – M Coen Prop W Purvis Sec M SlaterPublicity – S Turner Prop M Slater Sec E ReevellAHAT Coordinator – G Madden Prop B Jackman Sec W Purvis.KBKA Council Delegates – M Hemming and I WhitleyAll appointments were passed without opposition

Committee MembersM Hemming, R Findley, B Jackman E Reevell, M Slater, M Coen, S Ferrar, A Miles.AOBB Jackman commented that Asian Hornets have not been an issue in the apiary, although there wasan unconfirmed sighting in the Westerham area. He warned that next year may be different and weneed to be prepared.Possible speakers for the winter talks were discussed. Bob will enquire after John Chapman andDavid Rutland.The Tom Winks cup was awarded to Steve Farrar for his much appreciated swarm collecting work.Next meeting Tuesday 18th November 2025 at 7.30 pm.The meeting ended at 9.10 pm.

New Year ‘BBQ’ indoors!
2026-01-04 11:30 - 16:00 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
Our annual winter BBQ will be on Sunday, 4th January 2026 in the Allotment Clubhouse from 11.30am. There will be the usual wonderful refreshments and a good opportunity to socialise with other members. Everyone is very welcome including family and friends.

Anyone who is happy to help with cooking etc. please contact Mary or Bob on 020 7733 9568 or tell us at the December apiary meeting on Sunday, December 7th at 11.30am.

Winter Talks Starting January 20th
2026-01-13 19:30 - 22:00 | Kent House Road allotments pavilion, opposite Woodbastwick Road, 91a Kent House Road, London, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
Kent Beekeepers AssociationBromley Branch

Talks for the 2026 Season

Monthly talks from January through till April are still in preparation, but those finalised at present are shown below:-

Tuesday January 20th

Lottie Simpson – Skep Making and Art

Lottie has recently finished a fine arts degree. As she prepared for her final show Lottie made use of her interest in beekeeping. She incorporated her designs into skeps, which she taught herself to make. Back home, which happens to be Sydenham, she approached her local beekeeping group. Who knows where this might lead?

Lottie will demonstrate skep making, and illustrate how she has incorporated her designs into skeps with masks. If we give her sufficient encouragement, she may even agree to set up a skep making workshop in the future.

Tuesday March 17th

Annie McGeogh – Beekeeping as a Community Activity in South London

Annie is involved in beekeeping at a number of sites around South London. This includes a community group in Dulwich and the bees at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo. During the course of my beekeeping development I have come to realise the value of looking over my shoulder at how other people conduct their beekeeping. As a branch we largely operate as individual beekeepers. Annie will expand on the value of working with and for groups and organisations.

All talks are held in the main pavilion at Kent House Road Allotments, 91A, Kent House Road, SE21 5LJ, starting at 7.30 pm. Parking is usually available in Kent House Road, and in Woodbastwick road, just opposite the entrance to the allotments.

Tea and cake will be available at the end of the talk.

News of the remaining talks will follow in due course.

Bob Jackman

Branch Lecture - Accommodation For Honey Bees
2026-04-21 20:00 - 22:30 | Bromley Apiary Club, 91a Kent House Road, Sydenham, SE26 5LJ, United Kingdom
I am delighted to announce that next Bromley Beekeepers lecture titled ‘Accommodation For Honey Bees’ by Lottie Simpson will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday April 21st at the refurbished main pavilion at Kent House Road Allotments, 91A, Kent House Road, SE21 5LJ.
