By Mark Dombey- 3,965
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 10th March 20 at ‘The Skep’ Bastion. Hilsea 7.30 pm
Attendees: Rita Perry (Chair); Donia Hodgson (Treasurer); John Perry (Vice Chair); Wendy Gilbert (Secretary); Sara Fitzgerald (Membership secretary); Mark Page (Bee Health Advisor); Peter Church (Committee member); Alexandra Pinhorn (marketing officer); Martha Dombey (Show secretary); Mike Cotton (Committee member
1.Apologies David Nield (Committee member), Avril Tillman (HBA Delegate) -non-attendee
2.Minutes of the Last Meeting: The Minutes were agreed as a true record. Proposed by MD, Seconded by PC
3.Matters Arising:
Item 8 – the PAT testing invoice has been paid and all is completed.
Item 11- One outstanding person named on the Allotment list has now joined PDBKA making the list up to date and correct.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Business account
Opening Balance £12,995.81
Income £5.561.01 (Includes the transfer of the Reserve account monies of £1,750.36)
Expenditure £2,111.33
Closing Balance £16,445. 49
Shop account
Current balance £635.23
________
£17,080.72
DH stated she now has access online to view statements and the card reader is in the post. The reserve account has been transferred into the main business account so we now have 2 online accounts.
DH, AT, DN are now the named co-signatories. Updates of Portchester Parish Hall details were discussed along with new contact details. It is hoped that DN & AT (both absent from the meeting) will verify their agreement to continue to be keyholders
Action: WG to contact DN & AT to verify their agreement
5. Observation Nucs
A 14X12 6 frame National Observation Nuc was purchased and placed on show at the last speaker’s meeting. Greg Painter has very kindly offered to use the Nuc (1of the 2 members who has kindly volunteered to show live bees at Honey shows).
Vic Eveleigh is the 2nd member to offer to show live bees at shows and the committee- proposed by MD and seconded by MC- agreed unanimously to purchase a 2nd Observation Nuc from the same company so that both members can take it in turns to show their bees, which in turn should be less stressful for both members and bees. We thank them both so very much for what they are doing.
Action: WG to inform Greg Painter details of the next show.
Action: WG to purchase the 2nd National Observation Nuc.
6. Membership Secretary’s Report
The Secretary informed the committee that £740 has been ring fenced to repay capitation fees to members who have not yet received their appropriate amount. There are a few people who have not been able to be contacted as members and after April 1st these members will become ‘lapsed members. After this date it was stated that she can proceed to repay the final capitation fees. The new system of ER2 is becoming embedded and it was highlighted that the process has been very time consuming and difficult for a new secretary. However, most members are now using the ER2 system.
It was thought that some members were not fully aware of how to renew their membership through ER2 so to help members, next year there will be simple explanations of how this can be achieved at speaker’s meetings and at the AGM. AP will put details on the website. Help to individuals will be given if needed.
7. Marketing of PDBKA
Current Website:
- The URL / website address has been corrected and the site can now be found at https://portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk/ having removed the /cms
- The website now has a SSL certificate meaning the site is now secure and can be indexed by Google and other internet browsers
- The domain and hosting have been moved meaning that the PDBKA has full ownership and access to the website. Alexandra Pinhorn is creating a document that will hold all of the relevant passwords and details.
- New emails have been set up for the committee members who asked for them – membership@portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk / admin@portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk / shows@portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk / treasury@portsmouthbeekeepers.co.uk.
New Website:
- The new website has been approved, this will be built on a WordPress operating system, making it a lot more user friendly than the current one. The new website should be completed by the summer.
- Alexandra Pinhorn will reach out to the membership to see if anyone would like to manage the website alongside her.
Social Media:
- Facebook – https://www.instagram.com/portsmouthbeekeepers
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/portsmouthbeekeepers
8. Show Secretary’s Report
The shows list was discussed and the list below gives the dates and times. Discussion also centred on the prices of honey in particular. Honey prices have stayed the same price for a long time and it was considered that it was being sold too cheaply. A large rise was ruled out but a small increase would be reasonable for artisan honey. Members who wish to sell their honey must be prepared to spend some time helping at that show. Education is an important factor at shows, so members are invited to attend any show and answer queries the public ask- especially if live bees are on show. MD will be looking for helpers prior to each show. If you feel you can help, even if just for a short time, and even if you are a new beekeeper, please let us know. Discussion on the use of a card reader at shows at the point of sale took place. The card reader would cost £19 + VAT. The point of sale terminal would cost £199 + VAT or can be rented monthly at £17 +VAT. The fee is 1.75% of each sale. If agreed the treasurer would have to register. It was noted that society is using less and less cash and that PDBKA needs to move with the times. Cash, of course would still be acceptable.
Action: DH to contact Cliff to discuss details of the card reader he uses at the Shop. This will be added to next month’s agenda.
PDBKA Shows to date:-
Green Fair – Sunday 10th May 2020 – Booked/free
Party in the Precinct – Saturday 16th May 2020 – agreed to go ahead and MD to book
Portchester Gala – Saturday 20th June 2020 – Booked/paid
Rowlands Castle – Saturday 4th July 2020 – Booked/paid
Hive Aid – Fri, Sat, Sun 10, 11, 12 July 2010 – agreed to go ahead and MD to book
Denmead Fair – Saturday 15 August 2020 – agreed to go ahead and MD to book
Emsworth – Date to be advised –
Hayling Island – yet to be decided if we will take the full marquee or just be attended by those with honey to enter into the show categories.
9. PA System
A member who has offered to take over the responsibility of the PA system. The committee would like to thank Aaron Dancey for offering to take over the responsibility of this piece of equipment and to ensure that it is being used to its full potential. It will be housed at the Marriot store, collected and set up for the speaker and then returned to the Marriot. DN is to sort out a key for the Marriot for A D. Thanks to Aaron.
Action: WG to check with DN that a key has been handed over to AD
10. Sustainability Centre Update
The Sustainability has taken a battering from the recent wild weather- The roofing felt of the shed has suffered severe damage which is going to be fixed by Trevor Bishop. We thank Trevor for his support and roofing skills!!
The site has been cleared and the hives checked. New frames are being assembled, again by Trevor which will replace the old frames from all the hives.
11. Skittles Evening
The Skittles evening will be held at Southwick Golf Club on Friday 13th November 2020. Details will follow nearer the time. All members are invited, Action:WG to send out menu nearer the time Action: DH to pay the deposit
12 BBQ. This year the Summer BBQ will be held on Sunday 2nd August to which all members are invited. PDBKA will provide salads, strawberries and cream, rolls, charcoal. Members bring their own meat, plates and cutlery. Details will follow nearer the time.
Any Other Business:
The June Portchester Meeting on 23rd June will take on the same format as last year which proved to be very successful. There will be no speaker but 4 workshops. The making of candles has been added to the workshop list
Meeting closed at 9.40pm
Next meeting on April 14th 2020
