If you are interested in taking up bee keeping it is strongly recommended that you first attend a course run by a beekeeping association. Most associations run one course each year. Information on our training course is on the Events and Courses page. Please note the 2024 course is now closed.
Membership for the year January to December entitles you to attend all Association events and access benefits such as our discounted bulk buy scheme. Further details below:
Confers membership of Hampshire Beekeepers Association (HBA), the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), and impoYrtantly gives Public and Products Liability insurance cover for your beekeeping. This also includes Bee Diseases Insurance (BDI) for your first three colonies. If you are likely to have more than three colonies during the coming year you will need to pay an additional premium depending on the number of colonies, which will be automatically calculated when you fill in your online application.
If more than one person in the household handles bees, it is recommended that they apply for “Partner” membership which will give them insurance cover too. They must live at the same address as the Registered member.
For members who already pay a capitation fee to another association and are therefore already insured, or who wish to join the Association but do not currently keep bees.
There is a Junior class for under 18s who keep bees, but their colonies must be included in the total of those of their parent for purposes of Bee Disease Insurance.
Please note that a condition of membership is your agreement to your membership details being held on a computer. This information will be used for the efficient running of the Association by its officials for the distribution of the BBKA magazine, for BBKA Insurance, and for Bee Disease Insurance. It will not be disclosed to any other third parties.
Please email the Membership Secretary, membership@basingstokebees.co.uk including your first and last names, address and phone number. I can then set you up as a prospective member and send you a link to check and confirm I have your details correct and to submit your application.
Each prospective member must complete their own, individual application. When you complete the form, it will tell you the amount to pay and you’ll be directed to a page to remind you to make your payment via bank transfer or cheque. Please note that I cannot process your application until you notify me that you have paid and receipt has been confirmed.
If you have any questions about joining our association, please feel free to contact me at membership@basingstokebees.co.uk . Thank you for your interest,
Sharon Woodman
BDBKA Membership Secretary