The beekeeping industry has changed a great deal over the past year with the introduction of the Pest Management Strategy and the change of MAF Qual to an SOE based organisation called AgriQuality. This has affected all beekeepers, both large and small. The PMS imposes new conditions on the hobbyist beekeeper with the DECA scheme. I believe that the Executive has kept the membership well informed on the status of the national bodies and the impacts on WBA and membership.

We have held this year two main events, the annual diseaseathon and a field day on queen rearing. These were both highly successful events and continued on the path on increasing the memberships knowledge and expertise whilst having fun. The monthly meetings have been well attended demonstrating the keen interest in beekeeping amongst members.

To aid communication, James Scott has introduced e-mail versions of the monthly newsletter and created a web site. The feedback on both has been very positive. My thanks to James.

The day to day running of the Association falls on the Secretary and Treasurer, both difficult and time-consuming jobs. Again I thank them both for their ongoing work in these administrative areas.

Richard Hatfield