The Surrey Beekeepers Association (SBKA) was founded in 1879 and consisted of some 67 members and 7 Donors from the County of Surrey. According to the list of Subscribers and Donors, a third of the membership was drawn from the Croydon area and another third from West Surrey.

In presenting the First Annual Report in February 1880, the Honorary General Secretary - Fred H. Lemare of Guildford stated. " In presenting their first Report to their friends and subscribers, the Committee have little to relate beyond the statement of having launched the Association, by which they trust, the Cottage Beekeeper will be induced to adopt a humane treatment towards his Bees".
This was the start of Surrey Beekeepers Association the records of which have been meticulously kept. All the Minute Books of both the Council Meetings and the Annual General Meetings have been deposited with Surrey History Centre at Woking in Surrey. 

The archives of the Surrey Beekeepers Association were deposited at Surrey History Centre, Woking in April 2001. The records have been catalogued and are available for anyone who wishes to use them for research purposes (Ref.6992). Copies can be obtained from Di Stiff at Surrey History Centre, Woking Surrey GU21 6ND.
Tel: 01483 518737 : email: shs@surreycc.gov.uk

The catalogue is now available online on the Surrey History Service Collections Catalogue.

Go to:

http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreyhistoryservice

Click on "Search for archives and books", then click on "Collections Catalogue", then enter
the reference number of the collection which is "6992" and press the "Search" button, then
click on the "View" button to see the complete catalogue.

The Surrey History Service website also provides useful information for visitors such as
details of opening hours and how to find Surrey History Centre."

 

 

This is a copy of page 1 of the first Annual Report in 1880 of the Surrey Beekeepers Association. 

SBKA Archivist: Peter Ashley

Page updated - Monday 5th July 2004