Membership Categories
There are five categories for membership:
Registered Beekeeper
A Registered member is a full member of Bristol Beekeepers branch of Avon Beekeepers Association (ABKA) and the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA). BBKA benefits include:
- Public Liability Insurance coverage for selling honey as a non-business.
- Collection of swarms from 3rd party buildings.
- Hive contents (excluding bees) should a colony be found to have a notifiable disease.
- 12 monthly magazines from the BBKA News magazine and access to digital copies of previous magazines.
- Attendance at Avon Association and Bristol Branch training sessions, events and meetings.
Partner Member
- A partner member must have the same address as a Registered Member to qualify.
- A partner member is a full member of the Bristol Beekeepers branch of Avon Beekeepers Association (ABKA) and the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA).
- Insurance is not included.
- There is no BBKA News magazine.
- This membership includes attendance at Avon Association meetings and Bristol Branch training session, events and meetings.
Country Member
- This is for a member who does not keep bees.
- A Country member is a full member of Bristol Beekeepers branch of Avon Beekeepers Association (ABKA) and a Country Member of British Beekeepers Association (BBKA).
- There is no Insurance provision.
- Country Members will receive 12 monthly magazines from the BBKA News magazine and have access to digital copies of previous magazines.
- Includes attendance at Avon Association and Bristol Branch training sessions, events and meetings.
Local Member
- This is for a Member who does not keep bees, but wishes to attend local training events.
- A Local member is a full member of Bristol Beekeepers branch of Avon Beekeepers Association (ABKA).
- There is no membership of British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) and no BBKA News magazine.
- Membership includes attendance at Avon Association meetings and Bristol Branch training sessions, events and meetings.
- Note: Local members are not eligible to take BBKA Module exams.
Junior Member
- A Registered beekeeper under the age of 18 with all the main benefits of a Full Member (see above) including the BDI insurance for 1-3 hives.
- A junior member must be accompanied at all times by their parent/guardian.
- If you are interested in junior membership please email the Membership Secretary
School and Organisation members
- If you are interested in school or organisation membership please email the Membership Secretary
Joining Bristol Beekeepers (Branch of Avon Beekeepers Association)
New Members
Please note that whilst the new membership and renewal forms are available, please do not submit or make a payment before 1 November.
Downloads available for New membership and Gift Aid. New members can join at any time during the membership year. The membership year is 1 November to 31 October. There is no discount for part-year membership. Payment details are on the New Member form. Please complete the Gift Aid section if you are a taxpayer. See New Members form for membership fees.
Renewal of Membership, Existing Members:
The renewal date is 1 November each year. Download the Renewal Form here. Membership fees are included in the Renewal Form Key dates for renewals: 1 November to 31 January - discount available – see Renewal Form 31 January to 31 March - no discount 31 March - deadline for all renewals, after this date all memberships not renewed will be treated as lapsed members. Payment details are on the Renewals Form.Membership Year
The membership year runs from 1 November each year and there is no discount for part-year membership.
Annual Fees
See New member or Renewal forms for annual fees.
BBKA Exams
You will need to be a Registered, Partner or Country member to be eligible to take BBKA exams. If you have a query please contact the Membership Secretary
Hive entrance
