MISSION STATEMENT. Mid-Antrim Beekeepers’ Association is an organisation open to all on payment of the appropriate fees. It seeks to include in its membership all those with an interest in bees irrespective of race, gender, religion, political affiliation, age, disability or social status.

Its aims and objectives are the improvement and advancement of beekeeping through:-

1. education of beekeepers and newcomers to the craft
2. co-ordination of treatment against bee diseases/pests
3. the showing of bee products
4. creating an awareness of bees in non-beekeepers through meetings, demonstrations and publications
5. environmental improvement; and,
6. provision of a forum for beekeepers designed to encourage friendship and mutual support

The Role of the Officers

To ensure that the organisation maintains a clear structural integrity, it is not possible, nor desirable, that any one person should hold more than one post. Only in extremis may an existing postholder assume the duties and responsibilities of another post.

President and Vice - President

The roles of President and Vice–President are the only posts in the Association which attract the trappings of office. These posts will be held by more senior members who have contributed significantly to the development and prosperity of the Association. It is appropriate that postholders should be eligible for honorary membership.

The President and Vice-President should maintain their impartiality and demonstrate a clear and distinct separation from the role of other postholders in the event that they are asked to adjudicate and resolve any matters where a common conscensus cannot be reached by Members.

Chairperson and Vice - Chairperson

Central to the roles of Chair and Vice Chair will be helping to educate with particular reference to the training of new beekeepers

The Chairperson is responsible for maintaining order at the various meetings held by the Association. Other duties include public relations, giving talks and presentations to various groups, representing the Association at every possible opportunity thereby encouraging interest in the Association and Beekeeping in general.

The Vice-Chairperson has a similar role to that of Chairperson, will assist the Chairperson wherever possible and will deputise of the Chairperson in the event that he/she is unable to attend.

Secretary

The Association Secretary is responsible for keeping records of the decisions taken at the various meetings held. Other duties shall include producing in conjunction with the Committee, a list of events for the forthcoming year, writing to all members with details, sending out invitations to speakers, issuing letters of thanks, Press Releases etc.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for keeping records and accounts of all the Association’s financial transactions during the year. These include receipts (membership fees, rental and sale of equipment etc) and debits (purchases of equipment, fees paid to UBKA etc). Annual Accounts will be presented to the membership at the AGM (see Rule VIII).

Honey Show Manager

The Honey Show Manager is responsible for co-ordinating the organising of an annual Honey Show. Typical duties will include the design and implementation of the Honey Show Rules, producing a Honey Show Schedule, organising of a venue, honey judge, paperwork/labels, assisting the honey judge where necessary, keeping records of winners, ensuring that all trophies awarded are clean, and in a good state of repair. He / She may appoint up to two additional Honey Stewards to assist at the event.

Website Editor

The Website Editor is responsible for the content and accuracy of all information held on the Mid-Antrim Beekeepers’ Association Website. Duties will include publishing details of forthcoming events, results of the annual honeyshow. Where possible all articles will be illustrated with pictures and designed to enhance the world-wide image of the Association and the honey produced by its members. See Rule IX.

Honorary Membership:- Available to both active and past beekeepers for their outstanding contribution to either beekeeping in general or the Mid-Antrim Beekeepers’ Association. The number of honorary members shall be limited (see Rule III), however once awarded will remain so for life. During this period the Association will fund the Honorary Members UBKA Affiliation and Insurance fees as appropriate.

Full Membership:- Available to active beekeepers who have paid to the Association the appropriate subscription, including UBKA Insurance.

Associate Membership:- Available only to non-beekeepers (past beekeepers who no longer keep bees or friends of the Association) who have paid the appropriate subscription fees.

Family Membership:- available to those who reside at the same postal address. See Rule VII.