It was an inevitability that this club would be formed just over a year ago. There has always been a massive degree of interest in beekeeping in Newton Aycliffe, particularly amongst the allotment holders in the town and Roger Chappel (Aycliffe BKA chairman) has held regular talks with senior members of the Great Aycliffe Town Council for several years. For one reason or another nothing happened until, that is, 2019.
Roger is a ‘veteran’ with over 25 years beekeeping experience behind him and he held the post of secretary of the largest beekeeping association in the country: the Yorkshire BKA for nearly 10 years. Over a period spanning nearly 15 years Roger has been instrumental in helping local beekeeping groups get started on limited resources not only in the Yorkshire area but also in County Durham. Thanks to his close links with Durham BKA he was able, with the support of the Great Aycliffe Town Council and a small group of loyal beekeepers, to lay the foundations of Aycliffe BKA in late 2018. Since then, there has been an upsurge in interest and the new association currently has over 100 members from the area around Newton Aycliffe with members as far afield as Shildon, Ferryhill, Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, the Trimdons and Hurworth.
What is the secret of their success? A passion for bees and a no-nonsense, no fuss, no frills approach with the welfare of the bees and members at the very heart of everything they do.
Aycliffe BKA now have a well-established teaching apiary at the St. Oswalds allotment site (off Hylton Close) and have ambitious plans to open up others in the town. Regular courses are run for beginners (they’re on hold at the moment due to the coronavirus restrictions) and meetings are held at the Eco-Centre on Moore Lane and at the Oakleaf Sports Complex.
All our beekeepers get a buzz out of helping others look after bees in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and the committee have already created a happy sociable environment which enables everyone to enjoy this rewarding and fulfilling pastime. At the same time we are doing our bit to sustain the environment and to help the planet – what better way is there to spend some leisure time?
If you would like to know more about how to get into beekeeping all you need do is contact the Secretary (Steve Jenkins) by emailing him (secretary.aycliffebka@gmail.com) or you can phone him (01325 352108 or 07825 980692) or you can visit our website: www.aycliffebees.com – We are presently recruiting new members and processing renewals as our membership starts on October 1st – it’s always good to get in at the beginning of the new year and now is especially good because it gives the whole of the winter months to learn more, plan and prepare for the new season which starts in May next year. Who knows you may be in a position to take custody of your first colony of bees by April/May 2021? Our membership Secretary (Rev. Nick Barker) will be able to let you know what all the membership options are if you call him on 01388 819487 or 07912 269364 or you can email him at membership.aycliffebka@gmail.com
