It’s a New Year
Well, I’m still here and it’s a new year. Even though I really dislike the idea of making resolutions (because I never keep them) it is certainly the right time to resolve what your plans are, for the year to come.
Firstly, I am determined to get all the winter work properly finished before the season starts. I usually fail in this and find myself playing catch-up with the bees for weeks. So I will repair all my frames and old boxes, build new ones and slap on a fresh coat of Cuprinol Ducksback. I will melt and refine all the wax I collected last year during inspections, de-capping and removal of old fames.
Also I will get my queen-rearing equipment cleaned up and make a timetable, for what I consider to be the most rewarding part of beekeeping. I have never bought a queen and I suggest that you should not either, especially if it is imported. Instead, have a go at rearing your own. It is not as difficult as you might think; your fellow members will consider you some kind of bee-whisperer and they will be forever in your debt when you give them a queen to help out when disaster strikes. You might even make a bob or two selling them. You should also consider making nucs, for your own use as support colonies or for sale.
Richard Martin is stepping down from managing our lovely new apiary, so we are now in need of volunteers to carry out the regular work. Please consider committing to giving up some of your time (contact Les King lking997@aol.com, who will be the coordinator). We will be using the apiary as a venue for practical training for beginners, queen rearing, talks and demonstrations. So please get involved; volunteer to help with the apiary work or just turn up on apiary open days (3rd Sunday of each month).
For those who want to further their knowledge and gain qualifications, there is a comprehensive syllabus of theory and practical tests organised by the BBKA. Take a look at their website for details.
I also want to warn you about a new vigorous campaign, beginning this year, by HMRC to recover Income Tax on earnings outside PAYE. I’m not suggesting that anyone is deliberately evading tax, but it is in your interests to ensure that you are not inadvertently failing to declare untaxed income. Specifically, I mean income from the sale of honey, nucs and other hive products, or any other similar side-hustle. There is a Trading Allowance of £1,000/yr but HMRC now have access to all sales platforms such as eBay, Vinted, Facebook Market Place etc. and payment systems such as SumUp, Zettle and PayPal. They now also have access to your bank accounts and have dramatically increased the fines and penalties for non-compliance. You are quite likely to receive a letter from HMRC this year if they find any such activity and even if you are compliant you should be ready with accounts to prove your case. There is a useful YouTube video at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPdidNGiDRw
Finally, The Yellow Legged Asian Hornet (YLAH) is almost upon us. Please consider joining the SDBKA AHT (Asian Hornet Team – contact me) and join the fight to eradicate this threat.
Don’t forget the AGM is at 1230 on Sunday 8 Feb at Jubilee Hall, 49 All Saints Rd, Creeting St Mary, IP6 8NF.
We will serve a light lunch and there will be several short talks and demonstrations. I look forward to seeing you there.
Greg Monaghan
Chairman SDBKA