Dover & District Beekeepers' Association

About DDBKA

Dover and District Beekeepers' Association (DDBKA) are an active group in South East Kent. Our area covers from Sandwich in the north, along the coast to Folkestone and Hythe, and all the rural areas behind. Thanet BKA border us in the North, Canterbury and Ashford BKAs to the west. We currently have over 100 members, who between them, have a wide range of experience.

DDBKA members at a meeting

Our History

The Dover and District Beekeepers' Association was formed at the beginning of World War Two from a former club of beekeepers, which had existed since World War One.

Affiliations

We belong to the British Beekeepers' Association and Bee Disease Insurance. We are independent of Kent BKA, but have close links to it and with other local groups.

Our Meetings

We meet on the last Saturday of the month (except December). During the Autumn/Winter, we meet at Alkham Village Hall, during Spring/Summer, we meet at our Club apiary in Eythorne. Often a summer meeting will be held at a member's apiary, which gives members a chance to see someone else's set up. Each meeting includes refreshments and a raffle.

Our apiary meetings provide a chance for hands-on experience for beginners, and those who are considering the hobby. For other members, there are various talks available.

Training & Education

There is a progression of training, from Beginners and Improvers courses leading to the Basic Assessment. Further training for higher qualifications is also available.

Annual Honey Show

Our Honey Show, held each October at Shepherdswell Village Hall, is the largest in the area. There are a variety of competition classes to enter together with member exhibits.

Member Resources

In addition, the Club has supplies for feeds and treatments available for members to buy, as well as loan hives and sale equipment.

Get Involved

We are a friendly, welcoming club so please do get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Email us at: enquiries@ddbka.co.uk