Reigate Beekeepers Subscriptions and Classes of Membership

Our Classes of Membership are based on the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) structure. Please see notes at the foot of this post about membership of the BBKA.

• The ‘Membership Year’ commences on the 1st October each yrear.
• Receipts for Subscription fees paid will be issued by the RBKA Membership Secretary.

(1)     BBKA Registered Membership

For those people who intend to keep bees. Registered Members receive the following publications and insurance protection, in addition to the full membership benefits including access to the club apiaries, use of this website, library book service, beekeeping support and advice, participation in club events and lectures.

• BeeNews – the Reigate Beekeepers monthly magazine
• BeeCraft – ‘The Official Journal of the British Beekeepers’ Association’
• BBKA News – ‘The newsletter of The British Beekeepers’ Association, incorporating the British Bee Journal’
• Bee Diseases Insurance for up to three colonies (extra fee* applicable for additional colonies)
• Personal Indemnity Insurance with BBKA insurance scheme

2024/25 Subscription Rates – £69.50 (printed copy of BeeCraft) £61.75 (digital copy only of BeeCraft). Reduced rates are also available in the first year for new members only who join part way through the year.

(2)    BBKA Partner Membership

For Partners of Registered Members who wish to either keep their own or share their partners bees. Partner Members in addition to general full membership benefits, also receive similar insurance protection to Registered Members but it is assumed that they will have access to the BBKA and BeeCraft publications via the Registered Member, so they do not receive these individually.

• BeeNews – the Reigate Beekeepers monthly magazine (available by email only, if a separate email is address provided)
• Bee Diseases Insurance (Optional Extra)
• Personal Indemnity Insurance with BBKA insurance scheme

2024/25 Subscription Rate for Partner Members – £31.00

(3)    BBKA Junior Membership

For those under 18 years old who wish to keep bees and be a member of the British Beekeepers Association. They will receive the following publications and insurance protection.

• BeeNews – the Reigate Beekeepers monthly magazine
• BBKA News – ‘The newsletter of The British Beekeepers’ Association, incorporating the British Bee Journal’
• Personal Indemnity Insurance with BBKA insurance scheme

Please note that it is a BBKA requirement that the ‘Parent or Guardian’ of a Junior Member is themselves a Registered Member

Note – Under 18yr olds attending the Apiary must always be accompanied by an Appropriate Adult (Parent or Guardian) who needs to be a Registered Member and who must sign the disclaimer form available at the Apiary.)

2024/25 Subscription Rate for Junior Members – £29.00

(4)    BBKA Country Membership
For non-beekeepers or those who have ceased beekeeping and no longer need BDI and public liability insurance, but would like to stay in touch with the BBKA and beekeeping in general.  They receive the following publications.

• BeeNews – the Reigate Beekeepers monthly magazine (available via the RBKA Members website)
• BBKA News – ‘The newsletter of The British Beekeepers’ Association, incorporating the British Bee Journal’

2024/25 Subscription Rate for Country Members – £27.50

(5)    RBKA Associate Membership

For Registered or Partner members of other BBKA-affiliated associations who want to work on or near our bees. They must provide a valid BBKA insurance certificate before their membership application for this class will be accepted.

They receive the following publication.

• BeeNews – the Reigate Beekeepers monthly magazine (available via the RBKA Members website)

2024/25 Subscription Rate for RBKA Associate Members – £17.00

(6)    RBKA Social Membership

For members who do not want to work on or near our bees and do not require any benefits of Registered BBKA membership they receive the following publication.

• BeeNews – the Reigate Beekeepers monthly magazine (available via the RBKA Members website).

2024/25 Subscription Rate for Social Members – £10.00

* Bee Disease Insurance (BDI) 

The Association recommends that all its Registered and Partner members take out insurance against foul brood diseases to give adequate cover for the number of stocks owned. The insurance only covers colonies compulsorily destroyed under the Bee Disease and Pest Control order (England) 2006.  The Insurance premiums for up to 3 colonies is already included with subscription rates for Registered & Partner Members. Additional premiums need to be paid for additional colonies required to be covered. For up to 2 additional colonies, add £1.20; up to 7 additional colonies – add £4.70. For further additional colonies – ask the Treasurer. Failure to have adequate cover for all your colonies may invalidate any claim you may need to make.

Notes

Reigate Beekeepers Association is the Reigate Division of Surrey Beekeepers Association (SBKA). Surrey Beekeepers Association is the local Area Association of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA). Members of Reigate Beekeepers are also members of Surrey Beekeepers Association and of the British Beekeepers Association.

The BeeCraft publication is provided in either printed or digital format at discounted prices to Members of SBKA. Members receiving the printed version can also request the digital version at no extra cost.