The annual election of officers and committee members took place, with Mark Millard (MM) confirming that all current officers and committee members had been contacted in advance to establish whether they wished to stand for re-election. One committee member did not respond and was therefore assumed not to be standing again.
Ivor Flatman (IF) confirmed he was happy to continue in his role as President. This was proposed by MM and seconded by Philip Watson (PW), with all attendees in agreement.
MM stated that he was willing to step down as Chairman should another member wish to take on the role but confirmed he was happy to continue supporting the association. As no other nominations were received, IF proposed MM to continue as Chairman, seconded by Michael Sykes (MS), and the proposal was unanimously agreed.
Graham Browster (GB) was proposed by MS and seconded by Kirit Gordhandas (KG) to continue as Vice Chairman, which was also unanimously agreed.
MM announced that Charles Beal (CB) had kindly agreed to take on the role of Secretary and gave a brief introduction at the meeting. With no other nominations, CB was proposed by IF and seconded by GB, and elected with full agreement.
The Treasurer’s role was discussed at length. MM reported that one member had previously expressed interest but had not responded to nomination requests. KG explained the responsibilities of the position, including use of the BBKA Er2 membership system, but no volunteers came forward. MM emphasised that the association could not operate without a Treasurer and that paying for the role was not feasible due to limited income beyond membership fees, honey sales, and the beginners’ course.
MM asked KG if he would be willing to continue managing the essential financial tasks remotely for another year, primarily handling capitation and bill payments. KG agreed to act in a bookkeeper capacity on the condition that his membership fees be covered by the association, as full membership is required for access to the Er2 system. This arrangement was proposed by GB, seconded by PW, and approved.
Agreed Officer Positions
- Chairman – Mark Millard
- Vice Chairman – Graham Browster
- Secretary – Charles Beal
- Treasurer – Kirit Gordhandas
- President – Ivor Flatman
Committee Members
- Keith Dobson
- Diane Simmons
- Mel Hallas
- Paul Gearey (who also volunteered to take responsibility for sugar supplies and sales)
This was proposed by MS and seconded by GB, with all present in favour.
Supportive Roles
- Webmaster: Richard Senior
- Newsletter & Facebook: Jo Brown (confirmed prior to the meeting)
- Emley Show: Mark Millard (continuing; open to future succession by another member interested in joining the Emley Show Committee)
- Apiary Managers: Ivor Flatman and Mark Millard (both continuing)
- Asian Hornet Coordinator: Ivor Flatman (continuing, though open to handing over the role; spring monitoring to be a priority)
Trustees
- Richard Ibbotson
- Mark Millard
MM explained that these trustee roles relate to the Thornes Park lease, for which both are signatories. Transferring the lease to new trustees would incur legal fees exceeding £1,000, so both Richard and Mark have agreed to continue in these positions for as long as they remain active members of the association.
The meeting concluded with thanks to all officers, committee members, and volunteers for their continued service and commitment to the success of Wakefield & Pontefract Beekeepers Association.