Wings & things - by Roxanne Gould

It is an honour to write to you as your new Chairperson, and I would like to begin by offering my sincere thanks to those who have brought us to this point. In particular, I want to recognise the dedication and steady leadership of our outgoing Chair, Malcolm Wilkie. His Chairman’s Chatter was a familiar and trusted voice, guiding the Association through the past few years. I am also deeply grateful to the committee members who have recently stepped down. Their time, expertise, and quiet commitment have helped build the strong, supportive Association we benefit from today.
I step into this role with respect for our traditions and with real excitement for what lies ahead. Beekeeping is rooted in patience, observation, and shared knowledge passed from one generation to the next. Those values will remain at the heart of everything we do. At the same time, like any hive, we must continue to adapt if we are to thrive.
While beekeeping can often be a solitary pursuit, with many quiet hours spent alone among our hives, there is immense value in coming together to share what we have learned. The collective knowledge within this Association is one of our greatest strengths. By openly sharing successes, challenges, and hard-won lessons, we all become better beekeepers. I also believe there is much to be gained from building closer relationships with like-minded organisations in neighbouring areas, allowing ideas and support to flow more freely across our wider beekeeping community.
I look forward to working with you all, listening carefully, and helping our Association grow, together and in balance. If you have any ideas for the future, please reach out to me at: the.hwbka+chair@gmail.com