Newbattle Beekeepers Association started in the grounds of Newbattle Abbey College in 2013 with 4 members of the Lamancha Beekeepers Association, established in 2010, and formerly based at Lamancha Organic Farm near West Linton. Through the dedication of its initial membership, the Newbattle Beekeepers' Association has grown to 170+ members and has become one of the foremost Scottish associations, trailblazing in the field of education for new and not so new beekeepers. The Association is a registered charity - SC049575.
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Examiners from the Scottish Beekeepers Association visited the NBA teaching apiary on Saturday 6 June to conduct the practical and oral Basic Beekeeper examination. Ten candidates presented for examination and all were awarded a Distinction. The final candidate will be examined before the end of the month.
A celebration lunch was held in the Bee Academy to mark the success of the eight NBA members.
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Bram Van Bunnik & Mentor Cecile Morin | Jake Donald & Mentor Jane Eckersall |
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David Duguid (l) & Examiner Martin Vevers (r) | Ewegene Eaton (l) & Examiner Alan Riach (r) | Emma Gordon (l) & Examiner Sarah Price (r) | Karen Mair & Mentor Ewan Mealyou |
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Jason Morenikeji & Helen Nelson, Trustee & Education Chair | Andrew Rae (l) & Mentor Ian Evans (r) | Marian Rae & Mentor Ian Evans | Katy Scott & Mentor Ewan Mealyou |
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Five members were nominated for the Scottish Beekeepers Association Affiliated Association Award given to members for recognition of the quality of their contribution within their Affiliated Association, and for their active promotion of the art and craft of beekeeping in the environment of the Association. The member must also be a current member of the Scottish Beekeepers Association and have been a member for at least seven years. Four of the Awards were presented by Scottish Beekeepers Association President, Enid Brown during her visit to the Bee Academy on Sunday 7 June 2026. |
Enid Brown, Scottish Beekeepers Association President presenting the Affiliated Association Awards |
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Josefine Schneidt-Frazer
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Ian Evans |
Enid also presented Martin Vevers the Apiarian and Expert Beemaster Certificate. Martin completed the final part of the examination in March when he delivered a presentation on an aspect of beekeeping to an audience of at least 15 people. Two examiners observed him doing this. Martin spoke about - Drone Laying Queens and Laying Workers to an audience of 23 people including the examiners. Leean Smyth Norel-Wilson & Diarmuid Cowan were successful in achieving their first module certificates earlier in the year. Leean was presented with her certificate by Enid and also accepted the certificate on behalf of Diarmuid. |
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Enid presenting Martin Vevers with the Apiarian & Expert Beemaster Certificate | Enid presenting Leean Smyth Norel-Wilson with her Module Certificate |
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NOT A MEMBER YET? | Why become a member?
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So You Want to Keep Bees!
Newbattle Beekeepers Association runs a course each year to help new beekeepers learn the art and craft of beekeeping. The course gives aspiring beekeepers a good working knowledge of both the theory and practical aspects of beekeeping.The 2024-25 course is now complete and the 2025-26 course is in progress. If you are interested in joining the association and becoming a participant in the 26-27 course starting in early July 2026 click on the link:>> I Want to Keep Bees
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Peter & Joyce Jack - wearing their Scottish Beekeepers Association Award Medals Presented in 2018 |
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| Karen Stevenson being presented with the NBA Quaich for the Best Exhibit on show. Her entry in class 18, Honey Chutney was judged to be the best overall entry. Karen was also presented with the Glass Art Trophy for the Best Honey on Show. |
| Rosemary Mackay also went home with two trophies. Here, she is being presented with the Baking Trophy, awarded for the most points accrued in classes 18 to 23. She also took the Joyce & Peter Jack Founders Cup for the highest number of points awarded to a member of NBA |
| The NBA 10th Anniversary Salver was awarded to Leean Smyth Norel-Wilson for gaining the most points as a first time exhibitor |
| The Best exhibit in class 25 or 26 (Craft & Photography) was judged to be the Lap quilt entered by Louise Hislop for which she was awarded the National Lottery Community Fund Trophy. Her winning entry can be seen in the background. |
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| Keep Exploring Discover our Performance and Achievements over the Past Years Scroll Down to Discover More |
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click on the month to find out more The Beekeeping Year |
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| For Newbattle - EH22 3LL |
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| Scroll Down to Discover More |
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| The Association is a Scottish Registered Charity | Also an Affiliated Beekeeping Association (ABA) of the Scottish Beekeepers Association (a Scottish Charity, SC009345) |
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