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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Honey, Handicrafts and Hobbies – Everyone Has Something to Enter. Whether It's Honey, Baking, Photography or Crafting, We'd Love to See Your Entry. Showcase Your Skills, Celebrate Your Success. Your Bees, Your Bakes, Your Crafts, Your Show. A Great Show Needs Great Exhibits. Be Part of It! |
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WELCOME TO THE NEW HONEY ROOM & DISABLED TOILET FACILITY Grand Opening • 8 November 2026 |
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Gillian Grant & Helen Nelson were on hand to promote NBA and the art and craft of beekeeping to the many visitors to our market stall | We attended on Saturday 12 September | The Market Place of Ideas the view across the market place from behind our market stall |
Vogrie Pogrie is done and dusted for another year. We had a very successful day on Saturday, 12 September. This was the fifth year that we have participated and, as far as sales were concerned, it was our best year to date. Our volunteer team was very busy throughout the day, selling honey and other hive products and speaking with the many visitors to our market stall about the art and craft of beekeeping. One of the team, Colin Molloy, gave a short presentation at the "Twisty Oak", which was very well received by attendees. Many thanks to the 2026 Vogrie Pogrie Team. |
We were entertained throughout the day the music was live and loud |
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Another wonderful annual attendance at Edgehead Village Day on Saturday 15 August. The weather was kind, the atmosphere relaxed and friendly, St David’s Band made an amazing sound providing the entertainment and there were lots of opportunities to chat to lovely members of the public to promote the importance of bees.  |
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A glorious day at the NBA apiary on Saturday 18 July with beginners training, members volunteering for a busy work day cleaning equipment and cottage housekeeping, harvesting redcurrants and garden strimming followed by a delicious bbq organised by Edith and others. Thanks to all for their wonderful contribution.
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Another great year and lovely day at the Dalkeith Show on Saturday 11 July sharing about the Importance of Bees and engaging with the public. Observation hive and honey tasting were very popular with the visitors. Trade was brisk and our supply of honey was sold out by the end of the day. |
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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.
|  | Fiona Smith (r) with her Mentor Rowan Berry *Fiona was examined on Wednesday 24 June as she was unable to attend for examination on 6 June due to work commitments. |
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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
| Rosemary Mackay | Annette Evans |
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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 2025-26 course is now complete and the 2026-27 course is in progress. If you are interested in joining the association and becoming a participant in the 27-28 course starting in early July 2027 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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| We take your privacy seriously and this privacy notice sets out how we will use your data, who we will share it with, how we keep it secure and your rights as a data subject. We may change this policy from time to time so please check the full policy occasionally to ensure that you're happy with any changes. By using the website, you're agreeing to be bound by this policy. |
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