THIS year's annual meeting of the Okehampton branch of Devon Beekeepers was held at Shelley Methodist Hall, South Zeal.

There was a record attendance with some 33 members and prospective members present. The Okehampton branch currently has 68 paid up members and treasurer Jim Sampson said that this was also a record — more than he could recall during his 50 years association with Okehampton Beekeepers.

Branch chairman Ray King thanked those members who had held summer meetings at their apiaries or hosted committee meetings at their houses.

Branch officers Margaret Harris (secretary), Jim Sampson (treasurer) and Malcolm Craig (Okehampton Show secretary) then gave their reports to the meeting.

The meeting unanimously voted to re-elect Ray for the coming year. Margaret Harris, Jim Sampson, Malcolm Craig and Will Pyne were duly re-elected.

Marion Minton was proposed as branch librarian for the coming year. Existing committee members were re-elected and Maggie Gill was also elected.

Branch president Jim Sampson gave his report and thanked members for their support and good wishes.

The Okehampton Branch is a friendly and welcoming group. Its next meeting is on Tuesday, December 8 when the new seasonal bee inspector, Clare Densley, will be giving a talk on 'Bees and Us – Why do we keep Bees?'