Weybridge Beekeepers is one of eight divisions of the Surrey Beekeepers Association, a UK registered charity 1026386. SBKA was inaugurated in 1879 and is in turn a member of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA).
In 1895, rules and regulations were drawn up, as well as a programme of bee and honey shows. Much of the early success of the association stemmed from the use of bee experts appointed to inspect hives and to encourage better standards of beekeeping through education and advice to members.
The first association was established in 1879 as an affiliated branch of the British Beekeepers Association, with a committee and, apparently, local branches. A Bee Show was held in July 1879 in the grounds of The Firs, Guildford, home of Mr H Parson (vice-president) and about 60 members had subscribed to the association by 1880.
Over time, membership of the association grew and divisional branches became affiliated to the county association. Membership of SBKA in 1923 was 670, rising to 1650 in 1951.
Today SBKA currently consists of eight regional divisions, these being Croydon, Epsom, Farnham, Kingston, Guildford, Reigate, Weybridge and Wimbledon. Each division deals with beekeeping matters in its area. Weybridge Division dates back to the 1930s.
The Weybridge division currently has in excess of 130 members