Our Association

Thanet Beekeepers Association (TBKA) was founded in 1947 by a group of beekeepers from within and around Thanet. We are a member of The British Beekeepers Association. TBKA has over 60 club members and the geographical area broadly covers St Nicholas at Wade to Broadstairs, and Margate down to Sandwich.

We have a club apiary located at Manston where we hold weekly meetings throughout the beekeeping season, usually from April until September. We offer hands-on beekeeping with help and guidance from our apiary managers and experienced beekeepers.

Once a month (during the beekeeping season) we have a meeting at different members’ apiaries, giving a more varied experience. These are followed by tea and cakes and give members a chance to get to know other beekeepers, chat about experiences and discuss beekeeping issues with like-minded people.

We offer a winter program of training lectures in different aspects of beekeeping, talks from experienced beekeepers or mini workshops on candle making, skep making and other hive products.

Our association is committed to the advancement of beekeeping knowledge and awareness among our members and the public. We are active and supportive of beekeepers at all levels of the craft and we give occasional presentations to interested groups in the wider public.

A warm welcome awaits you and a taster session can be arranged if you would like to come and see what we can offer you.  If you are interested in joining our association, require more information or would like to support the club please contact the club secretary, or see our Become a Member page.

Our club apiary is located at Manston. During the beekeeping season (usually April till September) our hives are inspected weekly, usually on a Sunday morning. All members are welcome, regardless of experience, to learn new skills and mentor each other. 

While most of our hives are nationals or WBC you will also have the opportunity to compare these to Langstroth hives.

We keep a small supply of beekeeping equipment for purchase and collection at the apiary meetings.