Newent Beekeepers Association was holding its annual social meeting at Newent Library yesterday (Thursday).

The new president is Norman Trafford. He fills the vacancy left by Robin Hooper, who died earlier this year.

A new volunteer apiary manager, Bernie Danvers, takes over from Tony Boonham, who is retiring. Christine Birkan remains the chairman.

The group will meet again on the first Thursday in February, when it will be preparing to run another of its popular courses in practical beekeeping. This will begin in May.