About Us
About Us
The Romford Beekeepers originated as a division of the Essex Beekeepers' Association (EBKA)
The Romford Beekeepers originated as a division of the Essex Beekeepers’ Association (EBKA) in the early 20th century, when the EBKA was formed with the goal of promoting bee culture. The division has grown to become one of the largest in the EBKA, serving the boroughs of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, and Brentwood, and it continues to support hobbyist beekeepers today.
- Formation: The Romford Beekeepers became a local division of the Essex Beekeepers’ Association (EBKA). The EBKA itself was founded with a chairman named Rev. George Raynor and the Earl of Rosslyn as president, with its aim to improve beekeeping for the agricultural and other working classes.
- Growth: The EBKA continued to grow over the years, leading to the creation of local divisions like Romford to serve specific areas within the county.
- Current status: The Romford Beekeepers are now one of the largest divisions within the EBKA, with over 100 members. They are an active association for hobbyist beekeepers in the Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, and Brentwood areas.
The Romford Division is one of the oldest and most active branches of the Essex Beekeepers Association (EBKA), with a proud history dating back to 1932.
The EBKA itself was founded in 1880, just six years after the formation of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA). As beekeeping grew across Essex, local divisions were created to better support members. The Romford Division was established to serve beekeepers in what is now the London Borough of Havering, as well as parts of East London including Ilford, Dagenham and Redbridge, and surrounding areas such as Brentwood and other parts of Essex.
From its earliest days, the Romford Division has been dedicated to supporting both new and experienced beekeepers. Practical help, mentoring and education have always been at the heart of what we do. The division runs regular meetings and events where members can share knowledge, develop skills and keep up to date with best practice.
Our activities include encouraging queen rearing, maintaining division apiaries where hands-on learning takes place, and promoting high standards of bee health and husbandry. We also engage with the wider community through school visits, public talks, and demonstrations of beeswax products.
Supporting New Beekeepers
Welcoming and supporting new beekeepers is a key part of the Romford Division’s ethos. Beginners are encouraged to attend our Beginner Beekeeping Course, which covers everything from hive setup and seasonal management to disease recognition and bee health.
Following training, new beekeepers are paired with experienced mentors who provide practical guidance through hive inspections, colony management and problem solving during their early years.
If you are interested in becoming a beekeeper, please visit our dedicated beginners’ page or contact us at
Lindybees.education@gmail.com
Education and Outreach
In 2000, the Romford Division was awarded £5,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling the purchase of educational equipment to support training and outreach activities. Over the years, the division has also organised regular Bee Health Days, helping members share best practice and improve standards across the association.
Our Ongoing Legacy
- One of the largest divisions within the EBKA, with over 100 members
- Active across Havering, Barking & Dagenham, and parts of Essex
- Annual beginner courses and taster sessions
- Members producing award-winning honey
- A strong commitment to community engagement, sustainability and pollinator awareness