The information on this page has very kindly been provided to us by our long standing member Janet Kendall, who has very diligently sought out information in relation to the history of the Club. Janet started her quest to research the information in 1999 and this has seen her obtaining information from many archives which have included the following sources:-
Beekeepers Records 1897
Maidstone County Hall Archives
Modern Beekeeping by Herbert Mace published in 1927
British Bee Journals
Beecraft
Annual Honey Show Records & Show Secretarys Reports 1939 to 1999
AGM Minutes & Committee Meeting Minutes
Local Newspaper reports
Janet has kept a folder which contains many notes and press cuttings in relation to her findings. Unfortunately there is not enough room on this page to give enough credit to, or detail all her research. The facts published below are just a few pieces which have been extracted from her interesting findings.
1919 Ashford Club was founded. Mrs Fitall was the Branch Secretary in the 1960's. She recalls a piece of paper in her posession which stated that this was the year in which the club was founded.
1920 The Clubs first AGM was held. There were 40-members which were recorded at this time.
1960 The Branch Apiary was started in Elwick Road, Ashford.
1961 The Branch Apiary was moved to Dering Lodge, Smarden. This was later wiped out by disease and dispensed with.
1969 The Clubs 50th Celebration Dinner was held at the Odeon, Ashford
1970 An Apiary was decided to be opened at Champmast, Shadoxhurst.
1970 Associate Membership was introduced for family members. This increased the number of members and the number of entries to the annual Honey Show.
1971 The Apiary was established in Newchurch.
1980 The Apiary was moved to one of Geoff Archers Sites - the location of which is to be verified.
1982 The Apiary moved to Evegate Farm, Smeeth
1986 The Apiary was moved to its current location at Cheesemans Green, Mersham. In 1994 a building was erected at the Apiary site, which now serves as the Club HQ. This building was erected by Alan Bozac, Peter & Jenny Jackson and it was fully completed in 1999.
Ashford Club has over the years celebrated its share of members achievements by way of being presented with a number of Trophies, including the following:-
Philpott Trophy in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008.
Bee Cup 1999 & 2000
