Meet our dedicated team
Our committee is made up of dedicated unpaid volunteers with diverse beekeeping and life experiences. They are passionate about fostering local beekeeping through an inclusive and supportive network.
Representing the members, they work closely with the Essex Beekeeping Association and its other divisions, meeting regularly year-round.
Working together, they keep members informed, manage the division’s assets, organise training and events, engage with local schools and groups, and support members in their beekeeping journeys.
Feedback, open discussion and involvement are encouraged, so please reach out to any committee member to discuss any issue, suggestions for improvement, or if you’re interested in helping in anyway.
We’d love to hear from you.
“We want to ensure our member’s beekeeping experience is the best it can be.”
Gill Powell, Chair
Gill Powell
Chair
Committee Chair since 2024, Gill has developed a true passion for bees and loves spending time in her bee-friendly garden. Grateful for the many friends she’s made through beekeeping, Gill enjoys helping educate local communities through school visits, local events and mentoring new beekeepers.
Kate Dannatt
Vice Chair
CEC Delegate & Trustee
TBD
Henry Swan
Finance & Membership Secretary
TBD
Maria Little
Secretary & Newsletter Editor
In addition to her duties as Secretary, Maria brings over ten years of beekeeping expertise to her role as Newsletter Editor and leads the coordination and design of our popular Introduction to Beekeeping Course.
Antony Stark
President & bee health Adviser
President since 2026, Antony has been keeping bees for over 15 years. He enjoys training newcomers on our Introduction to Beekeeping course and advises on bee health. Antony is also our point of contact for mitigations against the threats of Yellow Legged (Asian) Hornets.
Jan French
Education & Honey Show
Jan joined Braintree Beekeepers in 2008 (although in her youth she experienced a year working alongside a bee farmer). She loves entering her honey products into shows and sitting beekeeping exams – she encourages members to do the same and is equally thrilled when they do well.
Adrian Jones
Swarm Coordinator
Adrian began beekeeping in the New Forest over five years ago before joining Braintree Beekeepers. As Swarm Coordinator, he manages swarm collection and re-homing, while offering support and advice to fellow members and the local community.
Tom Smith
Health & Safety
TBD
Bridget Mudd
Container & Assets Coordinator
Bridget has kept bees for 17 years acting as a mentor for many during that time. Her role is to record and log our equipment, most of which are available on loan to members – Honey extractors are particularly in demand during the summer so contact Bridget to book a loan!
Jan van de Pol
Apiary Manager & Assets Coordinator
Jan has been a passionate beekeeper since 2025, with a particular interest in rescuing and rehousing swarms. As one of the division’s Apiary Managers, he enjoys supporting fellow beekeepers whilst promoting the importance of honeybees and other pollinators in the local environment.
John Rosie
Digital Media
Passionate about bees and the effective engagement with our different communities, John is responsible for the content and design of our website, social media and branding.
“Our committee members bring a wealth of expertise and a passion for beekeeping that inspires our entire community.”
Antony Stark
President of Braintree Beekeepers