There will be a “buzz in the Derry air” next week when BBC Breakfast television presenter Bill Turnbull “wings” his way to the city.
Breakfast TV’s Bill Turnbull.
Bill, president of the Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers, Bill Turnbull will be visiti Eglinton Primary School on Friday, 27 September, to showcase a host of live bees that have been installed in a glass observational hide.
Pupils at the school are taking part in the “Culture of Bees and Us” project which has educated them on the importance of bees and working with artist Eleanor Wheeler they have created clay bees to contribute to an art installation called “Honeybee Democracy.”
The “swarm” of 2013 bees created by 10 schools will move from cultural venue to cultural venue until it finds its final resting place. They also get the added delight of not only meeting Bill, who is an avid bee keeper, but also to view live bees at work on their honeycombs.
The TV presenter said he was “excited” about visiting the Derry school and hearing what the children have learned.
He added: “We hope that through this project the value of the honeybee to our society will have been impressed upon these young minds.”
School principal, Lorna Blair, said pupils were looking forward to the visit.
She added: “It will be a real education experience for the children to view the live bees. It will cement the knowledge of bees that they received in the workshop.”
The TV presenter’s visit to the city is part of the “Culture of Bees and Us” project, a partnership initiative between Derry City Council, the Derry and District Beekeepers, Roe Valley Beekeepers Association and the Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers.
Mayor Cllr. Martin Reilly, who is hosting a reception for the project participants, said he was delighted the BBC Breakfast host was coming to the city.
He said: “We are pleased to welcome Bill Turnbull who is a great ambassador for the honey bee through his television work and as President of the INIB. I hope that Bill and the other visiting bee keepers enjoy their time in the City and that local people also visit the Honey Show which is a new and unique event for Derry.”
This project is funded by The Big Lottery through its ‘Culture for All’ programme and the public can become involved at The Beekeeper’s Gathering & Honey Show which is being held on Saturday the 28th September 2013 at the Guildhall from 11.15am to 4.30pm. Bee Craft demonstrations and free honey tasting will be available, so please come along and enjoy the ‘food of the gods’ and marvel at the beautiful range of honey colours and tastes.
For more information on the ‘Culture of Bees and Us’ project, the Gathering and Honeyshow visitwww.derrycity.gov.uk/
