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Beekeepers' Harvest Thanksgiving Service 2007 - 14th October - 6.30pm
Further details here

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Beekeepers’ Harvest Thanksgiving Service - 2006

Beekeepers from all counties in Northern Ireland plus a few from the neighbouring counties of the Republic of Ireland gathered in St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena for the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association annual service. Also present was Ture Holm, a beekeeper from Gothenberg in Sweden with his wife and son. They found the details of the service on the Internet, www.ubka.org. His son works in the entertainment business in Belfast and their visit coincided with the service.

The Church was beautifully decorated with fruit, flowers and honey by both the congregation and the Mid Antrim Beekeepers’ Association. There was a wonderful tableau of Beekeeping equipment amongst the fruit and flowers under the West window and on the sill of each of the many beautiful stained glass windows, honey joined the more traditional decorations.

The rector, Chancellor Stuart Lloyd conducted the service and was assisted by the Curate assistant Rev. Amanda Adams. Rev. Canon John Bell, who is the Chairman of Killinchy Beekeepers’ Association, preached the sermon. Séan Barrett, representing the President of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations read the Old Testament lesson and Rev Margaret Johnston, the President of the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association, read the New Testament lesson.

The inspirational music was led by the choirs of St. Patrick’s, Ballymena and of St. Colmanell’s, Ahoghill. They sang two beautiful John Rutter anthems, "I will sing with the Spirit" and "All things bright and beautiful."

At the reception after the service Rev. Margaret Johnston congratulated St. Patrick’s on an excellent service and Mid Antrim Beekeepers’ Association on their part in all the arrangements. Margaret thanked the catering committee of the Mothers’ Union who had provided an excellent supper. She singled out for special thanks Lorraine McBride who is both the Mid Antrim secretary and the secretary of St. Patrick’s. Séan Barrett brought greetings from The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations. Hilda McClure welcomed everyone on behalf of the Local association, Mid Antrim.

Norman Walsh,
43 Edentrillick Rd.
Hillsborough,
BT26 6PG.
N.Ireland.
0044 28 9268 2578.

Beekeepers Rejoice.

Nowhere else in Britain or Ireland do Beekeepers hold a Harvest Thanksgiving Service. As in other years, the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association will be holding its service on Sunday evening, 8th October. The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association comprises the associations in Fermanagh, Mid Ulster, Roe Valley, Mid Antrim, East Antrim, Randalstown, Belfast, Killinchy and Dromore, so Beekeepers will be travelling from a wide area to attend. 2006 was an excellent year for bees and honey.

This year the service will be held in St.Patrick’s Parish Church in Ballymena and will be hosted by the local Association, Mid Antrim. This is the first time the service has been held in that area and a good turnout is expected.

St Patrick’s Church, in Castle St Ballymena has a strong musical tradition and at this service the choir of St. Colmanell’s from Ahoghill will join with the choir of St Patrick’s. The Church has a ring of twelve bells and also some beautiful stained glass windows.

The special guest preacher at the service, which will commence at 6.30 PM, will be Rev. Canon John Bell who is also the chairman of Killinchy Beekeepers’ Association. The lessons will be read by beekeepers; Rev. Margaret Johnston, the President of the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association, will read one lesson and Mr Séan Barrett, who will be representing the President of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations will read the other.

All Beekeepers, plus their friends, and indeed, anyone interested in joining in an inspiring Harvest Festival Service, will be made very welcome.

Notes for Editors:

1. The secretary of St. Patrick’s Church is also the secretary of Mid Antrim Beekeepers’ Association. Her phone number is 2564 0872.
2. Rev Canon John Bell may be contacted at 4483 1907.

The Ulster Beekeepers' Association Shield

The Ulster Beekeepers’ Association Shield was awarded for the second time at the Annual Conference in April 2005. Each Association was invited to record details if their activities during the preceding year. These were scrutinised by an independent panel and the three Associations adjudged to have made the most progress were invited to nominate a beginner in Beekeeping to make a presentation describing how their membership of their Association had benefited them personally. The winner was presented with the Shield and a cheque for £75.00, second recieved a cheque for £50.00 and third a cheque for £25.00.

2006 Winner : Mid Ulster Beekeepers’ Association

Second : Mid Antrim Beekeepers’ Association

2005  Winner: Fermanagh Beekeepers’ Association 

Second: Dromore and District Beekeepers’ Association           

Third: Killinchy and District Beekeepers’ Association                     

2004    Winner: Mid-Ulster Beekeepers’ Association         

Runner-up: Fermanagh Beekeepers’Association

World Cup Winners

2004:  Norman Walsh. Norman is to be congratulated for winning the World Cup for a second time.  He brings great honour to the UBKA and his award reflects the high quality of our Northern Ireland honey.