The BeeHolder, July 2010

Are you one of those people who just can’t help volunteering for things, no matter how busy you are? Well, I’m one of those people! Fascinated by the talk that Pam Gregory gave to the MBKA a couple of years ago about Bees Abroad, when I heard about the volunteer day that Bees Abroad were holding this March at Stoneleigh Park, I just couldn’t resist going along. Just as well, as it turned out, as I was the only person there from Wales (aside from Pam, of course). I also seemed to be the only person who didn’t already have some connection with Africa, or with development projects, so I feared I might be a little out of my depth. But Bees Abroad needs help in lots of different areas, so I was reassured that there were things I could help with.

For those of you who didn’t attend Pam’s talk, or who haven’t heard of Bees Abroad, they are a small UK-registered charity, dedicated to supporting beekeeping projects in developing countries. They send volunteer project managers to work with local community groups to develop beekeeping projects which will become self-sustainable. Using indigenous bees and techniques appropriate for each location, Bees Abroad offers training and support in beekeeping including making hives and protective clothing from local materials (we were shown photos of some very imaginative use of maize sacks, for example), managing bees, collecting and storing honey, and getting it to market. Bees Abroad advise on the production of honey and other saleable goods from the bi-products of beekeeping, together with marketing and business skills.  Bees Abroad projects are normally self-sustaining after five years.

There were about 20 potential volunteers and several of the Bees Abroad project leaders at the volunteer day. It began with an introduction by John Home, the Chairman, who is also a project leader in Kenya, supported by his wife Mary who works with the women, helping them to make cosmetics and set up small rural businesses. Then we were given a lightning tour of what Bees Abroad does in the various countries where it operates – Pam Gregory spoke about her project in Malawi; Brian Durk showed us some hair raising photos of the route to his project in Cameroon, which made us realise quite how remote some of these projects are; and Claire Waring, in between organising a delicious lunch and the biggest mound of chocolate biscuits you’ve ever seen, showed us photos of their project in Nepal.

Next we divided up into workshop groups to discuss what is needed to make a project sustainable. My group consisted of Brian Durk, Ronald from Uganda, who works as an accountant in this country, knows nothing about beekeeping, but is already running a chicken-raising project in Uganda, Keith from Southport who intends to set up a beekeeping project in northern Cyprus, Sally from Shepperton who has been a beekeeper for 20 years and makes cosmetics (as I do), and me. Being such a disparate bunch of people, we came up with some varied and interesting ideas, then gave feedback to the rest of the group.

After lunch we were given a description of what Bees Abroad does in this country, by the aptly named Jeff Bee. He explained that they give talks, have stands at shows, do fundraising, sell bee-related items, Christmas cards etc. They need help in all these areas, especially in developing internet sales. What sounds the more glamorous side, though Claire assured us it was very hard work, is organising Bees Abroad holidays. She showed us photos of some of the holidays that she has organised – to Nepal to see the honey hunters in action, to Cameroon, Thailand, the Yucatan, Cambodia, Rumania and to Chile where there’s a commercial operation harvesting active honey (similar to manuka honey) which I believe is sold at Waitrose. After this we again broke up for workshop discussions about how to raise the profile of Bees Abroad in this country. How about running a marathon dressed as a fluffy bee??

So – whilst running a marathon might be beyond me - what am I going to do for Bees Abroad? Well, I’ve written this account for a start, which might generate some interest and possibly a response. I will volunteer to help at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. And, who knows, maybe I’ll develop a line of beeswax & honey soaps especially for Bees Abroad. As a certain famous retailer is fond of saying, every little helps. Why don’t you volunteer to help them too? Visit www.beesabroad.org.uk to find out more.

Jane Frank (Former Secretary MBKA)