Bees for Development Journal 129 December 2018
Telling the bees about Philip Philip McCabe 1945-2018 It was a shock for the beekeeping world to learn of the untimely death of Philip McCabe, President of Apimondia, the World Federation of Beekeepers Associations. Philip died in Ireland in late October. Apimondia chose 7 December, the day celebrated in many nations as St Ambrose’s day, as a fitting day for a memorial for Philip. Philip was a third generation beekeeper, well known in Ireland as a beekeeping lecturer, eventually becoming President of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations in 2002. Philip stepped into the international beekeeping world by masterminding the 2005 Apimondia Congress in Dublin – a highly successful event. Organising this Congress sparked Philip’s interest in Apimondia – a venerable organisation with a long and complex history, and indeed by 2015 he had become its President! Philip was building an international network of beekeeping contacts by whom he was highly regarded. It was my pleasure to work with Philip during these years. He was a man gifted with phenomenal energy, who began tirelessly travelling and presenting Apimondia across the globe. People quickly warmed to Philip for he was always interested, always courteous, always striving to achieve the very best for beekeepers and for Apimondia. In the run up to the Dublin Congress – and to create publicity for the event – Philip decided to attempt the World Bee Beard Record. He took the chance to raise sponsorship for an Irish charity and Bees for Development too. The world’s press assembled on the appointed June day, as Philip stood in front of them dressed only in goggles and underpants! His carefully prepared bees were persuaded to assemble upon him. Watching this I began to appreciate Philip’s confidence and verve!
Issue 129 December 2018 In this issue
page
9th National Honey Week and 1st Apiculture Congress........... 3 Facts about beeswax................ 5 Notice Board............................ 8 Ubwiza bwa Nyungwe Beekeepers Union................... 9 News .................................11,16 Pesticides and bees – an overview ...........................14 Book Shelf...............................17 Look Ahead.............................19
Telling the bees: The illustration above shows the custom whereby families must inform their bees of births, marriages and deaths. In the picture, Grandma is telling the bees that her husband, the beekeeper has died. She has arrived a little early in the evening and while placing some black material, has annoyed one bee which has lodged in Maude’s hair! Sister Hannah looks on with supressed merriment. Picture reproduced with kind permission from Mr David Charles
As President of Apimondia, Philip was just getting into his stride, achieving good prospects for the organisation. Under his leadership last October’s Congress in Istanbul was an immense success. When beekeepers from many diverse cultures assemble, there are the inevitable communication challenges, and Philip showed his diplomatic skills – eager always to see everyone’s contentment. We will miss him.
Nicola Bradbear Director, Bees for Development
Bees for Development Journal Produced quarterly and sent to readers in over 130 countries Editor: Nicola Bradbear PhD Co-ordinator: Helen Jackson BSc Subscriptions cost £26 per year - see page 18 for ways to pay Readers in developing countries may apply for a sponsored subscription. Apply online or see page 19. Bees for Development Works to assist beekeepers in developing countries. Bees for Development Trust gratefully acknowledge: Artemis Charitable Trust, E H Thorne (Beehives) Ltd, Ethiopiaid,
Cover picture: A Majengir beekeeper sets off for the forest in south west Ethiopia. He carries his precious rope for climbing trees and for hauling hives and honeycomb, a basket to hold honeycomb as it is harvested and lowered out of the tree, a calabash ‘rucksack’ to carry the harvest home, and a bundle of reeds to use as a torch at night time. Majengir people gain most of their income from beekeeping and are very important guardians of the forest. Photographed in December 2018 by Milan Wiercx van Rhijn, Bees for Development.
Hub Cymru Africa, Millom Rotary Club, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Stroud Buzz Club, The Rotary Foundation, Rowse Honey Ltd, UK Aid Direct, The Waterloo Foundation, Welsh Government,Yasaeng Beekeeping Supplies and many other kind individuals and organisations. Copyright You are welcome to translate and/or reproduce items appearing in Bees for Development Journal as part of our Information Service. Permission is given on the understanding that the Journal and author(s) are acknowledged, our contact details are provided in full, and you send us a copy of the item or the website address where it is used.
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