In Issue 75

Dear friends

As we go to press, we are making final plans for the Apimondia Congress taking place in Dublin in August. This is going to be an amazing event for bee enthusiasts from around the world, covering every aspect of bees, beekeeping and apicultural science. Every day there will be special events concerned with beekeeping and rural development: more details are shown below. Each Apimondia Congress represents the best chance in our field of apiculture, to meet colleagues, make new contacts and keep up to date with the new developments and research. Bees for Development will be there of course, and we hope to meet you there too!

Nicola Bradbear, Director Bees for Development

Bees for Development

1 Agincourt Street, Monmouth NP25 3DZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)1600 714848 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org

39th APIMONDIA International Apicultural Congress

Dublin, Ireland 21-26 August 2005 Standing Commission for Beekeeping for Rural Development

In addition to the Plenary Session on Monday 22 August during the following three days, 23-25 August, a series of 33 short practical sessions will demonstrate a diversity of apicultural skills, including

- Candle making

- Hive making

- Processing bee products

- Hives for stingless bees

- Management tips

- Pollination

- Solar-wax extractors

- Top-bar hives

- Soap making

It is not necessary to register separately for these workshops: participation is included in your Congress Registration Fee

Workshop: Botanical origin and quality of honey, 22 August

The Standing Commission for Pollination and Bee Flora will organise this Workshop in co-operation with NECTAR (the Netherlands Expertise Centre for Tropical Apicultural Resources) and the International Honey Commission, endorsed by the FAO of the UN. An introduction to simple methods of microscopic analysis of the botanical origin of honey and related characteristics, with the focus on pollen analysis. Intended for people from developing countries, but others are invited to take part if capacity allows. Contact m.j.sommeijer@bio.uu.nl

ApiExpo

In the exhibition halls there will be a large area organised by the Apimondia Standing Commission Beekeeping for Rural Development, where people from projects in developing countries can meet and display information about their work. Space is limited so contact us in advance if you want to bring a display.

World Honey Show

Classes for beeswax, candles, mead and honey confectionary. Entry forms from website.

Contact:

Web: www.apimondia2005.com

Email: apimondia2005@ovation.ie

PHILIP McCABE'S BEE BEARD

This is a special fund-raising opportunity marking the Apimondia Congress 2005. On 25 June Philip McCabe, Chairman of Apimondia Ireland 2005 and President of the Federation of Irish Beekeeping Associations, will attempt to wear a beard of 500,000 bees, to enter the organisation, Béthar and Bees for Development Trust. Please sponsor Philip in this record-breaking attempt! It is easy to sponsor him at www.justgiving.com/beebeard or www.beesfordevelopment.org

BILL TURNBULL'S LONDON MARATHON

In April Bill Turnbull completed the London Marathon, wearing a full beekeeper's suit complete with veil, in just over four and a half hours. According to Bill: 'The beekeeping suit was terrific people cheering every step of the way - many saying "Oh - Bees for Development - what's that?" Bill has raised over 3,500 in sponsorship for the Bees for Development Trust! Our sincere thanks to everyone that sponsored Bill. If is not too late to contribute to the fund: just go to www. justgiving.com/beekeepers.

Honey Trade Workshop 19-20 August 2005

The two days prior to the Apimondia Congress Venue: Jurys' Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin (near to the Apimondia Congress venue)

Purpose:

To assist honey producer organisations in developing countries to know requirements for honey export to the EU.

Registration Fee: (Registration at www.apimondia2005.com)

Participants from developing countries: €100

Participants from other countries: €200

Organiser: Bees for Development

Participation is limited, and applicants from developing countries will be given priority