Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers

I suppose it must be about thirty years ago now. I was representative for one of the local Ulster beekeepers´ associations on the management committee. Puddling along in our own quiet way, as thousands of committees do, when the new representative for Dromore took his place. Things were about to change and how.

Michael Young, the new representative for Dromore, was exactly what was needed, although some did not think so at the time, but when elected chairman he helped the UBKA shake off the lethargy that had become endemic and was instrumental in introducing completely new concepts like joining CONBA, some of us had not even heard of it. He introduced Honey Shows far and wide and who were we to argue. I supposed that anyone who manages to capture the World Cup of Beekeeping at the National knows what he is about. So we all joined in the excitement and beekeeping was being talked about everywhere.
Soon we were twinned with South Tipperary BKA; this in a time when the Troubles were at their height and going south of the border was akin to entering Beirut.

We were now talking international stuff. Leader II monies financed the building of a bee-house for each of the nine associations. American speakers for the Conference each year, but with all this, there was still that lingering parochial, out-on-a-limb feeling, where we only met socially at the annual conference, we needed more socialising, more fun.

So the Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeeping was born. From a small group tossing ideas around in a potting shed has grown a whole new, more integrated circle of Beekeepers dedicated to the advancement of Apiculture in the Province and advancing the Province in the wonderful world of Apiculture. At the centre of it all, providing the stimulus is Michael, his enthusiasm driving everyone to try some new idea which always seems to be just what was needed; so trying to join the British Beekeepers Association, was, we thought, a lofty target indeed, to aim at. Now we are fully affiliated with the BBA and have a pivotal role to play in the larger world of apiculture from within this august organisation, all of it quite due to the machinations of the redoubtable Michael. It is now expected and no doubt commented disparagingly on, if the conferences are not filled with international speakers whose reputation is known to all and sundry within and without the bee world.

It is now probably known throughout the whole beekeeping fraternity that Michael has been awarded the MBE for his efforts in promoting the Honey bee and bringing the threat of decimation which hangs so precipitously over the head of this wonderful friend of mankind, to the notice of the general public. I heartily congratulate him and it is well-earned. Such an award shines out like a diamond and illuminates the whole of the Beekeeping fraternity. Let us make sure that we are worthy of it.