Eglinton kids to meet Beeb bee enthusiast

Best known as a BBC Breakfast presenter Mr Turnbull is also President of the Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers.

Pupils at Eglinton are taking part in the ‘Culture of Bees and Us’ project which has educated them on the importance of bees and working with artist Eleanor Wheeler they have created clay bees to contribute to an art installation called ‘Honeybee Democracy.’

This ‘swarm’ of 2013 bees created by 10 schools, will move from cultural venue to cultural venue until it finds its final resting place.

Now they also have the added delight of not only meeting Bill, who is an avid bee keeper, but also to view live bees at work on their honeycombs.

Speaking ahead of the visit Mr Turnbull said: “I am excited about visiting the school with the observation hive and hearing what the children have learned. We hope that through this project the value of the honeybee to our society will have been impressed upon these young minds.”

Principal Lorna Blair said: “It will be a real education experience for the children to view the live bees. It will cement the knowledge of bees that they received in the workshop.”

Mr Turnbull is visiting the City as part of the ‘Culture of Bees and Us’ project, a partnership initiative between Derry City Council, the Derry & District Beekeepers, Roe Valley Beekeepers Association and The Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers.

The project celebrates the symbolic, historical and cultural importance of bees, their products and us.