The communion table in Randalstown (OC) Presbyterian Church was decorated with milk and honey and the main entrance porch had a lavish display of products of the beehive. The rest of this beautiful old Church was decorated with fruit and flowers in a more traditional Harvest style. The occasion was the Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Ulster Beekeepers' Association. This Service, which is unique in Britain and Ireland, is held in different churches throughout Northern Ireland. This year's service, on Sunday evening 18th October, was hosted by Randalstown & District Beekeepers' Association and beekeepers from all over Northern Ireland attended.

The special guests were Michael Gleeson, from Enfield, County Meath, the secretary of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations and his wife Rosemary and Dennis Ryan, from Clonmel, County Tipperary, the President of The Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations and his wife Carmel. Dennis read the first lesson and Rev. Margaret Johnston, the immediate past President of the Ulster Beekeepers' Association read the second. The Very Rev. Dr. Donald Patton, minister of the congregation, conducted the service and preached a sermon most appropriate to the occasion. The offering was divided between "Bees for Development," an International Charity which helps groups in third world countries develop the production and marketing of honey and beeswax and a beekeeping project in Zomba, Malawi.

After the Service a huge crowd of both beekeepers and members of the congregation moved to the Church hall where they received a wonderful supper provided by the Randalstown Beekeepers and the ladies of the congregation, who also served it.