Caroline Thomson, Secretary and David Deane, Apiary manager of RAND&DBKA were given the pleasurable task of showing Preben and Clive the two key speakers, at this year's UBKA Conference the sights of Antrim prior to their presentations.

First stop was the new Antrim Civic Centre where we were met by the Mayor, Alderman Sam Dunlop, a bowling friend of David's. Sam gave us an extensive tour of the Civic centre, of which he is justifiable proud, including the beautiful stained glass window depicting various aspects of Antrim, including the Round Tower and the Lough Neagh Swans and finishing off with afternoon tea in the Mayor's Parlour.

Next stop was the Round Tower, at Antrim, one of only two round towers in Ireland and of great historical interest.

Next on the agenda was the apiary, where Preben and Clive, both expert beekeepers with many years experience, examined some of the hives.

After Clive expressing interest ion photography, our next port of call was Clotworthy House where we saw a fascinating exhibition of microscope slides prepared by Victorian microscopes and enhanced into beautiful photographs by Microscopist Dr Steve Lowry, a Research fellow at UUU.

Our last stop, before returning to Greenmount was to Lough Neagh, where we saw the swans in the flesh!!

Preben Kristiansen
Preben is Bee Disease Advisor for the Swedish Beekeepers Association, and has worked in a similar capacity in Denmark & Norway. He has travelled widely and studied beekeeping at Fairview College, Alberta, Canada. Since its foundation, he has been a member of the European Working Group for Integrated Varroa Control.

Clive de Bruyn
Clive's career has, in turn, included steelmaking, professional beekeeping, MAFF NBU Officer, many aspects of beekeeping consultancy in the UK and overseas, & finally back to professional beekeeping. He has published & lectured extensively.

All concerned thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. It was a most interesting experience for David and Caroline to learn something of their travels and work with bees worldwide.

| 27.3.2007 |