‘Bee-spoke’ book and family sessions at Museum are due soon
The bee has long been a symbol of pride and working together in Manchester and now that history has made its way into a new book dedicated to the city’s children and with a series of offers in conjunction with Manchester Museum.
The book, called Billie Bee and the secret glue that holds Manchester together, is a story of friendship, acceptance and adventure, with the irrepressible Billie Bee getting into a sticky situation which ultimately leads to major discovery for Manchester.....but, can the hive survive?
Written, illustrated and produced by the Council’s communications team, the book has been dedicated to all the city’s children for being kind, and is being made available in print, digital and audio formats, along with an activity pack, to families across the city for free.
The move, launched today on World Bee Day, is part of the Council’s support for families during the cost-of-living crisis and is also part of its drive to help with reading across the city, as well as a focus on how it connects to Manchester.
One of the book’s central themes is around kindness – also a key tenet of Manchester Museum, which aims to be the most inclusive, imaginative and caring museum that people can visit.
The Museum also has more than 2 million specimens in its entomology collection, including bees, and will be offering family sessions in summer featuring the Billie Bee story, bee exhibits and other activities for families.
Expect information on hive hierarchy; flight itineraries (did you know that to produce just one pound of honey, bees collectively travel around 55,000 miles and visit 2 million flowers?); some interesting dance moves (waggle dance); and biological details galore (yes, bees have five eyes).
Cllr Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council, with a lead role in the city’s Making Manchester Fairer programme, said:
“This city and its children have so much potential. It’s great to celebrate that along with a creative opportunity to marry books, culture, history and fun with offers for families that help, especially during the holidays.
Ciaron Wilkinson, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Manchester Museum, said:
“As we strive to be the museum Manchester really needs, it’s vital we address the issues that matter most to our communities. Through the book and accompanying events, we’re looking at how we can harness creativity to engage with families across the city at a time when many people are struggling. The core messages of inclusion and kindness closely align with our own values.”
Cllr Robinson, ends:
“We’d also urge any families with concerns over bills, benefits, debt or food worries to ring our dedicated cost of living advice line for free on 0800 023 2692. Or, visit: manchester.gov.uk/Family-Friend for other offers and details for families.