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Irish Examiner
01-08-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Catch the buzz: how to be better at ease around the ever-important bees
'Sun is shinin' in the sky / There ain't a cloud in sight…' Electric Light Orchestra's 'Mr Blue Sky' got it right: when the sun shines, we all want to be out to play. We're not the only beings to appreciate the warmer weather however: native Irish honeybees are also out there, making the most of sunshine, flying busily from flower to flower in search of nectar and pollen, and pollinating as they go. Occasionally, however, they may get a little distracted and blunder indoors. But before you panic and start swatting, just take a moment. Bees have far more to lose than you do if it comes to a stinging situation. Allergies aside, a bee sting is rarely fatal to anyone — except the bee itself — and these hard-working insects are already under threat from habitat loss, use of pesticides, and imported non-native honeybees. 'Bees are not attracted to human food,' says award-winning beekeeper Hanna Bäckmo of Cork-based Hanna's Bees. 'If something is interested in your food, it's probably a wasp. A good way to tell them apart is that the wasp has yellow legs, while a bee has brown or black legs.' CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB It might be a little difficult to focus on their legs while you try to protect your sweet treat but these creatures deserve more calmness than combat. 'The bees may have just strayed into your house and got lost,' says Bäckmo. 'There's nothing that would attract them, unless you have honey in the kitchen or are melting beeswax.' Gently shepherding bees towards the nearest window can easily rescue the situation... they have even less interest in being in your space than you have in keeping them there. And we need all those bees on active duty. Despite their diminutive size, they work hard at protecting biodiversity in ecosystems — the variety of plants and animals in a particular region — through pollination. According to the World Wildlife Fund, one in three mouthfuls of food that we eat depends on pollinators such as bees. Those little insects also contribute to the achievement of many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially food security, biodiversity and even helping cities and communities to be sustainable. It makes Bäckmo's fascination with bees very easy to understand. Hanna Bäckmo of Cork-based Hanna's Bees. Picture: Claire Keogh Originally from a small island in Sweden, Bäckmo moved to Ireland in 2001, spending almost 20 years as a self-employed wedding dress designer. 'Beekeeping came about accidentally,' she laughs. She bought a cottage on a half-acre plot in East Cork's Little Island and started gardening. 'I've always been interested in growing my own food and there are so many things that we can grow here that we couldn't grow at home [in Sweden]. Ireland is absolutely fabulous for growing food all year around. I planted lots of normal things — like potatoes and cucumbers — but also peaches and nectarines, then realised that they flower so early in the year that pollinators are hibernating.' For Bäckmo, there was a simple solution: 'The only way for me to get peaches was to get honeybees. The native Irish honeybee is a really reliable bee in our climate — they have evolved to survive here — and they're out pollinating even in the winter.' She did a beginner's beekeeping course in 2014, got her first hive in 2015, added another, and then just kept going. Her passion for bees has continued and Bäckmo now owns 70 hives: 'It became an obsession! For me it started with pollination, it was not about honey — I never really had a sweet tooth — but bees are fascinating creatures.' In 2019, she decided to make the jump from designing dresses for Cork brides into working full-time as a beekeeper. It was a prescient time to leave the wedding world: with the arrival of Covid lockdowns in 2020, that market collapsed overnight. Bäckmo doubled down on her bee business, harvesting raw honey, beeswax and propolis — a natural resin-like mixture made by bees which has been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties — from her hives to produce a range of products including reusable, eco-friendly beeswax wraps for food storage, raw honeys from different flowers, pure beeswax candles, bee pollen and propolis tincture. '! wanted to develop a range of products that are all coming from the bees and are helping people to stay healthy in a very natural way.' Hanna Bäckmo, Hanna's Bees. Photo by Andres Poveda Raw Irish honey from native Irish honeybees isn't cheap — one of Bäckmo's 340g jars of raw softset Irish honey is €10.50 — but recent publicity about adulterated imports has made people realise that it's worth spending money for the real deal. In a report from The Institute of International & European Affairs (IIEA) last year, researchers revealed that nearly half — 46% — of the honey imported into the EU was adulterated by sugar syrups. Now, Bäckmo says: "People want to be sure that they're getting real Irish honey and they are willing to pay the price for it. That's really uplifting.' When she initially started out, people just didn't understand why her honey cost so much compared to imports. The real question, as she points out, is why imported honey is so cheap. The real thing is priced to reflect the work: 'It takes a lot of effort to produce honey in Ireland,' adds Bäckmo, both from the native Irish bees battling our frequently inclement weather and from the beekeeper. We can help these fuzzy foragers out by planting with them in mind. 'Go for open flowers. With something like fuchsia, or even brambles, the nectar is protected from rain,' says Bäckmo. 'And don't use herbicides, fungicides or pesticides. We need to look at what we're doing, why we're doing it and make it better for all insects so that we can safeguard the means of food production.' Another simple thing you can do is to pick up a jar of honey made by native Irish bees from your local beekeeper so that when you spread honey across your breakfast toast, you can do so in the realisation that you're supporting pollinators in a most delicious way. And, always, think before you swat. Learn more about native Irish bees from Hanna Bäckmo at this year's Cork on a Fork Festival, where Hanna's Bees are taking part in talks and events including a teddy bear's picnic, a producers' bus tour and a beekeeper's picnic. More at
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rock legend cancels band's final show ever because of illness
Jeff Lynne had to cancel Electric Light Orchestra's (ELO) last show ever due health issues, according to the musician. ELO's final show on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour, was supposed take place at Hyde Park in London on Sunday, July 13. However, Lynne canceled the show the day before because of 'a systematic infection,' according to a statement on ELO's X page. 'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that we will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park Show,' the statement read. 'Jeff has been battling a systematic infection and is currently in the care of a team who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will be able to reschedule.' It continued, 'The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today — and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time." Ticket holders were directed to BST Hyde Park's website for refunds. ELO's penultimate show was also canceled due to Lynne's health. The band's show Thursday night, July 10 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England was set to be the second-to-last show on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour, but the concert was axed just minutes before showtime, according to NME. 'Unfortunately due to illness tonight's (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead,' a statement on ELO's X page read. 'Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.' Lynne has reportedly been struggling with his health while on tour. The musician broke his hand at the start of the final leg of the 'Over and Out' tour on July 5, Ultimate Classic Rock reported. Concertgoers have also shared concerns about the 77-year-old's health on social media. One fan wrote in a July 9 Facebook post that Lynne 'had to be helped onto the stage' and was 'missing his cues, forgetting words and almost collapsed two thirds of the way through' a concert they were at. 'They had to bring him a chair and he was struggling to stay on it. By the end of the concert the band had to sing Mr Blue Sky for him and his backing singers looked visibly shaken up,' the fan wrote. 'At the concert end the crew rushed onto the stage to help him off. So sad to see my musical hero in such a state. How on earth he will manage tomorrow's Mcr gig and Hyde park on Sunday I cannot imagine. Thanks Jeff for the fantastic music and enjoy your retirement. So So sad.' The final performance would have marked the end of a 55-year run for ELO, which formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England. The band released its eponymous debut album in 1971. ELO gained traction throughout the '70s and in the 1980s with hits like 'Evil Woman,' 'Turn to Stone,' 'Strange Magic' and 'Don't Bring Me Down,' which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard reported. ELO has since released 15 studio albums, with 'From Out of Nowhere' in 2019 being their most recent. Several of the band's albums, including 1977's 'Out Of The Blue,' have been certified platinum status in the U.S. by the RIAA. The band split up in 1983 after Lynne began feuding with manager Don Arden but the breakup was finalized in 1986 because of contractual agreements. ELO reunited for a short period from 2000 to 2001 but didn't begin touring again consistently until 2014. ELO made its United States performance debut in 2018 after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. More music content Live Wire: Tommy Whalen brings eclectic guitar showmanship to Theodores' Popular 2000s country artist loses younger brother in Texas floods Country singer 'in a bit of shock' after losing 2 family members on same day Legendary classic rock band cancels penultimate ever gig because of illness R&B icon slams 'misconception' she's 'too important to care' about being late Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary classic rock band cancels penultimate ever gig because of illness
Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) had to cancel its penultimate ever gig at the last minute due to an illness. The band's show Thursday night, July 10 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England was set to be the second-to-last show on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour,' but the concert was axed just minutes before showtime, according to NME. 'Unfortunately due to illness tonight's (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead,' a statement on ELO's X page read. 'Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.' Lynne has reportedly been struggling with his health while on tour. The musician broke his hand at the start of the final leg of the 'Over and Out' tour on July 5, Ultimate Classic Rock reported. Concertgoers have also shared concerns about the 77-year-old's health on social media. One fan wrote in a July 9 Facebook post that Lynne 'had to be helped onto the stage' and was 'missing his cues, forgetting words and almost collapsed two thirds of the way through' a concert they were at. 'They had to bring him a chair and he was struggling to stay on it. By the end of the concert the band had to sing Mr Blue Sky for him and his backing singers looked visibly shaken up,' the fan wrote. 'At the concert end the crew rushed onto the stage to help him off. So sad to see my musical hero in such a state. How on earth he will manage tomorrow's Mcr gig and Hyde park on Sunday I cannot imagine. Thanks Jeff for the fantastic music and enjoy your retirement. So So sad.' ELO's final show will take place at Hyde Park in London on Sunday, July 13. This is the same venue where ELO returned to performing in 2014 after a decade-long hiatus. The final performance will mark the end of a 55-year run for ELO, which formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England. More music content Popular 2000s country artist loses younger brother in Texas floods Country singer 'in a bit of shock' after losing 2 family members on same day R&B icon slams 'misconception' she's 'too important to care' about being late Pop band's lead guitarist almost lost all his money after group's breakup Hip-hop star plays chess 'for over an hour' at Boston cafe before show Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rock legend shares heartfelt message after canceling final show of career
Jeff Lynne, frontman of Electric Light Orchestra, has updated fans about his health after he canceled his band's final show ever because of an illness. 'I am now at home recuperating,' Lynne wrote in an Instagram post Friday, July 18. 'I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love.' Lynne's post was met with supportive comments from fans and loved ones alike. 'Your achievements are so great and you are so treasured and loved,' one comment read. 'Congratulations on a tremendous final tour. We love you Jeff. Glad you are home and safe and healthy.' 'I flew to London for the show, but as soon as I heard you were unwell, all I cared about was you getting better,' another Instagram user commented. 'ELO has been the soundtrack to my life — my favorite band of all time. I'm endlessly grateful for the joy your music has brought me. So glad I got to see you in California last year. Wishing you strength and a smooth recovery." ELO's last show ever on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour, was supposed take place at Hyde Park in London on Sunday, July 13. However, Lynne canceled the show the day before because of 'a systematic infection,' according to a statement on ELO's X page. 'Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that we will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park Show,' the statement read. 'Jeff has been battling a systematic infection and is currently in the care of a team who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will be able to reschedule.' It continued, 'The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today — and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time." Ticket holders were directed to BST Hyde Park's website for refunds. ELO's penultimate show was also canceled due to Lynne's health. The band's show on July 10 at Co-Op Live in Manchester, England was set to be the second-to-last show on the 'Over and Out' farewell tour, but the concert was axed just minutes before showtime, according to NME. 'Unfortunately due to illness tonight's (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead,' a statement on ELO's X page read. 'Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.' Lynne had reportedly been struggling with his health while on tour. The musician broke his hand at the start of the final leg of the 'Over and Out' tour on July 5, Ultimate Classic Rock reported. Concertgoers have also shared concerns about the 77-year-old's health on social media. One fan wrote in a July 9 Facebook post that Lynne 'had to be helped onto the stage' and was 'missing his cues, forgetting words and almost collapsed two thirds of the way through' a concert they were at. 'They had to bring him a chair and he was struggling to stay on it. By the end of the concert the band had to sing Mr Blue Sky for him and his backing singers looked visibly shaken up,' the fan wrote. 'At the concert end the crew rushed onto the stage to help him off. So sad to see my musical hero in such a state. How on earth he will manage tomorrow's Mcr gig and Hyde park on Sunday I cannot imagine. Thanks Jeff for the fantastic music and enjoy your retirement. So So sad.' The final performance would have marked the end of a 55-year run for ELO, which formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England. The band released its eponymous debut album in 1971. ELO gained traction throughout the '70s and in the 1980s with hits like 'Evil Woman,' 'Turn to Stone,' 'Strange Magic' and 'Don't Bring Me Down,' which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard reported. ELO has since released 15 studio albums, with 'From Out of Nowhere' in 2019 being their most recent. Several of the band's albums, including 1977's 'Out Of The Blue,' have been certified platinum status in the U.S. by the RIAA. The band split up in 1983 after Lynne began feuding with manager Don Arden but the breakup was finalized in 1986 because of contractual agreements. ELO reunited for a short period from 2000 to 2001 but didn't begin touring again consistently until 2014. ELO made its United States performance debut in 2018 after being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. More music content Iconic metal group celebrating 25th anniversary with special album release Noah Kahan joins Gracie Abrams for surprise performance at Boston show Country legend 'in great spirits' following surgery after onstage stroke Famous singer surprises patients at Boston hospital before TD Garden shows 18 vintage photos show incredible life of Ozzy Osbourne Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
Perth Now
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Jeff Lynne 'gutted' to cancel final shows
Jeff Lynne was "absolutely gutted" to cancel Electric Light Orchestra's (ELO) final shows. The Mr. Blue Sky group had been due to end their Over And Out farewell tour at BST Hyde Park in London last weekend but the show, as well as the penultimate performance in Manchester three days before, was axed after the 77-year-old singer contracted a "systemic infection". Jeff has now spoken out for the first time since the cancellation and thanked fans for their support. He said in a statement: "I am now at home recuperating. 'I was absolutely gutted to have to cancel the final two shows. 'I send my heartfelt thanks to all of the fans as well as my band and crew for all their support and love.' It was announced last Saturday (12.07.25) that ELO's London show would be unable to take place the following evening. A statement read: "Jeff Lynne is heartbroken to report that he will not be able to perform at tomorrow's BST Hyde Park show. "Jeff has been battling a systemic infection and is currently in the care of a team of doctors who have advised him that performing is simply not possible at this time nor will he be able to reschedule. The legacy of the band and his longtime fans are foremost in Jeff's mind today - and while he is so sorry that he cannot perform, he knows that he must focus on his health and rehabilitation at this time." ELO had been forced to cancel their gig at Manchester's Co-Op Live on Thursday (10.07.25) just minutes before taking to the stage, which had sparked fears that the Hyde Park farewell might not take place. A statement on the band's social media accounts confirmed: "Unfortunately, due to illness, tonight's scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne's ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead. "Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening. More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds, please go to your point of purchase." The singer had previously discussed how it was fitting to be performing ELO's final show at Hyde Park, as it was where the Evil Woman band returned to the stage after a 25-year absence in 2014. Jeff said: "My return to touring began at Hyde Park in 2014. "It seems like the perfect place to do our final show. We couldn't be more excited to share this special night in London with our UK fans. "As the song goes, 'We're gonna do it One More Time!'"
