Honey Bug ball raises hundreds of pounds for African beekeeping project

Charitable duo Rudi Gray and Betty Lawson, both from Abbots Langley, held the fundraising event on Saturday.

About 40 people put on their glad rags for the barndance inspired Honey Bug Ball at the Orbital Community Centre in Haines Way, Leavesden.

Guests enjoyed plates of steaming jacket potatoes with chilli con carne and also danced the night away.

The aim of the event was to raise money to pay for beehives for Kazingizi village, so the villagers there can produce their own honey and beeswax products.

Ms Lawson explained: “Rudi and I have been involved with Kazingizi village for a good number of years now. We’ve set up an orphanage and school for children, helped pay for schooling for many of the children and given clothing and shoes. We’ve even managed to get the local football team a new kit.

“This year we’ve decided to help villagers start their own ‘bee business’.

“It’s about helping them to help themselves. There is a demand for honey and beeswax products. If we could set up an industry in Kazingizi, the villagers would be able to reap the rewards.”

Mrs Gray, 49, also took the opportunity on the evening to discuss the project with guests in more detail, describing what their donations will pay for – including materials to construct the hives, bee-keeping wear and a machine to filter honey.

The mother-of-two, who is originally from the village, said of the event: “We had fewer people turn up than we had hoped, which in part would have been down to the cold weather.

“But I think everyone who came along had a good time and thanks to all of their donations we raised £444.

“We had set ourselves a target of £3,000 so that means we’re going to have to hold more fundraising events. But that’s fine - it’s important we support the village of Kazingizi and never forget its villagers.”

To find out how you can help Kazingizi and the bee project call Betty on 01923 676980 or Rudi on 07732 687870.