My Manc Bee Badge on my Proud2Bee block
By now, my Manc Bee Badge is becoming a familiar sight to readers of this blog. I’ve alluded to the history and significance of the symbol, but never really wrote about it other than to link readers to its historical background.
In short, the worker bee is an emblem for Manchester, England symbolizing the city’s hard-working past. It was a hive of activity during the Industrial Revolution and workers were soon dubbed “busy bees”.
After the Manchester Arena bombing last year, it took on further significance as a public symbol of unity against terrorism.
Manchester Bee Mural, Koffee Pot Cafe – Russell Meeham, artist
The insects are an integral part of the city’s psyche: in representing its citizens’ character; in innumerable themed artworks scribbled and commissioned throughout its buildings and streets; and in a literal sense as a city devoted to urban beekeeping.
These bees are the gritty epitome of a warm, creative, yet down-to-earth community of over 2.5 million. Their history is not my history, but I strongly relate to this place. I’m not sure exactly why, but that fateful day’s event last year drew me in to this city and its people. And I can’t escape the connection I feel.
Manchester Bee, NOMA – A.Murray, photo (click on photo for related blog post)
“And this is the place where our folks came to work, where they struggled in puddles, they hurt in the dirt and they built us a city, they built us these towns…
And they left us a spirit. They left us a vibe. That Mancunian way to survive and to thrive and to work and to build, to connect, and create…”
from: ‘This is the Place’ poem by Tony Walsh
words to the poem, “This is the Place” by Tony Walsh, as read in the video above
Laura, this poem is so powerful and never fails to bring me to smiles, tears, incredibly moving. I had no idea about the symbolism of the bee in relationship with Manchester – thank you so much for sharing!
I appreciate your comment, Annika. I enjoy finding all these types of connections – and sharing them as I discover them!
Great to see the bees are still flying.
Maybe someday this bee will stoke up and fly across the pond to visit the origin of her beehive!
peace
Powerful poem. I love bees and I love that Manchester chose these hard-working insects as their symbol.
I love bees, too and coincidentally, I am allergic! (yes, I’m considering an urban beehive once we’re settled back into a place of our own)
😉
That is an especially cool poem! thanks for sharing!
Glad it resonated with you, Zippy.
Interesting connection, Laura. It is definitely worthy.
Thank you, Jennie.
Thank you for sharing the story!
You are more than welcome, Cindy!
Shortly after the bombing, I saw Tony Walsh on the news reading this powerful poem. It still gives me chills. Thanks for sharing it with us, Laura.
Poignant, powerful and hopeful.
Thanks for stopping by, Jill.
Interesting about your strong connection. Maybe another life? 😉 Thanks for sharing this, Laura.
Perhaps…maybe I’m a former companion of Dr. Who and have forgotten all about it!
😉
Hi Laura,
What a wonderful, heartfelt poem! Oh man, it really gives me the chills and not from the weather. I applaud your whole post – and thank you for sharing it. I am having trouble even coming up with the words to express myself!
~smile~ Roseanne
I understand about having trouble coming up with expressive words…so your comment is even more appreciated due to the greater effort involved in posting it. Thank you.
I tend to express myself best in my music and you I suspect do the same in your (he)art: quilting.
hugs
Thank you for bringing this back to our attention, so often these tragedies are forgotten as we get back to regular living. Manchester has such heart and the reading by Tony Walsh so passionate. I also appreciate the close up of the bee which I thought was a penny at first. My eyes are fading, I am afraid.This is a wonderful tribute to a city that stands strong together
So sorry about your eyes, Jane.
🙁
I am drawn to places/people/cities that stand strong together regardless of size, location, beauty or lack thereof, weather (!)…etc. Sounds like you are also, Jane.
peace, friend
Awesome tribute, Laura! I really enjoyed that video! So cool to hear and see that poem read.
As an author yourself, it shows the power of the written word both read silently and spoken out loud…
Manchester England was also a very profound entity and element in the career of Winston Churchill and consequently the victorious outcome of WWll and it’s effect on all of Europe.. I don’t remember the particulars but there was a worker bee for you.
Bob, you’re so right! Mancunians have ‘true grit’ and I think the Duke would agree.