51Âþ»­

Leicester’s newest arrivals are set to bring a real buzz to the city centre – a new hive full of bees that are setting up home at the .

Nicknamed the Elsie Bees, they will live in a single hive in the rear courtyard of the LCB Depot in Rutland Street to encourage biodiversity and awareness of environmental issues.

The bees and hive have been donated by , a business run by 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) graduate Liga Orlovska. She is one of the entrepreneurs on 51Âþ»­’s Crucible Project, a two-year business support programme which supports graduates and alumni to turn their business ideas into reality.

A special bee-themed event was held at the LCB Depot for the launch of the first book published under Honey Craft’s Bug Books series. To Bee or Not To Bee, written by Jayne William and illustrated by Keith Turner, tells the story of a bee called Zuuub. Aimed at children aged five to 11, it takes children on an exciting adventure while spreading the message to look after our environment.

Families can hear about the book and take part in craft activities.

Liga, who is a beekeeper herself and a member of the Leicestershire and Rutland Beekeeping Association. She looks after her hives with son, Eduards.

Liga Orlovska said: “I started my career in arts in Leicester working for projects in Leicester City Libraries. My children grew up there and I can’t imagine a better place to be. To become a publisher myself feels absolutely wonderful.

“There are so many stories I wish to tell. I am so fortunate to be working with the most inspiring children’s book author Jayne Williams and genius illustrator Keith Turner, of course I met them through library projects. It’s been great to be part of the 51Âþ»­ Crucible programme and getting all this mentoring and help from the university I graduated from.”

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Author Jayne Williams has been making up stories since being very small and loves creating characters and messing about with words to help bring them to life and take them on all kinds of adventures with just a pencil and a wild imagination. Jayne is excited to be the first writer for Honey Craft publishers and is delighted that her bees have been given a fabulous personality via Keith's awesome illustrations.

Percy Emmett leads 51Âþ»­’s Crucible Project and has been Liga’s mentor. He said: “Liga has shown the determination to succeed in business throughout her time as a Crucible Project member, and it has been a pleasure to be part of her journey.    

“The message of caring for the environment is one which is so important and one which resonates with so many of us, particularly families who are looking after the next generation. All of us at 51Âþ»­ wish Liga well with the launch next month.”