December meeting-Christmas Social

Ian leads the carol singing...
...while the quiz contestants wait to get their 'starter for 10'

A splendid spread.... as usual.

Bill looks full.... but still takes his plate back for more!!

Hi Everyone

Our Christmas Get-together held on the 14th of December 2011 and it was like "Santa" had arrived 10 days early as Sean D had a large box of Goodies for some members and was busy unpacking them as Sean went down to collected the Hand Made Bonsai Pots that Dena, Steve H, Arthur,and Sean along with other members from V-o-C-B-S made at the week-end workshop so it was delight all round as the members Bonsai Pots were Amazing and it is a Large Thank-you To the V-o-C-B-S for organizing the Ceramic Bonsai Pots week-end and inviting W-B-S to take part.Then it was left to Chairman Ian W welcome every-one to a great night of Excellent Food.a General Knowledge and Bonsai Quiz and with members numbers well into the Mid 20's
Before continuing any further Ian mentioned that Peter B's wife had a mild stroke and that the Society sends best wishes for a speedy recovery and we all wish her well, another bit of sad news is that Willi Benz lost his fight against illness on 10th December.2011.His knowledge of Bonsai and Suiseki was Legendary and was linked to the Development of Bonsai and Suiseki in Europe.and studied with great Japanese Bonsai Masters.also Japan Awarded Him the 'Order of the Rising Sun' (Kyokujitsushō)The Highest Japanese Order, which can be Awarded to Foreigners. and more info can be read here'

http://www.ebabonsai.com/

or on the IBC: where comments and links have been left by many



http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t8588p15-willi-benz-has-left-us

The Chairman reminded everyone about the preparation for the Swindon and District Winter Show in which W-B-S has a vested interest in Also that the AGM was next month in January 2012 and there's a vacancy for Vice-Chair so volunteers are most welcomed then it was on the Quiz

Members were split into groups and needless to say that the humour was flowing from the First Question and during the evening with everyone seemly enjoying themselves There was a break for the Buffet which was excellently prepared and set up by the Members Wife's and Lady Members of our Society and it ALL tasted wonderful so another BIG Congratulation to ALL for such an enjoyable Feast

There were a few (well 3) Bonsai Tree in the room An Escallonia belong to Ian W another Small Escallonia belonging to Andy H plus His Black Pine

During the break Sean D did a great job encouraging everyone to get involved in buying Raffle Tickets assisted by Christine M.both of them ensuring that Everyone got a Prize from the large selection that was available so much so no-one went home empty handed

After the Break it was back to the Quiz this time as the saying goes "THE RESULT" there were 50 question on General Knowledge with a few Bonsai Questions thrown in needless to say not everyone got the lot or even all the Bonsai Question Correct ( think we will put that down to The Liquid Refreshment) but Dave B, Kath. Andy H and Mark K came up trumps as Winners of the Quiz so a Large Congratulations to them but everyone regardless of winners really enjoyed the evening and remained around a while chatting and putting the Rest of the Bonsai World to right along lots of laughter then hands shakes wishing each other a WONDERFUL TIME FOR CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR

On that note all that remains from is to Thank Everyone whom attended W-B-S Last Sunday Of The Month Workshop and that we will be back in January 2012 and look forward to having the pleasure of your company along with Your Own Bonsai Tree for member help and guidance

From us All a Large Thank-you for Looking and Reading our Blog, leaving comments we ALL WISH Everyone a Wonderful Holiday's, Merry Christmas. a Prosperous and Happy New Year for 2012


Take Care Look after yourself and each other plus Your Bonsai Trees, Accents Plants including Everything Bonsai

Jim thelad

November Gordale workshop

Lots of interest.
you haven't seen me..... right!

Andy examines an interesting tree/pot combination....

.....while Ian checks out the tree belonging to the camera shy couple

Hi Everyone,

It was the Final W-B-S Monthly Workshop of the year on Sunday the 27thNovember 2011 at Gordale’s the very popular and well knowing Award Winning Garden Center here on the Wirral Peninsula

After slow start to the day and a few regulars unable to attend W-B-S Members Andy H, Tom, Steve H, Arthur, Sean D, Doug M and Ian W, were all in fine form cracking jokes enjoying each other’s company and were soon in action working on various Bonsai Trees with Juniper’s, (Seven (7) in all) proving to being the most popular Bonsai Tree of the day, along with a Large Maple and Small Azalea

With the Presence of a World Wide Well Known and an Extremely Generous Gentleman in a Big Red Suit, Red Hat, Wide Black Belt ,Black Boots and White Beard, also the GGC was well and truly in the Christmas Spirit as the whole garden center was showing an excellent and wonderful display’s of Decorated Christmas Trees and an good variety of Bonsai Trees plus an Extensive range of Christmas Items for all to see and purchase so it was a packed day and W-B-S members were in the front line so to speak with many Children an Adult’s passing our workshop tables on the way to and from visiting Santa’s Grotto

During the day there were lots of interest shown from the Public, many stopped, watched and asked questions as to what was going on and Arthur, Tom, Andy and Steve, getting involved answering and explaining question’s to many people who were either Intrigue, Curious, Interested or just Plain Nosy as one Honest Lady proudly said to which her friends readily agreed with her. Sean how-ever was kept busy between helping Tom with his Tree and shown his “Jin” Skills when working on his own Bonsai Tree as various people stopped at different times during the day, Sean was explaining why and what he was doing to his Bonsai Tree as some asked if the tree would be affected in anyway or would the tree DIE because of what Sean was doing to it. In between everything Proud Sean decided to “Bore the Living Daylights out of everyone (joking of-course) by showing members images of his First Grand-daughter a few weeks old ,as was said His own Little Mane, so needless to say there were a few aaaahhhh’s, What a Beautiful Little Girl, She so sweet and isn’t she Cute and lots nice comments after seeing the image of Sean’s Beautiful Grand-Daughter proving Bonsai Members appreciate all things beautiful, then it was back to another one of Sean’s loves working on his Bonsai Trees

Our Mysterious Couple arrived and who have been regular attendee’s at our Sunday Workshops, brought in another one of their excellent Trees to seek guidance and opinions on what’s the best way forward, also arrived their close Friend and possible Minder!!!! who himself is an extremely keen observer and is fascinated by the work that is done by Bonsai members to achieve in making a Garden Tree into a Bonsai Tree of some distinction or even into a Specimen Bonsai Tree

The Tree that they brought in this time was a LARGE Juniper which could be a contender (subject to more work) for honours at any Club or even National Show in the future The Couple are extremely camera shy hence lack of images of them with their Bonsai Tree or Trees. We are hopeful of ALL Three will pay our Society a visit soon and try us for a few months then become Full Members The couple were given sound opinions and constructive comments from Chairman Ian, Doug and Andy and the owner’s voiced their own suggestions, opinions and interacted with everyone in the group which was great to hear and see, in the end the Camera Shy Couple along with their Friend collected their Juniper and went away happy and here’s looking forward to seeing them again in the New Year 2012 either at the GGC’s Last Sunday of The Month Workshop in January or at W-B-S Club Second Wednesday of the Month Meetings

Mr. Nicholson Owner of Gordale’s Garden Center took time out of his busy and important schedule to stop and chat with members and ALL of us at W-B-S would like to express a Massive Large Thank-you to Everyone at GGC for making us all welcomed and for their Hospitality and use of the Garden Centre during 2011 and look forward to continuing with The Last Sunday of The Month Bonsai Workshops during 2012

Arthur and Tom did the tidying and cleaning our workshop area when it was time to call it a day and bring another well supported and pleasurable Workshop to a close for this year, so on behalf of All W–B-S Members we as a Society would like to thank Everyone who took time to stop to see our Bonsai Workshop in action and to those who sought our help with anything Bonsai during 2011 and we all look forward to being back at GGC during 2012

Just a Reminder many images from our Last Sunday of the Month Workshop Day on 27th November 2011 will be on the Wirral Bonsai Facebook, also there is NO LAST SUNDAY of the MONTH WORKSHOP IN DECEMBER 2011 but we will return in January 2012

Take care and look after each other and all your Bonsai Trees

Jim thelad

Bonsai Review 53

Double click picture to enlarge

November Meeting-Winter prep.

Dave runs through his unusual act, revealing how he manages his intricate wiring!!

or

(is that a bulge in your fleece or are you just...........?)

......going down a storm!

but a little boasting......

........doesn't.

Hi Everyone

On Wednesday evening the 9th on November the Penultimate get-together before the end of the year 2011 we were in double figures again with members and it was hugs and kisses for our ever Young Mary whom we all welcomed back into the fold after her recent hospitalization

It was then up to Chairman Ian W to get session under way and during his opening speech he reminded members that there was a Bonsai Title To Defend at the Well Respected and Popular Swindon and District Bonsai Society Winter Image Show and as part of their 10th Anniversary years celebrations,The Swindon and District Bonsai Society announced that at their Winter Image Show,is to be held on the 19th February 2012,will feature an exciting new exhibit section and the Society had a request from Mr Bob Bailey to our society to participate in this wonderful event so now it up to members to start preparing and selecting their trees which would be available but most of all suitable for such a Prestigious Winter Show Event.

Ian then introduced Dave Y to give his Winter Preparation thoughts and idea's but before Dave got started with his session he informed members that he was taking a BONSAI BREAK OF 12 MONTHS and assured everyone one and like a Famous movie actor Arnold Schwarzenegger once said in his 1984 Science Fiction Thriller Film The Terminator " I'll Be Back* so we all wish Dave a very Pleasant and Resting Break from Bonsai Public Appearances and he knows that the W-B-S will always be here for him and welcome him back enthusiastically should he decide to cut short his Bonsai Break, hopefully he will miss W-B-S as much as everyone will MISS Him.

Right, on with the Dave's Winter Preparation- once again it was a big benefit with helpful and constructive to us all and many of what was said and suggested really made sense so we will NOT lose many Bonsai Trees as last winter and carrying out advice and idea's that Dave presented will take a massive step to prevent that happening and we all will not lose any trees if any during the on-coming Winter.There's a lot to be said for Preparation before hand such as getting rid or Moss,Cleaning the Trunks and branches,tidying the pots,Securing the trees, finding the best Location,checking out various COLD spot in your area or garden ,doing a few Water in a container test. Watching out for Persistent Rainfall over few days, wedging up pots even covering them for short periods with plastic to prevent water logging and roots being freezing The use of Sheds Garages and even a Shaded Greenhouse for many Trees how-ever remember that some trees need to be left out such as Conifers

Not many Bonsai Trees on Display this evening a few Pines including a few Itoigawa's ,Azalea, Privet and a Accent plant and T-o-T-M was The Small Privet selected by Dave Y

All in all it was a great entertaining session with Dave and members enjoying getting involved with various suggestion of their own experience of what happen during past winter preparation with some banter thrown in and extremely useful information given

At the End chairman Ian W and members applauded Dave Y for his enthusiastic and well presented chat and demo and informed Dave that he will be missed and honestly hopes he returns to Bonsai Fold after his Restful break also that Dave as Vice-chairman was the Rock in the Society and THE BEST VICE-CHAIRMAN he has ever had working with him also for all his extremely hard and Valuable Contribution so after many hand shakes and ( not a dry eye in the house ) it was a wonderful evening

So from us ALL DAVE Y at W-B-S take care look after yourself and all your family including all your Bonsai Trees plus pots and keep checking your RED LIGHT just hope no-one takes it the wrong way and knocks on your door and ask's how much!!!!!, also Hope its not to early but have a great Christmas in Tenerife and all the best for everyone within your family for2012



Just a reminder and a note for your schedules the Penultimate or Last Sunday of Month this year 2011 Workshop at the GGC on the 27th of November 2011

Take care and look after each other and all your family and Bonsai Trees

Jim the lad

November ToTM

This months ToTM is pictured above, a Privet created by Ian W.
-
According to Ian -

"The Privet was collected from a garden about 5 years ago cut down to about 12”” then down to 6” its present height and all the deadwood was carved by me and the pot is by Dave Jones of Walsall Ceramics."

Burrs 2011

Below is a link to what will probably be an interesting post ( if the past is anything to go by)covering Burrs 2011.

http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t8336-burrs-2011-and-so-it-begins

SoTM-New BSA website

Below is a link to the new BSA website and blog, looks good to me!

http://www.shohin.org.uk/

Gordale workshop October

A full compliment of members
another one doing a 'Tolley'

youve got to be kidding me.....

pleased with the results?

Hard work done?

Hi Everyone

On Sunday the 30th October 2011 The Penultimate Workshop before the end of the year there were a dozen members in attendance in no particular order Tom , Brian ,Dave Y, Sean D ,Bill G Andy H, Arthur, Steve H, Eddie and Ian W and it was an afternoon well spent at the Wonderful Awarding Winning Gordale'x Garden Center here in Wirral Peninsula

As usual members brought in a variety of Bonsai trees to work on such as a Spruce + Juniper's + Zelkova + Field Maple plus other Maples + Privets

During the day Dave Y, Andy H, Steve H , Eddie, Tom, Ian W and Sean D all interacted with the general public answer and helping them all out with their questions and their own Bonsai Trees that they had brought into the workshop. Sean D made a young ladies day as she was very very interested on how and why Sean was using Bonsai Wire on his Bonsai Tree and Sean spent some time explaining and showing the Lady and her partner how he wired his tree and explained the purpose for it. Andy H was also on hand to assist Two Young Boys and their Father in deciding what would be the best starter Bonsai Tree to purchase and having a reasonable success in keeping that species of tree alive and not having the failure that the Young Lads have had so far, so here's hoping they took Andy's advice and that they become regulars at the workshop from time to time.

We all from W-B-S would like to thank once again Mr and Mrs Nicholson and all their excellent and helpful staff for allowing our society to use the Gordale's Garden Center for our Workshop

It was an excellent day and we all enjoyed working on our bonsai trees and especially helping and working on members of public and we all would like thank them very much for taking time to bring their trees into the workshop and ask for the Bonsai Societies help and advice

Until the next time in November we all look forward to seeing you all again

Take care look after each other and all your Bonsai Trees

Jim thelad

October meeting -Trees

Walsall Studio Ceramics Workshop

show us your jazz hands....

Hi Everyone

On the week-end of the 15/16th of October members of W-B-S were invited to take part in a Walsall Studio Ceramics Workshop week-end hosted by the Vale of Clwyd Bonsai Society at the Green Dragon Establishment

Over the 2 day workshop 18 members or so from both Bonsai Societies enjoy a great adventure in making their own Bonsai pots from start to finish as far as they could before being transported to Walsall Ceramics Location then there members bonsai pots wiil be checked over thoroughly by Mr's Dave + Ken and Mark Jones, The Team of Experts at Walsall Ceramics before going into Electric kiln taken out then more work done on the pots before going into Gas Firing Kilns More about this process and how the pots are completed can be found on
Wallsal Studio Ceramics Website

http://www.walsall-studio-ceramics.com/wsc%20web%20new%20about%20us.htm

On Sunday the 16th a few members Dave B + Dave Y + Mark K + Brian Dual Members with both societies + Arthur + Sean D + Steve H +Dena and Ron from W-B-S had their sleeves rolled up getting all Wet and Dirty (well just a little) along with members Vale of Clwyd Members DangerousBryn + Steph + Othelia and all really enjoyed the experienced of making their own Bonsai Pots for their Bonsai Trees

All in all it was a GREAT Experience with everyone making 2 Bonsai Pots Large and Small and enjoying what they had achieved over the Two Day Workshop Event in Friendly, Pleasant Warm Conditions with plenty of Tea, Coffee and Snacks at Green Dragon's Location at Trelawnyd, Flintshire LL18 6DN and a LARGE Thankyou to Mr Dave Jones for all his Expert Tuition and a well prepared Bonsai Pot Workshop PLUS to the Vale of Clwyd Bonsai Committee for Inviting W-B-S members along and hopefully another Walsall Ceramic Workshop will be held again also from me a Big Thanks for allowing me to take images of you all whilst working on making your Bonsai Pots

Many images will appear on Wirral Bonsai on FACEBOOK


http://www.facebook.com/#!/theweelad?sk=photos

Take care look after each other and all your Bonsai Trees and Bonsai pots

Jim thelad

VoCBS members Show 2011

Sorry for tardy posting but please find below a link to the VoCB club show post on the IBC.

http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t7691-vocbs-sept-3-4th-show-weekend-2011

October meeting -Basic Styling Techniques

Ian W does a Steve Tolley impression.....

-

....and then Rolf Harris!

-
keeping the audience enthrawled....
-

....mostly!

Wednesday’s Evening the 12th of October was well attended with over Two Dozen members attending for the Basic Styling Techniques Night

Before it got under way Ian W expressed his and the Members best wishes for a Speedy Recovery and asked Geoff to convey them to Wee Mary who was taken to Hospital during a recent canal boat trip
The evening session started with Ian explaining the in’s and out on BST and what to look for before starting work on your tree. Having an idea or a plan and what could or would be achieved is something to bear in mind when deciding what to do. It was mentioned a Pre Starter Bonsai Tree could be worth looking out for from a Bonsai Tree Nursery and a great help and not just a Tree that you could obtain from a Garden Centre unless you are willing to take time to develop your idea onto a Bonsai Tree which can be done, just something to think about
Between Ian W. and Dave Y both gentlemen gave many useful and constructive opinions that the attentive audience took in and like me were appreciative for all the information that was given as far as I know no matter how long you have been working on Bonsai Trees going back to Basic Styling now and again could help and is not just for the newbie’s (like Me) as Styling Techniques changes throughout the years
The evening session was a very well presented as we all expect nothing less from Ian W and Dave Y and look forward to next Month’s Topic Winter Preparation and from what is going around from the Weather people it’s not a Session that should be missed as a repeat of last year’s weather is NOT something we would like to see again not only for us but also for all our Bonsai Trees

some of the bonsai trees that were on show were Four x Junipers =
Privet = Potenilia = Small Forest = Small Rock Landscape and some Small Pots

On the Last Sunday of the month there is the October Sunday Workshop held at the Award Winning Gordale’s Garden Centre on the 30th Once again our Excellent and Trustworthy Senior Members will be on hand to help and give advice to any members and the General Public with any with Bonsai Trees Questions along with working on their own Bonsai Trees

Sorry for lack of Post and write-up in September due to our 4 year old Grand-Daughter’s first week at Big School took priority this time

That’s it for now hope to see some of you on the LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH at GGC

Take care look after each other and all your Bonsai Trees

Jim thelad

Taking over the world, club by club

Congratulations are in order for former member Les S who apparently has won the Maidstone annual tree of the month award.

http://maidstonebonsaisociety.blogspot.com/2011/10/and-winner-is.html

Bonsai in Wales Exhibit 2012

A Flyer from Malcom Hughes highlighting the exhibition to take place in Newport South Wales next year.

Well worth a trip.

-

Double click to enlarge

Bonsai Review 51

Double click picture to enlarge

VoCBS members Show

Below is a link to the IBC discussions on the VoCBs's recent show, including some comments by Jim on his visit across the border!


http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t7691-vocbs-sept-3-4th-show-weekend-2011

Gordale Workshop with Steve Tolley

Sunday the 28th of August this year W-B-S held its last Sunday of the Month Workshop but this time it was very very special indeed, as we had none other than Mr Steve Tolley, our friend at W-B-S for life after his Critique about W-B-S Members Annual Show

This Was My very First Workshop that I had the privileged to attend Hosted by a Bonsai Supremo In My opinion Mr Steve Tolley and I did not know what to expected but my expectations were high and I was NOT disappointing as It was more than I could ever have imagine

Mr Tolley was on the go from the minute he arrived at our workshop in the Award Winning Gordale's Garden Center here in the Peninsula Of The Wirral, The Wirral's Premier One and Only Bonsai Society

We were way into Double figures again but this time of year due to Holiday's and other commitments and more than few regular members at the Sunday Workshop could not make it and most had sent their apologies for missing out

In attendance, in no particular order were Billy = Andy H = Ian W =Tom = Dave B = Dave Y= Stan = Doug M = Brian and Margaret = Tony F = Dena and Ron = Eddie J = Lee K = Arthur and if I missed anyone out i am sorry just put it down to me having a Senior Moment well i am over 18 years

The variety of trees that was brought were Scots Pines some normal for bonsai BUT one Massive one which Lee K is the proud owner off = Hemlock = Junipers = Spruce = Austrian Black Pine = Black Pine = Forest Group = Raft Presentation Blackthorn = Maple = Yew = Escallonia = Azalea = Privets = Larch plus a few more that never made it to the work tables

Mr Tolley wasted no time getting going and soon was going round to everyone given his expert opinion and making suggestions on how the members may work on their Trees and he took time with each individual asked them questions and suggested other options which most members took plus he did more than a few Sketches to demonstrate how he sees the tree developing and he worked his way around the members

After a while it was time for a break and it seemed no sooner had Mr Tolley went for a well deserved cuppa and something to eat he was then back at the workshop tables going round everyone again asking how they were progressing and got into the middle of the action with everyone's Tree


It was one of the best experiences I ever had at a Bonsai Hosted Workshop and not One Member could say they DID NOT LEARN ANYTHING or take at least ONE Thing Away with them from Mr Steve Tolley's Workshop Presentation

So on behalf of Everyone who attended the Workshop At GGC A MASSIVE Thank-youto Mr STEVE TOLLEY and well all hope you will pay us a visit again soon

Also W-B-S are utterly Grateful to our event Hosts Mr and Mrs Nicholson for providing the faculties that allows W-B-S to have such a British, European and need I say World Artist and Gentleman as Mr Steve Tolley Bonsai; Four Dimensional Art

That's about it for now August this year was a very very busy month and we all look forward to our next meeting when we have a Debrief on the Annual Show and followed by on the 14th September- Bonsai Boot/table sale /New members Introduction

And a Reminder that W-B-S is NOW ON FACEBOOK

Account ===== Wirral Bonsai

Take care look after each other and all your Bonsai Trees

Jim

Im away at present so please check out the Facebook account set up by Jim to see pics of what seems to have been a wonderful day.
Au revoir
Iain

Japan Day 2011

A Les S security team member really comes prepared this time!!!

--
Bill in his element....

ditto....

ditto...

....doesn't he just love it!

It was back down to earth again after our FANTASTIC 4 day event of W-B-S Members Annual Show as we honoured our Commitment with Natsuko Isa a very sweet young Lady with a wonderful smile and quiet spoken very pleasant Mr Paul Cook the contact person for the event is Friend's Group committee member at Wallasey Central Library

In the morning session Dena and Ron did the honours in representing our society showing various Bonsai Trees such as (JWP) Japanese White Pine = An Oak = Scots Pine = Maple = Chinese Elm = Pyracantha and laid out a Great table Displaying their Bonsai Trees along with various Literature about Bonsai culture and W-B-S and answer the many question that the public were asking while visiting the Natsuko and Paul's Japan Day

Our display table was very situated as all the public had to pass by our display to get into the rest of the event Good judgement from Dena and Ron.

In the Afternoon session Bill G along with his trees was the main attraction and brought a few trees and accent plants starting with a few Cotoneaster = Honeysuckle = Japanese Black Pine = Itoi-Gawa Juniper = Hinoki Cypess
The morning session was busier than the afternoon on but Bill G was in his element explaining the ins and out on how to keep a Bonsai Alive and healthy and also many members of the public took away info about W-B-S and you never know who may attend our monthly meeting the Second Wednesday of each month

It seemed a very well attended event and W-B-S were more than pleased to show our support to a well while worthy cause and culture and establishing our Society in the local community

Take care and look after each other and all your Bonsai Trees as they need us to stay alive and healthy

jim thelad

Bonsai Accent Show

Below is a link to a show set for 27th May 2012. One for Andy H methinks.


http://magicalbonsaiaccents.wordpress.com/

Gordale Workshop with Steve Tolley -28th August

Just a reminder to members that there will be a workshop with Steve Tolley @ Gordale on the 28th August.

I believe its only £10 and your in!...... bargain!

IBC Discussions on WBS Show

Below is a link to more of Jims photos of the show plus comments from viewers on T'internet.

http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t7519-wirral-bonsai-members-annual-show-2011