Annual Show.

This years  annual show will be held at Gordale Garden Centre on the weekend of 23rd, 24th and 25th of August. We look forward to seeing you there.

Monthly Agenda.

Hi all,
The meeting schedule for the coming months.

July 9. Setting up an accent plant display with Andy Hardman.

August 13.  Tree selection for annual show.

September 10. John Armitage.

October 8. Table selection by Doug Mudd.

We will be putting on a small display at the Wirral Flower Show in Birkenhead Park on Sunday 10th August. Volunteer helpers and  support would be welcomed. This is to promote your society.

I will attempt to post some pictures of recent meetings and workshops in the near future. Please bear with me as I am completely new to this and not the sharpest on computer things!

April's Meeting 2 -Trees

 Love it...

April's Meeting 1- People

 

Hi Everyone

At last I have managed to get back into the swing and fold of Wirral Bonsai Society. So sorry for lack of posts on our Blog and missing the last 3 months of Society Meetings and a few Sunday workshops

There's been a changes since I was last present at our Wednesday gatherings with Andy not off  the land of the sun in Portugal and our Everlasting Chairman Ian W.at last handing over the Chairmanship and who better to take over than Andy H.Our Sunday Bonsai Workshop Mentor

I am sure all members Thank Ian W for all his hard work over the past years(Cant say how many years it was as it would give his age away) Ian will continue work hard helping and assisting Andy along with trying to encouraging new and old members to continue improve thier Knowledge Bonsai Trees to make them into better Bonsai Trees and hopefully making them acceptable for showing at our Annual Members Bonsai Show later on in the year

 The Wednesday meeting on the 9th was well attended with 25 members and guest there

Andy opened the meeting and mentioned a few forthcoming events such as the Bonsai Europa 2015 in which Wirral Bonsai have been invited to participate in so no pressure and more information can be seen @

http://yamadoriforsale.com/2014/01/15/bonsai-europa-2015-website-is-launched/

Also at THE NATIONAL BONSAI SOCIETY in Southport, have Corin Tomlinson  giving a Presentation on Satsuki Azaleas on 15th April more information about this event can be found @

http://www.thenationalbonsaisociety.co.uk/Agenda_2010.htm

Another mention was the Sunday Workshops at Portsunlight and Gordales Garden Centre

the later being A Members PAID Workshop on the Last Sunday of the Month of April  the 27th,  when we have in attendance the "Big Man" The BSA Chairman Mr. John Armitage who will be working on Members Bonsai Trees and Wirral Bonsai Members will be Assisting any Members of the Public who bring thier own Bonsai trees in this Workshop

During the even we had discussing on Bonsai Trees by Andy and Ian and first up for Critic was A Fuchsia by Stan,with more trees owned by Marion, Rod, Dave Y, Pete and Ian W.It was a very successful and enjoyable evening

Many thanks for reading our Blog and look forward to bringing you more of whats going on at Wirral Bonsai Society

Take care. Look after all your Bonsai Trees and Each Other

Jimthelad

Harry Tomlinson RIP

Harry Tomlinson:       1943 – 2014

It is with great sorrow that we have to announce the death of Harry Tomlinson early on Sunday morning,  March 2^nd  2014.

You will all remember well the dedicated bonsai artist and owner of Greenwood Gardens and join us in our sorrow in losing Harry after a sad period during whih he suffered from Alzheimer’s. His death followed a period of rapid deterioration in his health during the last few weeks.

Many will remember him for his bonsai skills, his great sense of humour and his excellent books.

Please send any letters of condolence to Greenwood Bonsai Studio where we will be holding an open book of condolence alongside the trees that he created.

The funeral will be a quiet family affair but a memorial service will be held at a later date.

With great sorrow.

Petra, Corin and Paul.

Wirral Bonsai Auction

Hello everyone,

Just a note to inform you that there is to be a Bonsai auction on Wednesday 12th February at the Wirral Bonsai Society.

This can include anything – trees, pots, tools, books  etc

Buyers and Sellers from other local clubs are invited to attend

For Sellers reserve prices may be applied, No sale no fee. there will be a 10% commission on all successful sales to Wirral Bonsai Society club funds.

Admission is £2 per person

Auction starts at 8pm

 

Venue is the RAFA club

The Roundel Club (known also as the RAFA club),

17 Shrewsbury Road

Oxton

CH43 1UU

(Situated on the corner of Alton Road, entrance on Alton Road)

 

Finding the RAFA club

Please forward this to the members of your respective clubs.
Any questions please ask
Thank you  

Mark

Chairman Vale of Clwyd Bonsai Society

 Mark Kennerley
GREEN DRAGON BONSAI

www.greendragonbonsai.co.uk

Check out Bonsai Focus - the worlds foremost Bonsai magazine

Message from Cyprus Bonsai Forum

Dear Jim,

Its a great pleasure to see you here in our humble Bonsai Forum.

Your reputation in the bonsai world precedes you. Your valuable involvement in the Wirral Bonsai Society is well known to the Bonsai World.

I use to follow your Society Bonsai Blog for a couple of years now, and I can say that you do an incredible job.

I believe, with out any doubt that Wirral Bonsai Society is the most Valuable Bonsai Society in the UK.

I am very glad that had the honour to meet you even if is virtually and I hope that one day I will meet you in person

many thanks for your support

Greg

Admin

Hi Jim- keep up the good work- regards Iain

Friends from Cyprus

Hi Everyone,

It was a great day on the 15th of November when a few members met up with Two Great Bonsai Enthusiast From the Sunny Island Of Cyprus which is Situated on the waters of the European Mediterranean This Little island has its own definite and beguiling character.and according to wild stories from Agia Napa;the country stating that Cyprus "Whether you know it as the ‘island of sin’ or ‘fun" all I can say is After spending 3 Glorious and Fantastic years there with my Family  where our Youngest Daughter was born in1976 in the ‘the island of Aphrodite’,Would recommend a trip to the Island the one of the few places I know of where you can Snowboard or Ski on Mount Troodos then have a Beach Barbeque returning from the mountain more about Cyprus can be found online by a Google Search>

For Bonsai Enthusiasts there another reason to go as there is a Cyprus Bonsai Society on the Island and who knows what you may find on your travels and you be made Extremely Welcome.

The C-B-S has its own forum on line and The Cyprus Bonsai Discussion Forum is open in order to promote the art of Bonsai in the Island of Cyprus.

As  Greg  wrote in the forum

                                                  "Cyprus Bonsai Club

We are group of Cyprus based,Bonsai Enthusiasts was formed in January 2010 and since then, we meet often to work on our trees and discuss bonsai. So far, the regular members of the group are (in no particular order):

 Savvas Papaloizou,- “president”- Stavros Eleftheriou - Gregoris Antoniades

 Petros Polis and Christos- Antreas

They welcome all individuals interested to join our small group.

 Whether you are coming to Cyprus for business or pleasure or coming to live permanently, you may be pleased to hear that “the Cyprus bonsai club” organize on a regular base bonsai meetings.
If you have the time feel free to join us for a pure bonsai and fun day!
You can find notices for the upcoming meetings at the “EXHIBITIONS /DEMONSTRATION "/WORKSHOPS” section of this forum".

                                @ http://bonsaicyprus.forumotions.net/faq

So pop across to the Cyprus Bonsai Society Forum and check it out

Earlier this Month on the 15th of November W-B-S members Bill G,Dave and Doug met Savvas and Marios From Cyprus Bonsai Society when they visited a Bonsai Garden and discussed, exchange, opinions exchange idea's about the various trees and comparing the different climate and conditions between the Two Islands Uk and Cyprus

 

 

After a few hours another garden was visited with more of the same and different setup which was followed By an Extremely Wonderful Lunch in which we were all grateful and thankful for by The Lady of the Home whose garden we were visiting

It was a little cold but it was an occasion that none of us would have missed So a Massive Thank-you to the owner's of the Garden's and to Savvas and Marios for sharing their experience with us all 

Wirral Bonsai Members would like to wish Everyone at the Cyprus Bonsai Society great and Good Luck in every-thing they are doing and hope you go from strength to strength 

From Bill G,Dave Doug and Myself it was a pleasure meeting you both

Take care

Jimthelad

Sad News

Peter Adams – Sad news

It is with considerable sadness and regret that we learn of the sudden and unexpected death of one of Britain’s greatest bonsai talents, Peter Adams, who died peacefully on Sunday, 24^th November.

As many are aware, Peter had been very  poorly and  for some weeks in hospital, but it was only recently that his wife Kate commented that he had made a good recovery and that they would have been returning home to the United States on Monday, 2^nd December.

For those of us who come into bonsai during the 1970’s onwards, Peter was seen as an exceptional talent, and many have developed their knowledge and skills in bonsai due very much to his teaching. An author of many books on the subject, more recently, he had been a regular contributor to ‘Bonsai Focus’, where he drew on both his expertise in bonsai and his artistic talent in analysing raw material and sketching out possible style options.

He was a  man with a unique talent and his death  will be  a sad loss to the world of bonsai.

Our thoughts and sympathies go to his wife Kate and other members of Peter’s family.

Malcolm Hughes (President, Federation of British Bonsai Societies)

The Actual Words as they were received from Kate Adams

Peter and Kate Adams Bonsai

I am so sorry to report that Peter died suddenly, but peacefully, in his sleep last Sunday, November 24.

It was very unexpected, we had just enjoyed a marvellous visit together on Saturday and he drew a sketch of me as I sat there.

His death has been so very hard to accept especially since we planned to leave tor home together next Monday, December 2.

There will be a memorial at a later date. Details will be advised on this page. (Facebook) His ashes will come home with me soon.

I miss him so very terribly.

Kate

Doug

Hi
After a visit to see Doug, Ian tells me he is now back at home & recuperating.
Following plastic surgery he has had his hand rebuilt and been told he should get 75-80% mobility back into his fingers.
I'm sure we all wish him the best and hope to see him soon.

Iain

Doki Doki -The Manchester Japanese Festival

Hi Everyone 

On the  on Saturday 9 November 2013, Wirral Bonsai Society have been invited to take part in the Prestigious  Doki Doki   The Manchester Japanese Festival  which is a Celebration of Both Traditional and Modern Japanese Culture from 9am to 7pm at the Sugden Sports Centre in Manchester, UK,

This is Followed by an after-party from 9pm until 2am at the Manchester Metropolitan University Students' Union.

The proceeds from various events at Doki Doki 2013 will be donated to our supported charity, Aid for Japan, which provides long-term support for orphans of the 2011 Tohoku disaster in Japan.

More information and Details about the events, guests, traders and artists that will be at the 2013 festival  can be found at or any Inquiries

                               :info@dokidokifestival.com
 

Everybody is welcomed  and we are all sure you will have a Great time and Enjoy, Plus Support a worth-while cause

Take  care

Jim thelad

Doug

Hi
So that members and those in the bonsai world that now him are aware, Ian W has told me that Doug has had an accident in his workshop and is recovering after an emergency operation to his hand.
I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him soon.
Iain

UK NEW-COMERS TALENT WINNER

Hi all

Well you may know  But what the hell good news is always better to be shared around again and again

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO Mark K.WINNER OF THE UK NEW-COMERS TALENT CONTEST FOR BONSAI, and will represent the UK in the European bonsai association Finals in Poland next May 2014 many thanks to Paul Bowerbank for sharing Mark's Success with us .W-B-S and The V-o-C-B-S Bonsai Societies are Made-up for You Both

take care

Jim

Club show 2013 pt3

 Wile E coyote and road runner ?

 



 You haven't seen me .....right!

 

 Tolster, Hardman (Portugal bound...lucky b*****d) & Tickle.....

... sounds like a firm of solicitors!

 

Bonsai must take its toll on the eyes-

3 people 4 sets of glasses.......

 

 Self portrait?

 

tweedle dum & ........

Club show 2013 prt2

Bry and Family  From the V-o-C-B-S.... enjoying the show

 close inspection

 

 Start them young ... my daughter and I, trying to select a tree for the public competition 

....not easy

 

 views of the show

(again....thanks to Jim for the pictures)

 

Club Show 2013

Hi Everyone

Last week-end we held our Annual Members Bonsai and Accent Plants Show at Gordales, the Award Winning Retailer of the year 2012 Garden Center here in the Wirral and by ALL accounts and the feedback we have had, it seemed to even better than the response in 2012.

It all started with the preparations on the Thursday on the 19th of September and once the vehicle arrived from storage with all the equipment on it . A little discussion was had as to what was going where and the starting crew, Doug, Dave Y., Bill D,.Steve H.,Tom, Bill G., Sean and Arthur got to grips with task in hand  and got going in assembling the benches and stands shortly later more helping hands arrived to assist in the preparation with almost the whole set-up completed before we had to call it a day on day 1

Day Two was much of the same and all was going well and around mid-day the Exhibits starting to arrive to be place into position followed by a few swops here and there to have everything perfect for the Show. Even tho I say it myself it was really looking great and ready for Showtime at the end of on Friday

Saturday the final touches,cleaning,hoovering, brushing ,polishing adding those little things that makes it all perfect for the Two day show

As always it was a quiet start but as time went on more and more of the public arrived and they were many oooooo's and aaaaaa's look at this one look at that one is it REAL, DON'T TOUCH , Daddy I want one and many more nice and wonderful comments

Around 10:30 am Mr Steve Tolley head Judge for the Event and a MASTER Of the  Bonsai Four Dimensional Art Supremo, arrived  with a Bandaged Finger ( I am sure he must get fed-up being asked what happened)which did not stop him form being his usual self when carrying out his judging duties and in TRUE TOLLSTER Fashion a man of Action he was extremely full of enthusiasm and used his Dedicated Skills and Superb Bonsai Knowledge to choose which Bonsai Tree deserved an award

As time went past With plenty of enthusiasm Steve with his trusted place cards placing them on the bench next to a Tree then walking round stopping,looking near and more than a few feet away trying to decide, he started removing a few cards making notes then another look and his decisions were made (A true master at work )

Then tension for some members and in the end we all had our minds settled when MrTolley took center stage with his results and Reminder what he said last year in 2013 after judging the show then he spoke about the members and,the society as a whole and "praised us all for outstanding achievement"

This time it was even better than last year as Mr. Tolley was more than pleased with all our efforts and we all should BE PROUD as a Society for being one of the Best Bonsai Societies in the country and will always be willing to return to support Wirral Bonsai Society if we will have him

 

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

The Honours were shared this year between Dave Y, Bill G, Rod and Simon

Best Shohin      ==  No. 24 = Juniper = belonging to Rod      

Best Chuhin       ==  No. 18 =  Hinoki Cypress = belonging to Bill G

Best BroadLeaf  ==  No. 1  =  Azalea  = belonging to Rod

Best Conifer      ==  No. 16 = Juniper = belonging to  Dave Y.

 Best in Show    = =  No 16 = Juniper. = belonging to  Dave Y.

The Chairman's Award's ==  No.14 = Shohin  Black Pine = belonging to Simon

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Voted Best Tree By the Public and Awarded The Dave Mitchell Trophy

 to Steve H on behalf of Pete who could not make it

No. 2  Cryptomeria  belong to Pete

And presented By Lindsay Beautiful Daughter of Dave M.

A Special presentation was made by Steve T on behalf of Wirral Bonsai Society to Andy H who has been the in My opinion the Backbone of our Successful Sunday Workshops both at Gordales and at Portsunlight Garden Centre. Andy is moving to a Warmer climate as he task up a position at a Bonsai Nursery later in the year in Portugal and we ALL wish him every success and he will be a HARD ACT to follow.

Best Wishes from us all Andy I know I will miss you not only for your wit, honesty, Bonsai Knowledge, your sense of Humour ( where to stick the camera ) and reminding me that the Sunday Workshops are about the BONSAI TREES and not the Members ( why can't it be Both)


Over the Two days of the show we of the show we made some new friends and it was great to see some friendly  face  amongst them some Distinguished  Bonsai people, Mr M Hughes,Mr Andy Dolman from Walsall, Tony Tickle, Dave B and wife Cathy, Ken, Bryan and his Family, Bren, Lee K. Roy and a Lovely Senior Couple who were members of W-B-S in the early years in the 1990,s some of the nicest Ladies Gentlemen you will  meet

A Tremendous Exciting Bonsai and accent Plant Show and we all would like to thank the owners of the GGC Mr and Mrs Nicholson for their kind hospitality welcoming W-B-S into their Award Winning Center Retailer of the Year 2012 and also a young Ladies Karen and Becky,Jonathon and Nick for the Transport PLUS ALL MEMBERS of Staff at Gordales for making our day so successful AND A MASSIVE THANK-YOU TO YOU ALL

We hope everyone who attended our show enjoyed what they had seen and spread the word and good news about Wirral Bonsai Society and Gordale's Garden Center for we will be BACK in 2014 and if all goes well with a big and better display of Bonsai Trees and Accent plants

Just a Reminder NOT TO FORGET the Sunday workshops on the 29th of September AT  Gordale Garden Centre 

Take care look after each other and your Bonsai Trees

From ALL OF US AT W-B-S a Large Thank you to each and everyone of you who took time to visit us

Jim thelad

for more pictures please see IBC forum via link below

http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t14323-wirral-bonsai-society-members-annual-show-results-and-complete-show-2013

 good layout and turn out

 putting 'skippy' (named because it was found in a skip) into position

 

 Steve starts his judging....

....and then leads a discussion in the merits (and possible issues) with the trees 

September meeting -show tree selection

Hi Everyone

It's that time of the year when all the hard work should be almost done as it was Show Tree Selection night and what a great abundance of Bonsai Trees that were brought into the Society meeting place

Ian got the ball rolling and mentioned a few items Such as The Swindon Winter Image Show an event we all feel we would like to keep attending plus Ian give us ALL some food for thought and will be contacting the Organisers of the Winter Image show

We all heard about the GREAT  NEWS and Opportunity that Andy H landed in a Bonsai Dream Land as he heads for a more warmer climate than the UK  hopefully to hear more details to follow from Andy

It seemed a difficult task for the judging panel as they were taken their time checking each exhibit carefully sometimes going back to have another look, then discussing their opinions together before agreeing on the final items for the show

Around Two dozen members attended the evening, chatting amongst themselves whilst the judging was going on, voicing their own opinion between themselves hoping their Tree would be up to the required standard for the show

All in all was a great night with plenty of happy faces once they knew what the panel had decided 

Just to remind you about 2 day event it is held at Gordales Garden Center a Prize Winning Award  2012 Garden Center here in the Wirral

hope to see you there

Take care

Jimthelad

 

 is it in.......or out?

-

 every detail is scrutinised...

 

even via hi tec means

-

Looking for something new?

Hi Everyone,

This is just to let you all know that the final consignment of trees for this year will be available for viewing from this weekend by appointment. But please call/email to arrange times as Kathy and I are busy with our Mothers.

 I have some really exceptional material including some spectacular Sabina Junipers that have been established 4 years and are ready for styling.

 Please let your friends and club members know.

Kindest regards

Steve (Tolley)

Best of British Bonsai 2013 results

Gold

Hot off the press -The RHS has awarded the Federation of British Bonsai Societies a Gold medal for the BoBB2013 display.

Individuals known so far-
Best Chuhin -Marcus Watts
Best Shohin -Ian Warhurst (congrats)
Best Large tree -Des Lloyd
Best in Show -Marcus Watts

See link below for more info-

http://www.bbb2013.com/

Marcus's Best in Show Zelkova

Ian's best Shohin Chinese Elm



Ian's Privet -certificate of merit