Chairmans Annual Report 2009

My report to the membership of The National Bonsai Society for 2009, in a year of new and exciting challenges that have, hopefully been enjoyed by all and will continue to be a source for obtaining information in pursuit of our unique hobby.

We have held two extra exhibitions along with the annual exhibition at Southport Flower Show. The first was a spring exhibition and the second was a winter image exhibition both held at Holmeswood Koi Nursery. The three events have proved popular and we have increased our membership as a result. We would like to thank David, , and Barry for their hospitality in making us welcome and providing exceptional facilities for the society. We have also undertaken a series of get together's at Pete Bullens house on a quarterly basis and these have proved very successful, so I would like to thank Pete and his wife Ann and I hope we can continue these next year.


Our web site as you know has been unserviceable for a time, but I hope this problem has been overcome and with contributions from members we can again provide a service to bonsai enthusiasts with information and advice, that is both practical and easy to understand.
   
I would like to thank the Officers and Committee for their efforts in maintaining the smooth running of the Society and to give special thanks to the members - without them and their support we would not be able to stage the exhibitions we have this year.

This year we had in February one of our former members Paul Goff, who gave a very good presentation on selecting the right pot for the tree, Simon Temblett judged our annual club show in July with a critique on how he selected the winners of each group and we saw Simon again in September when he explained his carving and deadwood refining techniques.


January saw the first critique with a panel of members giving advice on how selected trees could be styled, then the tree was photographed to be brought back at the June meeting to see the development and progress of the tree.

March was a general workshop on our Larch forest.

April we had Bernard Morris giving a presentation on trees from his collection.

May Andrew Lloyd gave a practical talk / demonstration on Pines

June was the follow up to January's critique, although not all the trees we saw in January meeting were brought back we still had enough for a good debate.

July was our club show and we introduced a new style trophy for the category winners.

August Frank Entwistle gave us a talk on the horticulture of trees, an interesting and informative talk.

September Simon Temblett, another favorite to The national Bonsai society gave a very interesting and informative talk / demonstration on creating and refining deadwood.

October Arnold Davies gave a presentation on refining bonsai, as always Arnold's preparation and presentation were superb. We are looking to seeing Arnold sometime in 2010 with a follow up.

November was the societies annual auction an event that is growing in stature. A big thank you to all who took part and for our effort we raised a considerable sum for the society.
   
December is the month for the A.G.M and the election of officers and committee for the following year. The following people were elected:-

Our thanks go to all our speakers for the quality and quantity of valuable advice they all managed to pack into the limited time available and to everyone involved in ensuring the enjoyment and success of all these events.

Once again, under the guidance of our Show manager Chris Ryding, we won awards at the 2009 Southport Flower Show, though perhaps not quite as he would have wished following the previous years' successes. However, with medals to show for the effort put in by himself and the members of the Society and the opportunity to "talk bonsai" with the general public, it continues to be an event we look forward to. Hopefully the successes of The National Bonsai Society have contributed to the raised standards and increased competition, setting a new target for 2010
   
The results ...
   
     * Large Gold Medal for the Floral Marquee entry
     * Silver Gilt Medal for the Societies Marquee entry

Well done everyone! Your achievements are a credit to the Society and the time, work and effort you contribute greatly appreciated.




   


.



 


Peter Moth,

Chairman The National Bonsai Society

December 2009

   
© The National Bonsai Society