Chairman's Annual Report

It is with some pride that I can write this report for the National Bonsai Society following a year that saw some new and successful projects take place. Some though, unfortunately, not as successful as hoped, like the monthly photographic competition.
   
Our web site is still gaining in popularity and thanks go to our webmaster for her work and dedication in keeping it up to date.
   
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 there would be no Society.

2007 saw exceptional club activity with workshops, talks and demonstrations from both our own members and guest speakers, including two young bonsai masters who are fast becoming known worldwide for their skills and expertise.

* In January the National was pleased to welcome Marco Invernizzi. Marco started his bonsai career with some of the top bonsai masters in Italy, followed by studentship with the Japanese bonsai master Masahiko Kimura. Subsequently he has gone from strength to strength with his technique in Bonsai and his regular U.K. workshops are booked almost as soon as advertised. He led a very successful weekend workshop and additionally gave an enjoyable practical demonstration to the Society, which was also attended by members from other societies.
   
* We were also fortunate in September to have Peter Warren visit the Society following his weekend workshop in Lytham. Peter, a student of Kunio Kobayashi for the past 4/5 years gave a lecture and slide show on his apprenticeship under one of the world's finest bonsai masters. This was a most interesting and informative experience and included slides of some of the best bonsai in the world.
   
* April saw Paul Goff at the National, demonstrating and explaining the guidelines for setting up and displaying a Tokonoma - the traditional Japanese alcove used for the display of wall scrolls, paintings, bonsai, flower arrangements and art objects. This proved a fascinating and idea provoking evening.
   
*Other guest speakers adding to our knowledge were Simon Temblett demonstrating and discussing bonsai techniques and Ian Warhurst taking us through the preparation of trees for shows.
   
*Our own members, Arnold Davies and Diane Keefe provided invaluable advice for grafting and for the ageing and refining of trees,
   
*These along with the Society's 2007 Members' Show, the annual auction and the popular Bonsai Question Time ensured a year packed with varied, informative and enjoyable events

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 2007 Southport Flower Show, though perhaps not quite as he would have wished following the previous two 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 2008.
   
The results ...
   
     * Large Gold Medal for the Floral Marquee entry
     * Silver 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.

The New Year starts with Simon Temblett demonstrating and discussing root over rock bonsai in January, followed by a busy and varied calendar of events and activities. 2008 looks set to be as full and eventful as ever.
Peter Moth, December 2007