I am thrilled to see that the Association of British Bonsai Artists, more familiarly known as A.B.B.A. are bringing back our favourite event—Joy of Bonsai in March 2010. It has been much missed. As far as I know, it will be the well known format of numerous bonsai artists, both international and British, working on various trees throughout the two days of the event. Added to this is the promise of numerous traders and a top class exhibition of large and shohin bonsai, pots and accessories.

This time they are introducing a surprise element to the exhibition - innovation! We have long felt that perhaps there are one or two people who have other ideas how to display bonsai than in the familiar Japanese style - so it will be interesting to see what turns up!
To provide added interest, there will be demonstrations by various Japanese arts both quiet and refined like ikebana or script writing and the more active type like martial arts. So we are in for a real treat.

Do mark the date in your diary and keep tabs on this page by putting it in your bookmarks and I will keep you informed on news and updates.

Please do not hesitate to send details to me for 2009 events later in the year and of course anything arranged for 2010. Please give details of either a website or email or phone number for a contact, so people can get further information.

In our local society we have recently signed up some new members, which is a good sign and we hope other societies are in a similar healthy situation. One aspect we have found going down well - instead of sitting in rows facing a speaker, we are putting our chairs in a large circle and it is encouraging members to speak about their trees in this more informal atmosphere. Why don't you try it in your club if the numbers who actually turn up out of your total membership, is dropping a little. Another success in our society is a member has taken over producing a newsletter on a monthly basis covering the two meetings we have each month. This keeps everyone in touch and is a constant reminder of what is going on - good to have in these days of hectic living!

Enjoy your bonsai and the events.
BonsaiDil
June 2009