January 2018

Hello and happy new year to you all. I hope you have all had a relaxing break. At this time of year, the weather can be very harsh and I hope your trees have come through it well.

Our bonsai year is up and running. Yesterday we had another successful Bunnings Barbeque. Fortunately the weather gods shone on us in comparison to the previous weekend. A very big thank you to Terry and Joy, Peter and Jeff who did all the running around and especially Terry who did all the organising. Also my thanks to those of you who assisted on the day.

The Committee has had its planning meeting and this year we will be trying something different. We are not going to have set talks or demonstrations this year except for one at the August meeting at which I will give a talk on the AABC Seminar. The new format will start at 1pm. Beginner’s classes will commence then and other members will go into workshops and work on their trees. Beginners group will rejoin the meeting proper at conclusion of the class time permitting. As normal, we will break at 3pm for afternoon tea. The Committee will start their meeting at 4pmand those who wish to can go back to their trees. We would also hope the members will complete the clean up prior to going home. Under this system, anyone who wants a demonstration on a technique or tree style should see me and I will organise someone to do it. All of course are welcome to view this demonstration or continue working on their own trees.

We have booked Neil Padbury as our visiting tutor for the year at our September meeting (15th September). We have him for morning and afternoon workshops and for demonstration/dinner on the Saturday night. So lock in the date. We are also planning
a day trip to visit to Neil’s nursery at Yakandandah (26th August) which will give people the opportunity to buy stock for the workshop (or for other reasons). Neil also provides a workshop during these visits on a topic of interest. These are always very informative.

This Saturday (20th January) is our first meeting of the year and will primarily be a working bee for our cupboard. Helping hands will be very welcome. However any trees requiring advice and/or work are most welcome and someone will be available to look at it for you.

A reminder that the beginners classes will commence Saturday 17th February. Costs for classes is $10 per head (to cover cost of materials for the course). Nominations to Gail by close of business Friday 9th February. Participants must be financial members of the Club ($30 per annum plus $10 for Club badge). Joining fee also covers members for injury while on Club activities. Fees may be paid on day of classes. I won’t be seeing you this Saturday as I am going to Opera in the Alps. However, I look forward to seeing you all in February.

Gail
President