Vale of Clwyd Bonsai Society

Congratulations

2012-01-25T19:06:00.003Z

We must pass on our congratulations to Simon Temblett who won an award at the Noelanders Event last weekend for his Willow grown from a cutting. Time and patience, along with some talent I guess!!

Dave

2012-01-17T09:08:00.003Z

Roughneck 64503 Bonsai Claw Bar 10-inch

I've just purchased one of these!!
I though it would come in handy in my Bonsai collecting toolkit. Hopefully it will be delivered before our collecting trip out on Saturday. Then I can update everyone on its performance!

Thanks
BryanD

Full Pot Collection

2012-01-10T11:02:00.002Z

Fantastic work everyone!!!!

THANKS
BryanD

Collecting Tools

2012-01-10T09:01:00.004Z

Just found a Compact Shovel on Lakeland.co.uk ideal for a collecting Bonsai toolkit. At £3.99, the sale price is outstanding.

Thanks
BryanD

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-22T17:33:00.000Z

To alll Members and Friends of the Society, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and healthy New Year.
We're looking forward to seeing you all once more in the New Year.

Dave

POTS - the finished Product

2011-12-22T10:28:00.002Z

THANKS to the lads from Wirral Bonsai Club that made the special effort to collect all the Pots from Walsall Ceramics last week.

I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone else's turned out. Hopefully we can get members to bring them in for the AGM in January. Then we can take pictures of them all.

For now, heres how mine turned out!!

THANKS
BryanD

Collecting

2011-12-19T16:29:00.003Z

All be it raining and very icy... We made it to the carpark.

After a successful morning tramping round the Forrest in search of 'the one', we came back with 5!!

Lunch and another venture out yielded a couple of smaller lighter trees. To be fair apart from the rain it was a great day out!

Thanks guys
BryanD

While the Weathers good - Go Get Some Inspiration

2011-11-30T15:32:00.004Z

Today - I took the opportunity to get out and about in the sunshine. All be it windy, I took the camera to get some inspiration from natures Trees. Here are a few shots of whats out there to enthuse us to create great Bonsai!!

Moss was also in abundance so plastic bag in hand i was able to collect some interesting mosses and created this...

Burrs 2011

2011-11-13T17:15:00.003Z

KevB and I took our selves to the weekend that is BURRS.

Hosted by Tony Tickle up in Bury, we attended the now europe wide, weekend that is BONSAI!

Up Early Saturday morning...... Breakfast at 8am.... the BONSAI all day long. 24 Attendee's all bringing trees along. Bonsai Artists Terry Foster, Carlos Van Der Vart, Pavel Slovák, Will Baddeley and of course Tony Tickle, were on hand the whole weekend to share their knowledge and expertise with us.

Here is a quick 360 view of the main room, share by attendee's and Bonsai!!
Pick a Tree!

For more information and photos' shared by IBC members, and attendee's of BURRS Visit:

Cheers
BryD

2011-11-08T16:22:00.002Z

FoBBS ‘Bonsai Boot Sale’ is on again in 2012 The planned date is 11th March at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston.

Collecting

2011-10-30T20:02:00.000Z

We're hoping to have this seasons Collecting Permit in our hands ready for our trip on Saturday 5th November.
In the event that it hasn't arrived we'll still go for a recce. Those interested in joining us please meet at the car park at the old lead mines at Gwydir Forest for 10.30am.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=A470&daddr=Unknown+road&hl=en&ll=53.130706,-3.80084&spn=0.030641,0.076818&sll=53.12226,-3.815088&sspn=0.030647,0.076818&geocode=FRv-KgMdK-3F_w%3BFeKaKgMdZKnF_w&vpsrc=6&mra=dme&mrsp=1&sz=14&t=m&z=14
The above link gives a site map with directions.
Hope to see you there.

Dave

Pottery Workshop Weekend

2011-10-17T21:09:00.004+01:00

Thanks to Walsall Ceramics for a brilliant pottery Weekend.

Heres to everyone that were able to join in...... a few Photos in Panoramic....

The Beginning

The Learning

The Practical

My Pot:

TheLad posted pictures from the weekend on the Wirral Bonsai club Facebook page and on the ibc wesite

THANKS
BryD

Jins and Shari

2011-10-10T20:25:00.002+01:00

THANKS Dave B and Allan D for you talk on Jin's and Shari

very informative.....

Allan D's carving left a few smiling face's!!
I think maily to the amount of wood chips that he was able to catch on the top of his head!

THANKS Guys!!

BryD

Daleside Show 2011

2011-09-15T15:31:00.001+01:00

I've just uploaded my pics of the show to Picasa Web Album.

Click this text to view the rest

Stocking up on fertiliser

2011-09-14T19:21:00.003+01:00

Hi folks...
Stocking up for next year.
I got hold of this from a garden centre the other day... Buy one get one free, at £3.99

If it something you use on your trees it could be worth it!!

Cheers
BryanD

Pines

2011-09-13T19:30:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Dave Y for his talk on Pines Sunday evenng
I think we all gained a whole load of information from his talk.

BryanD

Weekend Show

2011-09-06T18:59:00.002+01:00

A very big thanks to members for a great weekend.
Your enthusiasm and efforts (including the banter) made it a memorable event.
Thanks to Bren for supplying the Pine that merits the Title "The Pine most styled by committee".
The final work took approx one and half hours, the planning took approx seven hours!!
We'll never be called impulsive.

Dave

2011-08-15T18:54:00.002+01:00

Bonsai Display at Daleside Nursery
Gladstone Way
Hawarden
Deeside
Flintshire
CH5 3HF

On the 3rd and 4th of September
A selection of our trees and demonstrations of techniques.
Friendly help and advice available free.

Workshops

2011-07-12T17:58:00.001+01:00

Please note that the workshops are currently cut back to the 1st Saturday of every month.
3rd Saturday is suspended until the autumn.

Dave

July Meeting

2011-07-06T16:41:00.003+01:00

Next Sunday's meeting is entitled Moving your tree forward. This will be in the form of a critique, please bring along your trees and get some advice on future direction and possibilities.

In addition, any trees you have in mind for selection for the Daleside event in September please bring these also.

We had a relatively poor turnout last month, please make every effort to attend.

Thanks.
Dave

2011-05-25T17:08:00.003+01:00

Please keep an eye open for these stolen trees. You can enlarge the pic by clicking it.

John Armitage Workshop

2011-04-05T20:11:00.003+01:00

Saturday May 7th John Armitage will be hosting a full day workshop at Green Dragon. Come along with your material for a styling opportunity.

John has a formidable reputation for his readiness to share his knowledge and expertise in a free and open way.

Dave

April Meeting

2011-04-05T20:08:00.003+01:00

For those of you unable to come along to the Best of British in Birmingham, Green Dragon will be open as usual. If you'd like to pop along there will be the usual facilities of a workshop running from approx 2pm through 'til 8pm if required.

Dave

2011-02-01T20:24:00.004Z

Workshop Pots

Photo's of some of the finished and glazed pots from the workshop are now at the end of the gallery here
Click on any photo to see a larger version.

Another Sad Loss

2011-01-28T16:59:00.002Z

It is with sorrow that I report the passing of another member. Rhona sadly passed away following a stroke.
Dave

2011

2011-01-17T19:50:00.002Z

Welcome to 2011 and the Society's New Program.
Workshops are open to all, please free to drop in. There is no expectation, come and have a cuppa or bring material to work on. Advice and hands on help is readily available. They start at around 9am and go on 'til folks have had enough.
Hope to see you there.
Dave

2011-01-07T12:48:00.002Z

Click this for an interesting discussion that has been developing on the Internet Bonsai Club

Christmas & New Year

2010-12-09T18:57:00.003Z

We meet on the Greyhound Park Chester on Sunday Night for our Activity Night of Bowling.

Our first meeting of the new year is on Sunday 9th and will be our AGM.

Workshops are ongoing, one this Saturday (11th) followed by two in January on the 15th and 22nd.

For those unable to join us we wish you a Happy Christmas and All the best for 2011.

bonsai in the frost (Chinese Elm)

2010-12-06T23:14:00.001Z

bonsai in the frost (Chinese Elm)
Originally uploaded by Stu Worrall

Once of my trees hanging out in the frost this morning. An overnight fog left an awful lot of it around!

Workshop

2010-12-02T10:00:00.001Z

The workshop for this saturday (4th) has been cancelled as the units water has been turned off. The following week is still on, at present.
Stay safe all.

Dave

Workshops

2010-10-28T17:23:00.003+01:00

Mark is hosting workshops at Green Dragon on the following dates. A great opportunity for folks to meet up and get some work done. Starts 9am but you can drop in any time.
Saturday 6th and 20th November
Saturday 4th and 11th December
Saturday 15 and 22 January

Pottery Workshop

2010-10-17T20:01:00.002+01:00

What an excellent day!
I'm still getting participants revelling in the experience and wishing to sign up for another go next year. A big thanks to Dave Jones for his instruction and guidance along with his sensitive approach to everyone's needs.

Dave

Pot Workshop

2010-10-10T14:21:00.002+01:00

David Jones of Walsall Studio Ceramics led the workshop at Green dragon on Sunday 10th October. Click this text to see all the photo's.

Bill Lloyd

2010-10-05T19:00:00.005+01:00

It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Bill Lloyd, a long standing member of the club. Many members have fond memories of working alonside Bill on a number of projects.
We wish his family our sincere condolences.

Bodnant Garden Centre Event

2010-08-23T21:20:00.003+01:00

A big thanks for all the effort that went into the weekend, the event went well and was warmly received by the general public (from many nations).
Having got that one right, we now need to look to bigger and better things for next years event!!

Dave

nice pots

2010-07-12T23:12:00.001+01:00

Found a Slovakian website selling some very nice and different pots, not sure if they ship tot he UK as i cant speak Slovakian!

http://www.e-bonsai.eu/e-bonsai/bonsai-pot/pa-pao/papao-r-seria/

Bodnant Garden Centre Event

2010-07-12T19:43:00.007+01:00

Over the week end of August 21/22nd the society are putting on an event at Bodnant Garden Centre in the Conway Valley. We shall be displaying a selection of trees, providing opportunity for the public to seek advice and guidance along with a chance to win a significant Bonsai in the raffle.

Mark this event in your diary as one not to be missed.

July Meeting

2010-06-26T18:52:00.002+01:00

Please note the July meeting has now been changed. We are instead doing a pre-show selection. Please, if you have a tree/trees you would like to be considered for the show, bring them along on the night.
There are three members who will be the selection panel.

p.s. Apologies to those who arranged their day to listen to Radio Wales, it was an anticlimax, to say the least. Hey ho!!

BBC Radio Wales, Roy Noble Show

2010-06-13T12:54:00.002+01:00

BBC Radio Wales are running a feature on Clubs & Societies throughout Wales.
On Thursday June 17th they are featuring Vale of Clwyd Bonsai Society.
The show runs from 2pm 'til 4pm and is in English (for those who might have been frightened off).
Tune in and be enthralled by Bonsai chat!!

Dave

2010-05-02T09:22:00.003+01:00

Recuperating from pneumonia has led to me spending much time sitting in front of my PC. While googling around, I found this excellent site that I hadn't come across before. http://www.andyrutledge.com/book/index.html It is a deep and serious treatment of the artistic side of bonsai design. Lots of revelations in there with many excellent tree examples. I heartily recommend it.

Photo by Wolfgang Putz from Andy's site

'Paper' Training Pots for Bonsai

2010-04-29T20:02:00.002+01:00

Found this very interesting article about making training bonsai pots from paper!

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATPaperBonsaiPots.html

Lee's Inspiration

2010-04-13T20:43:00.002+01:00

We had an excellent talk from Lee K (Wirral member) on Sunday.
He talked us through the stages of styling trees with the aid of great material. Whilst his skill is without doubt he shares willingly, all the time seeking to breakdown the myths that are perpetuated about the 'noble art'.

Enthused by some of his ideas and techniques, I feel a number of experimental workshops coming up.
Thanks Lee.

Library

2010-04-08T09:05:00.003+01:00

We have a large and quite comprehensive library with a great selection of books from beginner level to advanced. There are also some more specialised ones on companion plants, viewing stones, trees in nature and so forth. A few VHS videos and DVD's on bonsai subjects and a large collection of magazines complete the library. We have a current subscription to Bonsai Europe magazine so the most recent news is always available.

The library is there for all of us to use, please have a look through our stocks and if there is anything that you need information on, but can't find, ask one of the club officers and we'll do our best to help. Suggestions for new books or improvements are always welcomed.

2010-03-28T20:36:00.008+01:00

The Joy of Bonsai event in Bath was inspirational and certainly lived up to its name. Simon Temblett organised the Bonsai Innovations display which was the talking point of the weekend.
The Larch in a Moon pot, was John Pitt's contribution.

2010-03-25T22:02:00.005Z

Very sad news, I'm afraid. George's lovely wife, Barbara, succumbed to a stroke and passed away on Wednesday morning.

Our deepest condolences are offered to George and his family.

Also, John F was hospitalised last week and is receiving treatment at Bodelwyddan Hospital.

We all wish him well for his recovery.

Potting Drop-in session at Green Dragon

2010-03-15T20:03:00.003Z

Saturday 27th is your opportunity to enjoy some company, and possible assistance, whilst potting.
Green Dragon will be open from 12 noon.
See you there!

Dave

Final Collecting for this Season!!

2010-03-15T19:58:00.002Z

Sunday 21st is the last opportunity to collect under this Winter's Licence.
Anyone interested please contact Mark (Green Dragon).
Sadly, given that the Joy of Bonsai is on in Bath next weekend, some of us will be away.
Have a good day.
Dave

Not to be missed!!

2010-03-03T18:12:00.002Z

Ken & George are doing some grafting at Ken's place on Saturday 6th.
Anyone wishing to observe this process please give Ken a call, 01745 820467

2010-02-27T14:37:00.002Z

VOCBS main website is down until the end of the month. For the first time, we exceeded our bandwidth limit. It should be restored automatically next month.

2010-01-15T12:47:00.002Z

Taken from the Daily Post (15/01/10)

Bonsai claim by cannabis grower.
A failed asylum seeker found with 200 cannabis plants in a Wrexham house claimed he thought they were bonsai trees.
Min Wang 27, of Kensington, Liverpool, told Mold Crown Court the plants, with a potential annual growing value of £400,00 were part of a get rich quick bonsai tree business.
But the jury did not believe his story and he was yesterday convicted of producing the Class B drug and was jailed for three and a half years.
The judge said that he did not regard Wang as simply a gardener who watered the plants.
Prosecutor Owen Edwards branded the defendant's bonsai story as pure nonsense.

2010-01-15T12:44:00.001Z

AGM

Please note that the AGM has been re-scheduled for Sunday 31st January, 6pm at Green Dragon.
Please make every effort to attend.

Thanks
Dave

2010-01-08T09:17:00.002Z

AGM.

Please note that the AGM on Sunday 10th has been postponed due to weather conditions. Hopefully we can re-shedule for later this month so as not to have a knock-on effect on our programme.

Stay safe, stay warm!

2010-01-01T10:07:00.002Z

Happy New Year to all members and friends of the Vale of Clwyd Society - have a great one!

Christmas Do!

2009-12-05T21:13:00.002Z

Those choosing to join us for our Christmas Meal; we will be meeting at Craig Parc in Dyserth at 7.15pm on Sunday 13th. Remember to bring along items for the Christmas Raffle (we try to make it a special one!).

For those unable to join us We wish you all a Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Please note the AGM in January will be held at Green Dragon in Trelawnyd, anyone needing direction please contact Mark at Green Dragon.

Dave

The tree in the mist

2009-11-14T09:24:00.001Z

The tree in the mist
Originally uploaded by Stu Worrall

a bit of inspiration from nature

Bonsai Traders Event, Sheffield

2009-08-14T09:09:00.002+01:00

This anual event will be held on the 27th September at Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield.
Always worth a visit to pick up a bargain or to look for that elusive pot.

Anglesey Show

2009-08-14T09:03:00.001+01:00

Congratulations, once again, to George, Ken and Dave for gaining a Gold at the Angelsey Show this week.Well done!

Wirral Show

2009-08-02T10:16:00.002+01:00

Just a reminder, the Wirral Show is on next weekend (8th/9th) at Gordale Garden Center on the Wirral. It promises to be an excellent event, please give them your support.
Dave.

Jacksons Nursery Weekend

2009-07-27T21:50:00.010+01:00

Another successful weekend of bonsai demo's for the public visiting this local garden centre. The aim was to educate, inform and hopefully recruit some new members.
Dave Y made the most of some free material (weeping Cedar) with a radical approach!

September Meeting

2009-07-08T18:58:00.002+01:00

Given that we are holding a Bonsai Event over the 2nd weekend of September we have moved the meeting to Sunday 20th. On that day there will also be a workshop run by Tony Tickle starting at 10am and going through 'til 5pm. Those who are unable to participate are more than welcome to spectate, there could be a small charge to contribute to the hire of the hall. Watch this space!!
Dave

Strikes Bonsai Event

2009-06-24T10:16:00.000+01:00

Display at the First Event of 2009

2009-06-11T13:06:00.002+01:00

Nice work Stu, it certainly provokes thought. If your coming to Sunday's meeting I'll have 250gms prawns (peeled of cause). Cheers, Dave.

Planted Aqaurium Mountainscape

2009-06-06T10:18:00.001+01:00

My 60cm Red Cherry Shrimp Planted Aquarium - 4/6/2009
Originally uploaded by Stu Worrall

Just as an aside I thought I'd post this up. Its my most recent planted tank that im working on in the style of an Iwagumi which isa Japanease type mountain range.

I think it links in quite well with bonsai and Suiseki viewing stones.

There are no fish in there as its a red cherry shrimp breeding tank. There are about 30 shrimp in there at the moment munching away on any algae that forms.

Full journal wiuth other pics is on the UKAPS forum

http://www.ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=6393

2009-06-02T19:14:00.008+01:00

Website

Hi Folks,

The new look Vale of Clwyd web site is coming along nicely. I'd be grateful if you get a chance to have a look around please and let me know what you think or report back with any errors, broken links etc. If you can think of anything you would like to see on the site, please get in touch with Webmaster Kev B.

Bonsai from Best of British 2009

2009-04-20T01:59:00.004+01:00

Bonsai from Best of British 2009, originally uploaded by Stu Worrall.

Some pictures from the Best of British Bonsai show

Bonsai Events

2009-04-06T12:53:00.003+01:00

At last, we have our Events booked and in the diary.
June 20th/21st. Daleside Gdn Centre, Hawarden.
July 25th/26th. Jacksons Gdn Centre, Trelawnyd
Sept. 12th/13th. Talgoed Nursey, Glan Conway.

This is our oppurtunity to engage with the public on all things Bonsai related, so I hope you'll be able to join us at these events. At the May meeting we'll go through our 'programme' for the June event.

Sad Loss

2009-02-17T16:44:00.002Z

It was with great sadness that we heard last week of the death of Lindsay, one of our members. She had been an active member over a number of years and will be sorely missed. Along with family and friends we will celebrate her life tomorrow at the Crematorium, Colwyn Bay.

Sad Loss

2009-02-17T13:04:00.002Z

Lyndsay Gibson passed away after losing her long battle with cancer. As an enthusiastic and ever helpful member she will be sadly missed by all.

The funeral is at 15.30 on Wednesday 18th February at Mochdre crematorium.

Committee Meeting at Kev B's

2009-02-17T13:00:00.000Z

The committee is meeting at Kev B's place on Monday 23rd at 6pm to discuss the programme of developments for the club.

Christmas Workshop

2008-11-29T11:06:00.003Z

Just a reminder that the Christmas meal isnt on this year. Instead we're having a workshop at the usual place (St Asaph sports centre) with a Chinese Buffet to go alongside, ho ho ho!

Anyway, the meal is optional and will be around £8 on the night. You can still come to the workshop if youre not hungry and get some tree work done whilst they are dormant. Hope to see you there.

Corin Tomlinson Demo

2008-09-10T23:38:00.008+01:00

We had a great demo at the club on Sunday from Corin Tomlinson who brought a really nice (and heavy) un-styled spruce to work on. All in he had about an hour and a half to work on it with tea breaks and raffle and this was the transformation in that small amount of time.

Before

And after

with some in betweens

Thanks to Corin for a great night and an interesting and animated demo. I just wish I could style a tree that fast and do it well!

Greenwood Bonsai Studio

Sunday 7th Sept - Corin Tomlinson doing a Demo on Styling Nursery Stock

2008-09-02T08:27:00.002+01:00

Corin Tomlinson from Greenwood Bonsai Studio will be with us on Sunday night to give a demo on Styling Nursery stock into Bonsai. Looks like its going to be a great demo for both old and new. Times are 18:00 - 20:00 at St Asaph Sports centre

Greenwood Link

Cheap Trimmers in Aldi - Thurs 19th June

2008-06-16T23:36:00.004+01:00

in case anyone is after some mini pruners Aldi are doing some this thursday which are a very similar design to some Spear & Jackson ones I bought a while ago

Link is here and theyre £3.49 each

Aldi Pruners

Stolen Bonsai Trees (continued)

2008-04-06T14:11:00.020+01:00

As per the last post these are the trees that were stolen from Rhyl on Thursday of last week. If you see any of these for sale or are approched then please contact North Wales Police on 0845 6071002 and any of the members of Vale Of Clwyd Bonsai if possible. Thanks

Scotts Pine

Hollow Yew Tree

Chinese Juniper

Collected Hawthorn (Note this is now in a proper ceramic pot)

Yew Tree

Carved Escallonia (Back)

Carved Escallonia (Front)

Scotts Pine

Yew Tree (front and back)

Crab Apple (front and back)

Stolen Trees - Rhyl Area

2008-04-04T22:53:00.002+01:00

First up apologies for the lack of updates since this blog was started last year.

Sadly one of our members in the Rhyl area has last night had some trees stolen from his garden. This is what ive received from Mark about the trees.

They include an Escallonia with extensively carved dead wood

A Large Chinese Juniper

Broom style Hawthorn

and 2 fairly large yews

I will be sending out pictures of these trees tomorrow but in the meantime please keep an eye out for anything that may fit the descriptions being sold in unusual circumstances.

Ill be getting a set of the pictures from Mark so will put them up here in case anyone is offered or sees any top quality trees for sale.

Focus Closing down sale

2007-11-07T22:44:00.000Z

For anyone in the North Wales area Focus DIY in Flint are closing down. This has led to all the stock in store having 20% off but after popping in the other day I noticed the fertilisers and bug chemicals are at 50% off. Worth a look if you want to stock up on supplies.

They also have sprayers and hozelok stuff at 20% off too.

1st post

2007-11-07T01:30:00.000Z

as weve been rumbled that weve pinched and used Wirral Bonsais format for their blog i thought id better put up a new post. Thanks to Wirral for the inspiration, we'll hopefully be getting more up-to-date info on the club online sooner in the future via this blog.

Permission is being sought from the forestry commision for member to collect regen material from their land. More news on this soon.

We have just had an excellent talk from Kev and Al at the club on collecting which will hopefully put our newer members in good stead for picking up some good trees when we get to go out.

Ill be uploading our newsletter in pdf format soon if youve not managed to get one at the club