Apr 11 2013

Show Set Up Day One

Last night saw us starting to get the club show set up. We had to collect the stands from one side of Belfast and transport them over to the venue at the other side. Easy? No! Not when there is a bad accident on the motorway!! This is Phil’s van loaded with the stands stuck on the motorway. Yes I used my mobile in the car, but we hadn’t moved in about 30 minutes at this point!

We did however eventually make it to Hillside Nursery Centre where some more helping hands appeared and we managed to get more done than we expected. We got there to find the space not yet cleared and we had to lend a hand to get things moved.

The chuckle Brother Graham and Adrian.

To Me, To Me 🙂

Starting to take shape.

As straight as a dog’s hind leg Adrian 🙂

Two more nights of this and we’ll be ready for the public !

Mar 10 2013

Robert Porch @ NIBS Club Night

On Friday we had Robert Porch with us at our Club Night. His lighthearted approach was appreciated by the members, even those he literally dragged up to the front to help with the demo!

The main point made during the evening was that bonsai for everyone watching was a hobby and that we should be doing it for enjoyment. I think we can safely say that we enjoyed our night. As usual some photos.

John’s large Japanese Black Pine grown from seed gets a first styling.

Hugh’s big larch on display.

Small Larch getting styled by Robert

Stephen gets dragged up for his input 😉

Now it’s Graham’s turn

Feb 26 2013

Saturday’s Willowbog School

I’m only getting time now to have a look at what photos I have taken over the weekend. It’s been a hectic but rewarding last 5 days both in my bonsai life and in my work life, however a little sleep would be nice about now

I have already reblogged a few related blogs from friends who were there, but now it’s my turn.

Peter arrived on Friday and it was good to have a catch up and a glass of vino before the hordes descended on the Saturday morning. We decided to leave unpacking the van until the morning. As we walked out the door at 7am to get started, the snow started to fall.Must be a Willowbog left over 🙂 It didn’t amount to much but I was glad we had made a few additions to the heating of the garage for this school.

We got the trees out in record time and Roy B was first to arrive for the pre-school browse. Others soon arrived and pots seemed to be in demand as expected.

The school got underway and and Peter talked though the events of the last months, namely the Noelanders Trophy and then the Ryan Neil weekend. During the day we covered topics such as wiring, Larch bonsai, seasonal tasks, a repotting recap, and much more besides.

The day was a great success, with the only problem being the lock on my back door breaking and everyone being locked out! Photos can be seen HERE on Michael’s blog.

Roy browsing in the cold

rubbing hands in the cold or in excitement

others arrive to get a look around

getting underway

Peter in full flow

Young Jamie getting his legs roasted on the heater

Can you spot Waldo?!

Some sundries for sale

Focus on Larches

Captured on video

Michael moves in on the heat.

John reading one of 3 handouts on the day.

Feb 23 2013

School Set Up

It’s our Clubs first Bonsai School Session of 2013 this weekend and some preparation was required in my garage. Peter Snart of Willowbog Bonsai will be over to get 2013 off to a good start.

It’s to be cold but hopefully dry and we have taken a few steps tio make the garage a little warmer this time around. A new heater has been purchased. The roof space area has been closed off and we even managed to get a bit of carpet to help keep the wee feet warm 🙂 Should be a good weekend. We are expecting more than 5 but we still have to get the rest of the chairs 🙂

Feb 9 2013

Club Night

One of the most pleasing things I have seen in bonsai in the last few years has been the growth and transformation of the club I belong too. The Northern Ireland Bonsai Society has been around since 1986, but the last few years has seen a swing to workshop based meetings and a drive to bring in knowledge from bonsai professionals to boost the knowledge of all members.

This year is shaping up to be a great year. We have Peter Warren coming over in September, Robert Porch next month and we are delighted to be entering into our third year of our Willowbog Bonsai School. We also are breaking new ground with our exhibition moving to a new location and date this April.

Jan 12 2013

The Magnificent Seven +1

As expected, last nights club meeting was a very low turn out due to the road blocks and protesters across Belfast.

However 7 brave souls and me managed to get there. We used a smaller room and managed to have a great nights craic 🙂

Phil with the usual hat glued to his head.

and his usual two fingered salute. Ben appears to be taking steps with side branch cutters to cut Phil off in his prime. Also note, a rare sighting of Harry on the left most camera shy guy I know 🙂

Is that a Christmas jumper Michael? 🙂

Ben slightly traumatised having been beside Phil all night!

A special mention must go to Alan who after hitting his fourth roadblock gave up and went home. Good try Alan

Jan 11 2013

Club Night Tonight

I know bonsai clubs are not for everyone. However the NIBS has given me a lot of help and satisfaction over the 19 years I’ve been a member.

Tonight’s meeting will be interesting as I haven’t a clue how many will actually turn up. January is usually one of our busiest nights for some reason but tonight we have protesters and civil unrest in Belfast. So I have no doubt that many will avoid any possible trouble. I however, will there 🙂

Nov 20 2012

Bonsai Workshop Sunday

A few more shots from the weekend, this time it’s the workshop on the Sunday. I haven’t been able to alter the photos with photoshop to improve the indoor shots but at least these will give you a feel for the day. Some shots of a few trees in the workshop before and after. For some of the participants, this was their first workshop.

Nov 19 2012

Bonsai School Saturday

It’s been hard to post this week! Between my computer deciding that it no longer wants to talk to anything via usb, including my camera, and my hosting of a club event, I have been frustrated.

So, here I sit on my laptop, which I hate using, trying to add some photos for your viewing. Only a few snaps from the school, plenty of video recorded but I’m unable to transfer it at the moment. Here are some shots of my garage and driveway full of club folk soaking up the bonsai vibe. Peter Snart is also captured in full flow, and dear love him he struggled through two days with a nasty cough and splutter.