UKBA Bulletin Mar26
In this Mar26 Bulletin
Opening Introduction
8 Bonsai Events for Mar26 &Apr26
2 Bonsai Event Reports Feb26
2 Trips Abroad Feb26
14 Club Talks for Mar26 & Apr26
Notice Board
Future Events Confirmed
Monthly Task List for Mar26
Interview with Dilly Upton
Quiz
In this Mar26 Bulletin
Opening Introduction
8 Bonsai Events for Mar26 &Apr26
2 Bonsai Event Reports Feb26
2 Trips Abroad Feb26
14 Club Talks for Mar26 & Apr26
Notice Board
Future Events Confirmed
Monthly Task List for Mar26
Interview with Dilly Upton
Quiz
Welcome to this month's Bulletin.
The month of March brings us officially into the start of spring. The winter where I am situated has been fairly mild but it seems to have rained most days. Hopefully we are going to start to get more sunshine and less of the wet stuff from now on. My thoughts are that this time of the year gives me the biggest buzz, standing back and watching my deciduous trees wake up, unfolding their delicate leaves and preparing themselves for the year ahead. Even today we are finding more things out about how both large and small trees work, they are amazing things and our personal journeys are enriched by being around them.
The UKBA has been running since Oct18 and from the very start we realised how important it was to connect the bonsai community, hence the monthly Bulletin. In Jan22 we added to The Bulletin an interview section, this has grown in popularity over the years and many people pass comment that they enjoy reading this every month. We are pleased to confirm this month is the 50th interview, a bit of a milestone, how time flies. We can only thank the people who when asked have kindly stepped forward and agreed to do an interview, thank you. It's funny how some things come along together, it was only this last month at the Swindon Show that a nameless enthusiast surprised me. The said gentleman commented how good a certain tree was and then followed up with “who was this guy Simon Temblett who produced such great work?” My answer to him was that Simon does lots of experimental work and is always pushing the boundaries of traditional bonsai. Check out his UKBA interview, its very informative.
So please if you have not given an interview and you feel you might be able to help, please contact us.
If anybody reading this would like to make any comments or contribute in any way, you are welcome to join the UKBA steering group Zoom meeting held the beginning of most months. Thank you.
Mark & Mingchen Moreland
UKBA
If you can make any contributions to the UKBA website or this news bulletin then please don't hesitate to contact us. Whether a change in your club location or a trip that you make abroad, why not share with us all?
The next steering group meeting on Zoom is scheduled for Tuesday 03Mar26 at 1900.hrs.
The month of March brings us officially into the start of spring. The winter where I am situated has been fairly mild but it seems to have rained most days. Hopefully we are going to start to get more sunshine and less of the wet stuff from now on. My thoughts are that this time of the year gives me the biggest buzz, standing back and watching my deciduous trees wake up, unfolding their delicate leaves and preparing themselves for the year ahead. Even today we are finding more things out about how both large and small trees work, they are amazing things and our personal journeys are enriched by being around them.
The UKBA has been running since Oct18 and from the very start we realised how important it was to connect the bonsai community, hence the monthly Bulletin. In Jan22 we added to The Bulletin an interview section, this has grown in popularity over the years and many people pass comment that they enjoy reading this every month. We are pleased to confirm this month is the 50th interview, a bit of a milestone, how time flies. We can only thank the people who when asked have kindly stepped forward and agreed to do an interview, thank you. It's funny how some things come along together, it was only this last month at the Swindon Show that a nameless enthusiast surprised me. The said gentleman commented how good a certain tree was and then followed up with “who was this guy Simon Temblett who produced such great work?” My answer to him was that Simon does lots of experimental work and is always pushing the boundaries of traditional bonsai. Check out his UKBA interview, its very informative.
So please if you have not given an interview and you feel you might be able to help, please contact us.
If anybody reading this would like to make any comments or contribute in any way, you are welcome to join the UKBA steering group Zoom meeting held the beginning of most months. Thank you.
Mark & Mingchen Moreland
UKBA
If you can make any contributions to the UKBA website or this news bulletin then please don't hesitate to contact us. Whether a change in your club location or a trip that you make abroad, why not share with us all?
The next steering group meeting on Zoom is scheduled for Tuesday 03Mar26 at 1900.hrs.
07&08Mar26 Sat & Sun (Confirmed)
Dragon Bonsai Spring Show Open workshop & Clinic
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, Wales. SA32 8QH.
Adm: £9.50 Children Free
Times: Sat 10:00-16:00 Sun 10:00-15:00
Contact: Chris Thomas 07798.798194
Email: [email protected]
08Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
Penkridge Bonsai Fair
Penkridge Markets,
Clovelly, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Staffordshire. ST19 5AP.
Adm:Free. Times:09:00-16:00.
Contact: Mark Akins
Email: [email protected]
22Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
Bonsai -Fest
George Stephenson Hall,
Newark Showground,
Lincoln Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire. NG24 2NY.
Adm:£12.50. -16s Free. Times:09:00-16:00.
Ctc: Adam Booty Email: [email protected]
Supporting Traders:
Adrian West
Akamatsu
Akka. Bog Wood
Ange Bonsai Pots
Bon-Tag
BonCon
Bonsai Crazy
Bonsai @ Woodsmill
Bonsai2u Ltd
Bonsai4me
Bonsai By Wirez
Bradley Canfield
Brookfield Yamadori
China Mist Bonsai Pottery
Chris Thomas Bonsai
Christine & Stewart Bonsai Pots
Crafty Monkey
Danny Butler
Dave Sampson
Dave Wiseman
David Cheshire Bonsai
Dei Ceramics
Derbyshire Bonsai
Dragonfly Bonsai Pots
Driftwood Bonsai
Eddie Curtis Bonsai Pots
European Bonsai Potter Collective
Everysproat
Fulwood Bonsai
Geoff Lloyd
GG Evergreen Bonsai
Glynderi Yamadori
GoBonsai Air
Grain Of Time
Green Dragon Bonsai
Greenwood Bonsai Studio
Hadori Bonsai
Holden Ceramics
J.Mitchell
JJK Bonsai
John Farrow
Kenneth Mitchell
Kidd
Lee Verhorevoort Bonsai
Maple Leaf Ceramics
Matt Wall
Maverick Bonsai
Mike Gray
Mina San
Northern Munki Bonsai
Oakfield Bonsai
Oceana
Rays Bonsai
Reid Bonsai
Rod McFarlane
Sakura Bonsai Scrolls
Sam Cousans
Scouse Bonsai
Shinka Bonsai
Shohin Bonsai
South Yorkshire Bonsai Society
Southend Bonsai Society
Sugibonsai.com
Terry Dunbar
The Classic Era
The Pot Men
Tony Remington Bonsai Ceramics
Townsend
Troll Pots
Twickenham Bonsai Club
Walsall Studio Ceramics
Wakai Trees
Wilderness Bonsai
Windybank Bonsai
Winnard & Ryan Forth
Wood And Clay
Zac Bonsai
29Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Mini Bonsai Group Show & Workshop.
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ.
Workshop 10:00-13:00. Pre-Bookings Only £20.08
Show 13:00-16:00. Adm: £3 cash.
Contact: Gary 07394.597765 (Whatsapp Only)
Email: [email protected]
www.ukminibonsaigroup.weebly.com
Supporting Traders:
Christine And Stewart's Bonsai Pots
David Cheshire Bonsai
Dave Sampson
European Bonsai Pot Collective
Peter Shields
03&04Apr26 Fri & Sat (Confirmed)
Manchester Bonsai Society Display
At RHS Bridgewater,
Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford. M28 2LJ.
Adm: tbc. Times:10:00-16:00
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
05Apr26 Sun (Cancelled)
Southend Bonsai Society Spring Show
Ashingdon Memorial Hall,
Ashingdon Road, Rochford, Essex. SS4 3HF.
Adm:£4. Times:10:00-16:00.
Ctc: Paul Schofield 07942.679688
Email: [email protected]
12Apr26 Sun (Confirmed)
7th Expo Bonsai UK Sponsored by UKBA
K2 Leisure Centre,
Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley, West Sussex. RH11 9BQ
Adm & Times:
10:00-14:30. £10 Adults. 14:30-15:30. £5 Adults.
Accompanied under 16.yrs Free.
Contact: Steve Hale 07850.771201
Email: ebuk18 at gmail.com
www.expobonsaiUK.weebly.com
Supporting Traders:
Ange Bonsai Pots
Beechfield Bonsai
Bonsai Brushstrokes
Bonsai Pots By Eddie Curtis
Bonsai Pots By Ian Jobling
Bonsai4Me
Bon-Tag
Brookfield Plants
Bushukan At Woodsmill
Chris Thomas Bonsai
Christine & Stewart's Ceramics
Collette's Bonsai
David Cheshire Bonsai
Dave Sampson
Dragonfly Bonsai Pots
Elmbrook Bonsai
European Bonsai Pot Collective
Every Sprout
Glynderi Bonsai
Gordon Duffett
Grain Of Time Bonsai
Greenwood Bonsai
Hadori Bonsai
Herons Bonsai Nursery
Holden Ceramics
LV Bonsai
Mark Beverton Furniture
Mrs & Miss Stone Monkey Ceramics
Northern Munki Bonsai
Oakfield Bonsai Supplies
Oceana
Saruyama
Shohin-Bonsai
Shokabonsai
Spectre Ceramics
Springwood Ceramics
Suteki
Troll Pots
UK Bonsai Tables
Walsall Studio Ceramics
Wilderness Bonsai
Windybank Bonsai
Woodandclay
Zacs Bonsai
23-26Apr26 Thu-Sun (Confirmed)
Yorkshire Bonsai Society Display & Show
At Harrogate Spring Flower Show,
Great Yorkshire Showground,
Railway Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. HG2 8NZ.
Adm: tba. (Exhibitors Free).
Times:10:00-17:00.
Contact: Craig Brown 07763.771701
Email: [email protected]
********
We would remind people the status of all events is marked in brackets ie, provisional, postponed, confirmed or cancelled. Whenever visiting an event pleased check for more up to date details on the website and if travelling any great distance, please confirm the event is still running with the event contact person.
We only list on the bulletin events scheduled to take place in the next two months, if you want to know about events further into the future, please visit HERE the UK Events Diary on the UKBA website. Thank you
Dragon Bonsai Spring Show Open workshop & Clinic
Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, Wales. SA32 8QH.
Adm: £9.50 Children Free
Times: Sat 10:00-16:00 Sun 10:00-15:00
Contact: Chris Thomas 07798.798194
Email: [email protected]
08Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
Penkridge Bonsai Fair
Penkridge Markets,
Clovelly, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Staffordshire. ST19 5AP.
Adm:Free. Times:09:00-16:00.
Contact: Mark Akins
Email: [email protected]
22Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
Bonsai -Fest
George Stephenson Hall,
Newark Showground,
Lincoln Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire. NG24 2NY.
Adm:£12.50. -16s Free. Times:09:00-16:00.
Ctc: Adam Booty Email: [email protected]
Supporting Traders:
Adrian West
Akamatsu
Akka. Bog Wood
Ange Bonsai Pots
Bon-Tag
BonCon
Bonsai Crazy
Bonsai @ Woodsmill
Bonsai2u Ltd
Bonsai4me
Bonsai By Wirez
Bradley Canfield
Brookfield Yamadori
China Mist Bonsai Pottery
Chris Thomas Bonsai
Christine & Stewart Bonsai Pots
Crafty Monkey
Danny Butler
Dave Sampson
Dave Wiseman
David Cheshire Bonsai
Dei Ceramics
Derbyshire Bonsai
Dragonfly Bonsai Pots
Driftwood Bonsai
Eddie Curtis Bonsai Pots
European Bonsai Potter Collective
Everysproat
Fulwood Bonsai
Geoff Lloyd
GG Evergreen Bonsai
Glynderi Yamadori
GoBonsai Air
Grain Of Time
Green Dragon Bonsai
Greenwood Bonsai Studio
Hadori Bonsai
Holden Ceramics
J.Mitchell
JJK Bonsai
John Farrow
Kenneth Mitchell
Kidd
Lee Verhorevoort Bonsai
Maple Leaf Ceramics
Matt Wall
Maverick Bonsai
Mike Gray
Mina San
Northern Munki Bonsai
Oakfield Bonsai
Oceana
Rays Bonsai
Reid Bonsai
Rod McFarlane
Sakura Bonsai Scrolls
Sam Cousans
Scouse Bonsai
Shinka Bonsai
Shohin Bonsai
South Yorkshire Bonsai Society
Southend Bonsai Society
Sugibonsai.com
Terry Dunbar
The Classic Era
The Pot Men
Tony Remington Bonsai Ceramics
Townsend
Troll Pots
Twickenham Bonsai Club
Walsall Studio Ceramics
Wakai Trees
Wilderness Bonsai
Windybank Bonsai
Winnard & Ryan Forth
Wood And Clay
Zac Bonsai
29Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Mini Bonsai Group Show & Workshop.
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ.
Workshop 10:00-13:00. Pre-Bookings Only £20.08
Show 13:00-16:00. Adm: £3 cash.
Contact: Gary 07394.597765 (Whatsapp Only)
Email: [email protected]
www.ukminibonsaigroup.weebly.com
Supporting Traders:
Christine And Stewart's Bonsai Pots
David Cheshire Bonsai
Dave Sampson
European Bonsai Pot Collective
Peter Shields
03&04Apr26 Fri & Sat (Confirmed)
Manchester Bonsai Society Display
At RHS Bridgewater,
Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford. M28 2LJ.
Adm: tbc. Times:10:00-16:00
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
05Apr26 Sun (Cancelled)
Southend Bonsai Society Spring Show
Ashingdon Memorial Hall,
Ashingdon Road, Rochford, Essex. SS4 3HF.
Adm:£4. Times:10:00-16:00.
Ctc: Paul Schofield 07942.679688
Email: [email protected]
12Apr26 Sun (Confirmed)
7th Expo Bonsai UK Sponsored by UKBA
K2 Leisure Centre,
Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley, West Sussex. RH11 9BQ
Adm & Times:
10:00-14:30. £10 Adults. 14:30-15:30. £5 Adults.
Accompanied under 16.yrs Free.
Contact: Steve Hale 07850.771201
Email: ebuk18 at gmail.com
www.expobonsaiUK.weebly.com
Supporting Traders:
Ange Bonsai Pots
Beechfield Bonsai
Bonsai Brushstrokes
Bonsai Pots By Eddie Curtis
Bonsai Pots By Ian Jobling
Bonsai4Me
Bon-Tag
Brookfield Plants
Bushukan At Woodsmill
Chris Thomas Bonsai
Christine & Stewart's Ceramics
Collette's Bonsai
David Cheshire Bonsai
Dave Sampson
Dragonfly Bonsai Pots
Elmbrook Bonsai
European Bonsai Pot Collective
Every Sprout
Glynderi Bonsai
Gordon Duffett
Grain Of Time Bonsai
Greenwood Bonsai
Hadori Bonsai
Herons Bonsai Nursery
Holden Ceramics
LV Bonsai
Mark Beverton Furniture
Mrs & Miss Stone Monkey Ceramics
Northern Munki Bonsai
Oakfield Bonsai Supplies
Oceana
Saruyama
Shohin-Bonsai
Shokabonsai
Spectre Ceramics
Springwood Ceramics
Suteki
Troll Pots
UK Bonsai Tables
Walsall Studio Ceramics
Wilderness Bonsai
Windybank Bonsai
Woodandclay
Zacs Bonsai
23-26Apr26 Thu-Sun (Confirmed)
Yorkshire Bonsai Society Display & Show
At Harrogate Spring Flower Show,
Great Yorkshire Showground,
Railway Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire. HG2 8NZ.
Adm: tba. (Exhibitors Free).
Times:10:00-17:00.
Contact: Craig Brown 07763.771701
Email: [email protected]
********
We would remind people the status of all events is marked in brackets ie, provisional, postponed, confirmed or cancelled. Whenever visiting an event pleased check for more up to date details on the website and if travelling any great distance, please confirm the event is still running with the event contact person.
We only list on the bulletin events scheduled to take place in the next two months, if you want to know about events further into the future, please visit HERE the UK Events Diary on the UKBA website. Thank you
Bonsai Event Reports
To read the full reports with photos on the events please visit
the UK Bonsai Show Reports on the UKBA's website www.ukbonsaiassoc.org
To read the full reports with photos on the events please visit
the UK Bonsai Show Reports on the UKBA's website www.ukbonsaiassoc.org
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05Mar26 Thu (19:00-22:00)
Talk by Mark Moreland
Subject: Propagating & Miniature Bonsai.
Northamptonshire Bonsai Society
Weston Favell Parish Hall, Booth Lane South, Weston Favell, Northamptonshire. NN3 3NS.
Ctc: Richard Boyles 07768.636715
Email: [email protected]
www.NorthamptonshireBonsaiSociety.co.uk
09Mar26 Mon (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Jeff Sheard
Subject: Pot Selection & Display
Manchester Bonsai Society
Stockport Labour Club, 2 Lloyd Street,
Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire. SK4 1QP.
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
10Mar26 Thu (18:30-21:30)
Talk by John Hanby
Subject: tbc.
Twickenham Bonsai Club
Whitton Community Centre, Percy Road,
Whitton, Twickenham, Middlesex. TW2 6JA.
Ctc: Tony Ulatowski 07956.362743
Email: [email protected]
13Mar26 Fri (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Corin Tomlinson
Subject: Late Winter Pruning
Ipswich Bonsai Society
Kesgrave Community Hall, Twelve Acre Approach,
Kesgrave, Suffolk. IP5 1JF.
Ctc: Dave Fryer 07749.801297
Email: [email protected]
www.ipswichbonsaisociety.co.uk
17Mar26 Tue (19:15-22:00)
Talk by John Armitage
Subject: Shohin Display
National Bonsai Society (The)
Banks Leisure Centre, Greaves Hall Avenue,
Banks, Southport, Merseyside. PR9 8BL.
Ctc: Sean Scouse Bonsai 07496.929962
Email: [email protected]
www.thenationalbonsaisociety.co.uk
26Mar26 Thu (19:15-21:15)
Talk by Mark Moreland
Subject: Propagating & Miniature Bonsai.
South Yorkshire Bonsai Society (The)
Deepcar Village Hall, Helliwell Lane,
Deepcar, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. S36 2NH.
Ctc: Neil Fawcett 07765017005
Email: [email protected]
www.southyorksbonsai.org.uk
26Mar26 Thu (19:30-22: 00)
Talk by John Armitage
Subject: Shohin Bonsai.
Ambion Bonsai Society Nuneaton
Hatters Space Community Centre,
Upper Abbey Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. CV11 5DN.
Ctc: Peter Fielding 07976.271159
Email: [email protected]
01Apr26 Wed (19:45-22:00)
Talk by Bonsai Scouse
Subject: Organic Bio-Stimulants
Surrey Heath Bonsai Society
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ
Ctc: Chris Rhodes 01276.20893
Email: [email protected]
08Apr26 Wed (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Dr Malcolm Hughes
Subject: Pines & Cedars
Somerset Bonsai Society
Bishop Henderson Primary School, Henderson Close, Taunton TA1 4TU
Ctc: Alistair Hodgson 07778.408920
Email: [email protected]
www.somersetbonsai.uk
08Apr26 Wed (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Corin Tomlinson
Subject: tbc.
East Midlands Bonsai Society
Toton Methodist Church Hall, Stapleford Lane, Toton, NG9 6GA.
Ctc: Richard Arbon 07946.830241
Email: [email protected]
09Apr26 Thu (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Amelia Williams
Subject: Penjing
Chichester & District Bonsai Society
The Bassil Shippam Centre, Tozer Way,
St Pancras, Chichester, West Sussex. PO19 7LG.
Ctc: Liz Panton 07368.327244
Email: [email protected]
www.chichesterbonsai.uk
11Apr26 Sun (14:00-16:00)
Talk by Paul Eslinger
Subject: Saikei Demo
North London Bonsai Group
Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex. EN1 4RQ.
Ctc: Bob McGregor 07903 710509
Email: [email protected]
13Apr26 Mon (19:30-22:00)
Talk by David Cheshire
Subject: Satsuki Azaleas
Manchester Bonsai Society
Stockport Labour Club, 2 Lloyd Street,
Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire. SK4 1QP.
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
26Apr26 Sun (14:30-17:00)
Talk by Brian MacKichan
Subject: Azaleas
Exeter Bonsai Society
Whitestone Parish Hall, Merrymeet,
Whitestone, Exeter EX4 2JS.
Ctc: Brian MacKichan 01392.437525
Email:[email protected]
www.exeterbonsaisociety.com
We only list on the bulletin talks scheduled to take place in the next two months, if you want to know about talks further into the future, please visit the main listings on the UKBA website by click HERE. Thank you
Talk by Mark Moreland
Subject: Propagating & Miniature Bonsai.
Northamptonshire Bonsai Society
Weston Favell Parish Hall, Booth Lane South, Weston Favell, Northamptonshire. NN3 3NS.
Ctc: Richard Boyles 07768.636715
Email: [email protected]
www.NorthamptonshireBonsaiSociety.co.uk
09Mar26 Mon (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Jeff Sheard
Subject: Pot Selection & Display
Manchester Bonsai Society
Stockport Labour Club, 2 Lloyd Street,
Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire. SK4 1QP.
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
10Mar26 Thu (18:30-21:30)
Talk by John Hanby
Subject: tbc.
Twickenham Bonsai Club
Whitton Community Centre, Percy Road,
Whitton, Twickenham, Middlesex. TW2 6JA.
Ctc: Tony Ulatowski 07956.362743
Email: [email protected]
13Mar26 Fri (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Corin Tomlinson
Subject: Late Winter Pruning
Ipswich Bonsai Society
Kesgrave Community Hall, Twelve Acre Approach,
Kesgrave, Suffolk. IP5 1JF.
Ctc: Dave Fryer 07749.801297
Email: [email protected]
www.ipswichbonsaisociety.co.uk
17Mar26 Tue (19:15-22:00)
Talk by John Armitage
Subject: Shohin Display
National Bonsai Society (The)
Banks Leisure Centre, Greaves Hall Avenue,
Banks, Southport, Merseyside. PR9 8BL.
Ctc: Sean Scouse Bonsai 07496.929962
Email: [email protected]
www.thenationalbonsaisociety.co.uk
26Mar26 Thu (19:15-21:15)
Talk by Mark Moreland
Subject: Propagating & Miniature Bonsai.
South Yorkshire Bonsai Society (The)
Deepcar Village Hall, Helliwell Lane,
Deepcar, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. S36 2NH.
Ctc: Neil Fawcett 07765017005
Email: [email protected]
www.southyorksbonsai.org.uk
26Mar26 Thu (19:30-22: 00)
Talk by John Armitage
Subject: Shohin Bonsai.
Ambion Bonsai Society Nuneaton
Hatters Space Community Centre,
Upper Abbey Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. CV11 5DN.
Ctc: Peter Fielding 07976.271159
Email: [email protected]
01Apr26 Wed (19:45-22:00)
Talk by Bonsai Scouse
Subject: Organic Bio-Stimulants
Surrey Heath Bonsai Society
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ
Ctc: Chris Rhodes 01276.20893
Email: [email protected]
08Apr26 Wed (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Dr Malcolm Hughes
Subject: Pines & Cedars
Somerset Bonsai Society
Bishop Henderson Primary School, Henderson Close, Taunton TA1 4TU
Ctc: Alistair Hodgson 07778.408920
Email: [email protected]
www.somersetbonsai.uk
08Apr26 Wed (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Corin Tomlinson
Subject: tbc.
East Midlands Bonsai Society
Toton Methodist Church Hall, Stapleford Lane, Toton, NG9 6GA.
Ctc: Richard Arbon 07946.830241
Email: [email protected]
09Apr26 Thu (19:30-22:00)
Talk by Amelia Williams
Subject: Penjing
Chichester & District Bonsai Society
The Bassil Shippam Centre, Tozer Way,
St Pancras, Chichester, West Sussex. PO19 7LG.
Ctc: Liz Panton 07368.327244
Email: [email protected]
www.chichesterbonsai.uk
11Apr26 Sun (14:00-16:00)
Talk by Paul Eslinger
Subject: Saikei Demo
North London Bonsai Group
Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex. EN1 4RQ.
Ctc: Bob McGregor 07903 710509
Email: [email protected]
13Apr26 Mon (19:30-22:00)
Talk by David Cheshire
Subject: Satsuki Azaleas
Manchester Bonsai Society
Stockport Labour Club, 2 Lloyd Street,
Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire. SK4 1QP.
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
26Apr26 Sun (14:30-17:00)
Talk by Brian MacKichan
Subject: Azaleas
Exeter Bonsai Society
Whitestone Parish Hall, Merrymeet,
Whitestone, Exeter EX4 2JS.
Ctc: Brian MacKichan 01392.437525
Email:[email protected]
www.exeterbonsaisociety.com
We only list on the bulletin talks scheduled to take place in the next two months, if you want to know about talks further into the future, please visit the main listings on the UKBA website by click HERE. Thank you
Notice Board
15Feb26
Swindon Bonsai Society Winter Image Show
One expensive looking metal drinking mug found in the main hall by the central row of chairs after the show. If your missing the mug please contact Paul Bowerbank 07982.401103, Email: [email protected]
Swindon Bonsai Society Winter Image Show
One expensive looking metal drinking mug found in the main hall by the central row of chairs after the show. If your missing the mug please contact Paul Bowerbank 07982.401103, Email: [email protected]
04Oct26 Sun
15th Heathrow Bonsai Show
Bracknell Leisure Centre,
Would ask kindly if any clubs that have not displayed previously at this show would like to participate this year please let us know now. Thank you
Contact: Mark Moreland 07850.771201
Email: [email protected]
www.heathrowbonsai.weebly.com
South Worcester Bonsai Society
As of immediate effect the South Worcester Bonsai Society will be meeting on the 1st Thursday every month and not the 2nd Tuesday, all other details stay the same:
Royal British Legion, Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, Worcestershire. WR3 7PL.
1st Thu Monthly. Time: 19:30.
Ctc: Malcolm Styles 07761.440078
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: South Worcestershire Bonsai Society
Tees Valley Bonsai Society
With immediate effect Ian Jobling will be the main contact for Tees Valley Bonsai Society
Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre
5 St John’s Way, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0FB
3rd Tue Monthly. Times: 19:00-22:00.
Ctc: Ian Jobling 07506.863045
Email: [email protected]
Waltham Forest Bonsai Club
As of immediate effect the Waltham Forest Bonsai Club will be meeting at a new address, all other details stay the same:
Peterhouse Community Centre,
122 Forest Rise, Walthamstow, London. E17 3PW.
3rd Tue Monthly. Times: 19:30 -21:30.
Ctc: Chris Brown Tel: 07907429439
Email:[email protected]
https://wfbc-at.wixsite.com/wfbonsaiclub
15th Heathrow Bonsai Show
Bracknell Leisure Centre,
Would ask kindly if any clubs that have not displayed previously at this show would like to participate this year please let us know now. Thank you
Contact: Mark Moreland 07850.771201
Email: [email protected]
www.heathrowbonsai.weebly.com
South Worcester Bonsai Society
As of immediate effect the South Worcester Bonsai Society will be meeting on the 1st Thursday every month and not the 2nd Tuesday, all other details stay the same:
Royal British Legion, Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, Worcestershire. WR3 7PL.
1st Thu Monthly. Time: 19:30.
Ctc: Malcolm Styles 07761.440078
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: South Worcestershire Bonsai Society
Tees Valley Bonsai Society
With immediate effect Ian Jobling will be the main contact for Tees Valley Bonsai Society
Ragworth Neighbourhood Centre
5 St John’s Way, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0FB
3rd Tue Monthly. Times: 19:00-22:00.
Ctc: Ian Jobling 07506.863045
Email: [email protected]
Waltham Forest Bonsai Club
As of immediate effect the Waltham Forest Bonsai Club will be meeting at a new address, all other details stay the same:
Peterhouse Community Centre,
122 Forest Rise, Walthamstow, London. E17 3PW.
3rd Tue Monthly. Times: 19:30 -21:30.
Ctc: Chris Brown Tel: 07907429439
Email:[email protected]
https://wfbc-at.wixsite.com/wfbonsaiclub
New To Events Diary
27Jun26 Sat (Confirmed)
Manchester Bonsai Society Annual Show
At Lymm United Reformed Church,
Brookside Road, Lymm, Cheshire. WA13 0WQ.
Adm:Free. Times:10:00-16:00
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
Manchester Bonsai Society Annual Show
At Lymm United Reformed Church,
Brookside Road, Lymm, Cheshire. WA13 0WQ.
Adm:Free. Times:10:00-16:00
Ctc: Wayne Crumpton 07742.111142
Email: [email protected]
www.manchesterbonsaisociety.uk
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Adrian Long on 11th January
2026. A much respected member and secretary of Kent Bonsai Club & formerly of Maidstone Bonsai Society.
Adrian took up bonsai after giving up work due to a serious accident. And gradually gained his, Knowledge through workshops with various bonsai artists and growers. An avid reader of bonsai literature, nothing would stop him having a go at something new even when his impairment became a problem. He never gave up. Turning his hand to making tables, & root stands for shohin and larger bonsai.
2026. A much respected member and secretary of Kent Bonsai Club & formerly of Maidstone Bonsai Society.
Adrian took up bonsai after giving up work due to a serious accident. And gradually gained his, Knowledge through workshops with various bonsai artists and growers. An avid reader of bonsai literature, nothing would stop him having a go at something new even when his impairment became a problem. He never gave up. Turning his hand to making tables, & root stands for shohin and larger bonsai.
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The pinnacle of all his hard efforts was receiving a Certificate of Excellence at the 2019 New Talent Competition with a small Juniper. And later an award for his Sicilian olive “Ollie”.
Adrian was passionate about bonsai and was always willing to impart his knowledge to anyone who needed help.
Adrian was passionate about bonsai and was always willing to impart his knowledge to anyone who needed help.
Very much a family man he would, always put them first.
And finally, a story from his wife Georgina.
Adrian managed to follow the wrong car from a Heathrow show assuming because it was black and had two people in it, it was the right one. He got home eventually!
And finally, a story from his wife Georgina.
Adrian managed to follow the wrong car from a Heathrow show assuming because it was black and had two people in it, it was the right one. He got home eventually!
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Clifford Manville Kent Bonsai Club
Clifford Manville Kent Bonsai Club
* * * * * * * * * *
Bryan meant a lot to a huge amount of people, Bryan to me however was so much more than just a potter. He was one of the most ridiculously talented people I knew, a real artist. He was proficient in so many areas; he taught himself guitar, he excelled in photography he could crochet and Morris dance... probably all at the same time.
He was deeply spiritual having spent time living and practising the Gurdjief method. He had a wonderful calm presence that he brought to his teaching. However, I loved his wicked sense of humour and bearlike hugs the best.
He got into Bonsai after working as a landscape gardener and from there Ceramics.
He got into Bonsai after working as a landscape gardener and from there Ceramics.
He had amazing stories about his life in London, living in squats and avoiding fights with the likes of John Martyn. He had tales about working on the docks when he first moved to Canada and the landscape that inspired a lot of his paintings came from his travels there.
He was fond of telling me how when he started selling his pots he would load up the back of his estate car and drive across Europe stopping and selling at bonsai nurseries as he went.
He hand fed at least 5 generations of blackbirds , I loved watching them hop through his house shouting for him, cheese was apparently the secret.
He hand fed at least 5 generations of blackbirds , I loved watching them hop through his house shouting for him, cheese was apparently the secret.
He was known for building his own kilns, but he also built his own kitchen and workshop, turning his hand to anything.
His cheesecake was a requirement at many of the infamous BBQ's he held or attended. He would also cook Halloumi for me as he knew I loved it.
His cheesecake was a requirement at many of the infamous BBQ's he held or attended. He would also cook Halloumi for me as he knew I loved it.
We would spend afternoons listening to music, painting, making pots, eating and talking. I'll miss that.
His house was full of art and books with always something to discover, in later years this was sometimes his medication that he wrapped in silver foil and hid for later.
About 4 years ago he started his final project of archiving his artistic journey, 1 large album became 2 became 3 and so on as a new memory was sparked , they truly are a lasting legacy of a beautiful man.
Esther Griffiths.
His house was full of art and books with always something to discover, in later years this was sometimes his medication that he wrapped in silver foil and hid for later.
About 4 years ago he started his final project of archiving his artistic journey, 1 large album became 2 became 3 and so on as a new memory was sparked , they truly are a lasting legacy of a beautiful man.
Esther Griffiths.
29Mar26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Bonsai Association Workshop with Mark & Ritta Cooper
Subject: Mini Bonsai Workshop
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ.
Workshop 09:45/10:00-13:30.
Adm: £20.08 Pre-bookings only.
Contact: Gary 07394.597765 (Whatsapp Only)
Email: [email protected]
www.ukminibonsaigroup.weebly.com
23Aug26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Bonsai Association Workshop
with various talks on Mini Bonsai
David Cheshire Nurseries Ltd
Mill Hill, Baginton, Coventry, Warwickshire. CV8 3AG.
Workshop 09:45/10:00-13:30.
Pre-Bookings Only £20.10
Contact: Gary 07394.597765 (Whatsapp Only)
Email: [email protected]
www.ukminibonsaigroup.weebly.com
12&13Sep26 (Confirmed)
Twickenham Bonsai Club Workshop with Caz Scott
Subject: General Workshop
Whitton Community Centre,
Percy Road, Twickenham, Middlesex. TW2 6JL.
Adm: tba. Times: 10:00-17:00
Ctc: Tony Ulatowski 07956.362743
Email: [email protected]
27Sep26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Bonsai Association Workshop with Mark & Ritta Cooper.
Subject: Shohin Display.
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ
Workshop 09:45/10:00-17:00.hrs
Adm: £20.09. Pre-bookings only.
(Now fully booked)
Ctc: Steve Hale
Email: ebuk18 at gmail.com
Please see the UKBA Website (click HERE) for a list of bonsai professionals running workshops up and down the country.
UK Bonsai Association Workshop with Mark & Ritta Cooper
Subject: Mini Bonsai Workshop
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ.
Workshop 09:45/10:00-13:30.
Adm: £20.08 Pre-bookings only.
Contact: Gary 07394.597765 (Whatsapp Only)
Email: [email protected]
www.ukminibonsaigroup.weebly.com
23Aug26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Bonsai Association Workshop
with various talks on Mini Bonsai
David Cheshire Nurseries Ltd
Mill Hill, Baginton, Coventry, Warwickshire. CV8 3AG.
Workshop 09:45/10:00-13:30.
Pre-Bookings Only £20.10
Contact: Gary 07394.597765 (Whatsapp Only)
Email: [email protected]
www.ukminibonsaigroup.weebly.com
12&13Sep26 (Confirmed)
Twickenham Bonsai Club Workshop with Caz Scott
Subject: General Workshop
Whitton Community Centre,
Percy Road, Twickenham, Middlesex. TW2 6JL.
Adm: tba. Times: 10:00-17:00
Ctc: Tony Ulatowski 07956.362743
Email: [email protected]
27Sep26 Sun (Confirmed)
UK Bonsai Association Workshop with Mark & Ritta Cooper.
Subject: Shohin Display.
Chobham Village Hall,
Station Road, Chobham, Surrey. GU24 8AQ
Workshop 09:45/10:00-17:00.hrs
Adm: £20.09. Pre-bookings only.
(Now fully booked)
Ctc: Steve Hale
Email: ebuk18 at gmail.com
Please see the UKBA Website (click HERE) for a list of bonsai professionals running workshops up and down the country.
Below is a list of bonsai tasks to be carried out during the month of March, it must be adapted to your localised conditions and is meant only as a general advisory list of tasks for the bonsai enthusiast.
Bonsai in March
Hopefully all of your bonsai trees were protected over the winter and you are starting to look forward to the onset of Spring in the UK so here is a quick generic guide to bonsai in March.
Watering:
Continue to check your trees daily and water as required. Watch for buds swelling and ensure to keep trees topped up with water during this period especially for flowering trees which are coming into bloom. Water in the mornings ideally to avoid the colder temperatures at night. Spray any re-potted trees to ensure they do not dry out.
Re-potting:
You should now be in full swing of your re-potting as the onset of Spring is now upon us. So, with your soils sifted, pots selected and wire to the ready let re-potting commence in full if you haven’t started already.
During repotting smell the soil that the tree comes out of, check roots for dead sections and rot ie look for black roots and remove any dead roots.
Check also for pests in the soil and roots and remove or treat any pest problems like vine weevil larvae and mites. Prune roots dependent on the stage of root development and ensure the correct pot size if changing the pot.
Ensure that the soil mix is suitable for the tree species and that you use a range of techniques that are suitable for the tree species, stage of root development and health of the tree.
For any trees that you are not repotting still remove the top surface and re-top dress to remove any crusting on the surface to improve airflow and drainage down through the soil. Plus clean the pots of the trees if they have got green algae forming on them.
Feeding:
For broadleaved trees, feeding should not be necessary yet as the leaves are still not out and do not feed until at least 6-8 weeks after repotting for all trees that have been newly repotted.
Tropical trees and Evergreens can continue to be fed with a low nitrogen feed to maintain health and vigour at the onset of spring.
Pruning:
Species to avoid pruning in Spring due to potential for sap bleeding would be Acer, Betula, Carpinus, Carya, Juglans, Magnolia, Morus, Populus and Tilia.
If you haven’t carried out your winter re-structure pruning if the buds have not started to fully swell then it would be alright to carry out any branch removals to address defects but ensure to cover with wound paste.
Remove and thin out unwanted buds or buds facing the wrong direction but do not over trim or prune at this stage.
Trimming:
Until the leaves appear trimming will not be required on broadleaved trees but continue to prune tropical trees to maintain their shape.
Where too much growth is expected and buds are well advanced, removal of unwanted future twigs may be anticipated by pinching out buds now. Where density is required of foliage, pinch or remove the terminal bud to promote side buds to develop. This is also a good opportunity to check buds to see if they are viable.
Root pruning:
Species to avoid severe root pruning in Spring due to potential for sap bleeding would be Acer, Betula, Carpinus, Carya, Juglans, Magnolia, Morus, Populus and Tilia.
Insects and pests:
Hopefully following winter treatments the pests and insects should not be a concern in March but check for scale, mealybug and red spider mite just in case on overwintering twigs in old bark wounds and treat as necessary.
Moss and weed control:
Continue to keep this in check and treat or remove unwanted moss and remove any newly forming weeds.
Wiring:
Check wires and guys to ensure they are not cutting in and this is a good time to straighten out dis-used wire, which can be re-used for training wire.
Protection:
Continue to protect from late frosts as it is still not very warm outside and ensure to harden off leaves before moving your trees out from a cold greenhouse.
Assessment:
Continue to update your bonsai records and photograph your trees to record their progress.
Collection:
This is a good time to still collect trees from the wild (subject to permission) as broadleaved trees are still dormant generally and lifting trees can usually be carried out from October through to the end of April subject to avoiding frosts or frozen ground. The very best time to lift trees is when the trees energy has moved from the root system up into the branch structure just prior to the buds opening out into leaf.
Tools:
This is something everyone should do each time they use their tools but often it is not easy to do depending on how often you are using them. However, it is good practice to clean and sharpen your tools after use and this is a good time to go through your tool kits and clean them up before the start of the pruning season.
Display areas:
Subject to how you display your trees, if you are looking to bring your trees out later in Spring from their winter protection it is an ideal time to clean off your display areas or benches and disinfect them as well as re-treat with a wood preservative or relevant treatment for the material so they show your trees off once they are ready to come out.
Propagation:
Sow any seeds this month like Dwarf Quince, Cedar, Pine, Punica, Cypress, Sophora. Take softwood cuttings when buds are well on the move
Bonsai in March
Hopefully all of your bonsai trees were protected over the winter and you are starting to look forward to the onset of Spring in the UK so here is a quick generic guide to bonsai in March.
Watering:
Continue to check your trees daily and water as required. Watch for buds swelling and ensure to keep trees topped up with water during this period especially for flowering trees which are coming into bloom. Water in the mornings ideally to avoid the colder temperatures at night. Spray any re-potted trees to ensure they do not dry out.
Re-potting:
You should now be in full swing of your re-potting as the onset of Spring is now upon us. So, with your soils sifted, pots selected and wire to the ready let re-potting commence in full if you haven’t started already.
During repotting smell the soil that the tree comes out of, check roots for dead sections and rot ie look for black roots and remove any dead roots.
Check also for pests in the soil and roots and remove or treat any pest problems like vine weevil larvae and mites. Prune roots dependent on the stage of root development and ensure the correct pot size if changing the pot.
Ensure that the soil mix is suitable for the tree species and that you use a range of techniques that are suitable for the tree species, stage of root development and health of the tree.
For any trees that you are not repotting still remove the top surface and re-top dress to remove any crusting on the surface to improve airflow and drainage down through the soil. Plus clean the pots of the trees if they have got green algae forming on them.
Feeding:
For broadleaved trees, feeding should not be necessary yet as the leaves are still not out and do not feed until at least 6-8 weeks after repotting for all trees that have been newly repotted.
Tropical trees and Evergreens can continue to be fed with a low nitrogen feed to maintain health and vigour at the onset of spring.
Pruning:
Species to avoid pruning in Spring due to potential for sap bleeding would be Acer, Betula, Carpinus, Carya, Juglans, Magnolia, Morus, Populus and Tilia.
If you haven’t carried out your winter re-structure pruning if the buds have not started to fully swell then it would be alright to carry out any branch removals to address defects but ensure to cover with wound paste.
Remove and thin out unwanted buds or buds facing the wrong direction but do not over trim or prune at this stage.
Trimming:
Until the leaves appear trimming will not be required on broadleaved trees but continue to prune tropical trees to maintain their shape.
Where too much growth is expected and buds are well advanced, removal of unwanted future twigs may be anticipated by pinching out buds now. Where density is required of foliage, pinch or remove the terminal bud to promote side buds to develop. This is also a good opportunity to check buds to see if they are viable.
Root pruning:
Species to avoid severe root pruning in Spring due to potential for sap bleeding would be Acer, Betula, Carpinus, Carya, Juglans, Magnolia, Morus, Populus and Tilia.
Insects and pests:
Hopefully following winter treatments the pests and insects should not be a concern in March but check for scale, mealybug and red spider mite just in case on overwintering twigs in old bark wounds and treat as necessary.
Moss and weed control:
Continue to keep this in check and treat or remove unwanted moss and remove any newly forming weeds.
Wiring:
Check wires and guys to ensure they are not cutting in and this is a good time to straighten out dis-used wire, which can be re-used for training wire.
Protection:
Continue to protect from late frosts as it is still not very warm outside and ensure to harden off leaves before moving your trees out from a cold greenhouse.
Assessment:
Continue to update your bonsai records and photograph your trees to record their progress.
Collection:
This is a good time to still collect trees from the wild (subject to permission) as broadleaved trees are still dormant generally and lifting trees can usually be carried out from October through to the end of April subject to avoiding frosts or frozen ground. The very best time to lift trees is when the trees energy has moved from the root system up into the branch structure just prior to the buds opening out into leaf.
Tools:
This is something everyone should do each time they use their tools but often it is not easy to do depending on how often you are using them. However, it is good practice to clean and sharpen your tools after use and this is a good time to go through your tool kits and clean them up before the start of the pruning season.
Display areas:
Subject to how you display your trees, if you are looking to bring your trees out later in Spring from their winter protection it is an ideal time to clean off your display areas or benches and disinfect them as well as re-treat with a wood preservative or relevant treatment for the material so they show your trees off once they are ready to come out.
Propagation:
Sow any seeds this month like Dwarf Quince, Cedar, Pine, Punica, Cypress, Sophora. Take softwood cuttings when buds are well on the move
UKBA Interview With Dilly Upton
MY BONSAI LIFE
Delyse (Dilly) Upton
Delyse (Dilly) Upton
How did you get started in bonsai?
In the mid 1970s I grew an oak in a plant pot and then I came across a leaflet; ‘Nature in Miniature.’ It had just a few images of penjing in China which encouraged me as I knew it was something I wanted to know more about. However there was no internet to search then about how bonsai were trained, so it got no further. I was then married with two stepsons of 8 and 6 plus a toddler so not a lot of free time for hobbies!
In the mid 1970s I grew an oak in a plant pot and then I came across a leaflet; ‘Nature in Miniature.’ It had just a few images of penjing in China which encouraged me as I knew it was something I wanted to know more about. However there was no internet to search then about how bonsai were trained, so it got no further. I was then married with two stepsons of 8 and 6 plus a toddler so not a lot of free time for hobbies!
Nature in Miniature 1064
Early Work and Bonsai?
My work talents I am sure were later relevant to my experience with bonsai. My first job in 1954 was in a Solicitors’ office typing deeds and divorces. Then in 1962 I became a Court assistant in the Magistrates’ Court typing verbatim evidence on an ordinary portable typewriter, not a stenography machine, as witnesses spoke. When not in court I was responsible for over 200 premises with liquor licences and their renewals for Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and Totnes.
In November 1987 I saw an advert in a local paper and replied. This was the start of my active bonsai learning curve and I became a Founder and Secretary of South Devon Bonsai Society (SDBS)! Dave Goodrich who had posted the advert had some knowledge of bonsai growing having lived in the far East and importantly also had some bonsai, he became our Chairman for the next few years. Another Founder Member joining at the same time was Jim Logan who was then in a wheelchair due to a severe spinal injury. His study and leadership within the club from 1990, with a firm hand on the finances from his wife Kay, ensured the Society continued and flourished. (See UKBA Obituary 2025 Jim Logan).
My work talents I am sure were later relevant to my experience with bonsai. My first job in 1954 was in a Solicitors’ office typing deeds and divorces. Then in 1962 I became a Court assistant in the Magistrates’ Court typing verbatim evidence on an ordinary portable typewriter, not a stenography machine, as witnesses spoke. When not in court I was responsible for over 200 premises with liquor licences and their renewals for Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and Totnes.
In November 1987 I saw an advert in a local paper and replied. This was the start of my active bonsai learning curve and I became a Founder and Secretary of South Devon Bonsai Society (SDBS)! Dave Goodrich who had posted the advert had some knowledge of bonsai growing having lived in the far East and importantly also had some bonsai, he became our Chairman for the next few years. Another Founder Member joining at the same time was Jim Logan who was then in a wheelchair due to a severe spinal injury. His study and leadership within the club from 1990, with a firm hand on the finances from his wife Kay, ensured the Society continued and flourished. (See UKBA Obituary 2025 Jim Logan).
Newspaper Advert Cutting
The Start Of South Devon Bonsai Society
The Start Of South Devon Bonsai Society
As the club grew we were able to afford the great and the good of the UK bonsai world to come down and many demonstrated on a Saturday and ran a workshop on the Sunday: Peter Adams, Dan Barton, John Hanby, Ken Haywood, Kath & Malcolm Hughes, Harry Tomlinson, Mark & Ritta Cooper, John Trott, Lee Verhorevoort and others specialising in hydroponics, mame and saikei. Comments were made on what a friendly society we were, meeting twice monthly as we still do, fostering a sharing attitude with our knowledge, swapping our plants and the familiar joshing that comes with being totally at ease with friends and like enthusiasts, it became a social meeting as well as learning about bonsai. I believe this has enabled us to remain in existence much the same, with fewer numbers now sadly but with the same enthusiasm.
By 1991 I was on the Committee of the Federation of British Bonsai Societies (FoBBS) then led by Kath and Malcolm Hughes who held the quarterly committee meetings at their home in Sutton Coldfield. I drove to these events and the FoBBS conventions, exhibitions in Sussex, Bournemouth, Bedford etc. As I have always loved driving it was a pleasure to go tootling around the country in my MG Midget to bonsai events.
By 1991 I was on the Committee of the Federation of British Bonsai Societies (FoBBS) then led by Kath and Malcolm Hughes who held the quarterly committee meetings at their home in Sutton Coldfield. I drove to these events and the FoBBS conventions, exhibitions in Sussex, Bournemouth, Bedford etc. As I have always loved driving it was a pleasure to go tootling around the country in my MG Midget to bonsai events.
Delyse with her MG Midget
Our club had grown well by then so our first public display was at the 1991 FoBBS Convention at the newly built Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Thoughts on bonsai?
Whilst I admire some of the larger bonsai, those that appeal to me are the shohin and chuhin sized and I definitely prefer the seasonal changes of deciduous trees, so those are the ones I chose to grow myself together with many lovely accent plants and figurines. With that came the seeking of beautifully designed and glazed pots of course! I was so pleased to be invited to display some at Magical Bonsai Accents show in 2016. During the last few years with obvious climate changes I have found it stressful keeping small trees alive and healthy especially during the summer heat and they are not so shallow planted as some grow them. Watering, positioning and using shade netting are my principle daily actions then.
Thoughts on bonsai?
Whilst I admire some of the larger bonsai, those that appeal to me are the shohin and chuhin sized and I definitely prefer the seasonal changes of deciduous trees, so those are the ones I chose to grow myself together with many lovely accent plants and figurines. With that came the seeking of beautifully designed and glazed pots of course! I was so pleased to be invited to display some at Magical Bonsai Accents show in 2016. During the last few years with obvious climate changes I have found it stressful keeping small trees alive and healthy especially during the summer heat and they are not so shallow planted as some grow them. Watering, positioning and using shade netting are my principle daily actions then.
Magical Bonsai Accents
Now in my late 80s I feel it is wise to give up driving, even though I love it and it is going to be a big change in my life. So it will be when I have an offer of a lift that I will still be able to enjoy visits to the odd bonsai exhibition in Failand Bristol, Swindon or Exmouth.
Shows are a wonderful way to learn by seeing how other people grow and treat their trees, meet with other enthusiasts, and the traders benefit from our support too. That is the best way to buy a pot too — see it, measure it and handle it, enjoy the glaze or technique, it’s just not the same buying online. We have such a talented band of bonsai potters in the UK though sadly a few have passed in recent years. Collecting and enjoying wonderful glazed pots has been part of the pleasure for me.
I have now sold or given away almost all of my trees, pots and accents because I do not want to keel over and leave my dear 90+ year old husband to deal with it, it would be too much. I have been thinking ahead, being realistic and would urge those in their latter years to do the same, not only to save the trees, relieve pressure from the family dealing with one’s passing but also to know where one’s trees and treasured accessories are going. It has been a concern lifted. I keep a few just to enjoy now I am not able to visit so many places or the club so often.
What is your best achievement?
Approaching the millennium I was invited to join Dan Barton’s Classical Bonsai Circle which he runs privately in his studio, where half a dozen spend a day together working on their trees, enjoying the knowledge and banter that is generated in that environment – nothing can beat that and it saw a great improvement in my bonsai styling though I may have raised my eyebrows at some of the jokes! It was great fun however, I miss their company a lot and the warm hospitality I received from Dan and Cecilia.
My secretarial talents were involved again as Dan’s formation of the Association of British Bonsai Artists (ABBA) was looming in 1999 and record keeping and archiving was going to be vital. Of the more than 40 experienced members who joined from all over the UK each with wonderful collections of trees, there was only one other lady, Beryl Thorpe, her background was medical! Those were early days in the internet, and smart phones were hardly that, so typing was not a general ability! As part of my A.B.B.A. Project I created a bonsai based website BonsaiDiaryDil This contained not only a diary of events but links to tutors, traders and clubs as well as much other relevant information. Keeping this up to date took a lot of time!
Shows are a wonderful way to learn by seeing how other people grow and treat their trees, meet with other enthusiasts, and the traders benefit from our support too. That is the best way to buy a pot too — see it, measure it and handle it, enjoy the glaze or technique, it’s just not the same buying online. We have such a talented band of bonsai potters in the UK though sadly a few have passed in recent years. Collecting and enjoying wonderful glazed pots has been part of the pleasure for me.
I have now sold or given away almost all of my trees, pots and accents because I do not want to keel over and leave my dear 90+ year old husband to deal with it, it would be too much. I have been thinking ahead, being realistic and would urge those in their latter years to do the same, not only to save the trees, relieve pressure from the family dealing with one’s passing but also to know where one’s trees and treasured accessories are going. It has been a concern lifted. I keep a few just to enjoy now I am not able to visit so many places or the club so often.
What is your best achievement?
Approaching the millennium I was invited to join Dan Barton’s Classical Bonsai Circle which he runs privately in his studio, where half a dozen spend a day together working on their trees, enjoying the knowledge and banter that is generated in that environment – nothing can beat that and it saw a great improvement in my bonsai styling though I may have raised my eyebrows at some of the jokes! It was great fun however, I miss their company a lot and the warm hospitality I received from Dan and Cecilia.
My secretarial talents were involved again as Dan’s formation of the Association of British Bonsai Artists (ABBA) was looming in 1999 and record keeping and archiving was going to be vital. Of the more than 40 experienced members who joined from all over the UK each with wonderful collections of trees, there was only one other lady, Beryl Thorpe, her background was medical! Those were early days in the internet, and smart phones were hardly that, so typing was not a general ability! As part of my A.B.B.A. Project I created a bonsai based website BonsaiDiaryDil This contained not only a diary of events but links to tutors, traders and clubs as well as much other relevant information. Keeping this up to date took a lot of time!
Website: BonsaiDiaryDil
I created albums of members’ trees and documented their images and details in a retrievable system which meant I had access to great information but with it of course responsibility for the security of this valuable data. A.B.B.A created small bronze metal awards which were given to the trees selected for our Register of Important British Bonsai (RIBB). One of the reasons for this facility was to preserve these masterpieces should the owner fall ill or pass away as we had noted this was a concern for many members with top class trees. Though my own trees were not up to this standard, it was this
very thought that prompted me to dispose of my trees in recent years while I had control of them. I have enjoyed many great exhibitions: Joy of Bonsai in Bath, symposia on pots, display techniques and an A.B.B.A. group visit to Japan in 2006 for the Kokufu-ten Bonsai Exhibition. As luck would have it, I and one or two others as viewers appeared in a photo in the opening pages of the official catalogue! It was certainly a wonderful experience visiting the classic Japanese gardens and nurseries with such a warm and friendly band of co-enthusiasts.
Sadly A.B.B.A. was wound up in 2011 due to lack of members stepping up to manage it for the years ahead. It was a great shame. In many craft and quilting groups, this is getting more and more the reason why groups are folding.
Favourite Tree?
I remember several, one belonged to our current Deputy Chairman Simon Temblett. I first saw it when he was also a member of A.B.B.A. and the simplicity of the style I found most appealing. It was a yew, sadly now gone but he has been working on another in similar style. Others that appeal to me greatly are the rugged collected hawthorns/blackthorns displaying hardy, windblown lives, particularly a blackthorn by Terry Foster in a wonderful layered pot by a European potter. It is trees with an apparent history of hardship and survival and ones with a distinct character which appeal to me most. Of my own creations, those I have been most pleased with were three English Elms I air-layered from our hedge, one of which was well known as ‘Ducky’ for obvious reasons! Dan took a fancy to it so it was given to him. Would love to know who has it now!
very thought that prompted me to dispose of my trees in recent years while I had control of them. I have enjoyed many great exhibitions: Joy of Bonsai in Bath, symposia on pots, display techniques and an A.B.B.A. group visit to Japan in 2006 for the Kokufu-ten Bonsai Exhibition. As luck would have it, I and one or two others as viewers appeared in a photo in the opening pages of the official catalogue! It was certainly a wonderful experience visiting the classic Japanese gardens and nurseries with such a warm and friendly band of co-enthusiasts.
Sadly A.B.B.A. was wound up in 2011 due to lack of members stepping up to manage it for the years ahead. It was a great shame. In many craft and quilting groups, this is getting more and more the reason why groups are folding.
Favourite Tree?
I remember several, one belonged to our current Deputy Chairman Simon Temblett. I first saw it when he was also a member of A.B.B.A. and the simplicity of the style I found most appealing. It was a yew, sadly now gone but he has been working on another in similar style. Others that appeal to me greatly are the rugged collected hawthorns/blackthorns displaying hardy, windblown lives, particularly a blackthorn by Terry Foster in a wonderful layered pot by a European potter. It is trees with an apparent history of hardship and survival and ones with a distinct character which appeal to me most. Of my own creations, those I have been most pleased with were three English Elms I air-layered from our hedge, one of which was well known as ‘Ducky’ for obvious reasons! Dan took a fancy to it so it was given to him. Would love to know who has it now!
Ducky Elm
Other Interests?
Photography still plays a big part in my interests in artwork, currently 2025 doing an online workshop on art, photography and stitching combined! I like learning things, so amongst other things I have practised rifle shooting, winning Ladies Cup at a Rifle Club and being member of a winning team against Dartmouth Royal Naval College Cadets! Pottery, wood carving and dressmaking including my daughter in law’s wedding dress.
Since 2000 I have become a quilter too, making quilts for hospitalized or bereaved children (Linus Quilts), but especially art hangings for exhibitions but not bed sized quilts. A reusing of material is good and with my liking for Japanese aesthetics I have a stash of old Japanese fabrics. More recently I was commissioned to make a lap quilt for an old A.B.B.A. member depicting a fully armoured samurai! It took many hours of research and stitching, but I was pleased with the result.
Photography still plays a big part in my interests in artwork, currently 2025 doing an online workshop on art, photography and stitching combined! I like learning things, so amongst other things I have practised rifle shooting, winning Ladies Cup at a Rifle Club and being member of a winning team against Dartmouth Royal Naval College Cadets! Pottery, wood carving and dressmaking including my daughter in law’s wedding dress.
Since 2000 I have become a quilter too, making quilts for hospitalized or bereaved children (Linus Quilts), but especially art hangings for exhibitions but not bed sized quilts. A reusing of material is good and with my liking for Japanese aesthetics I have a stash of old Japanese fabrics. More recently I was commissioned to make a lap quilt for an old A.B.B.A. member depicting a fully armoured samurai! It took many hours of research and stitching, but I was pleased with the result.
Samurai Quilt
I take a back seat in South Devon Bonsai having handed over to those taking it forward in their own way, but it is good to see it healthy and everyone learning and enjoying this wonderful interest. May it long continue
Delyse (Dilly) Upton
South Devon Bonsai Society
Delyse (Dilly) Upton
South Devon Bonsai Society
Mar26 Quiz
What am I?
My first is in beech and also in leach.
My second is in shoulder but never in alder.
My third is in spruce but not found in juice.
My fourth is in pine and again in vine.
My fifth is in box but never in fox.
My sixth is in cherry and also in merry.
My seventh is in oak but not in poke.
And my last is in lime as well as in time.
What am I?
My first is in beech and also in leach.
My second is in shoulder but never in alder.
My third is in spruce but not found in juice.
My fourth is in pine and again in vine.
My fifth is in box but never in fox.
My sixth is in cherry and also in merry.
My seventh is in oak but not in poke.
And my last is in lime as well as in time.
What am I?
Feb26 Quiz Answers
1 Yamadori, 1955, Riku Hara, 12 chapters
2 Shohin, 1947, Touma Mori, 10 chapters
3 Literati, 1953, Koji Inoue, 8 chapters
4 Large Bonsai, 1961, Yuki Tanaka, 14 chapters
5 Mame, 1949, Atiko Sato. 6 chapters
2 Shohin, 1947, Touma Mori, 10 chapters
3 Literati, 1953, Koji Inoue, 8 chapters
4 Large Bonsai, 1961, Yuki Tanaka, 14 chapters
5 Mame, 1949, Atiko Sato. 6 chapters