BONSAI OPEN DAY

Bonllwyn garden centre and Dragon bonsai openday 10th May 2009.

For a long time now Tony has been facilitating events and looking after the great European and British artist that he has brought to this country (BURRS etc).

It was with pleasure that Dragon Bonsai Society welcomed Tony Tickle to open the new facilities, created by the members both for workshop and showing of our trees.



It was good weather to say the least and most people got a tan as well as having a brilliant day.

We started with a demo by Tony on his fine hawthorn.
Tony showed us many techniques, etc.. but none more exciting than the hand chop styling tip.




Tony also worked very hard all day on members and guests trees giving advice as well as physically re styling many.







It was an honour and a pleasure to have Tony’s passion, knowledge and friendly delivery at Dragon. So much quality info. to absorb, we were spoiled.
The positive feedback that we have had not only on the day, but also in the days following has been amazing.
The only criticism, “Why did we not invite Tony years ago?”



Chris held an impromptu bonsai starter session for some of our new to bonsai guests attending



All in all for Dragon, it was a very special and successful day.
We wish to sincerely thank all involved:
- Tony's fine workshop and demo and for opening of our new facility.
- Everyone attending from far and wide for supporting Dragon, for your enthusim and passion.
- The Dragon members for their hard work in bringing the event together, and to the culinary magic of the members wives.
- The local businesses that gave materials and support during the build.
- Thanks also to Morea for the postcard wishing us luck for the day.

Finally,
Tony has told us that he would be pleased to make this an annual event,
YES PLEASE TONY YES PLEASE.

We also presented a display area for members and guest alike to present their trees.
We had planned to hold a photo shoot thoughtout the day of all the trees displayed, but as it happend, Tony was on with hardly a break and no-one wanted to leave the "Tony Tickle flood", and miss out.
So I only managed to get 3 trees, late in the afternoon after Tony had left.

Bob's larch.



Martin's larch.


Jerry's larch.



Time flies like an arrow.
Dragon flys like Tony T.

Looks like a fun day, it's great to have good speakers when there are guests at Bonsai nurseries, it helps bring new people into the hobby.
We are going to build a photo backdrop at my study group location do you mind explaining what you used for the backdrop and how it was built?

Looked like a nice day

Can you post some photos of the new Locatation and the displays please

I looks lie a real nice spot

Ken

Greg Matthews wrote: We are going to build a photo backdrop at my study group location do you mind explaining what you used for the backdrop and how it was built?

Greg,
The backdrops are the ones Celticknot bonsai use for their displays around the UK. Chris Thomas made them from a 72" wide roller blind and uprights with feet. He made 6 units.
We normally use daylight, but are looking at the possibility of using spots etc. at some venues.
This build is very easy to erect and dismantle, but just as important very easy to transport.
Perhaps Chris could expand on the construction in more detail.
for a clear view of our backdrops, check our exmouth display from 2008
http://www.celticknotbonsai.co.uk/exmouth.htm

Can you post some photos of the new Locatation and the displays please

Ken,
A picture from the day.


more pics at,
http://www.dragonbonsai.co.uk/grandopen2009.htm

kauai bonyu kai is looking at various alternatives for backdrops. yours looks like something we'd be interested in. could chris please provide material and construction details?

thanks, sam

Hi thanks for the interest in the construction of the backdrops I will try to photo the different parts so we can show you how it works
Regards Chris

thanks, look forward to your post

aloha, sam

A little look at the area.

Gerwyn and Tony do the honours.

Hi Jerry... and all at Dragon

Thanks very much for the invite and the opportunity to get a deep Welsh Suntan... wow it was hot!

The venue is superb and the enthusiasum of the members fantastic, for sure the way that British bonsai has taken great leaps forward over the last few years is with small groups like Dragon and Wirral. Good on you guys and YES... I will be back next year make sure you lay on the sunshine and I will be down for the whole weekend.