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Bonsai Displays at Local Shows in 2007
The year of 2007 will unfortunately be remembered for its inclement summer weather, heavy rain and flooding. Heedless of this the Swindon club have attended a number of local events in an attempt to encourage the 'Art of Bonsai' with the local people of Wiltshire and the surrounding area.We have attempted to display trees that are achievable to everyone and found locally in the UK. Most of them were the type of trees and bushes found in everyone's garden, maples, Lonicera, pyracantha, contoneaster, fuchsia, juniper and elms. Primarily they were developed from basic stock and not bought from a Bonsai specialist.
Lydiard Park just before
the rain came
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The first display was when some of the hardier members of the club attended the 'Great Western Hospital Family Fun day' at Lydiard Park. We managed to get the marquee erected in the dry, then the forecasted adverse weather set in and it continued to rain all day. Quite a few people sheltered from the rain in our marquee, giving us a chance to talk to them, they were amazed at the variety of trees on display. It took a few days to get the marquee cleaned, dried and packed away.
Wanborough Show |
It wasn't long before August and the ‘Wanborough Summer Show’. This year we were given a good location for the marquee, overlooking the main display arena. All we needed was the good weather!! Again the weather report wasn't good and unfortunately was only too accurate. We managed to get everything set up in the dry and then by mid morning the rain and high winds were here, the carnival possession had just arrived in the main arena. It was a shame to see the entrants as they paraded around the show ground with their children, thoroughly wet and bedraggled. Luckily, we at least had the shelter of the marquee and there was keen public interest in the trees. As the wind got stronger and the end of the show got nearer, we decided that it was safer to leave the marquee in position and return the next day to take it down. We all rushed off in order to make it to Graham and Liz's club BBQ in the evening. The weather was soon forgotten over a chat, a drink and some splendid food. The next day was at least drier and the strong wind had died down but it was still a wet and muddy task to dismantle the marquee. |
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Bowood Early in September, saw the club marquee back out again at the ‘Crime stoppers Family Fun Day’ at Bowood estate near Calne. Some of the more active club members were busy on this day, which was an excellent opportunity to enlist the help of some of the newer members to the club. This must have been a good omen and showed in the greatly improved weather. Everything was set up and we were soon busy, as the public started to arrive and the sun came out. We were even busier than last year and had an endless stream of interested people, both viewing and discussing the trees. It was a long but rewarding day and it even remained dry for us to pack everything away. The only thing left now is the winter planning for the shows and events in the coming year. This will allow the Swindon club to actively participate in bringing the ‘Art of Bonsai’ to the local community. As well as these local displays several of the club members have displayed at the larger National and International Shows. |