By Press Release
The Isle of Wight Bonsai Society celebrated its 40th anniversary last week at Newport Scout HQ.
Twenty-four members attended, including Anne Butler and Sue Hackers, who originally started the club back in 1983. Sue shared anecdotes about the early days, when they were the only members, but said they were soon joined by like-minded people with a common interest in bonsai, the art of growing and training miniature trees in containers.
Early members recalled outings to exhibitions, gardens and nurseries, over the years, their own society exhibitions, and displays at Chale Show, where they have consistently won gold medals. A vote of thanks was made to Anne and Sue.
Current chairman, Ian Elliott, told members that the club currently has its highest-ever membership numbers and record attendance at meetings and events. This includes younger people, which is encouraging when many horticultural societies are closing down for want of members.
There followed a society bonsai competition with various categories. The overall prize, a Royal Horticultural Society Banksian medal was awarded to John Hetherington, a relatively new convert to the art of bonsai. The meeting concluded with a social evening and barbecue.
Anyone interested in bonsai is welcome at their monthly meetings, held at Newport Scout HQ in Woodbine Close on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm. Their next exhibition is at Forest View Nursery on July 8 and 9.
Pictured: Peter Gale, Nolan Butt, Ian Elliott, David Mercer, and John Hetherington
