Show Report

It was a warm summers day and we approached the Stone Cross Hall in Eastbourne with no idea of what to expect. On entering the hall we were greeted in the friendliest way possible by 2 members of the Eastbourne and Wealden Bonsai Club who explained briefly about the layout of the exhibition and that if we required help there are a number of members to assist us.

When we walked into the hall we were treated to some beautiful bonsai displayed in the traditional way with accent plants and simple but very effective stands. Walking along looking at the trees we were joined by a member who offered any assistance in knowing more about Bonsai and how they were created.

We found the ISA stand and enjoyed a number of Saikei of a very high quality including the Gorge Style Saikei featured on the home page of this website, although it has matured and improved since the original photo was taken. We were joined by a member who introduced himself as the president of the Eastbourne and Wealden Bonsai Club who made some comments about the Saikei and informed us that a demonstration of Saikei was taking place in the adjoining room.

We did not waste any time and went next door to the demonstration room to see the demo, unfortunately we had missed about half of the demo by David Penny and another member of ISA, and were just in time to see the trees placed in the pot and moss laid on the surface of the soil, but we still enjoyed the demo and the finished article will, I am sure, become another good Saikei. We finished by having a cup of tea which was ideal as we had a long trip home again.

Thanks again to the Eastbourne and Wealden Bonsai Club.

Mrs J.P Salisbury