Page 3 - BSAM 2017 Q3

President’s Message
Iam still reeling from the recent, fabulous World Bonsai Convention held in Japan. For those who could not make it, I hope
you enjoy the articles included in this issue. I have attended all of the eight World Bonsai Conventions starting with the one in Japan in 1989. is 2017 Convention was a fantastic event. e exhibition was the best ever, the likes of which will probably never be repeated.
One of the things I love most about conventions is that I get to catch up with bonsai and stone friends. It is interesting to share bonsai knowledge with those living in a di erent climate and environment. Whilst we can communicate daily via social media and forums, sharing our bonsai and stone knowledge with friends, old and new, over a co ee or glass of wine to me is a much more enjoyable experience.
Another significant happening in Japan is the election of Naemi Iwasaki as Chairman of Nippon Bonsai Association. Naomi has worked very hard in the bonsai community in Japan and internationally as Vice Chairman of WBFF. She attends many bonsai events throughout the world and is a strong supporter and life member of BCI. Congratulation my dear friend!
Our Annual Convention will be held in Taiwan from November 4th to 7th, followed by a four-day, five-night tour ending in Taipei on the 11th. We have a great line up of demonstrators, along with a fabulous display of Taiwanese Bonsai and Stones. During the convention you will have the opportunity to visit Changmei Cultural Park, Chuanshi Garden, Wanjing Art Garden, Xizhou Park and Lungsheng Petri ed Wood Museum.
The post convention tour will take in the beautiful sights of Taiwan Island in the South, East and North.
Highlights include: Kaohsiung—visiting Guang Shan Buddha Museum and Kenting National Park;Taitung—taking in the sights in the Sanxian Terrace Scenic Area. Hualien—enjoying a visit to the Distillery sales centre, Ami Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Bohtai Bonsai Garden and Hualien
City Bonsai Exhibition at the Zhongzheng Gymnasium. We will visit the Taroom National Park followed by your choice of a visit to Amy Liang's Bonsai Museum or the National Palace Museum in Taipei and some free time for shopping.
It’s not too late to register. Help us celebrate BCI’s 55th year and join us for the Convention and Tour. You can register at www.bcibonsai2017.com
We are close to launching the updated International Instructors Register. It will include twenty Bonsai/Penjing Masters from China and twelve from Taiwan. e selection process in China is very thorough. The qualification is higher than our BCI standard. e Management team includes 5 evaluation people and 9 bonsai masters. e nal selection is posted on their website for general approval. The purpose of the register is to make available a list of BCI Demonstrators for your Conventions or club events. We hope to launch the register later this year. If you want to be included in the register you must be a member of BCI and meet the criteria. e details and how to apply can be found on the BCI website <http://www.bonsai-bci.com/index.php/ bci-resources/bci-instructors>.
Each Instructor will be issued an o cial certi cate.
The revamped BCI website is now complete and I invite you to log at www. bonsai-bci.com and browse the new features. It is very easy to navigate. Check out the store where you can purchase books.
We are changing the Stone and Tree of the Month format making it a competition for Stone and Tree of the Year. Any member of BCI can submit entries and the BCI members will vote for the winning bonsai and stone which will be chosen from the Trees and Stones of the Month. We are seeking sponsorship for prizes. More details will be available soon on the BCI website, www.bonsai-bci.com.
Cheers from Down Under, Glenis Bebb
Our Annual Convention will be held in Taiwan from November 4th to 7th, followed by a four- day, ve-night tour ending in Taipei on the 11th. We have a great line up of demonstrators, along with a fabulous display of Taiwanese Bonsai and Stones. During the convention you
will have the opportunity to visit Changmei Cultural Park, Chuanshi Garden, Wanjing Art Garden, Xizhou Park and Lungsheng Petri ed Wood Museum.
July/August/September 2017 | BCI | 1