Dear Friends.
Time again to let you know about workshop dates for next year and to say a big thank you to everyone for your support over the last year. Despite being under the jackboot of a fascist government and being assailed by economic restraints it’s great to see a growing commitment to bonsai. It’s not been easy to get away and do what we please of late and that makes us even more appreciative of your support.

I hope that your workshops over the past year have been educational and inspiring. As I see everyone’s trees improving it gives me great satisfaction. Bonsai is not something that can be learnt in a short time and the results are slow to materialize. However, I trust you are all happy with your individual progress. It is very important to me that everyone gets what they need from the workshops and to this end I would value your input and comments.

We have tried to scale back our commitments for 2010. Having a weekend off has become a very rare occurance over the last few years. To this end you will notice less dates for the coming year including a complete break in January and August. Due to increased participation we expect some dates will fill very quickly. We will be working hard to keep numbers down to four per session this year so book early if you 'must have' a particular date. If there is sufficient demand I may add additional dates where necessary but these will be on the same weekends as those listed.

One slight change this year will be the cost for participation at £50.00 inclusive of VAT at 17.5% for a group of four. If however the group expands to five the cost will be £45. I have no way of policing this especially if anyone drops out at the last minute but I think it represents a fair reduction if you get less personal attention in the larger group. Groups will never be more than five. I can also offer a one to one workshop priced at £75 for a half day or £140 for a full day.

We will continue to ask you to bring lunch again next year and drinks will continue to be provided. Obviously the house will be at your disposal and the kettle will always be warm but we do ask that you bring lunch with you. You are welcome to use the kitchen including microwave and stove for preparing anything warm. The local Tesco store is less than 5 minutes walk up the lane in an emergency. There is also a pub just across the road that offers very good value meals.

If you expect to need any materials during the course of the day please can you let me know in advance so that I can make sure we have everything at hand. Soil and pots are no longer stored at the house.


SHOW DATES FOR 2010

Several folk have asked me about show dates for next year. Here are the ones we think will be significant.

January 22/23 Noelanders Trophy, Belgium http://www.bonsaiassociation.be/en/trophy.php
March 20/21 The Joy of Bonsai, Bath. http://danbartonbonsaipots.wordpress.com/announcements/
September 18/19 Newstead 4, Wakefield. http://www.johnhanbybonsai.co.uk

We will be attending all of the above shows so, if you would like to know more please give me a call.

So, once again sincere thanks for your support and commitment throughout 2009. We wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010 and look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Graham & Catherine Kaizen Bonsai Ltd


WORKSHOP DATES 2010

FEBRUARY 7 – 13 - 27
MARCH 13 - 28
APRIL 10 - 18
MAY 8 - 23
JUNE 12 - 27
JULY 10 - 18
SEPTEMBER 11
OCTOBER 2 – 16 – 31
NOVEMBER 13 – 28
DECEMBER 11 - 19

To book a place please call 0800 4580 672 or email info@kaizenbonsai.com