AVON BONSAI SOCIETY

Welcome to our Website!

In 1992 Alan & Beverley Van were asked to run classes on bonsai culture at the Avice Hill Arts & Craft Centre in Memorial Avenue, Christchurch. The people who attended the first two classes were so enthusiastic that a meeting was held and thus the Avon Bonsai Society came into existence. After the first few meetings it was apparent the craft room at Avice Hill Centre was becoming too small for the growing number of members, so the society transferred it's meeting to Isleworth School. Now 10 years later the society has a membership of around 40 people.

The Society meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month (except January) in the Isleworth School hall, Farrington Avenue, Bishopdale, Christchurch at 7.30pm. Visitors are always most welcome to attend. We organise regular weekend workshops with teachers & demonstrators both from New Zealand & from overseas. We have had workshops with Japanese, English & Australian Bonsai teachers in the last 3 years.
During the year the society runs a varied programme of bonsai related activities including workshops, field days for collecting trees and visiting bonsai collections and guest demonstrators as well as demonstrators from within the club's membership. Members are encouraged to bring bonsai along to their club nights not only to gain advice as to their ongoing training but to display their favourites for the benefit and pleasure of the other club members.
A "Tree of the Month" competition runs for ten months of the year. Member compete for the end of year trophy based on points accumulated throughout the year. Each December the club runs a "Tree of the Year" competition in Open and Novice sections one tree per club member is submitted and an independent person is invited to judge this. Visitors are welcome to attend a Club Night with no obligation. If you are interested in Bonsai, but cannot attend Club Meetings, we offer the opportunity to subscribe to our informative quarterly club newsletter without becoming a full financial member of the Club. Please email us for further information. For Further information Email Us! Club meets first Wednesday of each month (except January) at the Isleworth School, Farrington Avenue, Bishopdale, at 7.30 p.m.