John Armitage, well known in bonsai circles, will as part of the Mame/Shohin exhibition be doing a demonstration during the day with this tree. This is in the fitness room, during the Swindon ‘Winter Image’ show on Sunday the 15th February 2026. https://swindon-bonsai.co.uk/2025/11/19/new-for-the-2026-swindon-winter-image-show/ At the conclusion of the demo/workshop he will be donating this tree to the raffle.
Bigger and better was the billing for this year‘s Bonsai fest at Newark. With the promise of a bigger hall and even more traders, the 6:30am start from Swindon felt a little less painful. It was nice to be chauffeured again this year by Neve, on the second half of the three hour plus drive and there was plenty of time to talk repotting and discussing what was to be purchased given the chance at the show.
We arrived after the queue had died down and there were already lots of people coming out of the show with their purchases and the FOMO kicked in a little. [Fear Of Missing Out]
First port of call was the extensive sales area with a wide mix of professional growers nurseries, alongside many YouTubers and Private sellers. The central location meant there were those coming down from Scotland and across the north as well as many of the Midlands and London traders too.
There was almost too much to choose from, as club members with our profits from the Swindon sales table at the Winter Image Show…….. in hand we headed off. Pots a plenty with lots of work from the established potters and some new guys on the scene made for some difficult choices.
There was plenty of development material from the hobbyists with collected Yamadori and homegrown starter material at reasonable prices and the established traders selling some beautiful trees, plenty to suit every budget there were already a few trees heading back to the car after our initial walk round.
A fantastic demonstration by Caz Bonsai was on offer for those less inclined to look for the bargains and a new talent competition was also running with some stunning trees being produced and an opportunity to see a tree styled over a few hours.
After the money was spent it was time to look at the show trees with amazing quality on offer including trees from Corin, Caz Bonsai, Tony Tickle and Mark/Ritta Cooper. Plenty of stunning winter images and a spattering of spring colour made for a high-quality range of displays, with Mark and Ritta bagging best in show. There was an opportunity to talk with some of the exhibitors and a good discussion with Tony Tickle for some.
Taking over from The now defunct Doncaster Bonsai Experience that was held at Markham Grange, Bonsai Fest seems to have grown nicely to fill this gap. A show heavily weighted towards traders, provides an opportunity for those buyers looking increase the collection, and those hobbyist growing to sell on a good opportunity in a central location.
With a few Swindon members making the trip this year, it may be one to think about putting in your calendar for next year. Worth getting yourself a driver so you can have a little doze in the car on the way back after all the excitement
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