Tuesday 13 March 2012

Blown Away at the BSA

As is the norm these days in March it was my trip up to Willowbog for the British Shohin Association’s Show and one I won’t forget in a hurry.  Along with myself was Andy Pearson & Les Storey making the not too insignificant journey to Warrrrrrk (as the locals like to pronounce it) in Northumberland.  Fantastic trees and a warm and friendly atmosphere make this one of the best events in the UK – and probably the most isolated!
Saturday dawned fresh but bright and for me and Andy it got even better when we entered the Exhibition as we found no less than 10 Stone Monkey pots in use along with 9 Suteki Accents or Accent pots.  For me making, and being able to sell on, my pots is a real buzz but to see them being used for the reason that they have been created was exhilarating.  Added to that to have 4 of them published by Bonsai Eejit (a talented artist form Northern Ireland and prolific Blogger) as “fantastic” did bring a tear to this frogs eye.

Saturday sales and banter drifted into the evening meal and for me at least another Tale from the Unexpected as I, well not me exactly but my tree, managed to pick up my first ever award at a BSA Show.  Although not a top prize to win a Certificate of Merit (for trees of a European Origin) against stiff competition was unbelievable as Andy’s photo below might show!  Congratulations must also go to the other MBS winner on the night my good friend Les.  Although not in the best of health he still managed to keep his spirits up and give Andy & I merry hell over the 3 days – well done mate for you 2 awards!

Here’s me and my tree on the Sunday after Fiona (and her monkey Wee Jinky) bullied me into having my picture taken with my tree although I think it was more another chance to rib me about my 70’s throwback purple velvet coat!

2 comments:

  1. It was a well deserved 'fantastic' Simon. That's why I was first to buy on Saturday morning :-)
    Also a well deserved Certificate of Merit. I love the tree and the contrast between the live and deadwood.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comments on my pots & tree Ian. Coming from someone as talented as you it means a lot :-)

      Delete