Yamadori - Your Questions Answered

Are the resident instructors qualified?

There is no current bonsai qualification available to instructors in the UK. The director of Bonsai Residency Workshops is Tony Tickle. He is a winner of the first Gingko awards in 1997, UK winner and runner up in the European New talent competition in 1995, coached three UK new talent winners including David Prescott in 1997 and Mike Sullivan who won the Event in 1998 in Fermo Italy. Board of Director for Bonsai Clubs International 2003- 2005 and Member of Association of British Bonsai Artists. He has demonstrated widely at major conferences throughout the UK and Europe, He is widely published and has had Bonsai selected for four Gingko awards, World Conferences and many European events. He currently demonstrates at clubs, societies and organisations throughout the UK and Europe.

Terry Foster is recognised as one of the UK's most talented bonsai stylists, winner of the UK new Talent competition in 1996, with demonstrations and awards throughout Europe he is a rare artist, humble yet hugely talented.

Hans van Meer a native of Holland and past winner of best tree in the Netherlands, Hans attention to detail is unsurpassed, a multi award winner.

Hans brings his unique talent to the UK, participants in previous workshops with Hans all comment on how much fun they have had whilst learning. Back to Top

Do I need to know anything about bonsai?

Bonsai Residency Workshops are geared towards enthusiasts who have more than a basic understanding of creating bonsai and are hungry to move forward. Back to Top

What will I learn?

You will be learning advanced techniques that will enable you to enjoy your hobby more, such as making your own soil mix to achieve particular results, why watering is probably the most important aspect of bonsai development, branch creation, styling for the future. For those who own a computer they will pick up valuable information that will enable them to make informed styling decisions without making a single cut! Back to Top

Can I bring my own Beer/wine etc?

Yes tea, coffee and soft drinks are also available all weekend. Back to Top

I have special dietary requirements?

Let us know when you book if you have any special dietary requirements. Back to Top

Is there disabled Access?

The building is fully accessible to all members of the public. There is a level front entrance with stair lifts to first level making all rooms in the building accessible, disabled toilets and a guiding service for the blind. Back to Top

Why should I sign up?

At Bonsai Residency Workshops you will get your bonsai skills on track, you will be working at close quarters with bonsai artists who are active in the European scene, exhibiting and demonstrating throughout Europe and in many cases setting the pace. Because the event takes place over a whole weekend you can (if you wish) work late into the night. The whole event is based around learning, having fun and making new friends in Bonsai. Back to Top

Do I need to bring material to work on?

I have had enquiries from folk who do not have material to work on, It is OK to be part of the workshop simply for the experience…. You may well be asked to help with wiring and work from folk who have trees that require a lot of preparation. We welcome beginners to the workshops but you must bear in mind that you will not be give full time tuition, what you will get is help from over 20 other participants though! Back to Top

What else should I bring?

All the tools, wire pots etc that you will need to complete your project(s), a camera (although one is provided with the photo studio) A sleeping bag or quilt and a pillow (see below) Back to Top

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Male and female accommodation is provided in five bunkrooms for 2, 4, 6, 10 and 12 persons. Allocation is on a first come first served basis. Because of the party atmosphere on Saturday evenings that usually takes place at the Burrs events. Rooms will be designated ‘early’ (after 11.00) middle (after 12.00) and late (after 1.00). Participants will be asked on the booking form what time they expect to go to bed! This is to ensure that folk DO NOT get disturbed in the night. Back to Top

When do I arrive?

Most participants arrive on Saturday mornings however your accommodation is available from Friday evening, you are able to have a meal in the Pub alongside the facility. Breakfast will be available on Saturday morning. The event starts proper at 12.00am Saturday and ends 5.00pm Sunday Back to Top