Page 3 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q1

President’s Message

s we welcome another year, this issue marks the start of 55
years for BCI. BCI was constituted on 29th March 1962, origi-
Anally operating as Bonsai Clubs Association. The name was
changed to Bonsai Clubs International in 1974. With most of the mem-
bership being in the US initially. We now have representation from all
over the world.
Although we faced a severe financial crisis several years ago, due to
strict budgeting and good planning we have improved our financial
position substantially. Our bank balance is now the highest in our organ-
isation’s history. Our main source of income comes from Membership
and Conventions. We are also reliant on advertising income. We have a
couple of advertisers Joshua Roth and Golden Arrow Bonsai who have
supported us for a long time and continue to do so. To them I would
like to extend our sincere thanks. I would also like to ask our members I mentioned to Mr. Chen, the convention
to please support the businesses who support BCI.
In 2017 we want to continue with the educational content in the mag- organiser, that 2017 was BCI’s 55th year
azine and website. To achieve this we need your help. We are always and he expressed a wish that we could get
looking for new authors. If you would like to submit an article or know
of someone who can, please contact our editor Joe Grande. Joe can help 55 countries represented at our annual
with the layout, design and copy editing. convention in Taiwan. I put out this challenge
The 2016 BCI Meritorious Service Award was presented to Nikunj
Parekh, BCI’s Second Vice President at the regional convention in to you, our members. Please spread the word
December, held in Mysore India. Nikunj has served on the BCI board and register at www.bcibonsai2017.com
since 2001. Nikunj is also a founding member of World Bonsai Friendship
Federation. He has served as the Director for India Region since its
inception in 1987. In 2015, Nikunj received The Order of The Rising They have a great line up of demonstrators. Japan’s top Masters and
Sun with Gold and Silver Rays awarded by the Japanese Government for featuring some of Japan’s younger artists. The other eight regions of
promoting Japanese culture in India. He has just released a new book, the world will have one headliner. The motto of WBFF is world peace
Beyond the Spirit of Miniature Landscapes coauthored with Jyoti Parekh through bonsai and I think this reflects how we all feel.
and Chand Kejriwal. We will feature a book review in the Q2 issue of The planning of BCI six-day tour, following the 2018 convention in
Bonsai & Stone Appreciation magazine. Mulhouse, is near completion. Some places we hope to visit are Colmar,
The Writer/Photographer Award for 2016 went to Toby Kleynhans Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva, Anncy, Lyon, Beaune, Dijon, Troyes,
from South Africa. Toby is a long time BCI supporter and is a regular Epernay, Reims and end in Paris. Registration will be available later in
contributor to BCI Magazine. He has written an interesting article which the year.
is included in this issue on the biggest baobab Forest in the world. Toby We are seeking applicants for the BCI International Instructors/Art-
is very active in promoting bonsai in South Africa. I congratulate and ists Register. Qualifications necessary for instructors to be listed in the
thank both Nikunj and Toby for their continued support and contribu- Register are:
tions to BCI. • BCI member for two years or pay two years membership
I recently attended Beyond the Spirit of Bonsai Convention, hosted in advance.
by Bonsai Study Group of The Indo-Japanese Association Mumbai and • Have conducted at least 3 solo demonstrations,
its Affiliated Chapters in India. The organiser was Avadhoota Datta internationally.
Peetham, Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden in Mysore, India. The • Willing to publish /submit one techniques article
headliners and partners were treated to a four-day pre convention tour for BCI magazine each year.
which was enjoyed by all.The camaraderie on the tour was very special. • Willing to be recommended to demonstrate for
Over 450 delegates gathered for four days of demonstrations, work- BCI conventions.
shops, entertainment great food and most importantly, the most hospi- • Applicants should submit before and after photos
table and friendly people who went out of their way to make everyone of at least 3 demonstrations.
feel welcome. The atmosphere at the Ashram, where the convention was • Applicants should submit a list of International Events
held, had a feeling of relaxation and tranquillity. We have a full report at which they have demonstrated.
on the convention in this issue. An International Instructor Certificate will be issued to each
Our next BCI Convention will be held in Taiwan 4th–8th, 2017, fol- instructor on the Register.
lowed by a tour. When I met with Mr. Chen, the convention organiser, If you are interested in applying you can submit your details via the
in India recently, I mentioned that 2017 was BCI’s 55th year and he BCI website, or send your details to a BCI Director in your region or
expressed a wish that we could get 55 countries represented at our an- the Committee Chair, Budi Sulistyo. Directors contact details are avail-
nual convention in Taiwan. I put out this challenge to you, our members. able on page two of this magazine or on the BCI website under officers.
Please spread the word. Registrations are now open. You can register via We at BCI, hope 2017 is a great year and we can continue to educate
a link on the BCI website. and promote bonsai and stones internationally.
Another big event this year is the World Bonsai Convention in
Saitama, Japan 24th-27th April. They are expecting over 1000 delegates, Cheers from Down Under,
so hopefully I can catch up with many of you who may be attending. Glenis Bebb

January/February/March 2017 | BCI | 1