HISTORY OF THE ILLAWARRA BONSAI SOCIETY
The following short history has been compiled from excerpts and quotes contained in “Illawarra Bonsai Society Inc, A History of 30 Years, 1970-2000”. The publication was written and produced by Illawarra Bonsai Society member, Mr John Cross, and presented at the 30th Anniversary Dinner of the society, which was held on 22 July 2000.
On 21st July 1970, in the small hall at Gymea Community Centre, Illawarra Bonsai Society held its first meeting.
One of the people at the meeting was Mrs Dorothy Koreshoff. Dorothy recalls that she, together with her husband Vita, took many enquiries from interested people about the possibility of a local club in the area, and with the help of their friend, Mrs Dawn Hughes, found a venue in Gymea to hold a meeting. At the meeting, which started with a “how to” demonstration, followed by supper, a unanimous response was received for the formation of the club, and Illawarra Bonsai Society was born.
In the early days the meetings were held in the small smaller hall at the centre, as it was comfortable and large enough. (It is later recorded in 1972 that the average attendance at meetings was 24 out of a total of 38 members). However, in 1976 the meetings were changed to the larger hall so that everyone could be comfortably accommodated.
Illawarra Bonsai Society’s first show was held on 17 September 1977.
The club continued to grow and thrive, celebrating 10 years in 1980 and 15 years in 1985. In 1990, under the guidance of the then President, Mr Geoff Henderson, Illawarra Bonsai Society prepared a new constitution and became an incorporated body. In the same year, the 20th anniversary celebrations were held.
In 2010 the club celebrated their 40th anniversary, and in the same year hosted the 23rd National AABC Convention, "A Bonsai Celebration".
In 2020 the club celebrated it's 50th anniversary. (See photo's in "Gallery")
On 21st July 1970, in the small hall at Gymea Community Centre, Illawarra Bonsai Society held its first meeting.
One of the people at the meeting was Mrs Dorothy Koreshoff. Dorothy recalls that she, together with her husband Vita, took many enquiries from interested people about the possibility of a local club in the area, and with the help of their friend, Mrs Dawn Hughes, found a venue in Gymea to hold a meeting. At the meeting, which started with a “how to” demonstration, followed by supper, a unanimous response was received for the formation of the club, and Illawarra Bonsai Society was born.
In the early days the meetings were held in the small smaller hall at the centre, as it was comfortable and large enough. (It is later recorded in 1972 that the average attendance at meetings was 24 out of a total of 38 members). However, in 1976 the meetings were changed to the larger hall so that everyone could be comfortably accommodated.
Illawarra Bonsai Society’s first show was held on 17 September 1977.
The club continued to grow and thrive, celebrating 10 years in 1980 and 15 years in 1985. In 1990, under the guidance of the then President, Mr Geoff Henderson, Illawarra Bonsai Society prepared a new constitution and became an incorporated body. In the same year, the 20th anniversary celebrations were held.
In 2010 the club celebrated their 40th anniversary, and in the same year hosted the 23rd National AABC Convention, "A Bonsai Celebration".
In 2020 the club celebrated it's 50th anniversary. (See photo's in "Gallery")
