NTC Birmingham Botanical Gardens - 2025

Firstly, I must thank The Midland Bonsai Society for inviting us to hold the FoBBS New Talent Competition (NTC) during their annual show at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in June 2025.

We had three very competent competitors, David Fishwick and Mark Pittman, both members of Twickenham Bonsai Club and Ryan Forth from Akamatsu Bonsai in the North East.

They duly drew lots to select three out of four small Junipers. They then had from 11.00am until 2pm to work their magic. Forthcoming were three individual but well-presented young Bonsai.

Scott Winnard produced a very good video of the event for all to view on the FoBBS website, also one can see a very informative account of how Dr Malcolm Hughes, our very experienced judge came to his decisions.

The winner was Ryan Forth who received a Mahogany box decorated with a carved Oak Leaf made by Barry Walker. His winning tree earned Ryan an offer to represent Britain in the European Bonsai Association New Talent Final which this year will be held in Lithuania in October.

Peter Fielding
FoBBS Chair