Hamilton Bonsai Club - The 2009 Committee

Dianne Miller

Dianne discovered bonsai in 1980 and found an outlet for her passion with trees and also for art. She prefers Chinese bonsai as she sees a freedom in their styles.

She started Penjing along with Noel in 1990 in the hope of providing others with a simple learning environment.

Having been involved with the club since it's creation, Dianne hopes to keep Hamilton in the forefront of bonsai in New Zealand by continuing to help in the development of a New Zealand 'style' of bonsai and by promoting NZ bonsai abroad.

Gordon Bowers

Noel Plowman

Well known as a creator of Bonsai Pots, Noel started creating Bonsai in the Dark Ages. Although there wasn't much of a call for bonsai pots in the Medieval times he found that women used them as 'guzunders' whilst men found them handy as doorstops!

Once Noel has decided what he wants on his page we can remove this work of fiction and put in the correct information for you all to read!

Sandra Quintal

I have been growing Bonsai since 1987 and have been a member of the Hamilton Bonsai Club since 1988 and support the club on the committee. For several years I have been Vice President. I have also been a supporter of the New Zealand Bonsai Association since its beginning.

I have studied with Dorothy Koreshoff and hold the Intermediate Certificate, Advanced 1 and H Certificate, and The Bonsai Principals Certificates from the Bonsai Art Academy, Sydney.

I teach Beginner Classes for the Art of Bonsai in Hamilton.

I have demonstrated in both New Zealand and Australia to Bonsai Artists at Club level, NZ Conventions, and to the general public at may shows and events.

I enjoy all styles of Bonsai, particularly single tree styles, and I have a collection of Shohin (Miniature) Bonsai down to Thimble Size.

Jeff Richards

Jeff became interested in Bonsai in the late 80's. He went on a course with Dianne soon after and joined the club in 1990.

Jeff attended a Dorothy Koreshoff course in the mid 90's learning a great deal.

He has been on the committee for many years and has been the Secretary of the Club for over 10 years.

Jeff prefers windswept and informal upright trees as well as Suiseki.

He also prefers the less formal Chinese style of tree over the Japanese style.

Les Simpson

Les commenced Bonsai in Tauranga about 1990 and has been President of the Hamilton Bonsai Club for 6 years.

Les has attended various courses with Dorothy Koreshoff, the Bebbs in Brisbane, and Joy Moreton Dunedin.

His favourite trees are conifers but is comfortable with all types of trees and most styles.

Melody Simpson

Ann Mudie

Ann started collecting Bonsai in the UK in the early 90's.

She has served on the committee of South Staffs Bonsai Society including a three year term as Chairman.

She has been involved with setting up of several major shows in the UK

Her favourite trees include maples / flowering trees / larches (yes she knows it's almost impossible to grow them here in the Waikato!)

Moved to NZ in early 2005 and had to start again.

Peter Mudie - President

Peter started collecting Bonsai in the UK in the early 90's. His favourite trees are pines and junipers.

He served on the committees of both South Staffs Bonsai Society and the Friends of the National Bonsai Collection

He has been involved with setting up of several major shows in the UK

He has created websites for South Staffs Bonsai Society (UK) and the Friends of the National Bonsai Collection (UK) and Hamilton Bonsai Club (NZ)

Having moved to New Zealand in early 2005 he has had to start again from scratch.

Marshall Gray

New to Bonsai (2002) after a course with Dianne Miller, but at least with a background in gardening.

Has a preference for deciduous and flowering trees.

Probably lean more towards Chinese styles, but use the "rules" more as guidelines to creating something that gives personal pleasure.

Thoroughly enjoy working with my trees and wish I had more time!