Bonsai bonanza for 21 Club

SAINT Valentine was celebrated in true style at 21 Club’s February luncheon.

Members turned out in red and the décor sported red roses, hearts and cupids.

But the beautiful bonsai’s that graced each table were just a sample of the treat to follow.

Special guest speaker Darryl Clifford is pretty much as local a lad as could be. He matriculated at Kingsway High and qualified as a teacher at Durban Teachers Training College (or Dokkies as it is fondly known because it was a dual-medium institution). Although he left the profession to travel (fishing being high on his list of activities) and also to dabble in other pursuits, he soon returned to education and spent most of his life in local primary schools in various capacities, including principal of Warner Beach Senior Primary.

Darryl retired from Athlone Park Primary at the end of 2015 and his wife, Margie is due to retire this year. They have two sons who live overseas and one grandchild so far.

Darryl has always had an intense interest in nature. He says bonsai reflects nature. It is a dynamic changing art as no two are the same. Many examples of different styles and sizes were shown, each representing an aspect of nature or the bonsai artist.

Darryl says any bonsai enthusiast can be successful in a garden or even on a balcony. There are basic rules one must be mindful of: Correct watering, styling, fertilising, amount of sunlight and exposure to flowing air.

The aim is to create an illusion, to make a young tree appear old and full of character. It must be pleasing to the eye and symbolise harmony and balance.

Darryl recommends that those interested should join a club, read books, visit established gardens and Youtube to learn from the experienced. Then simply follow personal preferences to create a pleasing ‘tree in a pot’ which, after all, is the meaning of the word ‘bonsai’.

Many thanks to Darryl for a most entertaining and interesting presentation.

The delicious pork schnitzel, sauer kraut and veg provided by Lords and Legends was overshadowed by Garth’s Valentine’s delight – a black forest biscuit based pudding with white chocolate mousse and berry coulis. Such a pleasure for the sweet-toothed.

Members are reminded that contributions for a hamper to be raffled (towards Storm’s trip to America for surgery to restore his sight) are being collected. The draw will take place at 21 Club’s April 65th birthday luncheon.

21 Club will celebrate St Patrick at its luncheon on Wednesday, 22 March at Lords and Legends conference room at noon for 12.30pm. Wear green or at least a touch of green for the Irish. The club is thrilled to to hosting six of Colleen Smit’s Irish dancers to entertain.

Members are reminded that confirmation of intention to attend or not and the names of guests must be received by the relevant committee member by Friday, 17 March. Call Golda on 083-633-6338 or 031-916-7001 and Jenny on 083-299-4619 or 031-904-1674. Unfortunately, guests (who must be invited by a member) can only be accommodated if there is space.