About

In 1977 a group of Bonsai enthusiasts, led by Ken Moncrief and Frank Maddocks, decided to meet to share their enjoyment of Bonsai. The group was originally known as Thamesdown Bonsai Society, after the local district. The group met within the town centre until numbers grew and the group decided to move to Stratton St Margaret. Some members felt this was too far to travel and split to form their own club – Swindon Bonsai Society. After a number of years the two clubs decided to reform and became Swindon and District Bonsai Society.

As with most clubs our membership tends to fluctuate but we have a strong core of enthusiasts who maintain and promote our activities. In our early days we displayed at local flower shows, the National Convention in Birmingham in 1992 being our first major exhibition. Since then we have exhibited trees at many of the Federation Exhibitions around the UK. Trees from Swindon Bonsai Society have also been exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show, Gardeners World Live and other major RHS shows. In 1996 we hosted the Federation of British Bonsai Societies National Show. The club annually stages a major exhibition of Bonsai at its Winter Image Show, this usually takes place in February.

Our aim is to promote the hobby of Bonsai growing in every way. We welcome new members to join us, it doesn’t matter if you are a total beginner to the Art of Bonsai or very experienced. Browse Our Constitution.