Guess what happened at the new NBPCA today

[NBPCA]

The twin silver spade moment we have all been waiting for happened yesterday

The twin silver spade moment.JPG

The spades are planted in the ground around about where our front entry will be. What a view(minus the fence of course).

Grant

[Webos]

Excellent...I very much look forward to seeing the photos as the project develops. Whats the time frame?

[NBPCA]

Excellent...I very much look forward to seeing the photos as the project develops. Whats the time frame?

The turning of the first sod was yesterday and unofficially they say about 12 months construction time and then fit out etc. The visitors centre is a landmark construction with a large domed roof that will require some pretty interesting techniques.

Then there is the cafe, childrens play area and our fitout.

I would estimate about 18 months which would make it around November 2012 but of course it could be either side by many months.

Grant

[bonsaibruce]

Grant and Canberra mob,
I look forward to the new setup.
There has been some talk, mostly me, about a Queensland group heading your way.
There are no definite plans, but I think the 40 seat bus would be too expensive.
Maybe a "Tag along tour"? Drive your own car, do your own thing during the day, all met at a prebooked motel for accommodation.
Group booking of motel would be cheaper.
The best time would be when the Canberra show is on. And after the Floriade.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

[NBPCA]

Grant and Canberra mob,
I look forward to the new setup.
There has been some talk, mostly me, about a Queensland group heading your way.
There are no definite plans, but I think the 40 seat bus would be too expensive.
Maybe a "Tag along tour"? Drive your own car, do your own thing during the day, all met at a prebooked motel for accommodation.
Group booking of motel would be cheaper.
The best time would be when the Canberra show is on. And after the Floriade.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

Hi Bruce,

Do you mean the Canberra Bonsai Society Show in October or are you refering to the cAABC Convention in 2013?

Grant

[Bretts]

I am just a little disappointed we did not see the popping of Champagne bottles in the picture with the spades
Congratulations to all in a great endeavour
Looking forward to the development.

Hey Grant is there any chance of a few shots of what is going on around the arboretum to accompany the thread?

[NBPCA]

I am just a little disappointed we did not see the popping of Champagne bottles in the picture with the spades
Congratulations to all in a great endeavour
Looking forward to the development.

Hey Grant is there any chance of a few shots of what is going on around the arboretum to accompany the thread?

Yep, getting there.

IMG_3287 - Copy.JPG

IMG_3293 - Copy.JPG

[NBPCA]

Operatic interlude as this was also a launch of "Voices in the Forest". A to be annual event of opera on a stage just below where the bonsai will be housed.

The two singers shown are Louise Page and Christina Wilson

IMG_3301 - Copy.JPG

.

On November 12th this year they will also perform with Anne Sofie von Otter and Henry Choo at the arboretum amphitheatre.

[NBPCA]

The aforementioned Bob Winnell of Village Building company had just handed over the second cheque for $250,000 to Mr John Mackay. The Village Building company is donating all up $1,000,000 to the cost of the Visitors Centre (which includes the NBPCA) and $150,000 per year for the next 10 years towards the funding of the Opera at the arboretum.

He has also challenged the rest of the Canberran business community to make donations as well.

IMG_3303 - Copy.JPG

[Sean M]

The twin silver spade moment we have all been waiting for happened yesterday

The twin silver spade moment.JPG

The spades are planted in the ground around about where our front entry will be. What a view(minus the fence of course).

Grant

Hmm seems those spades are a little straight and someones pruned off all the branches!, I don't think its too late to get some bends in there and I'm sure the new shoots will come through in time for the opening. But seriously I hope I'm still living in Canberra when you open, It's going to be fantastic!