Bonsai beginners course

Finally went on the beginers course - part 2 anyway, as was away for part one. Styled a Cedar (Cedrus altlanticus) in the literati style.  Really enjoyed it. The first day on the Academy level one, and the day spent at the Northern Classical Bonsai Group with John Armitage was excellent preparation, as it allowed me to do most of the work myself. Again, met some interesting people - Nick Scruton (Bradford Bull RL prop) was next to me.
The day spent with the Northern Classical Bonsai Group was amazing. Only 5 people but heaps of experience. They were so generous with their time and experience to a beginner ike me.  John repotted my Chinese Elm and started training the Norwegian Spruce that was our Christmas Tree.
Have been slowly collecting training stock from the wild or East Keswick Nursery Centre.  They have some great stock. 
So in training: English Oak, Witchazel, Silver birch, Beech, Ribes, Pines (various), Contoneaster, Acer to name a few.  The Ilex crenata (Japenese Holly) that my sister gave me with frostbite has started sprouting some new leaves from two places so should live. That'll be some very natural jin.
Part 2 of the Academy in a couple of weeks. Can't wait!