THE March Open Meeting of the Crediton and District U3A included a lively talk and practical demonstration by Joe de Witt Vine entitled “Bonsai Trees”.

Joe explained that the origin of Bonsai Trees was in China where they were used as a part of miniature scenes. Japan then adopted the art of developing the trees at a later date.

Joe brought along a selection of trees so that he could show the different shapes that they can take. We also learnt that one Bonsai Tree in the USA is worth a quarter-of-a-million pounds but others vary in price from the tens to thousands of pounds.

Joe then gave us a practical demonstration on how to prepare the roots of a normal tree bought for under eight pounds at a garden centre using secateurs, a bent fork and cat litter for good drainage.

The next Open Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at the Boniface Centre (doors open at 9.30am for a 10.15am start) and will include a talk by Felicity Goodall entitled “Devon’s Lost Industries”.

Coming on Wednesday, May 16, Liz Brookes-Hocking will talk about “Palestinians under the Occupation”. Please put the dates in your diary.

For more information please visit the website ( U3asites.org.uk/crediton ) or telephone David Agasee (chairperson) on 01363 775698.

Jo Poulton