NEWS

!!     Coronavirus (COVID-19) update  !!

6 September 2020

“Nobody told me there’d be days like these Strange days indeed - strange days indeed” - John Lennon

Greetings Ikebana enthusiasts! Here we are six months after the pandemic brought major changes to our lifestyles, and still wondering how, where and when a normalcy will return in which we can continue to pursue pastimes we had taken for granted. At the England Chapter of the Ohara School of Ikebana we were planning to celebrate our 40th anniversary with great ceremony and indeed we had started in November last year with a Seminar with Ishibashi Sensei. In October of this year we were scheduled to have a Demonstration event at Burgh House, in Hampstead. This has now been cancelled due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the resultant, restrictive procedures that organisations are obliged to follow. It is unlikely that we will be back and running classes and workshops in the very near future and in light of this and the fact that our Members have not had many workshops, events or activities to justify their support of the Chapter this year, the Management Committee have decided to extend memberships until November 2021. We hope to be in action well before then and, of course, will review the situation should restrictions continue to apply regarding gatherings.

Wishing you all Good Health and Safe Living 

18 March 2020

A video message from the Headmaster (Hiroki Ohara) to all Ohara members on the coronavirous [in Japanese with English subtitle] - click the link below:

https://youtu.be/8KUzCJijzfg

Summary of his message:"The Headmaster addressed the importance of safety and well-being of everyone and compassion towards our community. At time like this, ikebana can provide healing power to those around you and make them happy. He sincerely hopes that our lives will return to normal soon." 

16 March 2020

The UK Government announced the new measure around Coronavirus (COVID-19), advising against all non-essential travel and social contact. 

England Chapter have taken the decision therefore, to cancel/suspend all workshops until further notice.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We hope everyone remains safe and well during this difficult period. We look forward to getting back together as soon as possible. 

We shall keep you informed via this website and our mailing list (click here for joining the mailing list).

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EVENTS 

"Ikebana x Technology" - Demonstration by the Headmaster with Microsoft Hologlens

Benaroya Hall (Seattle), 27th February 2020

A showcase of traditional culture using cutting-edge technology  (extract of a letter by Yoichiro Yamada, Consulate-general of Japan in Seattle) 

On 27th February 2020, the Headmaster created a large Ikebana arrangement without technology, and then he performed with Hololens afterwards.

What the Headmaster can see the scenery in the Hololens displayed on a screen behind the stage, the audience enjoyed watching the Seattle skyline spreading in front of a flower arrangement shaped like a mountain, a picture drawn in the air, water flowing, flying flower storm, rising moon etc...

The demonstration with Hololens was about 15 minutes which was short, however, this Event was able to take a historical step as a cultural event which is a stage production that mixes reality and virtual reality. 

Short video -->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nhp-npTxE8

Full video -->     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp9OyxT6-NE 

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We try to organise up to four main events a year, in addition to our regular workshops, such as lectures and seminrs with visiting teachers/professors as well as exhibitions. We have created arrangements at Chapter and Ikebana International exhibitions, and at recognised garden and lifestyle exhibitions, including RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.

If the opportunity arises, we will get a Visiting Professor from Ohara HQ in Japan to present a lecture or seminar.

We also keep our members informed of the events being organised by other Ikebana groups such as Ikebana International, and EOTA.

We will also present any news about our Chapter on these pages.

Wednesday 8 January   @Daiwa Foundation    

Wednesday 5 February  @Daiwa Foundation  !NEW! View the workshop photographs --> https://tinyurl.com/oharaFEB   

Wednesday 4 March      !! CANCELLED !!      Style: Slanting Style (Keisha-kei)

Wednesday 1 April        !! CANCELLED !!      Style: Traditional Style (Youshiki hon-i)

Wednesday 6 May         !! CANCELLED !!     Style: Radial Form (Hiraku Katachi)

Wednesday 3 June        !! CANCELLED !!      Style: Water Reflecting (Kansui-kei)

Wednesday 1 July         !! CANCELLED !!      Style:  TBC

Wednesday 2 September and Sat 5 Sept !! CANCELLED !! 

Wednesday 7 October   !! CANCELLED !! 

Wednesday 4 November Workshop & AGM  TBC * 

[Venue and timing]

* The workshop will normally take place from 12.00 (noon) till about 15.00 at:

Daiwa Foundation

Japan House

13/14 Cornwall Terrace

London    NW1 4QP

[At Workshop]

There will be a demonstration on the ikebana style (see the table above). There may be different styles for members depending on grade.

Please have a practice for the theme with your teacher before the workshop, and we will give you plenty of advice at the Chapter’s workshop from our masters. You will see other members’ arrangements of all different grades at the workshop, which is very interesting and important. 

[Fees]

Fees for attending each workshop:  £10 for members, £15 for non-members (first lesson FREE - just £5 for flowers cost) 

Members will be informed of any changes through the regular newsletter.

If you are interested in attending the workshop or become a member, please Contact Us.