This isn't really a bamboo group. It is more like a section of a general gardening forum in which non-specialists can ask bamboo questions. Another specialist, active bamboo group is http://www.bambooweb.info/bb/index.php
With a more UK basis, people have been noting early bamboo shooting here too: http://www.ukoasis.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=2
I did actually read your post when you originally posted. But I'm not the kind of person to make conversation for conversation's sake.