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WELCOME TO OUR OWN WEBSITE
When browsing this site please be aware that it is and
will probably always be a "work in progress" It is under construction and as
such the webmaster would welcome sincere criticism and suggestions on ways to
improve the acceptance and usability of our site. We have more pages in mind
already like tuition and training but we will need your input so we can make it
the site that you come back to again and again.
Always go
to "News & Info" page
In late 1998, a small group of keen Lapidary hobbyists
and enthusiasts decided to form the
Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club Inc. 37 people
attended the inaugural meeting which was held in the Bongaree Library on the 4th November
1998.
A workshop, with second hand machines, was set up in a store room at the back of
the original Art Centre, Bribie Island to accommodate these
hobbyists and enthusiasts. Meetings continued for some time to be held in the Library.
Club Profile
Our Club from 1998 to 2008
With funding from Caboolture Shire Council, work commenced on the Clubs workshop
and club rooms on 1st November 2000 beside the Art Centre. The building was
completed and officially opened in 2001.
A grant from the Gaming Commission allowed the fitting out of the workshop with
some new lapidary machinery and the club was off and running.
In 2004, increased interest from the public and a dramatic increase in
membership saw the erection of a second shed and the expansion of the workshops.
This second shed, "Club Room" now accommodates the clubs library, displays,
kitchen, a large meeting room and a small faceters workshop area. Both sheds are
now separated by a large undercover area. This undercover area is perfect for
craft fairs, social gatherings and meeting during the summer months.
Club Rooms 2004

In 2005 funding from Jupiter's allowed the Club to upgrade the workshops with
state of the art machinery, and further extensions to buildings.
2006, the Gem Club had a membership of 97, and the workshops were operating 4
days a week offering members a diverse range of activities, Lapidary, Cabochon,
Intaglio, Silver wrapping, Beading and Faceting resulting in a diverse range of
handcrafted jewellery and associated lapidary crafts.
Exquisite jewellery creations

Working with silver is very popular
with members of the public
Silver wrapping and beading using quality sterling silver, natural stones, glass
and beads are handcrafted by club members
The workshop
The Clubs workshops are well equipped with a full range of quality saws,
grinders, polishers, faceting machines and a silver workshop. The availability
of this comprehensive range of specialist tools allows each member the
opportunity to fully realize the rewards of lapidary work and associated
hobbies.
Workshop Skills to Learn or Share
Workshops are held regularly. Whether you are a long-term member, newcomer or an
interested, member of the public you are always welcome at our workshops. The
Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club Inc. will have something of interest for
everyone.

A Cabochon workshop
in
progress
Field Trips
The Clubs first field trip was to Gympie on 15th
November 1998.
The club now conducts several field trips to known gem fields each year catering
to the interest of members, Opal, specific gem stones, rocks, minerals or
fossils.
In 2007 club members took part in trips to The Central Gem Fields, North
Queensland Fields, The Opal Fields, Western Queensland, and the Northern NSW,
Inverell, Glen Innes and Torrington districts.
An exciting year of fossicking
Fossicking trips are always educational with visits to museums, historical sites
and places of interest.
The occasional find of a good stone and the prospect of finding the big one
keeps it interesting.
And most important is the fellowship and the fun we have doing something we all
enjoy doing
Contact Information
OFFICE BEARERS 2010/2011
President :
Greg Hemphill
07 3410 7822 Email :
0418 835137
Vice President : Val McKenzie
07 3408 2958
Secretary :
Jenny Cope
07 5316 9287
Assist. Sect.: Elizabeth Morrice
Treasurer : Phil Scutts Email :
07 3408 6048
Assist. Treas.: John Spencer:
07 3410 7762
BRIBIE ISLAND GEM & FOSSICKING CLUB Inc.
P.O. Box 1166
BONGAREE QUEENSLAND 4507
Information contact Email : info@bribieisland.lapidaryclub.com.au
Webmaster Email : Send mail to
kel@bribieisland.lapidary.com.au
with questions or comments about this web site.
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