Annual gem exhibition

Working demonstrations of gem faceting, cabochon cutting and wire work will be among highlights of Horsham Lapidary Club’s annual gem and mineral exhibition at the weekend.

Club secretary Selina Smith said the group was looking forward to opening its clubrooms to the public.

“Our exhibition will showcase our clubrooms and our members’ work from the past year,” she said.

Following a generous donation from a club member, paired with fundraising, two new six-wheeled cutting machines have been purchased.

“The machines we had were very old and outdated,” Mrs Smith said.

“We want to provide modern equipment for our members to be able to maintain their skills, and for new members to learn lapidary skills.”

While forced COVID-19 closures threatened the club’s existence, Mrs Smith said the past few years had seen an increase in activity.

“We are more active in the community now, and have a social media presence,” she said.

“We want people to know we’re here and that they’re welcome to join us.

“We go on field trips once a month and meet once a week at the clubrooms.”

Housed in the old police cells in Roberts Avenue, the historic building offers a practical aspect to workshops.

“Not only is it an interesting historical building – it’s worth coming to have a look at the old cells – it’s really handy for us. The brick walls help cut down the noise from the machines,” Mrs Smith said.

The exhibition offers children’s workshops at 1.30pm on both days and booking is essential. Other children’s entertainment includes a gemstone fossick in the sandpit, as well as lucky dips and pet rocks.

“We will have visiting vendors, including a couple of new ones, a specimen rock specialist and olivine carvers who specialise in jewellery, and Southern Finds gold detecting equipment on Sunday,” Mrs Smith said.

The exhibition is the club’s main fundraiser for the year, and is from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

People wanting more information or to book a children’s workshop can email horsham.lapidary@gmail.com.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER NEW EQUIPMENT: Horsham and District Lapidary Club member Peter Butler polishes stone with one of the club’s new cabochon machines.