Horsham & District Lapidary Club Inc.

Horsham & District
Lapidary Club Inc.

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Club Details

Club Contact:-

P.O.Box 828 Horsham Victoria 3402

For further details please contact:-

President: Mr Brian Mann
Private Bag Goroke Vic. 3412
Phone. (03) 5386 6291

Secretary: Mr Toby Decker
2 Hutchesson Street, Horsham Vic. 3400
Phone: (03) 5382 2874
Email: adecker2@bigpond.com

Membership Details:-

Joining Fee (Once only):- $5.00 Family
$3.00 Single (Adult)
Annual Membership:- $10.00 Adults
$2.50 Juniors
Insurances:- $4.00 (Adults)
Magazine (Optional):- $15.00 Per annum

About:-

Prior to our club being officially formed, there was a group of friends in the late
1950's called the "Grampians Gem Group" that were interested in lapidary, this
prompted the calling of a public meeting to formally form a club. A public meeting
was held at Horsham showgrounds on the 10th April 1967 and was attended by
approximately 90 people. The Horsham & District Lapidary club was formed at this
meeting. Initially meetings were held in the Langlands pavilion at the showgrounds
until 1975 when a move was made to the Mechanics Institute, then in 1995 we
moved to our current clubrooms in what was the previous Horsham police station
at 24 Roberts Avenue.

Interest has been strong over the years, since formation, the club has had
displays at Horsham RSL Motor shows, Horsham Rotary Art shows, Wimmera
Antique Bottle show, Karkana Strawberry Fairs, displays and demonstrations at St
Arnaud Festivals, Wimmera Machinery Field Days, competitions at Horsham
Agricultural Society shows, entered showcases at Mt.Gambier "Gemorama",
Echuca - Moama exhibitions, state Gemkhana's and national Gemboree's (Gem &
Mineral Shows) and had members successfully enter competitions at Gemkhana's
and Gemboree's.

In 1996 we held our club's first exhibition of Gemstones & Minerals as part of Art Is
festival at our current clubrooms and have held an annual exhibition there since
then. Over the years the club facilities have grown from cabochon cutting
machinery, to faceting, silversmithing, silver casting, and copper enamelling with
equipment for members to enjoy a variety of facets of the hobby. Club membership
has fluctuated over time and currently has 29 members. Over the life of the club it
has presented "Life Membership" to eight members.

Workshop Times:-

Wednesday:- 1.30pm Clubrooms & Workshop open.
Clubrooms: 24 Roberts Avenue, Horsham.

Meetings:-

First Friday every month (Excluding January).
7.30pm for meeting. (Clubrooms open from 4.00pm).
24 Roberts Avenue, Horsham.

If you enjoy Rocks, Gems, Fossils, Jewellery and Minerals.
Come and join us!

Club Shows & Events:-

The Horsham & District Lapidary Club are proud to announce their support of
the National Gemboree in 2009. The Australian National Gemstones & Jewellery,
Gemcraft & Beads, Mineral Show will be held in the heart of the Wimmera over the
2009 Easter weekend. 10th to the 13th of April.

All are most welcome to experience the class and distinction of National displays of
lapidary related arts and competitions showcasing gemstones, minerals, fossils
and jewellery, amongst other treasures sourced from the earth.

Come along and explore hands on workshops, field trips, gem cutting
demonstrations, and metal detecting. School competitions, commercial gem
dealers, guest speakers, treasure hunts and even on site camping- there's
certainly something to suit everyone!

Relax and enjoy the beauty of rough treasures from the earth transforming into
stunning pieces of art. Come and join us in Horsham in 2009 for the National
Gemboree! Horsham & District Lapidary Club Inc.has hosted state Gemkhana's in
1992,1995, 2003 and is looking forward to hosting the national Gemboree in 2009.

Safety In The Workshop

Don't have loose clothing around any moving machine parts and keep
guards on equipment at all times.
Wear safety glasses while grinding and using any pickle or acid
compounds.
Wear a filter face mask if required.
Don't spill water on any electric motors. Electricity and water don't mix.
Keep fingers and hands clear of sharp moving parts.
Wear rubber gloves if handling any acids or pickling solutions.
Use tweezers when handling hot soldered jewelry.
Have a first aid kit near by at all times.

Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the
right gear like gloves, boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and ledges
that could collapse while digging below.
Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can never
be guaranteed.
Always where safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more
prone to finding these critters than others.
Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you if
there isn't a proper place to leave it.
Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something
goes wrong!
Always have a first aid kit close by.
If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map
with you so you don't get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
Where a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property
owner at any location when searching for gemstones before you enter any such
property. You may also be required to possess a fossicking license as per state
laws.