History | Adelaide and Gem and Mineral Club

History

A Brief History of the Adelaide Gem and Mineral Club Inc.

During 1958 Thea Wood, Harry Ewers, Reg Harvey and Dennis Walter, were all members of the South Australian Branch Council of the Gemmological Association of Australia. (GAA). The GAA had been founded in Sydney in 1947. Numbers in the local branch were small and several means had been looked at to strengthen membership numbers. Dennis Walter suggested that perhaps they should encourage children to join as junior members. Thea Wood, Harry Ewers and Reg Harvey supported the idea resulting in the four of them being appointed as a sub committee to study the idea. It was soon found that the GAA constitution did not allow for family or junior members. So the idea of a club to cater for these people evolved. In 1958 there was only one Gem Club in Australia—the Lapidary Club of New South Wales, based in Sydney. They catered only for people with an interest in collecting and cutting gems.

Early members came from a wide range of occupations, including artist, doctor, prison officer, airline pilot, welder, police constable, housewives and of course students, who formed a large proportion of the membership. Some of these went on to become recognised in various geological roles. A few of mention are:

Barrie G Risely who joined as a student at the formation meeting, completed a degree in Geophysics and was employed by the S.A. Department of Mines.

Terrence V. Harvey, son of Reg Harvey, who also joined at that meeting. After becoming a geologist, he worked as an exploration geologist.

Malcolm R. Walter, Dennis Walters brother, joined the day after the meeting, eventually becoming an authority on Pre Cambrian stromatolites and microfossils, joining the B.M.R.

Roger A. Callen joined 12th June became a geologist and served with the S.A. Department of Mines.

Malcolm G. Mason joined 26th June, achieved a degree and also served with the S.A. Department of Mines.

Leonard (Len) Hese joined July 17th, 1959 as a “Commercial Traveller” and went on to be a Life Member, serving on the Committee and running a highly successful gem, rock and mineral business.

Richard G. Wright joined as a student on 31st July 1959, gained his degree and worked for the S.A. Department of Mines, and later as Senior Geologist with Poseidon.

Robert (Bob) J. Noble joined 5th April 1960, served as a draftsman with the the S.A. Department of Mines, then as a draftsman with exploration companies in Victoria. Gaining a degree, he served as a geologist in Victoria and Western Australia, before rejoining the S.A. Department of Mines.

Robert (Bob) B. Major joined as a student 28th February 1961, joined the S.A. Department of Mines and worked as a field geologist and as Uranium Projects Officer. Now retired he has rejoined.

Lapidary classes started late 1959. The Committee allocated ten pounds ($20) to start the first cutting class. Members made three benches and sent letters to business houses asking for donations of money or machinery. The first class started on 6/11/1959 with Chris Johnston, Dennis Walter, Reg Harvey and C. Foskett as instructors. Classes were held in Lofty Urbabana’s garage in Woodville Gardens. Fees were 5/- (50c) a night. As a result of these classes many members built their own gear as it was not commercially available at that time. In 1962 the venue had to be changed to Renown Park where the Bridgewoods lent their large garage. In 1972 the club acquired the current clubrooms and converted two rooms into one. It had the floor replaced and much work done before it was usable.

Minutes show that a Building Committee (The Building Fund being formed in mid-1960) spent some time on finding a building suitable for the club. Several properties in various locations were investigated. In November an offer was to be put in on a place in Torrensville, however we were beaten by an offer that was put in the previous day. The house we purchased was looked at in December, and an offer put in. Asking price was $10,500 and an offer of was put in. This was accepted and a deposit of $200 paid. It was described as 60 to 70 years old (But was actually older), in good order but a bit dowdy. The shop had been unused for 8 years (Current meeting room) and needed power points. A Special Executive meeting was held on 4th February 1972. Council described the building as sound but needed renovating. L. Hese moved that the building be purchased, M. Vort Ronald seconded. The vote was 12 for, 1 against. A second motion was put by N. S Stewart and seconded by L. Hese that a loan of $3,000 be taken out over 10 years through the S.A. Savings Bank. This was passed. The Building Fund put in $6,750 leaving $1,000 for work.

By 27 July 1973 $3,000 had been spent on repairs. This included converting the laundry into men’s and women’s toilets at a cost of $450. The shed was bought in August 1977, erected and a concrete floor laid.

The Ladies Social Committee was formed on 21st March 1963 at the home of Rhonda Abbey. Various activities were undertaken, including visiting sick members, sending cards to newlyweds, new parents and those who lost a loved one. Various money making activities were undertaken which helped feed the Building Fund. They also made grab bags and filled them for sale at the Exhibitions (now known as Gem and Mineral Shows).

A Social Committee was formed on 28th April 1977 and operated for some years. 60 years has seen many changes in the club membership. Member numbers were 137 by the end of 1959. Numbers have been in the hundreds with a high of 425 in 1979. At times numbers were quite low. Tastes have changed, new clubs formed, including detecting clubs. People have joined more than one club for various reasons. Changes have been made to the building, and ongoing repairs are still being carried out.

Lapidary classes were initially held in 1959 with 42 members learning how to cut a cabochon. Now members learn how to cut during normal workshops.

The Club badge was designed in late 1960. Members were asked for ideas with the badge to be simple and of no more than 3 colours.

The club was incorporated on 2nd September 1965.

Field trips were held in various localities. One of the largest was attended by some 120 people who went to Bridgewater in search of alluvial gold. The amount obtained was disappointing, as no one found any.

Silversmithing classes were conducted by our then President, Bob Peterson, a Manufacturing Jeweller, through the W.E.A. at Goodwood Boys Tech in September 1964 and was open to members and the general public. Once the clubhouse was bought and modified Jan Hooft started silversmithing lessons. Tony Grivell started silver casting which he had learnt in America. In 1976 a $700 grant was obtained for equipment.

Of note is the club’s newsletter, “The Fossicker”. The first edition in June 1959 had no name. Members submitted names to the Committee who chose the name. Of those submitted, the Executive considered the following: “The Gem Gen”, “The Gem Club Gen”, “Fossicker”, “Glitter”, The Fossicker”, “The Gem” and “The Fossicker’s News”. “The Fossicker” submitted by Frank Gubbin was chosen

As would be expected there are very few original members still alive. A few of the original club members were surprised that the club was still going after all this time, and for any club 60 years is a rare achievement. Although we had a 50th Birthday celebration we also celebrated our 60th as there will probably be no original members left for our 75th. We owe what we have as a club to our early member’s efforts and forethought, it is up to us to carry on, maintain and improve on what we have and do.

Thank you to Bill Fradd and Mick Vort Ronald in helping to put this history together. Also thank you to early club members Dennis Walter, Chris Johnson, Elsa Clarke, Rhonda Abbey, Iris Noble and Ken Lorraine for keeping wonderful records which has helped us to bring the club history together.