Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society will be celebrating its 55th anniversary on Sunday with a festive Christmas Market.
The society started in the Bundaberg Region in 1965 and members continue to dazzle the community with their craft decades on.
Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society's Judith Hopwood said the Christmas Market was an opportunity for the club and its members to showcase their sizable collection of rocks, stones and gems they have collected throughout the year.
“This year has been incredibly hard and really a bit sad for our members and the club,” Judith said.
“We have missed out on many annual events including the Bundaberg Show and our annual Gem Fair, where we would normally have stalls and sell items to help raise money for the club.
“So, to make up for it, and also celebrate our 55th birthday, we decided to hold the Christmas Market. It will definitely be a boost for everyone.
“We also have sessions in silver work and lost wax casting, copper enamelling, wire wrapping, beading, and faceting.”
Operating for more than half a decade and with almost 200 members, Judith said there was a wealth of knowledge about rocks and cutting and polishing them to be share with the community.
One of the initial members Mae Geddes has donated some of her brilliant work that will be for sale to help support the club.
The 91-year-old joined Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society in the early days. She is the longest serving member and hasn’t looked back as she enjoys the social side of crafting her wares.
“The community can come along and pick up an original May Geddes, along with some brilliant Christmas gifts made from other members,” Judith said.
“Our oldest member John Godsmack will also have a stall and he has some beautiful stuff and is skilled at cutting.”
Judith said due to COVID-19 restrictions this year, many members took the opportunity to head to outback Queensland to fossick.
“We will have some high-quality sapphires and gems that they found, right down to 20-cent tumbled stones,” she said.
“Really there will be something for everyone, and if people want to buy locally handcrafted and unique Christmas gifts that they won’t anywhere else then come along to the Christmas Market.”
The Bundaberg Gem and Mineral Society Christmas Market will be held on Sunday, November 29 at the Bundaberg Gem Club on Kendalls Road, with doors opening at 9am.
- For more information about the Christmas Market click here.
