2014 GEM SHOW
The 2014 Gem Show ran from Friday 10th till Sunday 12th of January. The Friday was well attended in the morning but hot conditions in the afternoon saw the crowd disappear. Saturday was excellent with cooler weather and lots of visitors to the show. Club members and traders were kept busy throughout the day. A large number of children attended the show and the ‘lucky dips’ were very popular as was the ‘pet rock and pendant making activity’. The silver-
At 1 p.m. on Saturday the Warrnambool city council mayor, Michael Neoh, was present and was thanked for the support the city has shown to the club over many years. Michael then spoke of the contribution clubs make to a city such as Warrnambool.The show was then officially opened by the State Premier, the Hon. Dr Dennis Napthine who spoke positively about the exhibition and hobby in general. Club members were very appreciative that both the Mayor and Premier chose to attend the show and show their support.
One of the highlights of the show was the display put on by club member Brian which consisted of a large collection of agates from Moonlight heads along with some impressive fossil specimens he has collected over the decades.
Sunday was another hectic day with good attendance. The show closed at 4 p.m. And the massive packup began. The stall traders were happy with their results as was the club with the attendance and stall sales.
The most popular showcase competition was very close but congratulations must go to Rosemary Keyburn who took first place with an excellent display. Well done Rosemary!!
Thanks must go to all those members who worked so hard to make the show a success!
The photos below provide a snapshot of the show.
One of 4 display units showing the Moonlight head agates.
A close up view of some of the agates
A second display of the Moonlight Head agates. Note the variety of patterns and colours.
A view of the third display of Moonlight Head agates.
John and Steve at the faceting demonstration.
Rod keeping busy with some of the many happy children who enjoyed the lucky dip.
General view of show.
Alan Wood’s Mortlake minerals display case.
Display case.
Moonlight heads petrified wood.
Display of Kay’s lapidary work.
Oliver demonstrating ‘pet rocks’.
Mark & Sharon looking happy!
Liam with his & Oliver’s display case.
Above: Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine with club president Kathleen.
Left: Premier Dennis Napthine opening the show
L: Janice & Rosemary in the canteen.
Diane running the club hourly raffle.
L to R: Alan A, Dennis Napthine, John C
Mayor Michael Neo & Kathleen
Premier Dennis Napthine & Alan A
L to R: Mayor Michael Neo, kathleen, Dennis Napthine
Traders & club member relaxing at dinner.
John & Gillian relaxing at dinner.
More of the Otways display showing fossil sharks teeth and fossil giant conch shells.
More of the spectacular agates from the Moonlight heads area.
Another of the large Moonlight Heads agates on display. These agates were a highlight of the gem show and drew many favourable compliments.
Above: the display case voted best by visitors to the show! Right. A disbelieving winner. Well done Rosemary!!!