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THE HISTORY OF THE WARRNAMBOOL GEM CLUB


     In 1968 Sheila Timms placed an advertisement in the 'Warrnambool Standard' inviting people interested in gems/minerals to a meeting. As a result of that advertisement, the club was formed at a meeting held in the home of Arthur and Sheila Timms that year.
    The
club has operated continuously since then from a number of locations in Warrnambool. These included a hall at the Church of England in Warrnambool; a small room at the back of a house in Timor  St. opposite the current 'Warrnambool  Co-op'; a tin shed with a dirt floor, belonging to John Hattie, near the corner of Liebig St. and Lava St.; a shop in the 'Market Arcade' in Lava St. and the 'old Scout Hall' in Pertobe Rd.
    The club moved to its current premises in the 'old pumphouse' in Queens Road, Warrnambool over 20 years ago. The club has
developed it's workshop at this location over the years and now has a well equipped facility. The premises are leased from the Warrnambool City Council which is supportive of the club.
    It is hoped in the future to obtain some security of tenure for the club at its current premises.
gem club workshop club workshop
One view of the club workshop Another view of the club workshop
a member faceting in the club workshop warrnambool gem club workshop-
Callum faceting in the club workshop External view of club rooms-
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