On 10th September 1971, a public meeting was called inviting any person interested in lapidary to meet in the supper room of the Hall at Cheong Park in South Croydon, with a view to forming a Club in the area.  The positive result on the night resulted in the establishment of the Cheong Park Gemmology Club.

 

In 1988 the Club became an incorporated body and the name was changed to the Cheong Park Gem & Mineral Club Inc.  Over the years we have met in various rented halls but in 1991 we returned to Cheong Park into our own premises, and combined Clubroom and Workshop.

 

In our workshop, we have facilities for the use of members and classes are held from time to time to teach the basics of gem cutting and polishing.  We have small groups of members who enjoy jewellery making and silver smithing and regular weekend workshops provide the opportunity for members to explore this.

 

Field trips have always been an important part of the social life of the Club, but in recent years the number of areas accessible to us has been eroded.  Some areas have been closed, some have been worked out and some are precluded because of distance.  Despite this, expeditions are organised throughout the year, sometimes in collaboration with other clubs.  Due to the distance of some sites, these often involve camping, resulting in some club members becoming extremely adept at damper bake-offs.

 

Club members enjoy fossicking for gemstones and minerals.  They also enjoy collecting fossils, carving, enamelling, faceting, silver smithing and micro-mounting.  Instruction is available in most of these aspects of our hobby.

 

You are most welcome to come to any of our meetings, which are usually held on the second Friday of each month in the Clubrooms at Cheong Park, corner of Eastfield and Bayswater Roads, South Croydon at 8pm.