A Few Words From The Convenor

To all Rockhounds; Cutters; Collectors; Detectors and Treasure Seekers.

As the Convenor of the 49th GEMBOREE, and on behalf of the organising Committee. I am most happy to invite and welcome you to the 49th GEMBOREE at the Murray Bridge Show Grounds, adjacent to the beautiful Murray River.

I know that this GEMBOREE will be a wonderful event and will once again showcase our wonderful hobby, reacquaint yourselves with old friends and make new ones.

Again, there will be a packed programme of entertainment, field trips to new and interesting localities; take the time to arrive early and stay after the GEMBOREE to explore this wonderful area. Relax on a house boat or just an hour’s drive from the showgrounds is the beautiful Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale wineries with Victor Harbor just a little further along.

This year in South Australia we have provided a specific location for those of you who undertake the art of Micromounting.

For the Detectors and Treasure-seekers, there will be a specific field trip for you this year.

Please study the programme to ensure that you don’t miss out on that event that you were looking forward to.

Also, don’t forget to acquaint yourselves with the Murray Bridge Visitor Information Centre for all the information that will enable you to see all you want to see in the Murray Bridge region and the beautiful Adelaide Hills after the GEMBOREE.

So come along to the 49th GEMBOREE, to what promises to be a most  memorable event, as I look forward to seeing you and I wish you a safe and pleasant trip.

Rennie D’Arcy
Convenor 2013 GEMBOREE

Origins and History of A.F.L.A.C.A.

Originally written by Tony Annear and extracted from 22nd GEMBOREE 1986

The ‘Australian Federation of Lapidary & Allied Crafts Association’ probably had its beginnings on 25th July 1964, when more than 40 people representing 10 New South Wales Lapidary groups attended a meeting called by Mr. Bert Kidd of the ‘Western Suburbs Lapidary Club’. Purpose of the meeting was to discuss the pros and cons of forming a Federation of Lapidary Clubs.

Resulting from that meeting an advisory committee was formed. After a further meeting of this Committee, a questionnaire was sent to all clubs, seeking their views on forming a Federation.

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