COLLECTIONS say a lot about the sometimes obsessive people who gather them together.
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The Great Lakes Advocate recently spent some time with members of the Manning and Great Lakes Gem and Mineral Club which meets at Forster Keys. While some could be described as slightly obsessed with their collections that’s where the generalisations end.
Some interesting tales were told about the pursuit of a particular item – the shell collector who almost ended up with a blue ringed octopus down his pants is a classic example and as it turns out his favourite shell is the one claimed during that particular expedition. Some spoke of infecting others with the collecting bug while some were grappling with the common question amongst collectors – where do I put it all?
Today we start a series about local collectors and while we begin with members of the Manning and Great Lakes Gem and Mineral Club the Advocate is inviting other collectors to get in touch and share their stories. If you have an interesting collection why not give us a call on 6554 6688.
Today we hear from:
John Riley, president of the Manning and Great Lakes Gem and Mineral Club
What do you collect? – Lots of things including fossils, native land snails, minerals and cowrie shells but I’m most interested in fossils.
How long have you been a collector? - Ever since school I’ve been fascinated with how things have developed over millions of years.
What are the challenges? – When I first started I would keep almost anything but as I started to run out of room I had to cull out pieces. I had an ink bottle collection that I had to dispose of before moving up here. And now because of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues it’s harder to get access to places.
Do you have a favourite piece? – No, I get asked that question repeatedly but there’s no favourite. I like lots of them, they don’t have to be big and showy. Some are 5mm in size but just as fascinating.
Have you infected others with the collecting bug? – Two high school teachers at Taree used to bring students to see my collection and I would go on field trips with the students so I’m sure there might be some amongst them who took up collecting.
Members wanted
THE Manning and Great Lakes Gem and Mineral Club has been together for 25 years, meeting at Progress Reserve in Forster Keys.
Originally started to cater to the ‘rock hounds and gem cutters’, many members have diversified into other fields.
Members have a lot of knowledge to share and guest speakers are also invited to meetings. The club is considering expanding its interests and hopefully its membership.
To learn more call John on 6559 7191 or Bob on 6555 4902.