TODAY we continue our series on local collectors. Robert Reed from Forster collects shells and bottles and he has some interesting stories to share about how he first became a collector and some close calls while out on the hunt.

If you are a collector and would like to share your story with the Advocate call us on 6554 6688.

How did you first get into collecting? - I started diving when I was 12.  It was very basic back then and we kind of made it up as we went along.  So if I saw a shell I liked, I picked it up and took it home and it snowballed from there.

What’s your favourite item in your collection? - It’s a cowrie shell and it’s my favourite because of the way I got it.  

I was out diving in Sydney Harbour on a beautiful sunny day and I was just in short sleeves in a swimming  costume with gloves and I saw a large cowrie.  I had brought a plastic bag with me but couldn’t find it at first so I put the shell in my gloves.  It was getting uncomfortable so I went to put the shell in my costume but out came the plastic bag so I put it in there and took it up to the beach.  I went back into the water and when I came out my wife said a blue ringed octopus had slid out of the shell so I’ll never forget that day I almost had a blue ringed octopus in my swimmers.  I think that shell is good luck.

If you collect things yourself it means more to you - getting is more fun than having.

What are the challenges of collecting? - Space or the lack of it.  I have 2000 bottles and almost 100,000 shells.  It’s not a hobby you can do in a small unit.

I’ve also had to give diving away.  Because of the early start I had to diving, and we didn’t have a lot of the equipment they do today, it’s affected my hearing.

Robert is a member of the Manning and Great Lakes Gem and Mineral Club.  They would like to welcome new members so if you’re interested call  Bob on 6555 9402 or John on 6559 7191 to find out more.