News / fundraiser
South West’s only lapidary club faces risk of closure
The volunteers at a Bristol-based recreational club are hoping for a “Christmas miracle”.
The only lapidary club in the South West is at risk of closing after 55 years, prompting an urgent community fundraiser to secure its future.
The Bristol & District Lapidary Society, founded in 1970 and based at Kingswood Estate, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to replace its ageing equipment and keep its volunteer-run workshop open.
The club attracts members from across the region who come to learn how to cut, grind and polish raw stones into faceted gems and cabochons — a heritage craft rarely accessible to the general public.
For many artists, jewellers and hobbyists, the workshop is a lifeline, offering specialist machinery and expertise that would be impossible to afford or house at home.
Only a handful of similar public lapidary spaces remain in the UK, with the nearest more than 150 miles away in Sussex.
But the club’s bank of grinding machines — some dating back to the early 1990s — are now beyond repair.
Membership fees are deliberately kept low to remain accessible, and with the pandemic wiping out reserves and operating costs continuing to rise, the society says it can no longer afford essential upgrades without community support.
Master faceter Tony passing his knowledge on to the younger generation
A GoFundMe appeal, launched by new member Allison Parkes-Norris, has already begun gathering donations.
“I fell in love with the club from my very first taster session,” she said.
“It’s a generous, encouraging community and a rare place for people to learn this craft. But without new equipment, they’ll have to consider closing — which would be devastating for the South West.”
The society is also working to secure its long-term future by running faceting courses, but limited machinery means only three students can take part at a time.
Treasurer Mike Stinchcomb said expanding the club’s equipment would allow more people to take part and help generate a sustainable income stream.
The club attracts members from across the region who come to learn how to cut, grind and polish raw stones into faceted gems and cabochons
The fundraiser aims to raise £24,710 to purchase new cutting, cabbing and drilling machines, as well as an air purifier and trim saw. Every penny will go directly toward equipment, with the club entirely volunteer-run.
“We’d be grateful for any help,” said Allison. “A donation, second-hand equipment — even a business sponsoring a machine. If a Christmas miracle happens, we’d happily name it after them.”
To support the campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/f/save-bristol-lapidary-society
All photos: Bristol & District Lapidary Society
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
