our History

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In late 1964 Mr. Ossie Rippingale came to the Redcliffe Peninsula and opened a rock and shell shop ( Margate Gemcraft & Gifts) at 325 Oxley Avenue, Margate. Ossie, son of a farmer, had been born in Warwick Queensland and Educated in Warwick and Toowoomba.  He trained as a sewing machine mechanic and travelled throughout the state developing an interest in shells and painting before arriving on the peninsula.  A shy man he became an expert on marine life in Australian waters and was often consulted by educational and research institutions. His collection of marine specimens is now believed to be held in the Sydney Museum.

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Whilst talking to a lady customer called Jean Steptoe, the idea of forming a lapidary club was conceived as both felt that it could succeed.  An advertisement was placed in the local newspaper inviting expressions of interest from the general public which resulted in an inaugural meeting on the 20th. January, 1965 at the Rock and Shell Shop which was located on the corner of Oxley Avenue and Chatham Street.  Thirty one people attended and the nucleus of the club was formed.  After much discussion the name ”Redcliffe Peninsula Lapidary Club” was chosen, and after examining several likely premises for a club room, it was decided to rent the laundry and back room of the residence of Mr Rippingale at 1b Chatham Street behind the Rock Shop for one pound a week.  Six keen members each loaned twenty pounds to the club and four grinders, five sanding discs for grit paper, a polishing disc and a slabbing saw were purchased to perform lapidary work. 

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Working bees were held to make stand and benches for the machines. Mr. W. Files set up the machinery and rendered great assistance.  A Grand Opening was held on Wednesday the 7th. April, 1965.  Jean Steptoe performed the opening ceremony on behalf of the President who was ill and the first recorded payment for the use of the club machinery was made on the 14th of April 1965.