Fight to save workshop that turns stones into gems

A campaign has been launched to save a rare workshop which transforms stones into gems.

Bristol's lapidary club, the last of its kind in the south-west of England, is at risk of closure as essential equipment at the Kingswood venue needs replacing.

The leaders of Bristol and District Lapidary Society said the Covid pandemic wiped out most of their reserves as they still needed to pay rent and rates without holding weekly workshops.

Club member Svetlana Stinchcomb said it was brilliant to turn a rock "which looks like nothing into something beautiful".

For the past 55 years, members have used the workshop to turn semi-precious stones into cabochons (gemstones) by engraving, cutting, or polish them.

Club member Nick Reading said no-one knew what was inside a piece of rock until it was sliced open "like a piece of bread".

But club leaders said most of their machines were dilapidated and beyond repair, with some critically-worn and no longer fit for purpose.

To cover its running costs, the club relies on membership fees and grants or charitable donations.

Campaign organiser, Allison Parkes-Norris, said she wanted to save the space for "future generations as it is a jewel".

"I'm only a newbie but I fell in love with the club from my first taster session," she added.

Currently, the society has raised about £800 of its £20,000 target.

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