Club Orientation
This orientation guide is designed to help new members navigate our club's resources, workshops, and community events. Whether you're a seasoned lapidary artist or just starting your journey into the world of stone cutting and jewelry making, our club offers a supportive environment to hone your skills and share your passion. Inside, you'll find essential information about our facilities, class schedules, safety protocols, and membership benefits. We look forward to sharing this creative adventure with you!
Club History
The Maple Ridge Lapidary Club was officially established in November 1958, rooted in a shared passion for rockhounding among a small group of enthusiasts who attended night school classes at Maple Ridge Senior Secondary School. These classes, instructed by the dedicated Laurie Meggait, sparked a community of like-minded individuals eager to explore the world of lapidary arts. Recognizing the potential for a more formal gathering, these initial participants came together to form the club, with Laurie becoming its first president.
At its inception, the members chose purple, gold, and white as the club colors, symbolizing creativity, passion, and purity. They also adopted the Scotty Creek Agate as their official stone, reflecting their local roots and the beauty of the natural materials they worked with. Under Laurie and his wife Joan's guidance, the club flourished, transitioning through various venues around Maple Ridge, each location fostering camaraderie and creativity among members.
The club's dedication to education and skill development has always been a priority, offering workshops and events to enhance members' knowledge and craftsmanship. In 1999, after decades of growth and community engagement, the club established its permanent home on Fern Crescent. This dedicated workshop space has allowed the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club to thrive, providing a welcoming environment where members can hone their skills, collaborate on projects, and share their love for the lapidary arts. Today, the club continues to celebrate its rich history while fostering a vibrant community of rock enthusiasts, inspiring new generations to explore the beauty of stone cutting and jewelry making.
General Info
Our workshop is a vibrant and busy place, supporting both personal projects and many exciting Club activities. While the City of Maple Ridge owns the workshop building and surrounding land, the MRLC takes care of all costs for maintaining and improving these spaces.
Membership and workshop fees help cover the basics, and our fundraising efforts led by volunteers support building upgrades, new equipment, and equipment maintenance.
We ask all members to contribute a minimum of 8 volunteer hours each year. These hours can be completed in multiple sessions, and we’re happy to accommodate times that work best for your schedule. Volunteer hours need to be done under the supervision of an executive member and should focus on activities that benefit the Club as a whole.
The workshop is open 7 days a week! To ensure we’re ready for you, members must sign up for their visit using the bi-weekly Doodle Poll (or soon, through the Club website). Simply choose the day and time that works for you, and our volunteer key-holders will use this info to make sure the doors are open when you arrive.
Thank you for helping make the MRLC a great place for all of us!
Rules
We want to make sure everyone has a great experience at the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club! Here are some friendly reminders to help keep things running smoothly for all members and visitors:
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Be a Paid Member: Please make sure your membership is up to date before starting work at any session.
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Sign In: Don’t forget to print your name in the attendance book when you arrive at the clubhouse. It helps us keep track of who’s here!
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Follow Workshop Directions: The Shop Officer or Instructor leading the session is there to help everyone. Please follow their guidance during the session to keep things safe and efficient.
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Keep It Friendly: Let’s create a positive environment! Please avoid using any inappropriate or offensive language while at the club.
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Supervision for Young Members: If you’re under 16, we ask that you be accompanied by a responsible adult during work sessions, unless otherwise arranged with the Club Officer.
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Sharing Equipment: If the workshop is busy, please work on one project at a time with each machine so others can have a turn too.
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Clean Up After Yourself: After using a machine, please give it a quick clean and tidy up your workspace before you leave. It helps keep the space ready for the next person!
These guidelines help keep the club running smoothly and ensure a fun, safe environment for everyone. Thanks for being part of our community!
Fees
At the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club, we have a few fees to help cover the costs of activities, resources, and supplies. Here’s a quick overview:
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Membership Fee
An annual membership fee is required to join the club. You can choose between an individual membership or a family membership, which includes two adults and any children under 16 living in the same household. -
Workshop Fee
A small fee is charged for each workshop session you attend. This fee covers the use of equipment, machinery, and consumable materials. Additionally, materials like silver, copper, and rock slabs are available for purchase at the club at very reasonable prices, making it easy to get started on your projects. -
Course Fees
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of courses. Some of these may have additional costs for materials or to cover the preparation of the course. Be sure to check your email for updates on upcoming courses and fees. -
Social Event Fees
We host fun social events like BBQs, holiday parties, and other gatherings. There may be a small fee to cover food, drinks, and other event supplies. These events are a great opportunity to socialize and relax with fellow members! -
Field Trip Fees
Group outings and field trips are a wonderful way to explore and collect new materials. A fee may be charged to cover transportation, entry fees, or other related costs.
All fees can be paid in cash at the club or via the etransfer. We aim to keep all fees affordable so everyone can enjoy the full range of activities and benefits the club offers!
Safety
Your safety is our top priority, and we want everyone to feel safe and comfortable while working in the clubhouse. Please follow these simple guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all:
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Eye Protection: Safety glasses, face shields, or prescription eyeglasses must be worn when using machines. Additionally, safety goggles and aprons should be worn when operating equipment.
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Respiratory Protection: A mask should be worn for protection against dust and other contaminants when using certain machines, such as enameling, polishing, or stone carving.
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Closed-Toe Shoes: For your protection, please wear shoes that fully enclose your feet when working in the workshop. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed in the work areas.
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Tie Back Long Hair & Secure Clothing: Loose long hair must be tied up, and loose clothing should be tucked in to avoid getting caught in machinery. If you have a long beard, tie it back or secure it in a net.
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No Jewelry: Jewelry that could be caught in machinery should be left at home. Avoid wearing loose rings, watches, or other jewelry.
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Children's Safety: Children under seven should not operate machines. Children aged seven to twelve can only operate machines under the direct supervision of a parent or club member.
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Equipment Use & Training: Only use equipment you're familiar with. Training is required for many types of equipment, so please ask before using them. If you're unfamiliar with a machine, ask a club officer or experienced member for guidance.
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Workshop Oversight: Workshop foremen oversee the workshop during open hours. They are available to provide assistance and safety advice.
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Clean Up: All equipment must be cleaned after use, and tools should be returned to their proper place.
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Smoking: Smoking is NOT allowed inside the club building.
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Report Issues & Accidents: If you notice any damage to machines, tools, or electrical equipment, report it to the volunteer on duty immediately. Likewise, report any accidents requiring treatment right away.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that everyone enjoys their time at the club safely and worry-free. Thanks for helping us maintain a safe environment at the clubhouse!
Genie Room
Cabbing Machines, Slabbing Saws and Buffing Wheel
Instruction or supervision is required for all new members. A formal orientation of the main lapidary equipment is available upon request to a member of the lapidary committee.
• Attend a beginner’s class, which are scheduled regularly, as soon as possible
• Safety goggles or prescription glasses must be worn when using equipment
• When using the genies or titan, always ensure that the stone is free of oil. However, it must be always wet
with water.
• When using the slab saws, a supervisor foreman must be present to check that the rock is secure.
• All equipment and countertops must be cleaned thoroughly after you have finished. Use the sink and
rags located in the back room. Rinse out the rags and hang them to dry.
• Report equipment that is not working properly to a foreman or other experienced member.
• An apron will protect your clothes. There are a number that you can borrow or purchase one at cost.
Meetings
The Maple Ridge Lapidary Club holds regular meetings to ensure the smooth running and governance of the club. Whether in person at the clubhouse or online via platforms like Zoom, these meetings are an important way for members to stay involved. Here’s a quick overview:
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Executive Committee Meetings
The Executive Committee meets each month, just before the General Meeting. These meetings, attended by the five members of the Management Committee, focus on planning, operational updates, legal matters, and any club issues that need attention. -
General Meetings
General Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM, and all members are welcome to attend. It’s a great opportunity to stay informed and share your thoughts! Occasionally, the date might change due to special circumstances, but don’t worry—you’ll get an email with details, and it will be posted on the notice board. -
Special General Meetings
Sometimes, a Special General Meeting may be called to discuss important matters or resolve issues within the club. All members in good standing are encouraged to attend and take part. -
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM is usually held on the first Friday night in September, or at a time directed by the Executive Committee, and must take place within three months of the end of the financial year. This is your chance to hear about the club's progress and plans for the future. Your attendance and input at General Meetings, Special Meetings, and the AGM are always appreciated!
We hope to see you at the meetings—they’re a great way to stay connected, get involved, and have your voice heard!
Fundraising
As you know, every club has some recurring costs each year—like lease and rent payments, utilities, insurance, and phone bills—that keep rising. To ensure we can continue our fantastic programs and activities, we've come up with some fun and engaging ways to raise funds. Here’s a look at our key fundraising activities and strategies:
Public Fundraising Events
Our annual Rock & Gems show, happen twice a year and account for the majority of our fundraising efforts. These are two-day events and are the highlight for our club. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our talents while raising essential funds and welcoming visitors from the community.
Crack-A-Geode
Select your own geode and, with help from our knowledgeable members, crack it open to reveal beautiful crystals inside. This fun, hands-on experience supports the Club, with all proceeds going toward club resources.
Community Visits
We warmly invite community groups to explore the Club through engaging field trips and hands-on activities. We provide an educational experience where they can learn about geology and lapidary arts while we continually to foster connections within our community.
Auctions
We host thrilling silent and live auctions featuring rocks, gems, and unique lapidary items to raise funds for our club. Generously donated by members and local artisans, these auctions create a lively atmosphere for bidding on beautiful specimens and handcrafted pieces.
Grant Applications
We regularly apply for grants from different levels of government and organizations, to help fund specific projects.
Donations
We warmly welcome donations from our members, the public, and any organizations that want to support our club. Every contribution helps us sustain our activities and keep the club running smoothly.
Investment Opportunities
We’re also exploring ways to invest any surplus funds to earn a reasonable return. This helps protect our savings from inflation. The Management Committee will oversee the timing and strategy for these investments.
Together, with these efforts, the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club aims to keep providing valuable resources and opportunities for all our members
Classes & Workshops
We offer two types of classes/workshops for our members:
Formal Classes/Workshops
These are special classes that we advertise via email. Once the class is announced, you can sign up and pay through the Club’s website. Spaces are limited, so make sure to sign up early! Please note that fees may not be refundable.
Daily Sign-Up
These sessions take place during regular Open Hours and are a fun way to learn new skills! Members can sign up HERE. Shop fees apply, and there may be material fees.
Looking forward to seeing you in class!
Field Trips
Many Clubs and the BC Lapidary Society organize fun field trips to hunt for unique rocks, both in the Fraser Valley and beyond. Details like location, date, and time are posted on Facebook at BC Rockhunters or on our Event Page.
To join in, make sure you’re a current member of a BC Club—your membership card will be checked. We also ask that all participants follow the BCLS Code of Ethics to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone.
For tips on having a safe and fun excursion, be sure to check out our guide here. We can’t wait to rockhunt with you!
Silver Room
Metalsmithing, Enameling and Glass Bead Making
There are many projects that can be made which use a variety of tools and equipment.
• Most tools and equipment are supplied. Tools are colour coded with each bench. Drawers are labeled.
When you leave, you must replace the tools in the appropriate drawers of a bench. Common areas must
also be cleaned, and tools/equipment placed back where they are normally stored.
• Metal (sterling silver/ copper), solder, stones, and other materials are available for purchase.
• A shop steward will assist with personal projects, but members are encouraged to take organized classes
to learn new techniques.
• Members with long hair are asked to tie it back. Always wear an apron to protect your clothes.
Carving Room
Carvers must use a down-draft table with the exhaust fan running when using power tools (Dremel or Foredom). A high-quality mask or respirator should be worn.
• Hand carving can be done on an open table surface, but care should be taken to contain the stone
dust.
• The down-draft table or regular table must be thoroughly cleaned at the end of your session. Clean
stone dust can be put in a bucket by the shelving. Dirty stone dust must be taken outside and deposited
in the leaf duff surrounding the driveway. The floor around your work area must also be swept.
• Soapstone of various qualities and sizes is available for purchase.
• Projects can be left at the club on the shelving provided at members’ own risk.
Volunteering
The Maple Ridge Lapidary Club is a 100% volunteer-run and funded organization, thriving on the dedication and support of its members. To ensure the Club continues to operate smoothly, every member is encouraged to contribute a minimum of 8 volunteer hours per calendar year.
These hours can be completed in multiple sessions, offering flexibility to accommodate members’ schedules. All volunteer activities must be carried out under the supervision of an executive member and focus on tasks that directly benefit the Club. This collective effort ensures the Club remains a vibrant and welcoming space for all who share a passion for lapidary arts.
To volunteer, please check out various opportunities and register your interest on our Volunteer Page.
