Event evolves into treasure hunt
VALUABLE rocks, one of a kind antiques and rare collectables may seem like an odd combination, but Warwick's annual Rock Swap and Antiques and Collectables Fair has the trio of treasures all figured out.
With the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Antique Bottle and Collectables Club now at the helm of the event, the three-day showcase has expanded to be bigger and better than ever.
Club treasurer Dawn Hole said she was pleased with this year's turnout.
"This year the entry numbers are up and the exhibitors' sites are up as well," Mrs Hole said.
"There is so much variety here that you couldn't walk around and not find something that interests you."
Mrs Hole said the Rock Swap and Antiques and Collectables Fair was an event for the whole family.
"There are bits and pieces of everything for everyone - rocks and minerals, bottles, stamps, coins, antiques, jewellery, restored products, crafts, jams and cakes and fruit and veg," she said.
"People can buy and sell and we do valuations as well.
"All the stall holders are professionals in their own right and know their products."
Warwick and District Lapidary Club president Syd Woodrow said if it wasn't for the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Antique Bottle Collectable Club, the Rock Swap would no longer exist.
"When we decided to no longer run it two years ago they took over and have continued to run things pretty much the same way we did," Mr Woodrow said.
He said over the decades the Rock Swap had seen its share of change.
"The Rock Swap was first held in 1967 and was to swap, talk and brag about our collections, but it has developed from there. Not so much actual swapping takes place anymore but people buy and sell, making it swapping with the circulation of money."
Beads of Ambrosia stall holder Leah Kelly said local exhibitors welcomed the event.
"It is good for the local talent to be able to show their products and what they have to offer," she said.
