Townsville Shell Club to host annual Shell Show showcasing shell, marine art and photography

The Townsville Shell Club are getting their best items ready for their annual Shell Show, showcasing various types of shells, marine art and photography.

Yingyi Guan ahead of the Townsville Shell Club. Picture by Nikita McGuire

The Townsville Shell Club are getting their best finds ready for their annual Shell Show, showcasing various types of shells, marine art and photography.

President of the Townsville Shell Club Jack Worsfold said the annual event is much-loved by the community, with hundreds attending over the two days.

“There’s 150,000 species of shells and Queensland has 5 or 6000 different marine seashells, so it’s a fascination. There are so many beautiful types in many different shapes and sizes,” he said.

“Many of our club members have large collections and have been enthusiasts their whole lives.”

Shells from the Townsville Shell Club. Picture by Nikita McGuire

Mr Worsfold said a competition will be held across the weekend, with 30 different category places up for grabs.

Other offerings will including art, educational and junior sections, as well as books, photography.

Shells from the Townsville Shell Club. Picture by Nikita McGuire

With Townsville just a step away from the Great Barrier Reef, Mr Worsfold said it was the ‘perfect place’ to be interested in shells and marine life.

“We as a club have a big emphasis on showing our shells to the public,” he said.

“Shells are a great thing to collect, and it’s accessible to anyone especially with the beach on our doorstep.”

Shells from the Townsville Shell Club. Picture by Nikita McGuire

There will also be opportunities to buy shells and shell-related items, participate in raffles, obtain advice on shell collecting as a hobby, learn about shells, or have shells identified by local experts.

The Townsville Shell Club Show will be held on Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm at the Orchid Society Hall in Kirwan.

Entry is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

Originally published as Townsville Shell Club to host annual Shell Show showcasing shell, marine art and photography