ABPS News - Spring 2015

ABPS news

Official magazine of the Association of British Philatelic Societies Volume 22 Number 1 £1.50

Spring 2015

Sociable Philately

The ABPS News is also available online www.abps.org.uk

See p.40

See p.17

See p.31

ABPS news, Spring 2015

ABPS news, Spring 2015 page 3

ABPS News, for and about Societies The Magazine of the Association of British Philatelic Societies, published four times a year: spring, summer, autumn, winter. ABPS is a company limited by guarantee (3326534), founded 1 January 1994. Material from ABPS News may be freely reproduced, but acknowledgement of the source would be appreciated. Copyright of images may belong to parties other than ABPS, who must also be consulted.

Volume 22, Number 1, Spring 2015 (whole number 85) Editor: Keith S Burton (ISSN 1353 6869)

An electronic copy of the newsletter can be viewed on the ABPS webpage www.abps.org.uk soon after publication. Contact details for the ABPS are on page 54 by the inside rear cover.

Copy dates: please send your material as soon as ready; at present the copy deadlines are 31 December, 31 March, 31 July, 14 October. We cannot guarantee to include items in specific editions. Items may be edited for publication. Email copy is preferred (unformatted). Send copy to the editor: Keith S Burton (see p54) Illustrations should not be assumed to be accurate as to size or colour.

Cover pictures: Oxford Philatelic Society’s Christmas Lunch Party Don Brookfield’s 80th Birthday Party at Bexley PS Warminster Philatelic Society’s 50th Anniversary Dinner

4, 5 Collectively Speaking; Editorial 6, 7 Anniversaries: Leeds 125 Gibraltar Study Circle 40 years 8 Golden Jubilees & Blast from the

Past Michael Round 13 MIDPEX 2015 The Podger Presidents 14 Inter-Society Display Meeting and Bourse David Rennie 15 Lost and Found Michael Round A Fond Farewell David Rennie 16 to 47 On the Club Circuit (p.28, 29 I-Spy)

31 Index to I-Spy 47 F.I.S.A. and BAMS 48, 49 Stamp Active 50 British Stamp News 51 London 2015 York Fair 2015 52, 53 Diary of Local and regional events 53 National Exhibitions, International Exhibitions 54 ABPS information

CONTENTS


Collectively

Speaking A view from the Chair

We are now into 2015 with all the joys that it may bring. It is a time when our New Year resolutions have probably tarnished so I ask you all “What can

you give back to philately in general and the ABPS in particular?” The Midland Federation recently completed a survey of their member societies regarding the ABPS and whilst the results were challenging to the status quo the overall concept of the ABPS met with support. One of the suggestions was that the Executive should visit more societies in future to hear of the grass roots’ concerns in addition to attending Federation and Specialist Society meetings. In theory this sounds good but is impractical for both time and cost. The Executive are unpaid volunteers and spend much time on the positions we hold and the events that we are expected to attend. I am involved with the Postal Advisory Council and the project over the new Museum. It is pleasing to note that most of the finance required is in place. It is expected that over 100 000 visitors will be attracted to the museum in the first year and that the Mail Rail feature will prove a particular draw for visitors.

I am pleased to say that my daily radiotherapy sessions (all 7 weeks) have been completed and I now have

to let my body settle down for a time. I do not think that I have any major displays to complete for the first three months of the year but should be back into my full role thereafter. I hope that my treatment will be completed at the end of 2015 and that the cancer will be and stay in remission. I will be responding to invitations to as many AGMs as I can. I must thank my fellow executive members for their help in covering for me especially over the last nine months. I was allowed, by my wife who drove me, to attend the Middlesex Federation Fair in October and it was nice to be welcomed and to meet old friends.

2015 is a challenging year for the philatelist with an additional London exhibition in May. This will be well worth a visit but do not forget both the normal Stampex events. I do hope to see you there. I was pleased to open an envelope which contained a certificate from FEPA congratulating the ABPS for its extraordinary contribution on the 25th Anniversary of the Institution of FEPA.

Finally we are intending a revamp of the website so any suggestions of content will be appreciated. The new directory is well on the way to finalisation and if you are a philatelic speaker please will you ensure that John Walden has your details.

As you may imagine it has been quiet philatelically for me lately so I have little to report beyond belatedly wishing you all a prosperous New Year and that philatelic bargains appear for you.

Best Wishes John Baron


Editorial I was pleased to be able to go to the Northwest Federation’s Fair in Bolton since the last issue, especially as it gave me the chance to find out what people think of ABPS. Unfortunately there were very few people willing to say much—some clearly had little or no idea of what ABPS is or does, others were far too busy trying to find that elusive missing stamp or cover amongst the dealers’ stocks. As John Baron found in the Midlands, there are some that think that the committee should be spending lots of time and their own money visiting society meetings to listen to the vox populi. It is interesting that they do not see things the other way round—that they should be attending ABPS or Federation Seminars and AGMs in order to make their voices heard. However some were more positive–recognising the role that ABPS has in international fields and in imparting information. Also the leaflets on various fields of our collective hobby were mentioned positively. One interesting comment from a dealer bewailed the multiplicity of concurrent and adjacent Federation events—each wanting dealers to attend and bemoaning the number that could not be at their event having previously accepted an invitation to another one in the next region. He suggested that there should be some cooperation over dates between federations to enable both dealers and society members to visit as many as possible, citing three occurring on one weekend with a whole month free of

any just before these clashes. His suggestion was that ABPS might be able to coordinate or hold a central calendar. Whether practical or not I don’t know, but it is certainly worth some discussion. Another point raised was about reports in the News. The comment was that some societies always had reports in, but others (mainly their own) were never mentioned. They didn’t know who was responsible for sending them in—but it wasn’t them. Perhaps they wanted me to go to every meeting of every society so that I could write the reports! Let me assure you all that my aim is to include something from every society or group that sends material to me. The last four News have included items from between 45 and 61 federations and societies—that leaves over 200 with no reports. Does that mean that their meetings are so uninteresting—surely not? Short reports are very welcome as I don‘t have to do as much pruning to fit it all together. Photographs, preferably not too formal and with some care over the background, add colour to the read. Interesting twists of any nature are always welcome—especially if there is a touch of humour. See the report from Leamington via John Gledhill in this issue to understand what I mean in that respect. Most important of all: Tell me what you think. I want to serve you but I need your help—how about a correspondence page? I hope to see and talk to you at Stampex/London 2015 etc. I will be wearing my badge.

Keith Burton


Society anniversaries, 2015 According to the date of foundation shown in the societies’ information on our records, significant anniversaries include those shown below. If you think we’ve missed you out, please let the Editor know. Heartiest congratulations to all involved in these milestones:

Leeds Philatelic Society – The First 125 Years, 1890-2015

In 1890 a group of collectors gathered together in Leeds to organise an exhibition to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the first adhesive postage stamp. At a meeting of the Leeds Philatelic Exhibition Committee on 31 May 1890, held at the house of the Chairman, Mr Joseph Scott, at Chadhurst, Headingley, the proposal was put and agreed that the Leeds Philatelic Society be founded. The Exhibition Committee became the nucleus of the new society. The subscription was initially 2/6 (12½p) a year, due in advance on 1

st January.

Membership was restricted to bona fide amateur collectors, and election of members was by ballot, with one black ball in six being sufficient for exclusion. Candidates were proposed at a previous meeting. Meetings were held at 7.30pm on the first Friday of each month. Joseph Scott was elected as President with Rev T S Fleming as Vice President, Robert S Wigin as Treasurer and W Dennison Roebuck and T K Skipwith as Secretaries. Early meetings were held at the Leeds Mechanics Institute and Literary Society. The charge for the meeting room was 2/6 per night. There were eighteen members in the first year. Initial meetings were informal with no set syllabus. Members showed and discussed items from their collections. Over the next few years the meetings became more structured with a pre-arranged series of meetings, competitions and exchange visits with other societies. A Library was established which now has around 4000 items and is acknowledged as one of the major philatelic libraries in the North of England. A Juniors’ Section was set up and ran successfully for several years, but changing attitudes of children and parents have seen the demise of the Juniors’ Section. As the society has progressed there have been changes, though many of the original Rules remain. We don’t restrict membership to amateur collectors any more, and of course the subscription has gone up, but we still read the names of prospective members at two meetings before they are elected as members. There have been crises in the past which have tested our resourcefulness. The most recent occurred when we were informed early in August 2014 that the meeting room at Leeds General Infirmary was no longer available due to new security measures. A small group of members scoured Leeds for a new venue with only five weeks before the new session started in September, and eventually found a suitable room at the Leeds College of Music. The society has been hosting a two day Stamp Fair at Pudsey since 1990 which is now established as one of the most popular Fairs in the North of England. The


venue is easy to access with free admission, and the great attraction for many is the special pie and mushy peas served in the restaurant. An Annual Dinner is held around about March each year where we are entertained by a guest speaker and competition awards are made. Over the years the format and venue of the dinner has changed several times. Early ones were formal with music and dancing. Now they are very informal and held at the Leeds City College’s new building in Hunslet Road, formerly The Printworks. For our 125th Anniversary we have a programme of meetings which celebrate Leeds Philately, and are also hosting the 2015 Yorkshire Philatelic Association’s Annual Convention jointly with the Bradford and Harrogate societies. We are also putting on a small exhibition of Philatelic and Postal Material at the Abbey House Museum, Leeds LS5 3EH from 1

st May to 30

th June 2015. Then of course

we will need to think of what we might do to celebrate our 150th Anniversary in 2040 – and that’s the 200th Anniversary of the Uniform Penny Post!

John Edwards

Gibraltar Study Circle – 40 years old.

The Society was formed in May 1975, the brainchild of the late Wally Jackson of Leamington Spa, for the benefit of both advanced and novice collectors of the Colony. Our newsletter “The Rock” is published quarterly, and bi-annual postal auctions are held at the two weekend meetings. The Study Circle has over 100 members worldwide and offers a warm welcome to all new members immaterial as to what their interest is in Gibraltar philately, stamps, postal history, postcards or even ephemera. Many excellent publications have been produced as well as over twenty Study Papers encompassing many subjects. To celebrate this 40

th

milestone it is hoped that a visit to Gibraltar will be made in April 2015. The membership secretary is Eric Holmes – [email protected].

DAVID SHAW FOR GB & WORLD POSTAL HISTORY

at realistic prices www.davidshawpostalhistory.com which will take you into our shop

DAVID SHAW’S OLD LETTERS on eBay.co.uk

Telephone 01653 694953 or write to us at QUARRY BANK, BROUGHTON, MALTON,

NORTH YORKSHIRE YO17 6QG

mailto:[email protected]


Golden Jubilees Wimbledon and District PS have a double celebration with two members having been involved for the last 50 years. Past President Phil Realff and President Ray Downing joined 50 years ago last March. Phil joined first having read about the society in Stamp Collecting. Ray was on holiday so Phil went to the meeting, liked what he saw and joined. He took Ray to the next meeting and he then joined too. In the following June, both were elected to the committee, where Ray has remained ever since. Phil was Packet Secretary for many years and also served as President before moving to Brighton and leaving the committee. Three years after joining the committee, Ray became Treasurer and served for 25 years, with one small break. He has served three three-year stints as President but at the end of the last one in 2000 the constitution was altered to allow him to continue, as no one else was prepared to take on the Presidency. That means that Ray has now given 22 presidential displays, plus one given by Mike Blackman, a colleague both professionally and philatelically for many years. Congratulations Phil and Ray – Come on Wimbledon, give the man a break!

Michael Round via The Wimbledon & District PS Newsletter

Blast from the Past Browsing through some old Philatelic Magazines, bought cheaply at a long-ago joint auction (see what you miss, you absentees), I came across a story – new to me – about Trinidad & Tobago’s 1962 Independence set, specifically the 5c value (SG300). Firstly there were complaints from the Trinidad & Tobago Philatelic Society that the caption Buccoo Reef made no mention of its being part of Tobago rather than big brother Trinidad. Next there was the revelation that the picture didn’t show Buccoo Reef at all, but had simply been taken from a Port of Spain hotel-bar mural. The underwater scene shown there had been copied by its Chinese artist from various National Geographic Magazine pictures and its fish came from Japan not from the Caribbean! – Hence the cautious description in the current Part One. An unassuming stamp with an unexpectedly interesting background.

Michael Round via Wimbledon & District PS Newsletter

Something to look forward to ABPS is at present working on three new leaflets.

It is hoped that they will be produced in time for London 2015. They will give guidance on those three stalwart branches of our hobby

Traditional Philately Post Card Collecting Cinderella Collecting


MIDPEX 2015

set to be the biggest and best yet

MIDPEX is the prestigious biennial exhibition first held in 1995 and attended by stamp collectors from across the UK. In bringing together Specialist Societies with local, national and international dealers covering all aspects of philately, it provides a shop window for Specialist Societies to show off their sphere of interest to other collectors, to recruit members and identify common ground with members of other Societies. It also provides an opportunity for Societies to promote their publications and research projects and for members to meet informally, particularly those members who find it difficult to get to meetings in London. The event in 2015 will be the biggest and best yet with more space allowing the introduction of postcard dealers as well as stamps, thematics and postal history. Over 60 dealers and 40 Specialist Societies are expected to support the Show with many holding their regional meetings at the event. Bryan Jones, Chairman of the Midpex Committee, said “We are excited about the improved facilities and are planning for our most ambitious event yet. It is a showcase for all that is best in UK philately. We look forward to seeing you all on July 4th.” For further details see the Diary on page 53

The Podger Presidents

At a recent meeting of the Royal Philatelic Society London, the opportunity was taken to record a unique moment in philatelic circles – the meeting of three local society presidents - all from the same family. Christopher Podger and his two sons had met together for the RPSL Scottish Members displays. Christopher commented on the occasion; ‘This is special as it is unusual that James and Francis are together with me at a philatelic meeting but more extraordinary today as we are currently all

presidents of local societies, something I am sure has not happened before’. A photograph was taken to commemorate the occasion.

James (Farnham), Christopher (Chichester), Chris King (The Royal) &

Francis (Dundee)


Inter-Society Display Meeting and Bourse The fourth annual Inter-Society Display Meeting was held in early December, hosted by Bromley & Beckenham PS. This year, teams came from Bexley, Croydon, Lewisham, and Sidcup societies by invitation. The format has evolved from the initial competitive meeting at Beckenham in 2011, and this article is written to record the developments of this event and perhaps give other groups of societies some suggestions. In late 2010/early 2011, Bromley and Croydon secretaries were comparing notes about our Societies and their activities. I wondered if Croydon would take up a challenge to a full competition evening which Bromley would organise. The idea was to encourage new entrants with less formal rules. The first event was held in December 2011, with a total of 14 guests from Bexley, Croydon and Lewisham Societies, and a national qualified judge. As this was a new event, all present were asked to make comments, suggestions etc. concerning the event, with a view to it continuing in future years. All present seemed to want to continue the event as a social occasion for the societies involved. Lewisham won with 249 points. The 2nd event was run by Lewisham in 2012, the 3rd by Bexley in 2013 – each to their own format. After three events, Croydon dropped out not liking the competitive element of marking and preferring to make it a display evening only. The original aim of encouraging new competitors/displayers seemed to have been entirely lost.

Bromley decided to host the 2014 event, and wrote to six societies as follows: ‘Your society is invited to bring up to three displays of up to 12 sheets each; they may be from any of the usual categories. We hope that the person putting up a display will talk about it for up to 5 minutes, but this is not mandatory. The displays will be in no particular order, of clubs or categories. It will be a real mix, and much less formal than normal. There will be NO competitive element, nor judges; other than the audience, who will be asked at the end of the evening to vote in a blind ballot, for their favourite display. The aim is to return to the original idea of encouraging general club members to participate, even if they do not normally represent their society on visits or enter competitions; all members of your club are welcome to attend.’

As a result, Croydon returned, joined by Bexley, Lewisham and Sidcup. Each society brought three 12-sheet displays. The frames were numbered 1-15, and those displaying drew numbers as they arrived to determine their frame. After all the displays were on show, the audience members nominated their personal favourite by secret ballot. Christmas Fare was served during the interval and there were numerous raffle prizes, a good number of which were won by visitors. The general consensus afterwards was that this was the best yet, the format worked well and everybody enjoyed themselves in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Subsequently Bromley have agreed to host the 2015 event.

David Rennie


Lost and Found Being burgled is something that we all hope will never happen to us, but more than one of us has suffered this way in the past. Malcom Norris’s own unhappy experience last year had an extraordinary sequel. He was on the Northern Line, heading up to town, when a glitch in the system forced all passengers out at Kennington. He took the opportunity to look in a charity shop across the street from the station, and there was what looked like one of his albums, offered empty for 50p or £1. He opened it, and in the front cover were his initials: there was also a double page that opened up to show a lot of Penny Reds that he had been plating. As he says “What are the odds of that happening?”

Michael Round via Wimbledon & District PS Newsletter

A Fond Farewell Bromley & Beckenham have said goodbye to Ian and Diana Nutley who have moved to Wrexham. Clubs in the north-west have much to look forward to, once they have settled in – Zeppelins and the Anschlüss being particular specialities

of Ian, who is an excellent and entertaining speaker. At the end of November they were honoured and thanked by the Committee and membership who had voted to create them Honorary Life Members in recognition of their

contribution to the wellbeing and proceedings of the Society. Ian joined in 1984, has been President on two occasions, 1991-2 and 1997-8, was Programme Secretary from 2001-10, and has put up many displays during his membership of the Society. Diana joined in 2007 and ran the raffles at our regular meetings, the Tombola at our stamp fairs, and was always a willing helper. The President presented a Certificate to this effect to Ian and Diana, and a crystal vase for their new home as a memento of their time at Bromley and Beckenham. Bromley & Beckenham’s and Kent’s loss is Wrexham’s and the North Western Federation’s gain. David Rennie

Ian Crees says thanks and farewell to Diana and Ian Nutley


On the Club circuit A roundup of events and speakers at local and

national societies. Please send your reports direct to the Editor. We cannot undertake to include every report sent to us, and reserve the right to edit the reports we receive in the interests of space; short reports are best please. Full contact details for the societies are in the ABPS handbook and website. Visitors are welcome at all societies listed. When submitting photos please ensure that any people shown (especially children) have agreed to their photo appearing in this national newsletter (Data Protection and all that…). ”” Indicates contact information.

Alfreton PS

We are looking forward to our Fair on Sunday 12

th April and will welcome any

visitors. There will be over 20 dealers to help you find that missing item and then you will be able to compare notes over refreshments, including from a bar – assuming that you have any money left. Further details in the Diary on p52.

Jim Hales

Amersham & District PS

Eighteen members attended our first meeting of whom ten displayed on E and F. Displays included Elephants in Malaya, Clive Feigenbaum and Extraordinary Envelopes. Later at our auction the star items were a part set of the Malaya/Borneo Exhibition overprint stamps that fetched £280 and a 1R on 10k overprint on the Moscow-San Francisco North Pole flight stamp that fetched £100. The total was over £4000. Newfoundland is Different was Cliff Hurst’s theme in October. He showed how Newfoundland ploughed its own furrow with regard to stamp issues – producing some delightful

issues on the way until, with state bankruptcy looming, circumstances forced it to join the Canadian Confederation in 1948. We also saw an absolutely brilliant display of Jamaica from Steve Jarvis covering the whole gamut of postal material from pre-stamp covers to airmails not forgetting the story of the various stamp issues along the way. It’s the sort of display and story that stands repetition many times. Denis Vandervelde concentrated on European mail in the period of the cholera pandemic of the 1830s. He went through the various countries that tried to ensure that cholera wasn’t transmitted by mail items. He highlighted that disinfection for smallpox continued until that disease was eradicated in the 1970s and mentioned that it was resurrected, albeit by irradiation rather than chemical techniques, by the US government for its mail after the anthrax scare in the early 2000s. The US may even still be doing it—but you’d need to consult the FBI about that! From Middlesex PF Bulletin


Basildon PS

Throughout August and September John Cowlin displayed a large selection of his WWI propaganda postcards and other items as part of an exhibition commemorating the start of the war. It was held at the Eastgate Gallery in Basildon. After the Auction in September and Stamp Collector’s Question Time in October, we were visited by Bexley PS. John Corderoy opened with a comprehensive collection of Gibraltar from Queen Victoria to the early part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Don Brookfield followed with a fascinating King George VI Pot Pourri including varieties, booklets, proofs and fiscal usages. In November Michael Thompson

brought his Bits and Pieces. This began with Kent philatelic events and then ranged far and wide, including forgeries from Diss, the Isles of Jethou, Canna and Shuna, England Winners covers posted in Scotland and Antarctica labels – pot pourri indeed. Christopher Cooksey was more focussed in December. His display on

Airmails of Rhodesia and Nyasaland ranged from first flight covers from 1920, changes in rates to the main destinations, WWII Prisoner of War and Internment Mail to the Central African Airways air letter stamps. We finished off 2014 with Len Stanway testing our knowledge with 25 True or False Questions. Dean Taylor won with 20 correct, so we all celebrated with festive fare. Len Stanway

from The Basildon Philatelist

Bexley PS

At the start of our 2014 season in September, we celebrated the 80th birthday of our packet secretary and auctioneer Don Brookfield with a card, round of applause, and cake. He has also served as club president and Kent Federation president in 2004-5. Len Barnes started his display on Aviation in the year of the Prussian siege of

Paris. Some siege letters were shown. The country continued to be the great leader in the early days of powered flight and he showed a range of Cinderella and philatelic material from this time. In the second part he showed the development of international

Michael Thompson and his Bits and Pieces

Len Barnes on Aviation


commercial airlines, particularly in Latin America and Asia. In October, we were entertained by Cinque Ports PS. Barry Knight showed classic railway scenes, as interpreted by painter Terence Cuneo (known for hiding a mouse in his paintings). He then showed the Isle of Man, independent since 5 July 1973. Roger Dickinson presented stamps from federated Canada (post-1867), many of the earliest of which are of a ‘large queens’ format, which he described as ‘a good engraving on bad paper’. He also showed covers from the extensive William Rennie correspondence; the sea merchant kept all his mail, including many registered covers. Our Members’ Night was for material from R, S and T in early November. Our competition night later that month was the largest for some time. The 15 entries, for traditional stamps to 1937 (8 pages) and postal history (16 pages) were so numerous that even with extra frames we had to display some on trestle tables. Double congratulations go to Michael Thompson, President of the National Philatelic Society, who won both. The club thanks Mr & Mrs Johnson from Gravesend for judging. From 1899, Sudan was an Anglo-Egyptian condominium. Once the latter achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 1920s, its expansionist policies lead it up the Nile into the ‘Equatorial Areas’, according to the detailed display of Dr B Austen in early December. He included two items of correspondence from the famous General Gordon, who had been active in the area before being killed in Khartoum by Mahdi's forces. Sudan

became important in aerophilately, as a stop on the way for regular flights to South Africa (1932). Adrian Smith, 01322 559210 or [email protected]

Will Dalrymple

Bromley & Beckenham PS

Carol Turner travelled from Somerset to Kent to give us her display of British Borneo 1883-1908 in early November. After explaining how she and her late husband, Alex, had merged their collections, Carol gave a brief history of

Borneo and thereabouts from the attempted early settlements in the mid-1700s, James Brooke’s and Charles Brooke’s activities and deals with the Sultan of Brunei, leading to the eventual establishment of the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company, and the first issues of stamps in 1883. Further material included postal stationery with a reply half card used back from Warwick; picture postcards and revenue items. In November Malcolm Roberts gave his display

Malcolm Roberts makes a point



Mail and the Steamships. He began by giving a short résumé of the development of the steamship, the personalities involved during the early 19

th Century from the routes as far as

Egypt. Later Malcolm concentrated on the North Atlantic routes and the problems associated with setting rates to/from the USA. The quality of the postmarks, ship-letter, cachets and agent’s marks was much above average, even for the scarcest of marks. The whole was beautifully presented with clear explanations of the routes and rates, and additional illustrations of the postal markings. At our President’s Evening, the speaker was John Shaw, President of Kent Federation, showing us France. John then made presentations individually to Erica Banks and Grahame Boutle of their salvers as part of the winning KFPS team in the Thematica Inter-Federation Competition, and then jointly of the main trophy for the winning team, (Mike Thompson, the other member being absent.) David on 020 8778 7009 or Chris on 020 8402 1263 or on www.beckenham.net/leisure.asp David Rennie

Cambridge PS

In October we were visited by David

Evans, a former Anglican Bishop of Peru, with a display on Birds of the Bible. Throughout he gave both specific and general Biblical texts to illustrate the theme of his display. In the first half he showed a very large range of different birds on stamps from many countries including eagles, vultures, owls and kingfishers. He also included the nineteen species of birds which Jews cannot eat. The second half was

devoted more to conservation issues. Three frames were devoted to extinct birds with another on birds’ eggs on stamps. Then other frames were on areas where birds are threatened such as the main migration routes and the impact of climate change. The display concluded with birds in a natural habitat such as the Falkland Islands and Lundy Island. [email protected]

Peter Morton

Chelmsford & District PS

In late October Nick Kerridge explained The History and Postal Facilities in the Treaty Port of Wei-Hai-Wei. Wei-Hai-Wei was a garrison town and port in North China near Port Arthur. The Japanese invaded in 1894 and although repelled three times they overran the area which surrendered on February 2

nd 1895. They set up Post

Boxes for troops, and items of Japanese mail in the period 1895-8 were shown. The British paid an indemnity for the Japanese to leave, and leased the area from May 1898 to 1930, although the Navy could still use the port till 1950. When the Post Office was set up Hong Kong stamps were used, and the various cancellations were shown. In 1917 a China overprint was introduced. Nick also showed a number of forgeries and bogus cancellations as well as items of genuine military mail. In early November, member Nick Harris showed us Mail from Pioneer Flights to and within Africa starting with the 1931 Christmas experimental flight from Croydon to Cape Town, together with numerous covers flown on the various legs of the journey, many signed by the

http://www.beckenham.net/leisure.asp

http://www.beckenham.net/leisure.asp



pilot. Much scarcer are covers to destinations beyond the route. In 1927 Captain Gladstone was authorised to make survey flights from Khartoum to Kisumu in Kenya. Although, officially, no mail was carried on the first flight, Nick showed us a very rare cover carried by Gladstone, and signed by him. In 1931 Wilson Airways, a local company, started to carry mail in British East Africa. Covers from some of the first flights were shown. The Tanganyika Government operated a similar service. Both services were used for internal mail, and also to connect with the Imperial Airways flights. The remainder of his display was of censored airmail from Bermuda during WWII, in many cases bearing the two-colour high value key-plate issues. We also saw transit mail between Germany and USA censored in Bermuda before the USA joined the war. Later in the month two members of the Essex Numismatic Society visited us. David Jones gave his illustrated talk on Token and Note Issuers of Chelmsford and District starting with a short overview of coins and banknotes connected with the town. By 1610 there was a serious shortage of small coins and many traders issued tokens for a penny or halfpenny, which circulated locally. They would usually bear the issuer’s name or place of business, and we saw illustrations of many of them. We also saw examples of early cheques and notes issued by local banks. Many of the banks failed, or were taken over, and some later became part of Barclays Bank. Notes were often forged although the penalty for

possessing or passing one was death. There were 140 such executions in the first part of the nineteenth century. Roger Barrett’s talk was on Forgers, Essex Banks and a Lucky Escape, starting with a trial involving a forged cheque drawn on the Chelmsford bank, Crickett, Merish & Crickett. The judge was about to put on his black cap before passing the death sentence when a visiting barrister noted a discrepancy and saved the prisoner. There were many cases of innocent people being executed for having forged notes in their possession and the penalty was eventually reduced to transportation for 14 years. The celebrated caricaturist George Cruickshank (1792-1878) produced an imitation banknote incorporating a hangman’s noose as a £ sign, and a gallows of hanged men, women and children. 01245420196 or [email protected] John Rawlins

Croydon PS

We have had five excellent meetings in the last few months. We started with Max Smith showing The Indian Mutiny 1857-59. The material listed the riots and battles throughout the two years, with pictures from current sources,

recording the massacres that took place, and letters from the individuals participant military personnel and some

A Mutinous Max Smith


civilian witnesses and refugees. The fascinating range of material all in near perfect condition was an education and a pleasure to examine, plus Max presented it with a lucid and entertaining description in detail. The evening was too brief to do justice to such a collection, which was greatly enjoyed. Early in October we welcomed Malcolm Green and John Terry from East Grinstead Stamp & Postcard Club. Malcolm brought his embryo collection The Development of Stamp Collecting being items from 1840 to current issues. He also showed Gibraltar 1903-1936 loaned by David Sumpter. John’s display was of DDR 1949-67. From this we went to The American Civil War with Derek Mauri. Having set the scene, Derek showed us a thematic display of the major battles and activities. Then we saw letters from soldiers and civilians from the Confederate States. At the next meeting Cliff Hurst went further north to Newfoundland. The material was dated from 1857 to 1949 when Newfoundland joined Canada, and included stamps, stationery, airmails and proofs – a very colourful and interesting display. November started with nine members showing from their collections – a very varied and fascinating mixture. Graham Harker

Ferndown & West Moors

PPC

Our members were educated and entertained by Spence Coaker on Hong Kong. He is clearly a great authority with a magnificent collection and great knowledge of the history. Both were used in full. Spence wove a

most informative path through numerous developments and set-backs, including opium trading, wars, blockades and eventually the 1841 ‘Nanking Treaty’…with 5 trading ports forced to be opened. 1862 saw the colony’s first stamp issue which formed part of a most interesting display through six reigns, complete with a considerable study of cancellations. Besides stamps, covers, correspondence, maps and photos, postcards were well represented. A particularly fine one from 1901 depicted in colour the Hong Kong Naval Basin under construction. A strong emphasis was placed on WWII Japanese occupation covers and cancels. Also displayed were superb examples of mail relating to both shipping and airline companies which began to be significant players in the colony’s rapid success. The prize for the ‘unexpected’ must surely go to an item of ‘disinfected mail’!! This 1881 postcard posted Shanghai to Frederica, Denmark, had disinfection slots cut into it, the result of a fearful cholera epidemic in Egypt at that time. The evening concluded with a section on

Spence Coaker with Bob Small


the 30th

June 1997 ‘Handover’. Here was included a handsome limited issue cover to commemorate the departure of British Forces, signed by Commodore P. J. Melson and the Rt. Hon. Chris Patten – the last Governor. It was noted that within a year, China printed her first definitive set.

Paul Barry

Harrogate PS

In October, Jeremy Piercy came across from York to give us a display on GB Returned Mail. He showed almost unbelievable material which had started out with the Dead Letter Office back in 1784. At that time there was a system of post roads centred around the hubs of London, Dublin and Edinburgh, and the receiving town would deliver and collect monies against letter bills. Postage was expensive and the addressee often refused to pay. The letter would be sent to the Dead Letter Office who would make out a receipt to the Post Office to cover the cost. In 1813 the Dead Letter Office became the Returned Letter Office. In 1839 there were 60 million items of mail posted with 1 million being returned to the Returned Letter Office. With the Penny Post, items posted increased sevenfold but those returned only doubled, reflecting people’s greater willingness to pay the cheaper postage. The second half included the First World War at a time when postal services had been suspended. This included items from different theatres of the War including one letter which had been thrown out of a plane over enemy lines addressed to a pilot who was believed to have been shot down. Later that

month the attractions of Harrogate enticed Brian Dow down from Scotland to talk about somewhere even further North – Norway. He started with the first stamps including an 1851 cover from Oslo to Dunfermline and showed some 1878 definitives which he pointed out were still going today as the longest running design (posthorn), more recently including bi-colours and tricolours. His predominant system was however more thematic, featuring designs of flowers, wild animals, lighthouses and rally cars. The second half featured some fascinating material on Norwegian First Flights (many by seaplane), local posts and Norwegian stamp designers. Near Christmas we put on a display in the main Library, based on Christmas stamps, covers, airmails and so on from around the

world. It seems to have been well-received so we hope for a few more visitors or members. Brian Coop

Hertford & District PS

We started the season with an excellent display of Canada given by Charles Murkin. This was followed by a visit from Rickmansworth in October giving two

Christmas Display at Harrogate Library


displays – Italy by Andy Harris and GB Overland and Maritime mail of Carl Barnes. Both displays gave us sight of first class material and wide ranging information.

From Middlesex PF Bulletin

The Isle of Ely PS

Our first get-together in September was an addition to the planned programme. We visited the British Postal Museum Store in Debden, Essex where we found many fascinating items from letter boxes to vehicles. Coincidentally, at our first club meeting on the following day, two members gave displays on Post Boxes and G.B. Postal History. In October, Mr Swindells set up a static display on Barley to Bottle & Hops to Hand Pumps and gave a talk and display on The Ijzer Pilgrimage. Railways by K. Dowling, was the popular subject for November's meeting. The TPO material displayed tied in well with our visit to the BPMS. In December, partners were invited and members presented short displays on a Christmas theme. A Christmas buffet was then enjoyed by everybody. 01354 659358 Valerie Roberts

Kendal & District PS

Our 2014-15 programme opened in September with a Recent Acquisitions evening. A diverse range of material

was shown by Society members who had clearly been active purchasers. In October, Graham Chadwick, a member of the Lytham St. Anne’s Society, visited us. Prior to the evening, many members knew Lundy as an island somewhere in the Bristol Channel: not much else. By the time Graham had taken us through his two part display, our knowledge about the island’s postal system, stamps and cancellations, together with its inhabitants and owners, had increased significantly. Our November meeting was a members’ evening – the letter F. Three of the displaying members presented a diverse range of relevant materials. The chairman showed one stamp which featured a fruit he vividly remembered from the days he spent working in Singapore. The fruit was the durian better known locally as the king of fruits. He pointed out that this fruit gave off a foetid odour which was detectable from some distance away and, if he had brought one into the meeting room, the smell would, in a very short period of time, have emptied not just the room members were using but adjoining rooms as well. Our next meeting was a social gathering which incorporated a single page competition. The competition was won by Dave Rothery with a display which focussed on a special Red Cross label, printed in 1914 in Trinidad. The proceeds of sale

Your article? We are always pleased to consider articles by our readers. Please send your item to the Editor who will let you know if it can be used. 350 words maximum please, and a picture relating to the subject matter is always a help (300dpi jpg or photograph). We do not pay for publication, and any items may be edited for length or content.


of the label were to be placed into a Wounded Soldiers and Sailors Fund. Additionally, and for one day only, the labels were permitted to be used as official postage stamps on mail sent to some 900 addresses in Trinidad and Tobago. The labels qualified as substitutes for official postage stamps provided the letters inside the envelope contained a request for donations to the abovementioned Fund. 01539 823503

Philip Gerrard

King’s Lynn PS

The season started back in September with a Burst of Brazilian sunshine laid on by Janet and Nick Nelson which included national costume and Brazilian drinks. Two weeks later we were enthralled by Graham Mark’s wide ranging display of material relating to the First World War Campaigns in the Western Desert and up into Palestine and Syria. In early October we were entertained by members from Spalding who showed Chinese Air Posts in the 1920s and 1930s, followed by Austria and its Olympics. The first of our two competition evenings came next, with our judge, Richard Husband (Cambridge) showing some of his excellent collection of GB perfins. November 14th saw a superb display by David Stirrups of Gibraltar with stamps and postal history from the early 18th century to 1900, followed by a selection of modern stamps including preliminary sketches, accepted and unaccepted essays, proofs, the issued stamps, flaws and colour errors. Two weeks later a members’ night, displaying letters ‘O’ and ‘P’, produced

the best range of material seen on such an evening. In November also, four of our members took part in an ABPS judges’ training seminar held over two days in Hitchin with the intention of taking part in phase two at Stampex in February. The December meeting was our usual seasonal affair with our old friend, John Shaw, doing the honours with a display of Telegrams, home and abroad proving to be most entertaining and of course all related to the year 1937. The display was followed by the usual festive social gathering. [email protected]

Mike Kentzer

Kingston & District PS

We were treated to two themed meetings and a society auction, at the start of the new season. These were well attended as was the meeting in October, when we were entertained by Professor Derek Diamond FRPSL. Derek has produced a book on the design, printing and use of the 1898 pictorial of New Zealand. His display

Derek Diamond with his research on the 1898 NZ pictorials



was on this pictorial issue and his original researches in New Zealand and in this country. The whole presentation was entertaining and informative in showing how research and development of the study can hold an audience enthralled. Then Nigel Gooch visited us with his display of Persia. He has been collecting Persia since the age of 13 when his father had business contacts with the country. The display began with an overview of Persia in early days. Some pre-stamp covers of the Ottoman period were shown but more modern uses of the post came about in 1868 when stamps had been introduced and Nasr-ed-Din had assumed leadership as Shah. The portrait of the Shah appears on the higher values of these stamps and the Persian lion on lower values. Initially stamps were not cancelled but peeled off for reuse by the post-office clerks. Consequently only a few used values of the early stamps are known. At a Social Evening, in December, awards were presented for the competitions held earlier in the year and a one-page competition was held. 01932220677 [email protected]

Brian Sole FRPSL

Lanarkshire PS

What an amazing evening we had in early October. Our speaker was Jack Murray of Glasgow PS giving a display Victoria Cross. Distinguished visitors were welcomed to the meeting – Major Ian Farquharson of the Cameronians; Mr James McInnes & Ms Jennifer McInnes, Grandson and Great-granddaughter of Henry May VC; and Mr William Brockie. Using many stamps, covers, postmarks and

postcards, Jack gave a wonderful display. He began with the institution of the VC during the Crimean War, by Queen Victoria – to be awarded for feats of outstanding bravery. In Hyde Park on 26

th June 1856, the Queen

invested 62 (of the 111) Crimean War recipients with the medal. He continued with illustrations of many who, through the reigns of 6 British monarchs, have been awarded the medal. This included Lieutenant Henry May, born in Bridgeton, Glasgow. He joined the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and, as a Private rescued a badly wounded soldier by dragging him some 300 yards while under fire. His VC medal is now held in the Cameronian Museum in Hamilton. Others illustrated included Private Robert Downie from Springburn, Glasgow, Lance Corporal William Angus and Lieutenant Donald Cameron, two of three Carluke VC winners. Jack ended his display with postcards etc. outlining the emotive

James McInnes, Jennifer McInnes (Grandson and greatgranddaughter of

Henry May VC), Anne Holmes (President of LPS) , Major Ian

Farquharson (Cameronians [Scottish Rifles]) and Jack Murray


account of how the ‘Unknown Soldier’ was chosen from British servicemen exhumed from four battle areas in France. Elsie Miller

Launceston SC

After the experience of the Cornwall Federation AGM in October we returned to normality in November. We were entertained by Diane Lawer with her collection of Postcards Seaside Memories. The PowerPoint presentation started with an explanation of how seaside holidays became popular with the advent of the railways making it possible for everyone to visit the traditional seaside towns. The railways were represented with posters from the “Golden Age” of steam travel including a postcard of a train steaming along the South Devon coast near Dawlish, where the line was severely damaged earlier this year. We were then amused by a number of traditional “saucy” holiday cards enriched with some of the comments Diane had received from her previous audiences! The display continued with a study of the various aspects of the seaside town including Blackpool with its tower and donkey rides, Scarborough and local beaches including Whitsand Bay, Torquay and Paignton. There were cards of bandstands, piers and promenades and, of course, the holiday favourites - Punch & Judy. We were treated to Diane donning a pierrot outfit - pierrots were of Italian origin. In December was Chairman’s Evening. Jim Sowden gave his presentation An Act of Union, which Jim explained related to the uniting of the former states, provinces and colonial territories of Australia,

Canada and South Africa as self-governing nations within the British Empire. The presentation was of annotated displays of stamps from the individual states or colonies of each of the three countries, generally from the Victorian era prior to union, followed by the initial issues of each Dominion. Jim prefaced each country’s display with a brief history of the process by which the various colonies or states effectively achieved their union and subsequent independence.

Howard Hamblin

Leamington & Warwick PS

Pies and more pies: At our meeting in mid-November we were enthralled by Terry Hare Walker’s magnificent display of India. The very first issues were shown in blocks, with varieties and die combinations, but even earlier than that was a cover dating from as far back as 1691! Of particular historical interest were covers from servicemen during the Indian Mutiny.

One fascinating error arose when provisional overprints were issued in 1921, reading “NINE PIES”. Inevitably on a couple of stamps in the sheet one of the words was put on the wrong stamp, leading to the two famous errors

reading “NINE NINE” and “PIES PIES”. Nick Bridgwater 01926-423685 or via sites.google.com/site/warwickshireps

John Gledhill

A light snack for the football match?


I Spy… A selection of images sent from clubs and societies. No prizes for spotting yourself …

1

11

8

6

5

2

9

12

15

16


7

4 3

13

10

18 17

14


Maidstone & Mid Kent PS

Our 93rd season kicked off with a magnificent display by Nigel Chandler MBE FRPSL of Tobago which covered the short period that Tobago issued their own stamps, before becoming part of Trinidad & Tobago issues. This was followed by David Luckhurst’s display of Germany - History of the 3rd Reich. October’s first meeting was a display by Mike Slamo on St. Pierre et Miquelon. This group of islands off the SE tip of Newfoundland were offered to the French fisherman rather than have them living on Newfoundland. Next came John Terry displaying German WW II material, consisting of everything philatelic imaginable, and giving an interesting insight into Germany throughout the war period. Bob Deakin FRPSL showed us Morocco. Postal services were difficult in the beginning due to a lack of roads, but Bob provided a map showing the routes that mail had to take. Roger Dickinson started December for us with a fantastic display of Canada from 1867 through to the early part of Queen Elizabeth. The display consisted of stamps and covers which covered advertising, registered, censured, patriotic, airmails and rail. Our morning meeting in November was a tribute to our Vice President Martin Lynes who died in 2013. His wife, Wendy, brought along his War Material and our member Tony Davis gave a fascinating talk. On a sad note we have to report that one of senior members, Nigella Kent, died in early November. She had been a life member for over 45 years and had been Secretary and Treasurer and was also the Packet

Secretary, the latter for 25 years. Nigella also became our first female President, a post she held for 5 years. She will be sadly missed.

Brian Stonestreet

Mid-Sussex PS

Following the success of two experimental day-time meetings in 2013-14 we are continuing to hold our normal fortnightly meetings between September and May, but alternating between evenings and afternoons. We have continued to hold evening meetings at our usual venue in Burgess Hill, while our day-time meetings are being held in Lindfield. Possibly because our membership is drawn from a wide area of mid-Sussex our day-time meetings have attracted a number of members who have not previously attended evening meetings. We have also been able to book new speakers who are prepared to travel a little bit further if it is done during the day. Jim Etherington

Oxford PS

We gained six new members over the last few months, bringing total membership close to 70. As Oxford looks forward to its 125th anniversary coming up in 2015, all the membership received a note of appreciation and a badge, courtesy of the Ursula Golding Bequest. Oxford also administers the Stan Taylor Fund aimed at young stamp collectors, and was happy to transfer a third £1000 to Stamp Active and be acknowledged in the latest Stamp Fun – All at Sea album. The season started with a brisk Silent Auction. Well-attended morning meetings were held on the


Mediterranean and Flags and Heraldry. Malcolm Barton and Kim Stuckey of Bath and Falkland Islands Philatelic Study Group provided a superb evening on The Falkland Islands. The diverse collecting interests of our membership made sure the Letter S meeting produced a variety of displays from Sardinia, Shanghai, and Singapore, to Snakes, Spitfires, and Specimens, and lots more in between. Now a regular and welcome fixture in our programme, the Christmas lunch was enjoyed by all. We have a new website: www.oxfordphilatelicsociety.wordpress.com/ Simon Heap

Petersfield & District PS

Autumn has been a busy time for us. Keith Lloyd entertained the September meeting with the complex Postal History of China. The first modern Chinese postal service was opened in 1865, but an imperial messenger service had existed for thousands of years. In 1897 the Chinese Imperial Post was established followed by admission to the U.P.U. in 1914. Post offices were established in treaty ports – there were twelve British offices. Chinese provinces had their own postal services and postage stamps, and Keith illustrated these with

1. Brian Asquith with stamps for the Turkish Aviation Fund

2. Mike Roberts presents Rick Rickwood with his Competition Trophy at the Leeds 125th Anniversary Dinner

3. St Austell take the Quiz Cup in the Cornish Federation

4. Alan Holverson leads on Austria 5. Chris Board on South Africa at

Croydon 6. Nigel Gooch with a display of

Persia at Kingston 7. Christopher Cooksey at Basildon 8. Richard Stock with the Chilton

Memorial Trophy at Kingston 9. Phil Harriman, Andrew Stoves

and Barry Burns receive the winners’ plaque from David Newstead (behind) at Redcar

10. South African Collectors’ Society at their London meeting

11. David Milsted with covers from the Tower of London

12. Alan Tyler with his certificate, after his display of Israel at Kingston

13. The Sarawak Specialists’ Society AGM at Bournemouth

14. Jeffrey Stone at The Royal 15. David Hobden at the Canadian

PS of Great Britain explaining about a letter relating to an American Sergeant taken prisoner during the 1812 war between GB & US

16. Paul Percival with Aitutaki and Ajman

17. Jean Alexander, Brian Sole, Anne Stammers, Margaret Morris, Erica Banks - oh and the cake!

18. West London PS enjoy their Christmas dinner

Captions for pages 28 and 29


an impressive collection. He completed his displays with underpaid mail, postage due, misdirected, posted out of course, express mail and bi-lingual postmarks (Chinese - Tibetan). An impressive display of early covers and related material of Imperial Russia was presented in November. Nigel Chandler, a well-travelled linguist, had a humorous side to his talk, including personal anecdotes. Prepaid envelopes appeared in Russia twelve years before adhesive stamps came into use. They were first used in Finland until 1845, then later in St Petersburg and Moscow and two years later adopted nationally. Early stamps, from about 1860, prepaid the postage to the border of the country but eight years later met the charge to overseas destinations. There were low printings and literacy was scarce so entires of these issues are hard to find. Chairman’s Night in December brought a real surprise – Great Britain Revenue Stamps. These were tax stamps printed by De La Rue to impose a charge on the sale of boxes of matches manufactured by Bryant and May. The government of the day introduced this tax in March 1871 and youngsters were employed to charge ½d per box of 100 sold. The sellers became known as ‘Lucifers’ and a comment often repeated was “From light comes profit”. Malcolm Givans displayed the stamps as singles, blocks and even a complete sheet. Petitions were made to Parliament about this iniquitous tax with questions regarding the cost of implementation, and a protest went to the Queen. In April of that year the practice was discontinued. Tony New

continued with a mixed display entitled Ideas What Not to Collect. It was chosen to add further help and advice to members of the club in search of some guidance in stamp collecting. He began with stamps of Finland (serpentine roulettes of the first issue) and then Norway (various printing methods), Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Andorra (bearing either French or Spanish inscriptions), Botswana (praised for its restricted issues), French Colonies and Costa Rica. He continued with subjects one might collect as a sideline for their designs or good engraving, and concluded with countries or issues not recommended to collect because of oddities of design, dubious issues or a proliferation of issues that had no association with the country issuing. David Allen

Poole & District P&PC

Bob Small began his talk on The History of the Royal Navy by saying that he had started preparing the display five years ago and it had taken three years to complete. This was its first outing. He also explained that

none of the pages had cost more than £5, which was very encouraging for

Bob Small in expansive mood


many. The story started with Alfred the Great who set up the first Navy with a fleet of longboats with thirty oarsmen and archers to defend against the Vikings. He is the “Father of The Navy”. (The Navy only became The Royal Navy in 1660 on the return of Charles II from exile). The fascinating history of the Navy’s technical development as illustrated through stamps, postcards and pictures was illustrated by well written-up pages. Many of the great sea battles were described in detail, with illustrations of the famous people, ships and exploits of those concerned. We heard how the Navy used inventions from gunpowder to the latest aircraft carriers, which already feature on a Djibouti miniature sheet. The last frame concentrated on stamps showing the Auxiliary Naval Services, supply, hospital, survey, etc. without which the fighting ships would be unable to operate.

Chris Wheeler

Redcar & Cleveland PS

At our last meeting of the year our President’s Quiz Night & Christmas Party was swamped with hilarity and fun. Awash with wine, cheese and crackers good humour filled the room. Because of the banter between the teams of three to four people along with the bouts of uncontrolled laughter, it took longer than usual to field the forty plus questions set by our president David Newstead.

Martin Snowdon

Redditch PS

A Caribbean Flavour: Our October speaker was Terry Harrison of Leamington Spa, who entertained us

with a display of the stamps of St Vincent, the volcanic island 100 miles west of Barbados. He began by showing some of the early nineteenth century mail from the island, when the price of sending a letter was 2/2 (11p), a prohibitive cost at that time. In 1861 Perkins Bacon printed the first stamps for the island; Terry showed a proof, a die proof and plate proofs of the 1d, 4d and 1/- values. Later, when some values of stamp ran out, they began overprinting unpopular stocks of stamps with a new value, sometimes more than once. Terry showed a comprehensive display of the Queen Victoria ’key plates’ which were introduced in 1899, followed by the 1907 issue which moved away from monarch’s heads to the island’s coat of arms with the motto “Pax ex Justitia”. Finally, Terry explained that there had been some sixty Post Offices on St Vincent – a large number considering the island is only eleven miles by eight miles. He then showed pictures of sixteen sub-offices matched to items

Terry Harrison introduces us to St Vincent


bearing the appropriate cancellation. www.redditch-philatelic.org.uk

Alan Godfrey

Ringwood PS

Our October meeting was hugely popular with most interesting presentations from members of the Poole Philatelic Society. Transatlantic Mail was Brian Cropp’s contribution - a 45 sheet display covering the period from early 1840s onwards. This was a well written-up in-depth study, highlighting different postal rates applied by both GB and USA postal administrations, surcharges, including ‘Late Fees’ (posting after official deadline) and ‘Unpaid’ where no, or insufficient, postage was paid. Fabulous Victorian and USA covers were presented covering numerous sailing routes. Bob Small examined fascinating postal material relating to WWII. Via stamps, covers, photos and pictures he traced the chronological progress from the invasion of Poland, Russian convoys, Battle of Britain, Dam Busters and the Atomic Bomb through to V-J Day. Philately can lend great insight into any theme and the third display provided just that. Railways and Lakes was indeed well covered by Barry Hobbs giving us a lesson in South American history, geography and politics. This display examined postal services across land and water, maps, the railway routes taken, the Travelling Post Offices, trains, steamers, covers and postmarks. Airmails of the British Isles from 1911 through to the present was the final theme, presented by David Lockwood. There was a considerable array of supporting material relating to

both London and provincial airways – letters and stamps, first day covers, including flying boat, helicopter and railway air services, (even rocket mail!), brochures of routes and fares, with newspaper cuttings further enhancing the display. Christine Earle with The Post Office Went to War was our display in November. She provided a unique display of scarce and fascinating philatelic material which highlighted the work and influence of the Post Office (the largest UK

employer), in this desperate period. The sections covered Mobilisation and Evacuation, Air Raid Precaution, the Blitz and the Blackout. The display emphasised that despite this turmoil, the mail usually got through without excessive delay. Censorship, Salvage and Savings, Repatriation and Reconstruction and Victory followed and finally a section which highlighted Peace & Reconstruction. This report cannot do justice to the material and presentation. Paul Barry

Southampton & District PS

South African Airmails was the subject for Nicholas Arrow when he came to

Air-raid burnt post via Christine Earle

http://www.redditch-philatelic.org.uk


us in May. His collection began from a chance purchase at an auction but has clearly developed since then. The display was in three parts: Pioneer, Internal and International. It was a fascinating development and included the story of the competition for the fastest flight from England to South Africa. There were nine entries of which eight flew, one was killed en route and only one finished – a clear winner then! In June Mark Bailey brought us The Channel Islands 19

th

Century Postal History. This began with horse and sail but ended with steam and railways. We saw the full range of marks and modes of transport, with assorted charges for mileage, paquet boat and ship letter carriage and taxes. The later years included duplex and squared circle cancellations. We had interesting snippets from history with links between Victor Hugo, France and Jersey and between French fishermen who had emigrated to Quebec and their relatives back home and in the islands. The final two out of twelve frames related to three sets of correspondence: William Arthur Topliss of Sark – an artist and keen philatelist; the Mousell father and son who were both officers in the Royal Navy; and George Patrick Campbell who wrote letters to and received replies from a succession of British Prime Ministers. Then in July Barry Hobbs took us Through Swamp and Mountains – Railway TPOs in South and Central America. The story of TPOs on Bolivian Rail, lake steamers and Peruvian rail was entertaining and fraught with problems. Central America’s terrain produced its own difficulties for TPO

services. Barry covered five countries and showed that his passion for stamps, trains and a challenge had all been met by this excellent display.

Paul Arnold via Postmark

St Albans, Harpenden &

District PS

Keith Downing opened our season with an evening on Railways. Keith began with material from the days when Travelling Post Offices ran during the day as well as at night. TPOs in France and on American trams in the USA followed and we then moved on to problems, accidents and crash mail before concluding with a thematic display on signalling. October saw the return of Mike Facey to display Pitcairn and Lundy – two small islands on opposite sides of the world. Although he has never visited the island, our speaker had lived in a house once occupied by the brother of Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty fame - a tenuous link but closer to Pitcairn than most of his audience are ever likely to get. Nearer to home, Lundy in the Bristol Channel brought us the “puffin stamps” used to convey mail to the mainland where Royal Mail took over. Alistair Kennedy then brought us Aden and the Aden states in November. We were given a feast of fine material and information from this often turbulent region. The display concluded with a brief look at what has followed the British withdrawal in 1967 including mail relating to two evacuations of Europeans from Aden, one of which involved the Royal Yacht Britannia. 2014 concluded with the Christmas Social on 10

th December.


The winner by popular vote was Joe Neumann with The Beginning of the Transport of Mail by Rail. Then came a testing quiz after which a rewarding raffle and a tasty buffet brought an enjoyable and well-attended evening to a close.

Peter Mellor

Solihull S & PC

Over thirty people attended our inaugural meeting to enjoy two displays. The first display was given by Gerald Marriner on Jersey Hotel Postcards. Amongst the cards on display were many showing hotels which no longer exist or which have undergone extensive changes over the years. The second display was given by Bryan Jones on Solihull & Warwickshire Postal History. Bryan’s display included items with postmarks from some of the smaller village post offices in the area together with

contemporary photographs of many of these. Paul Woodness 01564776879 or www.solihullphilatelicsociety.org.uk

John Barker

Streetly PS

In our October morning meeting, Philip Mackey brought us The Franco-

Prussian War. He started with a brief background to the conflict. The Germans mobilised their troops quicker than the French and rapidly invaded north east France leading to the sieges of Metz and Strasbourg and the siege of Paris which capitulated in January 1871. Following this there was an uprising in Paris of the Paris Commune which seized power for two months. The postal material included items from the Balloon Post at the sieges of Metz and Paris; a French military telegram; French propaganda items such as newspaper articles, cards and covers; German Feldpost items from the siege of Paris; German VIP Officer’s printed postal stationery and a German soldier’s registered money packet. The final item in the first half of the display was a cover from Le Boules de Moulins post where small zinc balls containing letters were launched into the River Seine to south east of Paris and floated just below the surface to be caught in nets in Paris. After a break Philip continued with Paris balloon post printed stationery; letters and covers from the Times newspaper correspondent in the siege of Paris; a cover from the longest balloon flight from the siege of Paris which landed in Norway; censored post from after the armistice; tax marks where double tax had to be paid on letters after the armistice and commune mail from the second siege of Paris. The display ended with stamps from the period and a last day cover from Nancy to Commeray. Albert Smith

Swindon PS

The Autumn season opened with From

Members viewing Bryan Jones' display

http://www.solihullphilatelicsociety.org.uk/


my Collection. We had a superb array of subjects displayed, a most entertaining evening. This was followed by another bumper Auction, then Malcolm Watts returned with another stirring display of Wiltshire Moonraker; nobody knows the subject better than Malcolm. We then held our 16-page Competition with the winners going forward to the Wiltshire & District Federation’s own Competition where we were fortunate to have two of our entries amongst the prizes. A most interesting evening was when Gerald Mariner gave a display of The Falkland Islands 1982 Conflict. Another Auction combined with a mini-bourse was most successful before we were visited by Colin Mount who displayed part of his vast collection of Australian KGV Penny Reds. It really is amazing what you can do with one stamp. The last meeting of the year was the President’s Evening. This year’s theme was Naval and it produced some very interesting displays and even more interesting fancy dresses! The ‘Swinpex’ Committee has begun the long haul towards the organising of the ‘Swinpex

2015’ event which will be held in June (see page 52). There will be 48 Dealers and a lot more in store and on show. If any Specialist Society would like to attend, we will provide facilities, please contact the organiser. It is a fantastic venue, light and airy and plenty of free parking. David Gibbon 01793-813484 or [email protected]

David Gibbon

Taunton Stamp Club

Our annual fair at the beginning of November attracted a record number of visitors. Thirteen stall holders from all over the southwest enjoyed steady trade all day, and the stalwart volunteers in the snack bar were almost overcome by the demands for tea! This event was followed by a club meeting at which twelve members showed stamps and other items on the subject of Transport. At the last meeting we were privileged to receive a visit from Val Beeken who travelled from Durham to give her presentation entitled Law and Order. She started her display with a cover signed by Sir

Are you concerned about leaving a specialised stamp collection to your heirs who do not

have a knowledge of stamps or the stamp market? Plan ahead by registering details of your collection with the free and confidential “Warwick & Warwick Trustee Service”. The

department will ensure the correct method of sale of your valuable collection after your death and in accordance with your instructions.

Write, phone, fax or email for your free copy of our “Trustee Service” brochure.

TRUSTEE DEPARTMENT

Warwick & Warwick Ltd., Chalon House, Scar Bank, Millers Road, Warwick, CV34 5DB, England. Tel: (01926) 499031 Fax: (01926) 491906 Email: [email protected]



Robert Peel, and continued with some Victorian postal history items. The theme continued with more modern items, notably a first day cover autographed by George Baker who played Inspector Wexford and another signed by Ronald Gregory, who, as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire, presided over the disastrous hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper. The display concluded with a collection of stamps, postcards etc. from countries all around the world.

Chris Catley

Thatcham & District PS

In October, the theme was Transport. Nine members spoke and displayed their items, covering just about every method possible including helicopters and donkeys. Malcolm Hoskins started the second half by talking about and showing many items about the social history of transport – driving authority – licences both full and provisional (he had some very early ones from 1916 – tax discs (now things of the past) – log books and highway code editions – a different twist. As

Colin Searle was unable to come as arranged, Phillip Cant stepped into the gap magnificently with material on World War II. He covered every part of the war in every field of conflict. This was a very informative and interesting talk with some deep insight into what had happened and all illustrated with lovely sets of stamps and material. Members always manage to approach the theme for the Monday meetings very creatively and November`s theme of Literary Authors and Characters was no exception. The topics ranged from cave paintings to Churchill. In December the day theme was British Inventions followed by some snacks and a “Sneaky Christmas Quiz” devised by Bob Paterson and won by Pauline Badger with 16 correct answers – well done. We are hosting WESTBEX on March 28

th – see page

52. Besides Free parking and admission, Grosvenor Auctioneers will be in attendance to value your stamps and collections. Also the National Philatelic Society will be holding a regional meeting - a chance to find out what they offer? Martin Farr

INSURE Your Collection – It costs less than you think!

A L L R I S K S – N O E X C E S S Stamps and Postcards £6,250 cover - £26 p.a.* £10,000 cover - £38 p.a.* ALL other Collectables £5,000 cover - £31 p.a.* £10,000 cover - £56 p.a.*

*plus Insurance Premium Tax

PUBLIC LIABILITY for COLLECTOR SOCIETIES. COLLECTABLE DEALER’S SCHEME

STAMP INSURANCE SERVICES CGI Services Limited [Dept 16]

29 Bowhay Lane, EXETER EX4 1PE tel: 01392 433 949 fax: 01392 427 632

www.stampinsurance.co.uk Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Services Authority


Warminster PS

The first three meetings of Warminster Philatelic Society’s new season were displays of Switzerland by Bob Medland, Aspects of GB by John Roe and Anschluss (the German take-over of Austria) by Tony Hicky. On 28

th

September we held our annual stamp fair and hosted the Wiltshire Federation 9-page competition, both events proving very popular with local philatelists and the public. But our biggest celebration by far was our 50

th anniversary dinner held on

Thursday 16th October 2014, exactly 50

years to the day of the inaugural meeting in 1964. Members and their guests dined at the local Golf Club, and this turned out to be a very successful social event.Colin Baker [email protected] or 01985 840033 Colin Baker

West London PS

We visited Kodak and Harrow Stamp Club in November when Maurice Buxton and Melvyn Green, our President, entertained that society. Our annual dinner was held, in Hammersmith, on 2

nd December and

proved enjoyable once again. Christopher Oliver, 020 8940 9833 or [email protected] Chris Oliver

Federations

Cornish PF

In lieu of their regular monthly meeting Launceston SC hosted our AGM and the Stamp Quiz Final in early October. Club Chairman Jim Sowden welcomed the CPF Chairman Neil Sargent and was pleased to see thirty-

two members attending the AGM. The AGM was followed by the final of the Quiz, the competing Clubs from the qualifying round were: Falmouth, Newquay and St. Austell. As one of the teams of finalists was unable to attend the Quizmaster invited an ad hoc entry and three members of the Launceston Club formed a team and joined the competition. The Quiz was organised and run by Quizmaster Neil assisted by his scorer David James. The questions were all on philately with, perhaps, a slight bias toward ‘GB’. At half time Falmouth were narrowly in the lead but were overtaken by St Austell. The winning team members were Martin Hopkinson, Roger Keys and Brenda Howell. Well done St Austell.

Howard Hamblin

Mid Anglia PF

At Federation Stamp Day at Tempsford, Michael Pitt-Payne gave three excellent and different displays: UK mail to France - 1727-1900, Postage Due Mail and Social. The first showed the complexity of the postal rates in the 18

th and 19

th Centuries.

The international meeting at Berne in

Michael Pitt-Payne enthralling the audience


1874 reached agreement on new, simpler charges for international mail, particularly for transit mail. Taxe marks were introduced along with regulations for foreign post card rates, printed paper rates and letter cards. In Postage Due we were taken through the changes in procedures and stamps from the earliest days through to the increase in the handling charge to £1 in 2004, including the fact that now we have to go to collect the mail and pay for the privilege. The afternoon display related to (1) Reginald Bray, known as the man who posted himself, (2) a letter displayed that had been sent ‘Free’ from Lord Clifford who was the first Catholic member in the House of Lords with research providing his life story, that of the recipient a Mr Ambrose, and details of the Manor he was living in at the time, (3) a 1783 letter from a John Campbell who worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and in 1745 was a cashier at the Bank when ‘notes’ were produced to the value of £3 000 requiring that they be honoured in gold, to pay for Bonny Prince Charlie’s uprising and (4) an example of a Queen Anne’s Bounty letter. These showed just what can be derived from a letter and its cover and served as an example of producing superb philately at a modest financial cost. We have also held our first AGM, which commented positively on the launch of the website www.mapf.com. The Judging Seminar – sponsored by Grosvenor Auctions – was thought-provoking and interesting, spent with 19 course members and a top quality team of trainers in the persons of Chris King, Birthe King, Francis Kiddle

and Brian Trotter. All were then invited to attend Part 2 of the training, which could lead to accreditation to judging at Federation level. The message from the seminar was that: exhibitors should help to lead the judges through the story of their material, and that the judges should seek to encourage exhibitors by their assessments and, particularly, through their feedback.

Mike Kentzer

Middlesex PF

Our STAMP DAY held in October was a great success thanks to the Watford, Kodak and Harrow, and Pinner societies’ efforts in putting on the show. Six dealers were in attendance; with a lot of material on offer. We estimate the day’s attendance to be around 100-150. A number of societies took advantage of the opportunity to display a frame about themselves to advertise their societies to non-members. ABPS Chairman John Baron formally opened the event and we appreciated his coming all the way from Northampton. In the afternoon Vice-chairman Richard Akers presented

Chris King, Francis Kiddle, Birthe King, Brian Trotter, and David Alford (MAPF)

at the Judges Seminar

http://www.mapf.com/


the trophies and certificates to the Competition winners. For the first time we displayed the entries as colour facsimiles of the originals. Many praised the quality of the reproduction and one or two people didn't even realise that they were not the originals. Doing it this way made a lot less work for us – no secure frames to collect and return or to erect and dismantle, and no need to provide security stewards or to insure the entries. Finally another STAMP DAY in 2016? Is any society willing to step up to the plate and host it? From Middlesex PF Bulletin

Association of Sussex PS

ASPS is introducing a new venture in the Spring of 2015 in addition to the annual South of England Stamps Fair and Convention held at Ardingly on the second Saturday of October. On Saturday 28

th March at the Burgess Hill

School for Girls the Association will be holding its first Stamp and Post Card Day. In the morning Chris Harman RDP HonFRPSL will be speaking to a

display on Chalon Heads and in the afternoon John Wilton will introduce a display of post cards entitled The Real Donald McGill including McGill’s War. Stamp and post card dealers will be in attendance throughout the day. www.sussexphilately.org.uk

Jim Etherington

National and specialist

societies

British Thematic

Association

We held a residential weekend in Oxford in October as part of the BTA’s 30

th anniversary celebrations. The

emphasis was on the fun of collecting. Mike Blackman was the first speaker and showed Umbrellas. Besides the usual stamps he included some actual lacquered Japanese parasols and umbrella memorabilia. Margaret Morris showed a small part of her wonderful astronomy collection, including some of the howlers that can creep in such as errors in stamp design – a stamp showing Columbus with a telescope (over a hundred years before its invention); errors in special cancels –Halley’s Comet shooting straight up in the air like a rocket; or the unfortunate Royal Mail publicity which took four printings before all the spelling errors were eliminated. Finally Jean Alexander gave a worldwide tour of large and not so large Waterfalls. Postal stationery, stamps, covers and booklets all contributed to a very attractive display. We included four sessions of short displays by attendees, resulting in a huge range of subjects being shown. The Secretary

Mike Blackman with a lacquered Japanese parasol at Oxford BTA

http://www.sussexphilately.org.uk/


kindly supplied a birthday cake, which was enjoyed by all, and especially by the five founder members present. The BTA is not about rules and competitions, it’s about enjoying collecting. Peter Denly, 9 Oaklands Park, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 2BY. or [email protected]

Canadian PS of GB

Our 2014 Convention in Edinburgh proved to have something of a Royal theme with visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (in the rain) and the Royal Yacht Britannia (in the sunshine). In between there was plenty of time for some super philatelic displays on things as diverse as Large and Small Queens, War Savings Stamps, Censored Mail from WWI, Newfoundland stamp Booklets, the recent Canada Post Vending Machine Stamps, the Role of Canada Post in

Foreign Exchange Control, a POW cover from the War of 1812 and much more. In addition to the usual room auction, the Convention this year featured a bourse for the first time which proved a popular late evening diversion - though not so popular that it drew us away from the famous ‘philaholic’ study group meetings. The hotel did us proud with excellent facilities, some good food and friendly staff. Our 2015 Convention will be in Carlisle from 28th September to 2nd October www.canadianpsgb.org.uk The London group when it met in October congratulated Colin Banfield on winning gold medals at BNAPS and BALPEEX in Baltimore. Displays of the 1938 Airmail Stamp, of Special Delivery stamps, Revenues and WWI picture postcards were given by those present followed by all repairing to a local hostelry for a late lunch. The Scottish and North of England group met in Moffat in late October. Displays were as varied as ever and included; Admiral covers and cards, Squared circle postmarks, Queen Victoria postal stationery cards, early precancels, Flag cancels, Transatlantic mail from 1898 to 1948 including the early airmail services, the new 2014 postal rates and stamps, George VI stamp booklets and some early Canadian Postal History from 1763 to 1800. Definitely something for everyone! John Hillson

Channel Is SS

In September we held a regional day meeting in Wakefield organised by local member David Horner. 24 members were present including many who do not normally attend society

Eldon Godfrey showing his display on Canadian Foreign Exchange

Control during WWII


http://www.canadianpsgb.org.uk/


meetings in London. The theme for the day was the letters C and D. John Hirst opened with Channel Islands churches and the Durrell Wildlife Park (formerly Jersey Zoo). Moira Edwards continued with a fine collection of Cat and Dog postcards. Gerald Marriner gave a two-frame display of Jersey hotels including C or D in their names. Gerald also showed some fine Occupation material based on the communication between Vivian Mylne, her family, and friend Patience Webb, whilst Vivian was a prisoner, first in Gloucester Street Prison, Jersey and later whilst held at Troyes Prison in France. Bob MacDonald showed mail between Jersey and the French post of Carteret including postcards showing two of the ships that sailed during the summer – the Torbay Belle and the Cygne. Items included GB stamps that were cancelled with the Carteret datestamp and Paquetbot handstamp. Bob also showed a very interesting Occupation item – a letter from the German Military Authorities to the Constable of St Brelade requesting information as to whether a certain Alfred Gordon was a Jew or not. Fortunately, as it turned out, the answer was “No”. Richard Flemming followed with 20 sheets including entires bearing the COLONIES handstamps and then Duplex Datestamps of both Jersey and Guernsey. Gavin Wood showed two frames of Ian Griggs’ The 1942 Jersey ½d Arms Stamp: A Plating Study and finally David Horner showed four frames of material, all having the letter ‘C’ or ‘D’ within the addressee’s name, the item’s destination or the duplex

handstamp applied. Items included mail from the Cape of Good Hope and Canada. 01903-501415 Steve Wells

Gibraltar SC

We held our annual competition weekend in Gillingham, Kent over the weekend 21-23 November 2014. Despite attendance being slightly down, it was a very successful event. The competition winners were: Premier Class (32 sheets) – Geoff Chivers The 1967 Ship definitive issue varieties; Postal History class – Chris Moore WWI Prisoner of War mail and Adhesives Class – Eric Holmes Edward VII Essays & die proofs. There were no entries in the QEII, GB used in Gibraltar or Miscellaneous classes. After viewing the entries on Saturday afternoon, the main display of the weekend was GB Used in Gibraltar by Bob Neville. We saw a superb display of stamps on cover, registered covers, and stamps on piece, mint and used plus varieties. We hope that the next meeting of the Study Circle will be held in Gibraltar during April 2015.

Bert Burton

Malaya Study Group

The first meeting of the season was the regional gathering in Worthing in September, where each attendee displayed material which covered from pre-WWII material to 21st century Malaysia. The displays included: stamps, including perforations from behind and miniature sheets, postal dues, Siamese Post Office markings and censor marks. We were able to discuss the material, to question the speakers and to exchange opinions. There was plenty of friendly banter


through the afternoon. The autumn auction consisted of 467 lots of postal stationery and revenues. The auction was a great event, especially from a seller’s perspective, with substantial prices astonishing the Room. Postal bidders were prominent on some lots, but Room bidders were also very successful. The November meeting started with a bourse, which was very busy, and most people managed to pick up a lot of interesting items. This was followed by the displays when nine members displayed items showing WWl material in three rounds. Covers were shown illustrating censorship, delays because of war, postage dues and the registration label shortage. Stamps from Trengganu and Straits Settlements with Red Cross surcharge and North Borneo Stamps with Maltese Cross overprint were shown. Other items displayed showed transit routes, ship postcards, quelling local unrest, welfare fund labels and the story of the German ship SMS Emden. Our Christmas meeting started with drinks and nibbles. Then came a variety of displays on the interpretation of Cinderella: cigarette cards, charity labels, an illustration of each letter of Cinderella and stamps from unrecognised countries. www.malayastudygroup.com

Martin Roper

The Royal Philatelic Society

London

Our November meetings have marked the 60

th anniversary of the British West

Indies Study Circle and examined the occupation of Iceland during the Second World War. On the 6

th

members of the BWI Study Circle presented no fewer than 52 displays, which, as always with such society visits, provided a wide diversity of material, ensuring all present found something of interest. Introducing the displays was Charles Freeland, their President. During WWII, Iceland, an independent country sharing the Danish monarchy, was neutral. Thus, even after the Nazi invasion of Denmark and Norway during the night of 9 April 1940, Iceland declined the offer of protection from Britain. Consequently it was decided by the British Cabinet to occupy Iceland, forces landing on 5

th May 1940. Later

the British forces were replaced by American protection from 7

th July 1941.

Later Dr David Kindley gave a presentation and display of mail sent to and from Iceland during this period of occupation. In December the theme was The Stamp Dealers. Shown were items relating to collecting in the 19

th

century, as produced by a range of stamp dealers from around the world. Included were price lists, mail sent to and from (many using their own postal stationery), and ephemera such as poster stamps. It was notable how many of the dealers were involved in the publishing of philatelic literature. The displays were the work of six collectors: Edward Caesley, Charles Kiddle, Francis Kiddle, Chris King, Wolfgang Maassen and Vincent Schouberechts. Administrative Office on 020 7486 1044

Richard West

Sarawak SS

We had a change of venue for our AGM weekend held last October. The

http://www.malayastudygroup.com


Menzies East Cliffe Court Hotel in Bournemouth was well situated. It was attended by just over 20 members including a transatlantic visitor from Florida, Jack Harwood. Friday afternoon started off with mini displays of recent acquisitions by many members. A wide variety of items from our territories of Brunei, Labuan, North Borneo and Sarawak were shared as well as queries and information requested. We then had our first major display of the meeting with Graham Woodhouse showing a very detailed impressive study of The Sarawak 1895 issue. Saturday morning’s auction had more than 600 items. This was organised by our very able team of Ivor Moore and Carol Turner. A very satisfactory result was obtained. The afternoon contained Claire Scott's large display of some of her extensive collection of Brunei showing many desirable items. Saturday night was our very enjoyable formal annual dinner with good food and wine and the usual speeches, toast and jokes. The AGM on Sunday was chaired by Roger Johnson our president, and Jeremy Dickson our treasurer proposed changes to ensure that our society continues on a sound financial footing. Afterwards Brian Trotter showed aspects of Labuan and North Borneo. This was only from his first three years of collecting and the result was extremely impressive. We all agreed that it had been a very good weekend, mainly due to the hard work of our outgoing social secretary, Peter Halmkin. britborneostamps.org.uk/

FahOnn Liau

South African Collectors’ S

On the 7th, 8

th and 9

th November we

joined the other Southern Africa Philatelic Societies at our annual weekend at Leamington Spa. About forty members attended this lively and enjoyable event with many good displays, several dealers present and the popular auction to finish the proceedings. Christopher Oliver 020 8940 9833 or [email protected] or view www.southafricacollector.com/

Chris Oliver

Sudan Study Group

We held our half yearly meeting in October at Spink, Southampton Row, London. The committee meeting dealt with business, including the decision to move to the next step in re-invigorating the website and the arrangements for the biennial Conference, which will be held next April near Derby. Richard Stock was congratulated on his success in steering into the latest SG Catalogue a good number of Sudan varieties. There then followed a very spirited auction which saw a few items romp away from a £40 estimate to a hammer price of several hundreds of pounds. Quality will always shine! In the afternoon, Andy Neal showed recent material from South Sudan including postally-used items—very scarce. Peter Halmkin followed with Overprint varieties and an early airmail quandary. Richard Stock treated us to a number of items including an unclaimed item with 29 backstamps, some scarce early campaign covers and a range of instructional marks. Paul Grigg displayed Early Sudan


http://www.southafricacollector.com/


ABPS Handbook & Directory: updates

These notes only show changes most useful for contacting a society, it is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all society changes. Barnet & District PS has a new secretary: Alan Harris 13 Potter's Road, New Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 5HS Dundee & District PS has a new secretary: Charles Lloyd [email protected] Leicester PS: Secretary, Mrs S Roulston, has a new number 07766 084297

If you see anything else that needs updating in the Handbook & Directory, or in the Philatelic Lecturers & Displays List, please inform The Reverend John Walden at [email protected]

FISA and BAMS

The 47th Federation International Societies Aerophilatelic/Astrophilatelic Congress (FISA) will take place on Tuesday 12

th May, 2015 from 10 am until

5pm, with the Protocol at 2 pm – all at the premises of the Royal Philatelic Society, London, one day ahead of the opening of LONDON 2015 EUROPHILEX (May 13

th-16

th, 2015). Delegates from around the World are

expected to attend, from 28 major Aero- and Astrophilatelic societies. The whole day will be devoted exclusively to Aerophilately. It is hosted by BAMS (British Air Mail Society) in conjunction with the "Pillage Trophy" – the joint competition held bi-annually between BAMS and AAMS (American Air Mail Society), alternately in each country. This year, 2015, teams of five will compete. FISA was evolved to separate Aerophilately and/or Astrophilately from basic "Postal History" in the competitive class arena; a task which it has successfully achieved. Aerophilately and/or Astrophilately, today, are recognised in their own class internationally.

Postal Service postmarks and Derek Barker had unrecorded censored material from the first Indian troop foray into the Sudan in 1940 as well as Airmail overprints with an unrecorded “broken lam” variety. Brian Jones ended with an amazing letter from one Captain Hobbs of the Royal Marines to his General explaining why he was absent from his post when the General arrived to inspect. The General was mollified!

Niklas Eriksson

Jack Davies studying auction lots


Stamp Active Network

Isle of Man Stamps and Coins to

sponsor youth competition

Stamp Active Network’s annual one page competition on the theme of “Our Living World” is to be sponsored in 2015 by Isle of Man Stamps and Coins. The one page competition is based on the philately of the living world which could include animals, birds, insects, the environment and much more. Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said “We welcomed the opportunity to support the terrific work which Stamp Active undertakes to encourage and support young people in the pursuit of Philately. We see our sponsorship of the Living World Competition as a natural fit with some of our issue topics due for release in 2015. We wish all of the entrants every success.” Young people in Primary School, up to the age of 12 (on 1

st September 2015 –

the closing date), are invited to create a one page mini-exhibit. Stamps, covers and other philatelic items can be used. The page must have a title, and either captions or a short write up that tells the story. There will be three age groups – Up to 7; 8-9; 10-12 – with prizes being awarded (for First, Second, Third ) in each age group, sponsored by Isle of Man Stamps & Coins. Winners can select philatelic gifts from the Isle of Man Stamps and Coins website to the value of £25 (1

st), £20 (2

nd) and £15 (3

rd). The best overall

entry will receive a prize of £40. The entries will be judged on knowledge of the subject, originality and presentation. Only one entry per person is allowed. UK entrants only. The best entries will be on display at Autumn Stampex at the Business and Design Centre (near the Angel tube station in Islington, London). For more information and examples of past winning entries, have a look at the Stamp Active website www.stampactive.co.uk David Rossall

http://www.stampactive.co.uk/


Bring a child to Spring Stampex 2015 and enjoy Stamp

Active!

Stamp Active want to encourage visitors to bring a child to Stampex to share in the wonderful world of philately. A free prize draw will again take place after the children’s auction on Saturday for all adults who visit the Kids Corner with a child at any time during the week. Prizes include a framed 1840 Penny Black and much more. This is now a regular feature of this event, sponsored by the PTS, Stanley Gibbons and Mulready Philatelics, so PLEASE BRING A CHILD TO STAMPEX. As the Show is taking place during half term this year, it is hoped many parents and grandparents will be encouraged to bring their family along to experience the fun world of stamp collecting. Stamp Active is a voluntary organisation which promotes stamp collecting for young people in the UK. The KIDS CORNER, sponsored by The Philatelic Traders’ Society, takes place at both Spring and Autumn Stampex. They can be found in gallery bays 14 and 15. There are plenty of fun activities to keep young collectors busy. They can collect points for these activities which will allow you to take part in the free children’s auction at 1.30pm on Saturday. This is always very popular. Once again there will be a free draw at the end of the auction for a classic stamp. An 1840 Penny Black has been generously donated by Mulready Philatelics and My Penny Blacks for the children's free draw. The theme of this year’s activities will be “BRILLIANT BRITAIN” with fun games and a range of interesting displays. Stamp Active will launch a new activity book at the Show which will be given free to all young collectors. The entries in the 2014 Stamp Active Competition will also be on display. For more information visit the Stamp Active website www.stampactive.co.uk

Kidstamps reveal Top Ten for Young Collectors

Kidstamps is a free postal club for young stamp collectors aged between 5 and 18. They receive a starter pack containing a selection of items. Then children receive vouchers which they return with a stamp-addressed envelope, in exchange for more stamps, First Day Covers etc. Members advise their collecting interests so that Stamp Active can try to send suitable items. Worldwide stamps remain the top choice but the top ten thematic collecting interests for young collectors are currently:

Animals Sport including The Olympics Flowers Football Space Birds Cars Transport Dogs Planes

No report of your society? Why not send one to the editor? It could get you new members, and also gives hints on good

speakers to other societies.

http://www.stampactive.co.uk


British Stamp news Now I know that I have reached the stage of being elderly. When I see from the list of 2015 stamps one of people who are very much part of my memory bank, such as the The Two Ronnies and the Fork Handles

sketch, it is clear that my life has become a part of history. I was taken even further back by the Alice in Wonderland set—this was a book that I read many times in my earlier years, only later finding out that Lewis Carroll was a Mathematics don at Oxford—my subject, my University. Then along came a mosaic of 50 years of commemoratives. This last couple of months have certainly given me

the chance to wallow in nostalgia. It has also given me the opportunity to see how the styles of stamp design have changed. How many can you recognise and how many are in your

collection? I know that we often say that design has gone down, but there were some older designs that do not stir me at all and there are some new ones that make me stop and think, so perhaps it is time for me to acknowledge that all of them are better than anything that I

could have managed. The Editor’s views are not necessarily those of the ABPS


York Fair 2015 – A New Venture

16 July - 18 July 2015 at York Race Course

A pilot exhibition with only 100 faces, confined to postal history. If this is successful it will become an annual, non-London exhibition thanks to

support from Chris Rainey.

The application pack will be on the ABPS website in due course. Closing date is likely to be 15

th June 2015.

Tickets available for opening day

LONDON 2015 EUROPHILEX will be the biggest philatelic event in Europe next year. It commemorates 175 years of postage stamps, 150 years of Stanley Gibbons Catalogues, 125 years of international exhibitions in London, not to mention 800 years since Magna Carta was signed.

The first day is for ticket holders only and tickets, at £10 each, are now available by visiting the website www.london2015.net

Alternatively send a sterling cheque payable to ‘SWE London 2015’ to Mrs Deborah Gooch, London 2015 Europhilex, Greystones, Green Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2BX, England or from the London 2015 stand at Spring Stampex.

Any questions: email Deborah [email protected]

ABPS accredited judges

The current list of ABPS accredited exhibition/competition judges can be found on the ABPS web site www.abps.org.uk Click on the “Exhibiting” tab, then the

“Judges” tab that is on the 2nd line of tabs.

http://www.london2015.net



Diary for the next few months Local and regional events by ABPS members

March

7 Streetly PS 2015 Fair, 10-4.30, The Collingwood Centre, Collingwood Drive, Pheasey, Birmingham B43 7NFBrian Hyner 0121 357 5340 [email protected]

14 Petersfield & District PS Auction, View 10-1.30, Sale 2-4, Petersfield Community Centre, Love Lane, Petersfield GU31 4BW For catalogue D Snowden 02392 591413

28 Kent Federation Spring Rally, hosted by Malling SC, 10-4, East Malling Village Hall, New Road, East Malling ME19 6DD Tony Bosworth 01622 762577 [email protected]

28 Norwich & Norfolk PS Fair, Hewett School, Gate 1, Cecil Road, Norwich NR1 2PL www.norphil.co.uk/nnps-fair.htm

28 Association of Sussex PS Stamp and Post Card Day, Burgess Hill School for Girls, Keymer Road, Burgess Hill RH15 0EG Jim Etherington 01273 471897 [email protected]

28 WESTBEX hosted by Thatcham & District PS, 10-4, The Kennet School, Stoney Lane, Thatcham, Berkshire RG19 4LL Graeme Stewart 01635 866942 or www.tdps.org.uk

April 12 Alfreton PS Stamp, Postal History & Postcard Fair, 10.15-4, Genesis

Centre, Main Hall, Church St., Alfreton, Derbyshire

May

9 Worpex 2015 Fair, Worcester Academy, Bilford Road, Worcester WR3 8HN 18 Basingstoke & District PS Club Auction 23 Spring StampEssex 2015, Thomas Gainsborough School, Head Lane,

Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 0JU. It marks Sudbury club’s Golden Jubilee

June 6 YPA Annual convention & Fair– LBH 2015, 10-4, Pudsey Civic Hall,

Dawson’s Corner, Pudsey LS28 5TA01977 793566 13 Swinpex 2015, 10-4.30, St Joseph’s School, Ocotal Way, Swindon SN3

3LR David Gibbon 01793 813484

July

4 Addlestone C A PS Fair & Federation of Surrey PS AGM & Competitions, Community Association Hall, Garfield Road, Addlestone KT15 2AJ Mrs Shirley Kemp [email protected]




12 Kent Federation Day & AGM, 10-4, Great Danes Hotel (Mercure Group), Ashford Road (A20), Hollingbourne, Maidstone ME17 1RE Colin Tobitt 020 8265 4251 [email protected]

August 1 Norwich & Norfolk PS Fair, Hewett School, Gate 1, Cecil Road, Norwich NR1

2PL www.norphil.co.uk/nnps-fair.htm When sending the Editor details of events please give the postcode of your venues – it helps people with satnavs.

National & International Events for the next

two years

National Exhibitions 2015-2016

Held at Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH unless otherwise stated 18-20 February 2015, Spring Stampex 2015, GBPS Limited exhibition 200

Frames Diamond Jubilee of the Great Britain Philatelic Society 13-16 May 2015, London 2015 FIP and FEPA Exhibition 4 July MIDPEX 2015 10-4, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, Leamington Spa

CV31 1XN www.midpex.wordpress.com 16-19 September 2015, Autumn Stampex 2015: Full National Exhibition: With

all classes - Key Participant: GB Overprints Society 45 Years Spring Stampex 2016: Pictorial Classes Thematic, Open and Postcards

International Exhibitions 2015

13-15 March 2015: Swedish National Exhibition at Värnamo 11-16 August 2015: Singapore World Stamp Exhibition—50 years of

Independence — Sands Expo® & Convention Center, Singapore 3-6 September 2015 Gotha Bilateral German/GB Exhibition—celebrating the

175th Anniversary of the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert: GB Commissioner Graham Winters, 110 Oakenshaw Lane, Walton, Wakefield WF2 6NL 01924 259713 [email protected]

23-25 October 2015, The Capital Stamp Show 2015TSB Bank Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington, New Zealand www.nzpf.org.nz/exhibitions/capital-stamp-show-2015

Web information Further information on exhibiting and forthcoming exhibitions can be found on the ABPS website www.abps.org.uk on the “Exhibiting” tab.

Francis Kiddle, Chairman ABPS International & Exhibitions Committee

http://midpex.wordpress.com

http://www.nzpf.org.nz/exhibitions/capital-stamp-show-2015

http://www.nzpf.org.nz/exhibitions/capital-stamp-show-2015


ABPS General Information Honorary Life Vice Presidents Brian Asquith, Tony Bosworth, Mike Brindle, Peter Chantry, Michael Elliott, Hugh Feldman, Cliff Garside, John Hammonds, Phil Kenton, Margaret Morris, Tom Poynton, Pat Rothnie, Neil Russell, Frank Soutar, Professor John C West, Richard West, Alan Wood.

Executive Committee Chair: John Baron [email protected] 01933 650093 - also deals with the ABPS website Vice Chair & Advertising: Paul Gaywood [email protected] Vice Chair & Editor (Directory, Speakers List): Rev John Walden

[email protected] General Secretary: Willie King [email protected] Company Secretary and Treasurer: Nigel RN Gooch [email protected] Awards Committee Chair: Susan M Oliver [email protected] Communications Director: Chris Oliver [email protected] - Contact for further copies of ABPS leaflets, Handbook/Directory, Speakers List International & Exhibitions Chair: Francis E Kiddle [email protected] PR and Youth: John A Davies [email protected] Other Officers Congress Committee Chair: Gerald Marriner [email protected] Dealers Representative: Brian Moorhouse [email protected] Distribution: John Woodson [email protected] Editor (Newsletter): Keith S Burton [email protected] 01423 569907 Federations: John Dickenson [email protected] Membership: Alan D Godfrey [email protected] 01789 765385 Small Grants Coordinator: Peter O’Keeffe 8, Stainer Road, Tonbridge, TN10 4DR, 01732 357 065 Specialist Societies: Dane Garrod [email protected] Postal addresses ABPS, c/o RPSL, 41 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6JY Please use this RPSL address for all correspondence apart from the following: Membership Secretary: 8 Gerard Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6QG

Society reports (if not emailed to the editor) for the ABPS News: Editor ABPS, 6 Old Trough Way, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 3DE To contact the Stamp Active Network, please write to: SAN, c/o John Davies, 3 Longfellow Road, Banbury, Oxon OX16 9LB ABPS News is published by the Association of British Philatelic Societies. Website www.abps.org.uk This also holds further information on Committees.


ABPS News - Spring 2015

Documents

Transcript of ABPS News - Spring 2015