Front cover of the 85th Birthday Special Edition of Postmark...

POSTMARK

Number 134 Summer 2017

The Southampton & District Philatelic Society Web Site is:

www.southamptondps.org.uk/

Hampshire Philatelic Federation : www.hantsfederation.org.uk

THE EDITOR... Welcome to issue 134 of Postmark published alongside the 85th Birthday edition of Postmark. This issue covers society business over the past 3 to 4 months as it was thought that this should not have been placed in the 85th birthday special. The 85th Special Edition has been a lot of hard work for Eddie May who has edited it and designed it and for me getting the information together, vetting/checking it and passing it on to Eddie to put into the Special Edition. In this edition are 2 articles, one by Paul Arnold and the other by Branimir Pantaleev. The reason for this is that they arrived too late for the Special Edition and so I thought as there was space then why not put it in this edition so they are seen at the same time as the Special edi-tion Postmark articles. Hopefully John Berridge will be doing a lead article for the next edition of Postmark that will cover the recent meeting held on the 20th May along with the Aero Philatelic Society that unfortunately was held too close for an article to appear in the Special Postmark. Now I am putting on my Curator’s hat to tell you about the next project I am undertaking. I am intending to update publications by Bryan Hunt that were written covering postmarks & postal markings of Southampton (copies held in the society library). Bryan’s research records these up until 1992 and so it is my intention to carry this forward and bring it up-to-date. I will first start with the Society postal history collection and scanning postmarks & postal markings up to 2017. Then once I have done this I will then ask members if they have any material of Southampton postal markings that they can either scan or send me a copy in the post. This like the catalogue of the society collection will take time. But once done, can be updated as I go along and we should then have an up-to-date catalogue of the postal history and up-to-date recording of Southampton Postmarks & postal markings from 1700 - 2017. The catalogue took just under 3 years to produce, but hopefully the postmarks and postal markings will take a little bit less. I hope that a copy of the society postal history collection will be in the society library at the end of May or the beginning of June and then look at the possibility of having it put on-line.

Steve Gerrard (Editor & Curator)...

Southampton & District Philatelic Society – Officers.

President : John Berridge. Chairman : Mel Bradshaw. Secretary : Rev. Paul Arnold. Packet Manager : Jack Hindson Treasurer : Mike Watts. Public Relations Officer : Eddie Mays. Auctioneer : Mel Bradshaw. Membership Secretary : Mike Vokes. Competitions : Brian Hague. Programme Secretary : Kevin Chard. Postmark Editor : Steve Gerrard. Email : Tel : 80 221925 Tel : 80 785785

Tel : 01962 712282 Tel : 80 266431 Tel : 80 454131 Tel : 80 402194 Tel : 80 785785 Tel : 80 262551 brian@brianhague.plus.com Tel : 01489 574834 Tel : 80 433820 stevesstamps@hotmail.co.uk

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DOWN TO BUSINESS… CHAIRMAN’S NOTES MAY 2017…

We had a very healthy attendance at the AGM on April 18th, but for those unable to attend, a copy of my report is printed below. ‘The Society continues to benefit from the help given by many individuals, including some who are not committee members. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make 2016 another successful year. There are many unsung heroes, who willingly take on roles to support the work of the Society and its members. The Society appreciates all who willingly lend a hand, but inevitably there are a few who help almost every time. We must thank, especially, Brian Pantaleev for his unfailing help, both setting out the hall for meetings and carrying many heavy boxes of auction material. Pauline Gittoes and Lorraine Sims regularly sell raffle tickets, a process that helps to bring in important income in a fun way. The pairs of individuals who serve tea and coffee deserve our grateful thanks, they slide out of meetings just before the break to ensure that drinks are ready for the rush! Thanks also to Paul Arnold who continues to be enthusiastic and dedicated secretary, and Julian who stepped in during Paul’s absence to ensure meeting minutes were taken. Despite difficulties with the original venue, Jim Rankin organised a very enjoyable Sunday lunch at Wellow Golf Club and Debbie Hindson again organised a successful social afternoon at Chandler’s Ford. The past year has been busy and I would like to thank all committee members for their support and hard work. A number take on more than one role and it is only by this dedication that the society continues to be success-ful in serving its members effectively. Steve Gerrard has combined the roles of Curator of the Society’s Collection and Editor of Postmark. Both these roles involve considerable work. Steve’s work cataloguing the Society’s collection is near completion - thank you for what has been a marathon task. My thanks also go to Pauline for her wise words as a supportive Vice Chairman, ably taking over the role of Chairman when necessary. The efforts of Mike Vokes in helping to maintain our membership records and communicating with new members are much appreciated, as are those of Kevin Chard who has worked tirelessly to ensure an interesting range of meetings throughout the year. Much of the Society’s success stems from many individuals going an extra mile in helping in whatever way they can and by working together as a team.

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Power generation was restarted in 1950. In 1969–80, the second powerhouse was built with a production capacity of 828 MW. Currently, the dam is over 800 meters long and 61 metres high. The dam elevates the river water up to 37 m, which floods the rapids above and makes the entire Dnieper navigable. Over its long history, the dam was hailed as one of the greatest achievements of Soviet industrialization programs. Today, its cheap energy helps Ukraine to survive as an independent country. There are fears that unless the new authorities take mainte-nance more seriously, the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station may well not be around for the next anniversary of the Southampton Philatelic Society.

Branimir Pantaleev….

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY June 20th - Auction July 4th - 1936 Olympics - Tony Boswell 13th - Chandlers Ford Afternoon Social 18th - Society Competitios & Letter ‘Q’ August 1st - German North Atlantic Catapult Mail 10th - Afternoon Meeting, Chandlers Ford 26th - Panda Fair, Methodist Hall, St James Rd, SO15 5HE

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Three officers will be leaving the committee this year. Brian Hague has successfully organised the Society’s Competition evening, but is now taking a break. Harry Vinecombe took on the role of Assistant Treasurer for one year to help ensure a smooth transition and Pauline Gittoes, having completed a three year term as Vice Chairman, is step-ping down today. Thank you to all three for their efforts, over a number of years, in helping to ensure a vibrant and successful Society. It is with sadness that I also have to note that, owing to Alan Drydall’s death, a new Chandler’s Ford convenor will need to be selected. Last year I commented that any committee requires new blood to maintain momentum. Mike Watts took over as Treasurer and has proved an invaluable member of the team. He has made a major change with the introduction of electronic banking. Eddie Mays took over the role of Public Relations Officer (PRO), which Steve Gerrard had managed in addition to his other roles. Steve and Eddie have worked well together improving further our excellent Postmark and communication beyond the Society. I am delighted that Patrick Goethals has decided to remain in the post of Librarian and continue his excellent work. The 2016 programme was varied and fascinating - surely everyone could find something they enjoyed: Oxbridge College Stamps, Tasmania, Sussex Skies, Borneo, Anschluss, CB GVI High Values (Part 3!!), Fiji and the auctioneer’s view from the rostrum. In addition visits from Ferndown Society and the Postcard Club, together with an evening looking at aspects of the Society Collection and Len Yandell’s Le Harve display added interest and range. The President’s evening featured John’s own display of the Hindenberg Airship and Geoffrey Eibl-Kaye’s look at the effect of hyperinflation on stamp production. John Berridge continues his enthusiastic and effective support as President. Until his illness, Alan Drysdall ably organised the Thursday afternoon meetings in Chandler’s Ford; and eagerly anticipated monthly meeting. Income generation is critical for the continued success of the Society and to enable it to subsidise visits and social events. Our income from membership fees has to be supplemented significantly: most coming from the Packet, managed successfully by Jack Hindson, the Auctions and the Raffle. The accounts presented by our treasurer show clearly how much each of these generated. Our thanks go to all those who contribute in some way to raising funds, in whatever capaci-ty.

Both were rebuilt between 1944 and 1949, as shown on the stamps below:

General Electric built the new generators for the Dam. Their weight was more than 2,250,000 pounds. The generators replaced those destroyed dur-ing World War II. Each of the new units is rated 90 MW, as compared to the 77.5 MW of the old generators, built in 1931. With a frame diameter of 42 feet 5 inches, units were shipped in 1946.

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Members continue to support the varied third Tuesday meetings, especially the ’letter themes’, 15 sheets or Single Sheet Competition, which was won by Kevin Chard with a Fiji sheet. The larger competition evening is a chance to see some exceptional material. In 2016, there were 10 outstanding entries, including 3 postcard entries. The results were close but the trophies awarded were: Gordon Thorne Trophy - Julian Jones, Millennium Trophy, Basil Owen award and John Stockley Rose Bowl - Geoffrey Eibl-Kaye and Bob McDonald Aerophilately Award - John Berridge. The Society’s best entries went forward to Hampex, where the Society won the Howard White Trophy, with Julian Jones being awarded the Howard White Individual Trophy, while Brian Hague was successful winning the Hampshire Sixteen Cup. Minor changes to the programme, including fewer Bourse and Silent Auction evenings have followed discussions of recent trends. The most recent Bourse and Silent Auction evening has suggested a continuing demand for meetings of this type. Membership remains good, but there continues to be a gradual decline as, although new members come along ands are always welcome, losses due to death and resignation are greater in number. I do not want to dwell on this here, but if any of you know collectors who might be interested in joining put them in touch with the Membership Secretary, and encourage those non-members who attend meetings, especially auctions, to join. The £10 annual fee is very cheap with the benefits are considered. I have now completed three years of my initial five year term as Chairman. It is important to say that I hope to be able to complete those five years, but it is unlikely that, for personal reasons, I will be available for a further three year term. Last year I noted that an exciting programme for 2017 was in preparation to celebrate the Society’s 85th Birthday. I trust that, so far, you have not been disappointed with the year and are looking forward, as I am, to the remaining events. Finally, thank you for your attention this evening and for your support over the last year.’ At the meeting the following new officers were elected Vice Chairman and Competitions Secretary - Kevin Chard, Chandler’s Ford Convenor - Mike Vokes, Assistant Treasurer - Debbie Hindson and Society Archivist Steve Gerrard, who will also act as representative on the Hampshire Phila-telic Federation Committee.

Dr Mel Bradshaw (Chairman)…

surprisingly early and they managed to cut some of the detonating ca-bles. In the end the dam suffered extensive damage, and the power-house hall was nearly destroyed.

The sacrifice of the Dnieper Dam even

made headlines in Britain.

Edition of Saturday September 4th 1941

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PRAGA 2018…

The Czechoslovak Philatelic Society of Great Britain is arranging a visit to Praga 2018, the European Philatelic Exhibition, which is to be held in Prague from August 15th to 18th 2018. It celebrates the cen-tenary of the independence of the country and the issue of its first post-age stamps. Members from Southampton have joined trips arranged to past exhibitions and we will receive updates once the organisation be-comes known. If you are interested in receiving information, please let me know.

Dr Mel Bradshaw (Chairman)…

ATTEMPT TO SCAM THE SOCIETY…

At the social evening on the 16th May our treasurer, Mike Watts relayed details of an alarming event. Mike received an email which appeared to have been sent to him by an S&DPS committee member stating that a payment of £ 1,960 was due in connection with the Society’s 85th Birthday event. If the Payment was not made immediately, the event would not be able to take place. Luckily for us Mike used to be in charge of fraud prevention and security for an offshore bank and his experience in this field immediate-ly caused alarm bells to ring. He did not make the payment. The information needed to attempt this fraud was available from the society’s website and Mike thinks this is where the fraudsters obtained it. My eyes are still watering just thinking about it!!!!... Well done Mike for being vigilant and for not panicking and sending these thieving cowards the Society’s well earned money. It is also a lesson for us all to be extremely vigilant - even when dealing with messages purportedly from senders we know. If something doesn’t look right - it probably isn’t.

Steve Gerrard (Editor).

SPEAKERS CORNER...

7th February 2017 : Latvia, 1745 – 1945 : Wendy Buckle... Latvia is one of three states on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea which has a long history going back many centuries. However, in 1785 Latvia was taken into the Russian Empire and remained so, apart from a

took part in the construction. During the second 5-year plan four more gen-erators of similar power produced by Elektrosila in Leningrad were in-stalled. This was the first but not the last successful project of reverse engi-neering undertaken by the well-observing Soviet specialists. The Dnepros-troi Dam was the largest in Europe at the time of its construction. The industrial centres of Ukraine grew from the power provided by the station, including such electricity-consuming industries as aluminium pro-duction, which was vitally important for Soviet aviation. The electrical power obtained by the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station was the cheapest in the world; there was no air pollution and it helped Ukraine to become the most industrialised Republic within the Soviet Union. The Third Reich attacked in the summer of 1941, and the Red Army was unable to stop the advance of the German Wehrmacht towards Ukraine. What was to follow was one of the most painful decisions made by the Sovi-et Leadership – their greatest pride and achievement was to be destroyed! American journalist H. R. Knickerbocker wrote: The Russians have proved now by their destruction of the great dam at Dniepropetrovsk that they mean truly to scorch the earth before Hitler even if it means the de-struction of their most precious possessions ... Dnieprostroy was an object almost of worship to the Soviet people. Its destruction demonstrates a will to resist which surpasses anything we had imagined. I know what that dam meant to the Bolsheviks ... It was the largest, most spectacular, and most popular of all the immense projects of the First Five-Year Plan ... The Dnie-per dam when it was built was the biggest on earth and so it occupied a place in the imagination and affection of the Soviet people difficult for us to realize ... Stalin's order to destroy it meant more to the Russians emotionally than it would mean to us for Roosevelt to order the destruction of the Pana-ma Canal. The German High Command appreciated the potential of the hydroelectric plant, so using local slave labour, the German engineers had almost succeeded in repairing it by the autumn of 1943. However, the Red Army mounted a counter offensive, and the retreating German Army attempted to destroy it completely. As the dam was also a crossing point of the vast river, the orders were to wait until as many Wehrmacht soldiers as possible cross Dnieper. Eventually, the Soviet Special Forces appeared

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period of independence between the two World Wars. In 1940 it was again taken into the USSR until 1989, when it regained its independence. In the 12th century Riga was a prosperous city with an international trade in Baltic amber, trading as far afield as the Kingdom of Sweden and the Mediterranean. In 1785 Latvia became a part of the Russian Empire under the Empress Catherine the Great. Catherine had established a Postal Service that compared well with any other, and in 1785 had passed a decree that all mail must ‘have a postmark’ before it could be accepted into the system. There were numerous items of mail from the ‘pre-stamp’ era that had passed through the Russian postal system. Russia introduced postage stamps in 1858, together with numeral postmarks indicating the route the letter took and, in 1864, stamps of higher value for overseas letters. 1883 saw the introduction of ‘cds’ by the Russian Postal Service. Wendy’s collection reflects the reasonably normal flow of mail until 1908, when political rumblings in Europe started to affect most countries. The Postal History of Latvia/Russia reflects the country’s history as WW1 approached. In 1915 Germany invaded and occupied Latvia and imposed tighter postal rules for security reasons, and all post passed through ‘Feld Post’. Civilian mail, restricted to other Russian States, had to be handed to the post offices unsealed so that it could be examined before sending, and overseas mail was permitted only to Konigsberg. When the Armistice was agreed, Russia was weak and in 1919 the three Baltic States claimed their independ-ence and sovereignty. Latvia had only one printing press in Riga, and there was a severe shortage of paper, so that stamps were printed on the back of various government documents – maps, bank-notes, etc. These make an in-teresting field for study and collecting, including the fact that many stamps were issued in small sheets, reflecting the smaller documents available. In 1919 special issues celebrating Latvian independence from Russia were produced, even though some censorship of military mail between Latvian, German and Russian cities, still existed. In 1921 Latvia issued its 1st Definitive Series and later its first Commemorative stamps, which included a surcharge for the restoration of the ancient city. There was a strong anti-Russian / anti-Stalin element in them. In 1925 Latvia issued its first Commemorative Stamps, featuring the his-tory and politics of Latvia, and like some later issues these were available in both perforate and imperforate. Charity surcharges were a feature of Latvi-an stamps; two notable issues were the Christmas 1930 Anti-TB, one of which stamps doubled as a Christmas seal, and 1932 Militia Maintenance Fund to support ex-servicemen. Various initiatives were implemented dur-ing this period:- a rudimentary TPO was established early; slogan cancels

in 1927 and the construction commenced. While the Soviet Union was able to construct the Dam, the power generators could only be pur-chased from the American General Electric Company. Raising the money was an enormous task in itself, and many Soviet people had to work in their free time or to sacrifice their family jewellery and even stamp collections. Practically, everyone who had something was ex-pected to make a donation, so the hydroelectric station belonged indeed to all Soviet people, and this made the opening ceremony a real triumph.

One of the most beautiful Soviet Stamps shows the occasion.

The plant started to produce elec-tricity in October 1932. Generating about 560 MW, the station became the largest Soviet power plant at the time and one of the largest in the

world. American specialists under the direction of Colonel Hugh Cooper

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were introduced in 1920; a Balloon Race was forced to land in Latvia, and the Latvian postal authorities were able to frank postcards being car-ried by the competitors before they were able to take off to continue the race! In 1922 an Airmail Service was implemented in co-operation with Germany, using German planes and assisted by the German Post Office. It could only operate between May and October (due to icy con-ditions in winter). It operated on three routes - (1) South to Berlin; (2) East to Russia; (3) North to Scandinavia. Airmails went at internal rates. Pre-WW2 airmail to London went via Berlin, but with the out-break of war it was sent via Sweden. One rare cover displayed had high postage costs and it seems that it went to London via Moscow, Asia and North Africa to London! It was surmised that this was to ensure that the contents were not seen by the Germans, which would have been the case had it gone by the normal route through Sweden. Early in the war Russia invaded Latvia once again, but in 1941 the Germans drove the Russians out and occupied the country for the duration of the war. Postal materials of the period show that Germany considered Latvia a part of Germany, and the nation experienced restrictions, censorship and even chemical washing of post seeking evidence of secret writing. With the end of hostilities Russia was quick to invade again, remained until the fall of the USSR in 1989. In 1989 Latvia was quick to seize the chance to become independent, joining NATO, and later UNO and the EU.

7th March 2017 - 19th Century Australian and New Zealand Mail

Colin Tabeart... There was no regular Australian Mail service prior to 1788, but by early 19th century routes to the east had been established via Atlantic, Mediterranean and overland to north India, and then south via Malaya, Singapore and on to Sydney. The first letter from Australia to Liverpool that is known was sent in 1823, but by the 1830s a mail service had been established between Liverpool and Sydney, with onward transmission from Sydney to Swan River, Western Australia in 1833, and to New Zealand (1840). In 1843 a missionary sent a letter to another missionary in Colin’s display. In 1845 the first Steam Packet boats were in use via the Mediterranean, then overland and on to other ships for the journey south-eastward. About this time duplicate letters were beginning to be written, with one letter being carried on the first ship and the duplicate

85 years Dnieper Hydroelectric Station...

This year marks the 85th anniversary not only of the Southampton Philatelic Society but also one of the most controversial and dramatic construction projects of all times – the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the leader of the Bolshevik party – Lenin decided that Electrification was going to be a Priority for the new Soviet State. He was influenced by the achievements of Switzerland, which he observed during his exile period there.

The views above show why Lenin was so fascinated with Switzerland. He realised that everything could be achieved by willing people, and this was to influence greatly his future. As the stamp below shows, electrification became the second most im-portant ingredient of the state ideology:

The stamp states: Com-munism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country. The plan for total electrifica-tion was revealed by Lenin in 1920 and immortalised on many stamps. The most sig-nificant hydroelectric station was to be built on the river Dnieper, currently in Ukraine. The planning was completed

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who will select the Society’s representative entries for the Howard-White competition at Hampex.

vi. The Trials event might occur outside the society’s meetings pro-gramme of first and third Tuesday evenings. However those entries going forward to Hampex would be displayed (with optional, brief introduc-tion from the exhibitor) at a subsequent society evening prior to Hampex.

If the Membership believes that competitions should be an im-portant part of the society’s future and consider that all or some of the above structure are an appropriate way forward then there are some challenges to realising these recommendations. The Society needs a willing Competitions Secretary to offer their services at the AGM to organise activities which will be strongly supported by the Committee. Members should support the proposed two pronged approach to competitions.

Proposal originated by Brian Hague and members, John Dorrington, Jul-ian Jones and Branimir Pantaleev helped kick around ideas and develop the thoughts in this proposal.

Julian Jones for Brian Hague… 22 April 2017

CHANDLER’S FORD SOCIAL WITH AFTERNOON TEA... Now in its third year, the Chandler’s Ford social afternoon is on Thursday 13th July at 2.00pm. It will be held in the Dovetail Centre, Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford which is the Methodist church hall next door to Hillside Close where the Thursday meetings are usually held. This is a free event for members and guests and will include afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes. There will be the usual raffle (for which any prizes will be gratefully received) and a quiz with a prize for the winner. If you would like to come but need transport, let me know and I will arrange a lift for you.

Debbie Hindson 023 80266431…

on the next. Such duplicates are hard to come by, but a pair from 1846 was shown. The volume of mail increased, and although the Australian States remained separate entities, virtually all mail arrived at either Melbourne or Sydney, and onward transmission was by coastal packet steamers. With in-creasing quantity of mail, there was growing competition to carry letters, and more effort was made to speed the mail. Royal Mail opened contracts to carry the mail, and the Royal Navy, with ships in European and Australi-an waters obtained a contract, but its other duties sometimes interfered with the Royal Mail contract, and the contract was withdrawn and passed to com-mercial ships. The introduction of steamships resulted in faster mail. Over a few years the time taken for letters to reach Australia was reduced from 100+ days to around 60 – 70. Steamships often carried sets of sails to use when winds were fair to reduce the consumption of coal. (Ships were reported as using up to 500 tons/day on occasions!). By the 1860s shipping companies were looking for faster routes, and attention turned to the Pacific Ocean routes, with overland transhipment across the Americas. The first mail on this route was via Panama, but the health problems with yellow fever led to more northerly routes via San Francisco and New York. Later, with the introduction of the Empire Rate postage, much mail went via Canada, through Vancouver and Newfoundland. The closing decades of the 19th century saw the formation of many shipping lines, and in 1888 the Post Office introduced a weekly service to Australia and New Zealand. Competition from foreign ships increased; from 1886 French ships offered a service via the Mediterranean, transhipped at Suez, and south-east to Singapore, Malaya and on to Austral-ia and New Zealand. In 1901 the German Nordeutsche/ Lloyd Line com-missioned a large steamship, which at full steam consumed 500 tons coal/day, for the run. A selection of covers from this period, including a ‘Sailor’s Rate’ 1d, postcard 1½ d and a cover with an additional 1d ‘Ship’s Bag’ were on display. The turn of the century saw the opening of the goldfields in Western Australia which increased the sailings between Sydney/Melbourne and South Australia (Adelaide) and Western Australia (Esperance). In 1905 a large pipeline (approx. 1.5 diam.) and a railway line were built between Esperance and the goldfields some 350 miles inland. The pipeline is still go-ing in 21st century! After WW1, some returning Australian airmen brought planes home with them, and started using them to carry supplies, including mail, between Australian cities and towns, which speeded-up the post once it had reached Australia. In 1929 Imperial Airways established a route between London

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and Karachi, and Australian postal services by which mail collected at Sydney was flown to Fremantle, transferred to ship to Karachi and then by air to London – a journey of 14 days, but still much quicker than by sea! In 1931 three experimental flights were made between London and Sydney, and in December a regular air service was opened between UK and Australia. With regular flights from UK to USA established, trials were made, using a Boeing 314 seaplane, on a trans-Pacific route, and in 1937 San Francisco – Hong Kong-Australia and San Francisco-Hong Kong-Fiji-New Zealand air routes were established. By 1940 a regular trans-Pacific airmail service was well established with a letter rate of 5/10d per ½oz. and postcard rate of 2/4d.

4th April 2017 - Finland at War - Michael Elliott...

The President introduced the evening’s Speaker, Michael Elliott, from Hassocks. Michael is a Past-President and Treasurer of the Scandinavian Philatelic Society, and a Fellow of the RPSL. In the period 1939 – 1945 Finland fought three wars, but was not involved in World War II! The first was the Winter War, 1939 – 1940, resisting Soviet Union invasion; the second was the 1941- 1944 the Continuing War, as ‘co-belligerents’ with the Nazis against the Soviets and the third, following Moscow’s Armistice of 19 September 1944, the Lapland War to drive the Nazi out of Finland. Finland has a long history of war with Russia, and in early 1939 it could see war with Russia coming. On 30 November 1939 the battle be-gan. The winter 1939/1940 was a particularly harsh one, and the Finns suffered greatly as the Russians moved westwards, supporting the Ger-mans. On 27 June 1941 Germany began its attack on Russia, and the Finns pushed eastwards to the north of the German Army, recovering much land that had been lost to the Russians earlier in the 20th century. Three years later, in 1944, the Russians began to roll-back the Germans, but the Finns ceded territory, signing an armistice with the Soviet Un-ion on 19 September 1944. The Allies then encouraged and assisted the Finns to drive out the Nazis. Finland hosted the 1932 Winter Olympics after Japan had withdrawn, and during this time it had established an efficient ‘Field Post’ which had been strengthened during national Military Exercises later in the year, and in further exercises in 1937 and 1939. By WWII censorship, regimental caches and other Field Post matters were well established; several postal covers (including a cover to Sir Stanley Rous) were dis-

growing that interest be an objective of the society? With much enthusiastic discussion your Committee agreed that the SDPS should encourage a broader base of interest in competitive philately amongst its membership in order to continue to support participation in the Hampex (and other) competitions. It recommends to Members the adoption of a two pronged structure: 1. Move towards a Members Competitions evening that, whilst based on Hampshire Federation and National rules allows some flexibility. i. Entries of 16 sheets preferred but anything from 12 to 16 acceptable. This

recognises that members may want to try out a work in progress for which further material is still being sought.

ii. Formal write-up encouraged including an introductory page. iii. Very brief spoken introduction as to the intended story of the exhibit

permitted. iv. Award of most trophies judged by a panel of ‘experts’ formed from

members who have had experience of competing at national level.

v. A further trophy to be awarded based on the votes of all the members present on the evening.

vi. Where welcomed, confidential feedback available from the panel of ‘experts’. This could be progressed into a mentoring programme to be offered to any entries thought ready (and where the exhibitor was willing) to be developed into a future Hampex entry.

vii. If there is a demand then a workshop could be held to provide interactive discussion and advice in a small group setting.

2. For those members considering entering the Hampshire Federation competitions we would hold a separate ‘Hampex Trials’ event: i. Not necessary to have ‘pre-qualified’ by participating in a Members Com-

petitions evening. ii. Entries to be either 16 sheet or 32 sheet (or more frames to allow a try-out

of a larger exhibit aimed at Stampex). iii. Fully compliant with and judged against National/Hampshire Federation

rules. iv. Judged by one or more external, qualified judges. v. Their input to be made available to a group appointed by the Committee

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played. When Finland declared war on Russia in 1939 the military infra-structure was well established, so that when volunteers from several coun-tries joined the Finnish troops they were well supported. Volunteers were included in the Free Post service for forces, although some receiving coun-tries surcharged at local post rate. When Germany turned against Russia in 1941, the Finnish troops moved through Russian towns and ‘acquired’ a large amount of Russian postal stationery which was used by the Finns, including not only stamps but also registration post and postcards. Examples of such use are obtainable, and examples were displayed. (In response to a question it was stated that Finland’s population was approximately 4,000,000, and that about 20% (800,000) were serving in the forces + many volunteers.) In both wars the Lotta Svards, a women’s voluntary organisation founded in 1920, supported the Finnish troops in many roles. They were given the same privileges of free post, etc. as were the troops, and samples of postal stationery bearing their marks are around. As the Finns advanced into Russia they ‘acquired’ postal stationery and stamps which they overprinted ‘Suomi-Finland’. The ‘Lottas’ frequently helped at Field Post Centres, and even helped German Troops to send basic news home. Finns would do anything against the Russians, and once Russia was on the back-foot, some joined the Waffen-SS on the Eastern Front, and an SS Volunteer Bureau was established. In 1944 when fortunes turned once more, the Lapland War began as the Finns sought to drive out the Germans, particularly from the north of Finland, where there were large nickel mines. The Allies invited Finland to join them in fighting the Nazis, and they accepted, provided that they were not required to fight outside their homeland. The Germans began to with-draw from Finland, but implemented a ‘scorched earth’ policy, with the Finns and Allies ‘leap-frogging’ to protect vital areas of population and nat-ural reserves.

Speakers Highlights - Third Quarter 2017… Continuing our series of articles on forthcoming speakers please find

below details of the speakers for the third quarter:

Tuesday 4th July. Tom Bosworth will be our guest on the subject of the 1936 Olympics. Tony started collecting in 1990, and soon latched on to German and East European (Croatia and General Government) philately. He joined the Ger-

draws; were they rigged in favour of a new-comer? Banish the thought! It was a few months later, at the end of May, that Ruth and I had gone off camping with friends and we returned home to find a few messages from various Officers of the Society (I will spare their blushes, and let them remain anonymous!) wanting to talk to me urgently. Sadly, our former Secretary, Ian Burgess, had died suddenly and unexpectedly while at a Stamp Fair in France. “Would I take on the task?” was the question on three pairs of lips, at a ‘Job Interview’ conducted in the armchairs in the Coffee Room. When it was put to the Meeting at the beginning of June, everyone said ‘Yes’ – well at least none said ‘NO!’ I was re-appointed at the next and subsequent AGMs. It’s been a great five and a half years, in a wonderful Society, full of

marvellous friends, colleagues and many great Christian companions.

Rev. Paul Arnold (Secretary)…

Society Competitions – a Way Forward? It’s generally accepted that there are two distinct reasons for the Society holding competitions: i. To encourage greater involvement amongst the membership in devel-

oping and displaying material from their collections and sharing their knowledge and enthusiasms.

ii. To select suitable entries to represent the Society in the annual Ham-pex Howard‑White competition and provide an oppor-tunity for all members interested in entering the Hampex (or ABPS) competitions to gain some potentially use-ful feedback.

These two objectives aren’t always necessarily mutually supportive. They can perhaps be characterised respectively by the adjectives ‘fun’ versus ‘serious’. It could be argued that the first objective is already well addressed by many other opportunities in the Society’s programme with the two members’ evenings themed on letters of the alphabet and the show and tell afternoons at Chandlers Ford. Within the society’s membership as a whole, taking part in competi-tive philately is very much a minority interest. Should supporting and

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1st OCTOBER 2017 SUNDAY LUNCH…

Following the success of last years Society Annual Lunch at the Wellow Golf Club, it has once again been booked for this year on the 1st October. The format for this event will follow previous practice i.e. members and guests will have a selection of three from starters, main course & dessert served with refreshments followed by coffee.

Jim Rankin... Wonderful City of Southampton.

It was about eight or nine years ago that gentle hints were being dropped that it might be a good idea if Ruth and I thought about moving near to the wonderful city of Southampton. We had already made up our minds that if we did move, it would be into a Park Home, and so we had began to clear some of the ‘clutter’ of the past 30 years. Among the ‘clutter’ was a vast amount of ordinary, low value stamps from across the Commonwealth and bits and pieces from other countries. They had sat in my study for a long time! I decided to limit myself to Southern Africa, GB and a few thematic groups. The rest were sold to UPA for a reasonable price. We moved in July 2011 and later that month were going camping, so I bought a copy of Stamp and Coin Mart for part of my holiday reading. In that edition there was a short ‘Around the Clubs’ piece that had the name Jack Hindson at its foot. I said to Ruth ‘I think I’ll phone that number when we get home.’, and put the magazine aside for later. We got home and were busy cleaning and packing away our camping gear, and sorting out what of our ‘goods and chattels’ we would have to get rid of, including many books, (Ministers accumulate many in 50 years!) The East-leigh and Southampton Charity Shops received much stock in those weeks! So it was late September before I got around to phoning the chap called Jack, who had a pleasant voice and an open and pleasing manner. I was in-vited along to the October meeting at Bugle Street, and after driving around various narrow streets of the old town, I arrived one Tuesday evening. I was invited to become a member, and I hesitated because in just a few weeks we were off to South Africa to spend a long Christmas break with our daughter and family. But I succumbed to the enticements of membership, and signed up. It was one of the good things that came with the move south! Returning in the new year, 2012, I quickly learned to enjoy the friendship and fellowship of the regular members – I even won a couple of prizes in the

many & Colonies PS, of which he is immediate Past President and the Yugoslav Study Group of which he is currently President. He joined the Royal Philatelic Society London in 1994 and was elect-ed a Fellow in 1998, and is the representative for Kent. Tony also be-longs to three local societies, and is an active committee member of all three. His main collection is the independent State of Croatia 1941 - 45; but he also has collections of the 1936 Olympic Games (perhaps not surprisingly given the topic for the evening!), European Anti-Communism 1919 - 1944, and has recently started to build a collection of Falkland Islands stamps. He enjoys displaying his collections all over Britain and gives on average twenty talks each year. Tuesday 1st August. Eddie Spicer will be our guest speaker on the subject of German Catapult Mail of the North Atlantic. Eddie lives in the Thames-side village of Cookham in Berkshire. His collecting interests (not surprisingly) are German Catapult Mail, the directional markings on the Airmails of Columbia, Transatlantic airmails until 1950 and the 20th century stamps of the USA. He is currently President of the British Air Mail Society, President of the Windsor Philatelic Society, a member of Maidenhead PS, AAMS, APS, American Stamp Club of Great Britain and a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London. Tuesday 5th September. Colin Baker will be our guest speaker on the subject of British East Africa. Colin started stamp collecting when he was very young, but being the youngest member of the family he got the last choice of stamps that came into the family! Like many of us he gave up stamp collecting in his teens and took up an interest in the oppo-site sex. But he returned to stamps when he went to work in Kenya in the 1970s. Very often there was little to do in the evenings and he had a good friend out there who encouraged him to restart his hobby. On his return to the UK he bought a small collection of British post-al stationery. He was given a copy of the Higgins and Gage catalogue relating to GB and that started him on a passion for collecting in this field of philately. By the 1990s Colin was finding it more and more difficult to get more GB postal stationery, and as he had an interest in the stamps of East Af-rica, decided to expand his collecting interests to cover that area of the world as well. He is now finding it more difficult to find East Africa postal stationery, so perhaps there will be a new area added to his col-lecting interests following his visit to our Society!

Kevin Chard (Programme Secretary)...