Reports on Club Meetings

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Monday 11 March 2019
Annual Competitions including One-sheet competition

Results for the Competition

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Monday 25 February - Your Committee Entertain

(Report to follow)

Selection of Invitation Cards to Official Parties in the Seychelles	Part of the Rupert book collection	Australia, 1934, Centenary of Victoria Stamps, issued at AUSIPEX, 1984
Army Official cover from Ladysmith, Natal during the Boer War, dated 28 February 1900 (Ladysmith Siege Post)	A four pence blue pair of the 1853 Cape of Good Hope triangulars	Letter sent to his wife by a refugee on his way to a German POW Camp from Romania, 9 February 1941
A Dixon-drawn postcard marking the opening of the Channel Tunnel	A page from a shop ledger showing the change from Revenue to Postage stamps	Cover marking the centenary of Botswana's postage stamps and cancellation marks, 1985

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Monday 11 February, 2019 - 6 in 2: "B is for...", Members

            This was a bumper night for displays with no fewer than 14 Members sharing their material. ‘Australian Booklets’ was an interesting area to commence with, and here Terry Kirkham shared some scarce ones, including the country’s first publication. Don Seaby followed with his ‘Bournemouth’ theme, which included railway postcards and parcel stamps. ‘Birds’ followed by Harry Tabbeart. Here was a colourful collection of Falkland Islands stamps, mainly definitive sets. Brian Quist presented photos, a letter, postcards and a cover all connected to ‘The Boer War ‘and a consideration of General Buller. Hugh Jefferies shared his philatelic purchases when he had lived in Iran, working in Tehran. The majority were, yes, forgeries! A study of postmarks accompanied. A display on the topic of ‘Books –Book Binding’ was Wendy Buckle’s superbly written-up study, where stamps ‘told the story’. A gem of local postal history was shared by John Duckworth. This early philatelic item being a penny black on cover. This had been cancelled in Poole, December 1840, and contained a letter written by Mrs Tregonwell, whose husband was regarded as the founder of Bournemouth. John Garrett’s display ‘Bournemouth’ provided early glimpses of the town (1890’s) with photos and postcards, including Tregonwell House and another of the Grand Hotel. A little known area of collecting interest was well exampled by Charles Lennard, with his display of ‘Swedish Stamp Booklets’ – in fact ‘slot machine’ ones. ‘Birmingham’ was David Parson’s chosen theme which promoted interesting philatelic themed material. A highly complex, in-depth study on ‘German Occupied Poland’, with military mail and occupation fieldpost material from WWI proved interesting indeed….a tiny part of an extensive collection. Taking a railway theme was Chris Wheeler with ‘Bridges’. Here different materials and construction methods were philatelically explored. This was a round the world study underpinned by stamps in particular. Continuing the ‘Bridges’ theme was Paul Lear who developed a most informative presentation promoting the philatelic contribution of such themed material. Victoria Falls, Sydney Harbour Bridge and other locations in Mozambique, America and Denmark also featured. Beautiful early 20th century postcards presented by John Davis were adept at describing aspects of Venetian life. A feature on the city’s mail boxes was particularly interesting. Terry Tuck took another look at ‘Bournemouth and District Postal History’ making skilful use of early photos, stamps and of line drawings featuring various Bournemouth Post Office buildings and locations over time.  Members clearly enjoyed an excellent ‘6 in 2’ event and although Club presentations did not always keep to the time allocation!, there were no issues surrounding interest levels’. Chairman Bob Small warmly thanked contributors for the sheer variety displayed and felt no one would have been disappointed with this home-spun entertainment.

The First Australian Booklet	FDC with stamp similar to that in the first booklet	Commemorating the 18th Book Fair in Viareggio, 1973
December 1840 Penny Black, cancelled in Poole, from Mrs Tregonwell to Bruton	Stamp from Germany commemorating the Military Postal Service employees	Postcard showing the nude bathers in the Venice Canals, in the early days
Letter from General Buller to the then ex Prime Minister in 1908	The Venice Canal in the early days	Poland stamp showing the image of the Peruvian railway bridge designer

paul barry

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Monday 28th January 2019
"French Mandates in the Middle East" - Ashley Lawrence FRPSL

     
       Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club has continued a long term tradition of securing eminent presentations. Ashley Lawrence, Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London recently provided the Club with a superb opportunity to study very fine and unique material, supported by a considerable wealth of historical input. Setting the context within the early part of the 20th century in particular, Ashley provided a wealth of background history surrounding the period of huge Turkish expansionism and subsequent decline. With the ending of First World War hostilities, the League of Nations set up a system of mandates, whereby Britain and France were authorised to administer various territories. With sudden decline of Turkish superpower influence in the Middle East at that time, such mandates were vital and provided some stability, aided by the establishment of post offices, which in turn gave momentum to trading links. The study of stamps and overprints for this period has been much complicated by changing boundaries and currencies, and this superb philatelic display, enjoyed by Club Members, underlined both the sheer variety of material and its scarcity. Besides the provision of substantial historical information, maps, correspondence and photographs, the display was rich in stamps both mint and used, covers, postcards and of course overprints, this last being of huge significance within the shared material. This memorable presentation revealed a vast and complex area of study for the philatelic specialist, superbly written-up, and gave the Club a glimpse of most interesting, unusual and indeed rare material. The breaks in presentation offered opportunities for close scrutiny of exhibits and for much appreciated informal chats with Ashley, who was delighted to further share, discuss and promote this seldom seen area of philatelic study and endeavour.    

Piece with 48 stamps, Syria - French Mandate, Damascus area, posted 1923	Syria - French Occupation, postcard from Aleppo, 1922	French Post Offices in Constantinople, postcard to Paris dated 1905
French Post Offices in Constantinople, 1904 postcard to London	Map of the area	Examples of Levant stamps

paul barry

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Monday 14 January 2019
6 in 2 - The Americas (Members)

Again, Club was well entertained ‘in-house’ and 9 members stepped up to share most interesting material:

• Trevor Smyth…’United States’.  Here were displayed early through to 1996 aircraft stamps via a fascinating set of album pages.
• Chris Wheeler followed up with ‘Panama Canal’. Chris presented a brief but much detailed background to the planning and engineering processes involved in this remarkable venture. He made good use of coloured postcards to illustrate the development and setbacks of construction, including the amazing locks. Facts injected included 85,000 workers who died during the building programme, mainly through contracting yellow fever.
• John Duckworth displayed early aviation covers (1920s) which included airships, biplanes and monoplanes, the Lindbergh first flight and the fascinating ‘rocket plane’ which was well described in John’s 1936 cover – Hewitt NJ to Ontario.
• Continuing the aviation theme, Charles Lennard described the history of flights to and from the USA. This well written up display included covers and postcards produced by French and German air companies and the Pan American Company.
• Albert Jackson’s presentation included mail sent to USA from Occupied Poland. He provided a detailed description of mail routes and censor marks.
• Hugh Jefferies gave interesting background facts on the topic of ‘Leeward Islands’ and the development of associated stamp issuing. Album pages covered KGVI and considered colours, shades, papers and detailed sketches of varieties and flaws.
• ‘Early American Philatelic Exhibition Souvenir Labels’ was a departure from the evening’s philatelic content. This unusual contribution of large, colourful labels included a scarce sheet from the International Philatelic Exhibition October 16th - 23rd, 1926.
• Don Seaby’s display took a different slant by its study of Victorian cancels on North American and Canadian stamps.
• Bob Small concluded the presentations with an historical emphasis. Of main focus was ‘The Battle of Quebec’ with associated newspaper cuttings (London Chronicle) and a scarce US letter with cover addressed to Scotland.

As Chairman, Bob warmly thanked all participants and commented on the range of material, which continued to create much interest in the interval, prior to Members’ Auction.

1925 Airship Mail	1875 USA issue on yellowish wove paper	Germany Buildings stamp on cover to America
1778 letter from USA to Edinburgh	1915 censored letter from Poland to Canada via Berlin	Canal Zone before the Canal - "His Last Prayer" postcard

First International Exhibition, New York in 1913 - Three Labels	First International Exhibition, New York in 1913 - Two Labels from a se-tenant strip of four

(paul barry)

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Monday 17 December 2018
Christmas Events, wine, mince pies quizzes, raffle, etc- Members

The ‘End of Term Report’ covering the Christmas meeting of Club has to state that the tradition of excellent festive fellowship was again much in evidence!!  Carol, Alan, Don and Terry working behind the scenes, provided Members with a most enjoyable evening. Lovely refreshments provided by Carol were combined with a wide range of bar drinks of Alan’s choosing. The two quizzes were different in challenge – that of Terry with his usual humorous and cryptic themes and Don’s well-crafted philatelic contribution of a most searching detective nature. (This quiz made high use of obscure issues, overprints, and cancels). There are always ‘Wizz Kids’  in our midst, scoring swiftly and in high scoring mode, while the majority of, it has to be said…’Lesser Mortals’ , the writer included, struggled at the bottom of the pile. A generous raffle followed, which did much to cheer the souls of the few serious under-achievers!!   
All good fun and Chairman Bob’s congratulations to the aforementioned Team spoke for all…great!!

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Monday 10 December 2018
Three Sheets from everybody (no excuses!) - Members

Thirty Club Members provided displays, a near record of participants. This popular event in the annual programme saw a very wide range of collecting interests:  Presentations were most varied and here are highlighted a selection…

Bob Small - early documents dating from 1782.
Terry Everett – a focus on Malta
Derek Baker – New Zealand, including ‘sheet-lets’, a set of 22 stamps, ‘For Valour’, and ‘Classic Travel Posters’.
‘Shape’ was John Davis’ theme – a Thai 7” world’s largest stamp, Tonga Tin Can Mail (banana shape), and a miniature 2016 funny shaped GB stamps.
Terry Tuck shared – Very old pre-stamp correspondence, all local.
David Sadler considered ‘First Flight covers of SW Africa’. These were lovely colourful covers, one with pilot’s signature.
Wendy Buckle – ‘Stamps about Novels’, a superb well written-up study.
John Duckworth – his seasonal theme covered a Victorian Christmas card, a WWI card from France, and Christmas Island covers, including a 1958 atomic themed cover.
Mike Mawdsley – ‘Tristan da Cunha’, an early issue, overprints and full QEII  set. 
Another seasonal theme – from Chris Wheeler on ‘Wine and Wine Making’, including coloured mint stamps – New Zealand and Finland.
Spence Coaker presented - ‘Canton' - Postcards, black/white and coloured
David Parsons highlighted his ‘South African Airmail Crashes’, beginning with a 1913 crash cover. David provided a brief outline of the development of airways and pilot training. The 1988 Lockerby disaster featured with a rare surviving air-letter displayed.
On the same theme, John Dimond shared a 1919 flight to Australia cover, where flight time was just short of 28 days. Information sheets were included depicting the route taken. A final focus considered Frank Whittle of jet engine fame.
A well written-up display from Harry Tabeart studied ‘Canadian Bank Note Designers and Engravers.’  
Close to home was Julian White’s ‘Bournemouth Xmas’ theme.
This was followed by John Garrett’s Bournemouth display, making skilled use of original early Bournemouth published postcards. His earliest cards were dated 1898 and May 1902, depicting The Court Hotel –‘The Grand’. 
Taking a Christmas theme, Patricia Stanley provided old seasonal cards, contrasted by a selection of modern stamps.
Brian Quist followed with ‘Xmas Cards from WWI’…cards from the Front. 
Terry Kirkman continued his annual comic theme of well received ‘Christmas Crackers’ - 2018’.
Don Seaby shared a mix of interest, including an 1890 cover ‘Last Day of British Rule in Heligoland’ and a picture of local Highcliffe Castle and the visit of Kaiser W. II’s visit to Christchurch Priory.
Club again benefitted from Hugh Jefferies 60 years of collecting when he presented album pages on ‘Johore’. His sizeable Malay States is ‘nearing completion.’
Mike Trickett dug into his considerable postcard depository and produced interesting cards from the 'Isle of Wight, Switzerland and the South of France’.
Paul Lear displayed on his ‘Birds’ theme with beautiful mint stamps.
Carol Gregory shared a most colourful section of her modern 'Seychelles' collection. 
Alan King celebrated his specialised study of ‘Western Australian Early Stamps’.  These were all ‘Swans’ and considered various printings.
Paul Barry concluded with ‘Recent Acquisitions’, these being a focus on three very early GB Victorian issues from a portfolio of very fine mint and used.

Bob Small as Chairman expressed most appreciative observations and in thanking all participants, stated …
  ‘there has been very much variety tonight'.

1840 2d blue pair JK-KK, SG6 Plate 1, well cancelled, hence rare	Overseas entire to Lyons with 4d rose and red oval PD (Paid to Destination), 1859	George Gundersen's USA-Canada Friendship stamp, 1948
Thailand miniature sheet of widest stamps produced, 7 inches	Tonga banana stamps on cover	Postcard of the Kaiser at Highcliffe Castle
1899 Court Card from Bournemouth	Christmas Novels - 1993 cancellation	WWI Christmas Postcard, 1916

(Paul Barry)

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Monday 26 November 2018
"Tristan da Cunha & 'Various'" - Chris Rainey FRPSL

Chris began his talk with a short history of the island.
1506 - Discovered by the Portuguese AND a captain of one of the ships was called Tristo da Cunha but they did not land.
1785 - Colonised by the Austrians.
1810 - 1st serious settlement by 3 Americans one called Lambert.
1813 - British ship arrives and it’s thought Lambert had been eaten by one of his Compatriots.
1815 - British naval forces arrive from St. Helena.

He then went on to show circular and boxed cachets we are more familiar with. Very few early letters survive, those that do are in institutions. By the 1890s more correspondence available to philatelists. In 1894 two to four people were living on the island.

1910—1st cachet used on the island.
Mail always and ONLY ever arrived by ship and only 1 OR 2 a year.
There is no Post Office and has not been for years and years.
1920 - British Government decided to send a naval ship to the island regularly—ONCE a year !!
             Thus began the various cachets used on Tristan.

Chris showed these cachets in all their various formats and types as well as in combinations to various destinations around the world, most with intriguing stories behind them. Of particular interest were the overprints and underprints (only 2 known - both on show here), both produced on Pooley’s (man in charge of running the island ) typewriter----ALL ILLEGAL. This display was one of the most fascinating and absorbing that we have seen at the club. It was told in a light hearted and humorous way with many anecdotes to enhance what was a fantastic display of Tristan da Cunha material, which most of us will not see again in a long, long time.

Chris receiving his certificate from Chairman, Bob Small	The Tristan Times, 18 September 1943, with the price 3 cigarettes, 2 potatoes or ½d	1936 cover carried by S.S. Harmala en-route from South America to Japan, onward to England
1921 cover carried by the whaler Truis to Cape Town and onward to UK	1931 cover carried by the whaler Seringa en-route to South Georgia, onward to UK	1938 Registered cover, carried by the M.V. Innesmoor en-route to Chile, onward to UK

(Bob Small)

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Monday 12 November 2018
6 in 2 - The Mail in Wartime - Members

Coming just a day after the WWI Armistice Centenary, this evening's topic was very appropriate and was reflected in 16 members putting up displays covering a wide range of military postal history. In summary:

Wendy Buckle - The Occupation of Latvia by Germany, especially the seizure of the port they named Libau, with many Feldpost items from there. Rob Greer - Postcards, showing both sides, illustrating the camps used by the various Ulster Divisions, and the Memorial near Bangor. Chris Wheeler - a selection of military mail and officially approved stationery, with the rules accompanying their use. Spence Coaker - A 1938 cover from Manchuria to Hong Kong at the time China was preparing for war, a cover with the "OFI" label (Open For Inspection), closing with family correspondence to his father serving on the "Prince of Wales" dated 2 December, but forwarded to his new ship following the sinking of the "Prince of Wales" on 10 December. Jeff Hood - WWII stationery specially prepared for POWs in Germany and Japan, and covers and airgraphs from Malaya. John Duckworth - WWII in Australia where 25,000 POWs were detained, witrh examples of mail sent by both land (free) and air to the UK via Lisbon; also mail from New Zealand. Terry Kirkman - Mail from the Far East, one marked "no stamps available", but delivered, and ship mail with the "tombstone" cancellation. John Garrett - Twelve uinique and colourful postcards being the "Warbond Campaign" series, including the rarest one of women making munitions. Jeff Bradford - A selection of mail from POWs in Italy. Graham Judd - started with a blank form designed for sending letters to soldiers, then examples of green cross labels on covers for discounted return mail, and Italian POW mail to USA. Brian Quist - POW mail from the Royal Service Corps, WWI; and WWII mail from Chagi which was limited to 25 words and sent via the Japanese Red Cross. Hugh Jefferies - War time correspondence from his father, the first being a forwarded letter to the War Office in 1939, a 1940 Christmas card, and an airgraph letter from one of his battalion membrs. Don Seaby - Stamps used in South Africa during the Boer War, and war time cards from the Transvaal. - David Parsons -Channel Islands, starting with a range of war time mail to Europe, mail sent to Switzerland but returned to Jersey by the Censor; and a cover with a vertical bisect. Charles Leonard - WWII censored civil mail from Gambia introduced the day before War started, and from February 1942 mail with the official MM coding system on mail going abroad. Albert Jackson - Undercover mail sent from Poland via units set up in various neutral countries. Finally, Bob Small with an amazing selection of Napoleonic mail, with an original letter sent durng the blockade of Spain, a French letter from Bruge in 1798 and a letter from a POW in Odiham written on 1806 San Domingo letter paper.

Latvia Feldpost	1938 Cover from Manchuria	Cover redirected to the Bramham
Binner Camp, Donegal	Women making Munitions	Returned POW Mail
Boer War Cover	Undercover Mail to Box 506	1810 Cover from Fowey

(chris wheeler)

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Monday 22nd October
"Burma, Christmas Island & Tokelau" - Rufus Barnes

Rufus Barnes’ collecting interests are considerable, and within this evening’s meeting he covered a wide geographic area. He traced the production of Abu Dhabi stamps from the first issue up to the 1970s and a small emphasis was made of aerograms, including FDC, designs, sizes and ‘undercover’ ones. Burma took centre stage, not surprisingly since Rufus chairs the International Study Circle. He proceeded to share much information, including insights into the postal history of Burma. TPOs featured, making it clear that numerous routes exist. Christmas Island took to the stage in the second half of the presentation. Much scarce material was shared, for example, an incoming 1908 cover, an outgoing one of 1910 and scarce ones from the 1940s. Aerograms, registered envelopes, including commercially used and a study of postmarks were much enjoyed. 1988 saw Rufus on his first island visit and had a most privileged insight into postal archives when he was presented with scarce archival material. Some years later when civil unrest caused the destruction of remaining stock, Rufus found himself in possession of unique philatelic material!! Examples of this were displayed, which included artist’s drawings. The entire presentation was underpinned by excellent exposition, write-up, varieties, worn plates, overprints, handstamps, covers, postage dues and Christmas miniature sheets. This was an evening of excellence indeed.

(Paul Barry)

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Monday 8 October
9 in 4 - Your Choice - Members;

Eleven members took to the floor this evening covering a wide range of interesting topics covering:-
the stamps, postmarks and overprints of the Straits Settlements
early stamp issues from Singapore, Malacca and Penang
Official Paid Mail and their origins
Postcards showing activities carried out by the inhabitants of Papua New Guinea
the 1952 series of postcards engraved by the Bank of Finland
philatelic War Fund labels
Forces registered postage covers from the Boer War, WWI and WWII
early unwatermarked issues from 1862 Hong Kong
postal coverage of Isambard Kingdom Brunel
GB 1700s postal history including mail from Lymington

Indian Stamp used in the Straits Settlements, with Malacca "B/109"	Malaya airmail cover, censored	Official Paid cover
6 November 1791 cover from Lymington to London	Finland postcard	Manchester Philatelic Society War Fund cover with seal on reverse

(chris wheeler)

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Monday 24 September, 2018
"Sudan, The Camel Postman" - Richard Stock FRPSL

This meeting was indeed most memorable.  Club had the benefit of a great speaker, presenting not only a little known area of philately, but with superb material, the like of which would not be seen elsewhere.  The write-up was first rate, as was the detailed information imparted. Richard’s historical journey mapped out the development of this famous issue, whereby a designer by the name of Stanton was ordered by Kitchener to produce within a week an acceptable drawing. A local tribesman was required to pose in full ‘war kit’, and this, together with the most pleasing subsequent De la Rue printings in wonderful dual colour combinations, completed the task. The result was iconic! Richard provided a highly detailed and complex backdrop to the issue, which he illuminated with numerous examples of essays, proofs, stamps as singles and in blocks, some of which were very scarce limited printings.  He discussed different inks used, both in GB and abroad production, particularly Egyptian.  ‘Late Fees’, official hand stamps, telegrams, TPO use, registered, crash and campaign covers were all in the mix. A section dealt with papers, watermarks and overprint varieties.  The coffee break barely provided Members with enough time to peruse. This was a major and unique study…exquisite!!

Captain Edward Stanton and the preliminary design for his stamp
                                 

Richard Stock FRPSL	The Camel set

         (Paul Barry)

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Monday 10 September - "6 in 2" - Postcards Only - Members

Chris Wheeler started the evening with a set of postcards illustrating the breadth of art produced by Joseph Wright of Derby, being one of the initiators of the "Age of Enlightenment". Spence Coaker followed with six postcards illustrating the lives of those living in or visiting some of the Chinese ports, and the postmarks used to cancel the stamps. John Duckworth also featured a pioneering artist, Raphael Kirchner from Vienna, this time a leader in the art nouveau movement, who produced colourful Japanese style paintings and then glamour pictures, very popular with the troops in WWI. John Garrett was next with examples of the earliest postcards issued featuring sights of Bournemouth, printed in Germany from the 1890s, his earliest being from 1893 - a postcard showing Bournemouth scenes posted from Brockenhurst to Berlin. He also showed examples of the first divided-back cards which came into use in 1902. A set of very early pull-out cards featuring Bournemouth, and ending with a glitter card formed Julian White's display. Don Seaby also featured Bournemouth with postcards from 1893 to 1899. Terry Kirkman displayed some early Australian cards, and ones featuring Lily Langtree and Freddie Mills. Finally David Parsons displayed some postcards with the outline design of Trinidad stamps, closing with the crab card from Guernsey and two view-shaped cards, one in the shape of a suitcase containing a camera.

1911 postcard from Wei-Hai-Wei to Kent showing a village scene in Lui Tung Tau	Kirchner Japanese-style postcard "Geisha being carried in a litter"	Two art nouveau Glamour postcards by Kirchner	A colourful early local postcard

Another colourful early Bournemouth postcard	South Terrace, Freemantle in the late 1800s	Jersey "camera views in a suitcase" sent to Winton

chris wheeler

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Monday 13 August 2018, "9 in 4" - Stamps only - Members

Hugh Jefferies started the evening with a comprehensive display of the first few issues of Jamaica, starting with the British Used in Jamaica, then to their first issue in 1860, and subsequent issues up to Independence. Examples of the CC and CA were shown, as were the stamps bearing the allocated cancellations A01 and from A27 to A78 as used by the different post offices in the country. Don Seaby concentrated on the Malayan Federated States elephant and tiger stamp designs, mint and used examples; a range of postmarks, and then some revenues and postage dues. Third was David Parsons a most colourful range revenue stamps from Jersey, starting in 1901, including a triangular set. Spence Coaker put up some stamps from his collection of Canada War Issue to 1972 pictorials, all neatly written-up. Chris Wheeler displayed a set of covers received through his letter box during the last two weeks with a range of "stamps" on them, mainly pre-printed in a variety of formats, including a Retured to Sender Freepost cover that had not been collected by the addressee. John Garrett, displayed some rare issues from the various German New Guinea issuing Agencies. Bob Small continued with his superb presentation of King George V War Time issues showing the many shades of the 1½d brown Cyper, and the 2d orange Cypher, all from 1912 to 1924. Finally Bill Laird also displayed some George V stamps, but his were the Downey heads, which he interspersed with pictures of the Downey family. Various dies and perforations were included.

"A01" cancellation, Kingston Jamaica	1/- Triangular Revenue stamp from Jersey	Court Revenue stamp from Jersey

Freepost Cover, Undelivered, Surcharged and Returned to Sender in a covering envelope, with fee unpaid	King George V with Downey heads, and complementary 10/- note

(chris wheeler)

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Monday 23 July - "Royalty" - Ian Shapiro

Frequently collecting interests have their origins in childhood and for Ian Shapiro this was certainly true. Having grown up in Cape Town and had experience of Royal Visits, he developed a growing interest in ‘Royal’ themed stamp issues and indeed, all matters ‘royal’. Members were absolutely riveted to this presentation. Ian had amassed over many years a superb collection and within this evening’s display the finest elements were to be seen. The story featured began in 1837, through to near the end of the 20th Century. Early signed correspondence from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert was displayed, as were mourning envelopes, rare royal cancellations, including postal items from Windsor, Balmoral and Osbourne House.  An interesting study was made of royal handwriting.  Into King Edward VII’s reign, the in-depth appraisal continued, with such rare (unique?) items such as a royal cover blessed with a ‘postage due’ stamp! and later royal telegrams sent around the time of ‘the Abdication’. Such was the volume of material and its sheer scarcity, together with the considerable knowledge displayed, both through write-up and exposition, that Members could hardly draw breath. For the writer, as for many no doubt, were the most amazing philatelic items relating to the very last days of the Russian Royal Family.  These included envelopes with their letters and a Christmas postcard sent by Anastasia, one of the princesses, just weeks prior to execution, together with photographs and documents!

Indeed… a ‘Night to Remember’

Letter from Queen Victoria, signed "The Queen" on the front, sent to Queen Adelaide in 1837	Letter signed "The Queen" on the front, with 2d blue, sent to Lady Caroline Barrington in Osborne, IOW, from Balmoral, 1852	Letter with stamp sideways, sent by Queen Victoria, also to Lady Caroline in Osborne, IOW, arriving the next day

Letter from "Osborne", 1897, showing front and back and contents, and cancellations	Postcard from the Royal Yacht, with Cowes cancellation (Official Paid) when Victoria and Albert were aboard	Postcard from Highcliffe Castle, with its own cancellation

Private "Frogmore" cancellation on piece	Railway parcel label from Sandringham to the Savoy Hotel, attached to game shot on the estate	The Railway Stamps used on the Parcel label

(Paul Barry)

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Monday 9 July 2018 - Members - "A is for ......."

The evening started with an extraordinary display by John Davis using the letter "A" to represent both Aqua and the Letter Sheets from Venice known as the Venetian “AQ” letter sheet, best described by postal historian Bernard Quaritch Ltd: "In 1608 the Venetian authorities began issuing these prepaid printed letter sheets, which are considered to be the first postal stationary sold officially – predating the British Mulready letter sheets of 1840 by more than two centuries. The letters “AQ”, a contraction of acque, were printed at the top of each sheet – they were issued to generate revenue for the repair and upkeep of waterworks in the city by the Collegio alle Acque. The text printed on the sheets reproduced the statute of 1608 under which the system operated, with a surcharge of 4 soldi on the cost of posting a letter. Each sheet has an identification number printed at the top left and the system remained in operation until the end of 1797". This was followed by Spence Coaker with postal material linked to the towns in Hong Kong and the Treaty Ports beginning with the letter "A". John Duckworth displayed some very rare UK airmail covers, including an example of one from the first official flight in 1911, a small plane with an on-board sorting office; and a postcard of Graf Zeppelin, air post pioneer. John Garrett showed us Australian Air Force Mail from World War 2, with censor marks. Wendy Buckle displayed a highly colourful presentation of stamps depicting the origin and development of the Alphabet from its invention in the 11th century BC by the Phoenicians, when it comprised just consonants, with examples of the five principle Alphabets in use today.

Charles Leonard displayed six sheets of Airmails to and from Siera Leone, all using different air transport routings. Davis Parsons concentrated on Alderney with a mix of postcards showing many aspects of life on the island. Chris Wheeler chose Anti-Aircraft as his theme with examples on postcards, souvenir sheets and stamps. Don Seaby went back to his home town of Amersham with some nostalgic postcards of old Amersham, and later when the Metropolitan Railway had arrived, new Amersham. Hugh Jefferies surprised us all again with his choice of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika, showing many varieties, and explaining their causes, finally advising the letter A was for Adhesive!

An example of the A Q lettersheet that was used by those sending letters to Venetian Government Agencies, with a fee to help stop the city from sinking	Graf Zeppelin on a postcard	Teo stamps depicting the Phoenician alphabet, the first world alphabet

First UK Air letter, postmarked 1911	Military Camp in Alderney	Amersham Village

(chris wheeler)

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