RINGWOOD PHILATELIC SOCIETY
Affiliated to the
Association of British Philatelic Societies
Hampshire Philatelic Federation

 

Ringpex 2012

Another interesting philatelic event in the Society's calendar was the stamp and postcard fair – ‘Ringpex' held at Greyfriars Community Centre, held earlier in June. This was popular both with dealers and with a good number of collectors looking for bargains or that ‘elusive' stamp, cover or postcard. The fair was complete with superb coffee and bacon rolls all day, and a raffle, with top prize being a superb ‘Penny Black' kindly donated by local specialist dealer Peter Mollet.

View from "Ringpex" Stamp and Postcard Fair, June 2012

       

Tuesday 11th December 2012
      
Christmas starts here yet again with the
Rev.Stuart Timbrell with a humorous look at  some
“Clerical Errors”

Ringwood Philatelic Society members and guests greatly enjoyed their December meeting, being a Xmas special with guest speaker Rev Stuart Timbrell bringing much humour with his presentation – “Clerical Errors”. He spoke out frankly on current Church matters and humorously provided a rare insight into the clerical world. Having a ‘real world' background (engineering in Barrow) and being a strong advocate of justice and fair play, plus a wicked sense of humour, it would seem that the Church had not fully grasped what his contribution to mission would be!

Stuart then outlined his initial training, part of which was spent with lively medical students, followed by his induction into clerical matters as a somewhat ‘green' young curate in a northern town. He quickly realised that as the ‘new boy' he would be engaged in countless jobs his vicar did not wish to do! After an early skirmish with the bishop no less, concerning the incorrect holding of the crosier (indicating that the bishop was dead!), whereby he disgraced himself – Stuart was moved to working with younger folk. “What do I do with all these kids?" Much wringing of hands later, Stuart decided to introduce his ferret (in bag) to his audience. Escaping and scattering children, the ferret settled on biting the teacher's hand and had to be prised off! His vicar announced that he was “a complete buffoon” (not helped by Stuart's habit of grinning at the wrong moments!) Now under greater pressure to provide appropriate instruction to his flock, he delivered a mini sermon in which balloons featured to illustrate eternal truths – one filled with helium was impressive – but did not compare with the water filled one which crashed from the high pulpit, splattering and scattering the faithful!

On the subject of funerals, our engaging speaker was told – “You will only be remembered for your mistakes.” “Do not get names or funerals mixed up” (He was involved in 14 funerals in one week!). The crematorium manager was equally intimidating
“There's two switches, one fer lights, tuther fer coffin – don't mix em up!"

Home visits featured strongly: here we have a picture of lace curtains, tin baths on hooks by back doors, knocks not being answered and old ladies with dirty cups and mislaid false teeth…..anyone for tea?!! We could go on and on…….clearly our clerical guest had made his humorous and spiritual mark on many lives.

In concluding, Stuart presented the Society with a philatelic gift – a superb Stanley Gibbons catalogue of 1899 – quite a gem – which it was agreed would be placed in the Royal Philatelic Society's London Library.

Rev.Stuart Timbrell

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2013

Meeting Report - Tuesday 8th January

Members Evening with Mini Displays

The January meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society saw a lively evening -a mix of mini stamp displays, philatelic quiz and ‘bring and buy'. The written up display topics were most varied. Rare postal material on the subject of 'Internal Airways of Australia' was presented by specialist Alan Whittaker. His key interest was the pioneer pilot Charles Kingsford Smith who on 19th March 1931 flew the first Melbourne to Sydney route, prior to achieving numerous aviation ‘firsts'. Two scarce first flight covers (stamped envelopes) were displayed, together with an album page clip with 3 stamps, and importantly - Smith's signature. Alan explained the difficulty experienced in locating such philatelic gems assisted by his use of the internet and site auctions.

Member Gordon Masson continued his particular interest with ‘Holiday Snaps -A Postal Portrait of Two Canadian Holidays' which covered his 2005 visit -Calgary, Banff, Jasper and Vancouver and that of 2008 -Montreal, Quebec, Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara. His presentation featured appropriate stamps, covers, postcards, maps and photos. A particular emphasis was Olympic sites and historical locations.

Wendy Buckle focussed on Latvian commemorative stamps issued 1918-1939 and this proved both interesting and attractive. Here, of special note was the variety of papers used -due to wartime shortages.

A highly specialised contribution was provided by Chairman Colin Mount with his rare printer's plate proofs of the Australian George V one penny stamp.

The amazing and humorous study of the variety of worldwide postal delivery methods was John Davis' latest occupation –a study in early stages (delivery on ice skates, stilts, arrow post, balloon and rocket mail, etc!!).

Before a challenging philatelic quiz rounded off the evening, Chris Wheeler outlined the highly skilled work of artist, designer and author David Gentleman. His GB stamp designs have spanned nearly four decades, most notable being those of Shakespeare, Churchill and Concorde commemorations. Chris' full and colourful display was a credit to this most notable of British philatelic designers.

Chris Wheeler with his display of GB and Nauru stamps, designed by David Gentleman

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Meeting Report - Tuesday 12th February

Visiting Speaker - Bob Small from Colehill with
“Napoleonic Prisoner of War Mail” and
“Nelson on Stamps”

The February meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society was very well attended. Chairman Colin Mount welcomed local specialist philatelist Bob Small, who in covering the period 1792-1816, superbly described his subject ‘Napoleonic Prisoner of War Mail'. He provided a large exhibit of original letters, prisoner lists, a promissory note, pictures of prison ships and buildings (‘block houses'), PoW clothing with ‘T.O.'- (Transport Office embellishments), various games- dominoes and dice and model ships(scrimshaw). The Admiralty took responsibility for all Napoleonic prisoners (200,000 at peak) and placed them according to rank, in either hulks (Medway, Portsmouth and Plymouth harbours), stone built prisons- largely in southern England, or for the officers- a parole system. Repatriation was explained, this clearly benefitting mainly the officer class. Highlights of the display were prisoner letters which gave a particular insight into their lives, as did pictures of paintings by a Captain Durrant, a Dartmoor guard.

Bob Small's second exhibit was entitled ‘Nelson on Stamps' which skilfully traced Nelson's life- marriage and mistress, through to his various and rapid promotions (10th in seniority at age 29!), ship commands, naval plans and battle engagements, personal injuries, final minutes, funeral and celebratory status. Many items supported the presentation- maps and original Times Newspaper articles, details of ships lost/captured, fleet casualties and prisoner numbers on both sides. Numerous countries printed stamps to commemorate the 175 th Anniversary of Nelson's death in 1805 and many were displayed. Of worthy mention was the speaker's eloquent description of the Battle of Trafalgar. The meeting benefitted greatly from his vast knowledge and significant collection, built up over 40 years- this rare/unique supporting material was a great privilege to observe.

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Tuesday 12th March
Annual Competition Night -Traditional, Thematic, Postal History
  and First Timers,  plus “Bring & Buy”

The March meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society featured a lively ‘Bring & Buy' session where many bargains were obtained.

Also included in the evening was the ‘Annual Competition Night'. Eminent judge John Campbell gave very full consideration to the material entered and later in announcing the results, spoke of excellence observed and gave members pointers to aid future competition entries.

As previously, the subjects studied were diverse -firstly a study of Australian stamps by Colin Mount, covering the QEII Baron Studios Portrait Issue 1959-62. ‘Censored WWII Naval Mail 1940-43' sought to investigate postal rates and postmarks on letters to/from RN ships despatched via Gibraltar plus Force H airmail and censor marks-this being Burt Burton's specialist interest. His second entry- ‘Exploration of the Depths' aimed to map the history of underwater technology, dating from Alexander the Great to the modern era, together with a study of the ‘coelacanth' fish discovered 60 years ago. (believed to be extinct for 65million years!) The final entry – by Gordon Masson entitled ‘Europe discovers North America' focussed on regions, discoveries, explorers and colonisers. As with the other entries, this study was well illuminated by superb stamps, postal items and detailed explanatory notes.

Never an easy task to mark such displays, winners had to be announced – Colin Mount obtained the trophy in the ‘Traditional Class', with Burt Burton being awarded the best ‘Postal History' and ‘Thematic' entries, and also winning the 'Best Overall' award –a magnificent achievement.

'Philatelic Judge John Campbell (right) observing details in
             member Gordon Masson's competition entry'.

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Meeting Report - Tuesday 9th April
Visiting Speaker  -  Ashley Lawrence FRPSL with
“The Siege of Paris” 

The April meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society provided members with an entertaining and informative evening – the topic – ‘The Siege of Paris' was presented by Ashley Lawrence FRPSL. Since school days our speaker had shown a keen interest in this period of French history and culture, including the works of Victor Hugo, Jules Verne and Alexandre Dumas and over the years had amassed a vast and impressive collection of related documents. The Franco/German War of 1870/1 is not a well known subject here, largely because Britain played little part in it. This pivotal European war vanquished the aggressor France with Germany becoming dominant. Ashley presented material which illuminated the build-up to the siege and highlighted conditions during its brief but desperate duration. A picture was presented of disabled bridges, cut telegraph wires, railway lines and roads. Starvation set in and disease increased. With Paris becoming totally isolated, there was a vital push to maintain morale by achieving communication with the outside world. 67 balloons powered by coal gas left the city during this period – carrying 3.5 million letters – 11 tons in total, plus homing pigeons – all but one balloon being piloted. Night time operation was essential and destinations precarious, being wind dependent. The siege saw the world's first airmail postal service and the first anti-aircraft guns being invented together with long distance and speed records being set – one balloon reaching Norway!! Inward mail reached Paris by means of pigeon post, using newly developed micro-film technology. Other means of communication were attempted – courier dogs…but none arrived (eaten en route?) and 55 ‘boules' (small welded bomb-shaped finned ‘boxes') crammed with letters, dropped in the Seine…none got through… (to date 33 have been recovered from river mud – find any of the remaining 22 and collectors will bite your hand off in the rush!!...most valuable). The somewhat quick surrender of Paris slowly eased matters, but around the corner was another misery – the period of the Communards.

Ashley's presentation told the story of the siege via newspaper cuttings, prints, documents – many original including stamped envelopes and letters, stamps of the period, postcards, certificates and microfilm, and souvenirs issued later. Of particular note were original prints of coloured cartoons by Draner, (Renard reversed) which captures the human predicament most powerfully.

 

Chairman Colin Mount thanking our eminent speaker for a most fascinating historical and philatelic evening full of great insights and unique material.

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Interclub Competition

The above pictures show John Davis receiving the Interclub Shield and Peter Owden Trophy
on behalf of Ringwood Club member winners, from Bob Small, Chairman of the Ferndown
and West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club, who host the Annual Interclub Competition
(Full details of the results are on the Ferndown Club webpage)

 

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Tuesday 14th May
Members “One Page” Competition  plus
“Bring & Buy”

The May meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society featured a ‘Bring and Buy' and the Members' annual ‘One Page Competition'. The usual lively exchange of stamps, albums, covers and catalogues took place, this being followed by the display/talk of philatelic entries – four in total covering diverse topics. These included stamps depicting famous bearded/unbearded personalities (comic entry), a study of monarchy-‘The Lion & the Unicorn', a focus on the world's longest current serving monarch (Thailand), and, gaining first place – ‘Collecting Outside the Box' - a display of late Victorian GB ‘Jubilee' stamps of 1887. This entry, gaining most marks by members present, sought to demonstrate how a collection of these basic stamps could be extended. Areas considered were ‘Varieties in Printing' (eg. fault on printing plate), ‘Variety in colour/shade', ‘Error in Paper Use' (eg. Orange not yellow paper), ‘Different Printing Plates', ‘Unlisted in Catalogue', ‘Stamps used on Parcel Post Labels' and ‘Stamps used to Receipt Documents'. This display was illustrated by actual stamp examples, some items being scarce/unique.
The Society's Secretary- Jo Knott, presented the ‘President's Cup' to winner Paul Barry who was somewhat embarrassed since he had been acting in the Chairman's absence!! (‘fix!!-fix!!)

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Saturday 1st June
“RINGPEX”

The Ringwood Philatelic Society held its annual stamp & postcard fair –‘Ringpex' -at Greyfriars Community Centre on the ‘glorious 1st June', an event that certainly matched the sunshine! Most of the regular dealers took part -several travelling long distances, including some new ones. Although visitor numbers were a little down, the two halls and foyer were ‘abuzz' for much of the morning, with some wheeling and dealing continuing until the 4:00pm close. Numerous collectors stated they were very happy with their day and the majority of dealers reported sound business. Dealers valued the opportunity to trade at this popular event and appreciated the RPS members' ready assistance with porterage! (100s of crates /cases of stock is certainly not light work!) As on previous occasions, member and local GB dealer Peter Mollett kindly provided the first prize for the raffle – a suberb 1d Black – this year being won by a Ringwood philatelist. Up there with the prizes was the catering service run by the society – providing excellent bacon rolls and other delights throughout the day. So keep your diaries open for next year's ‘Ringpex' (7th June) – see you there!

 

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11th June, 2013 - Allan Whittaker presents "Australian Airmails 1921-39"

‘Australian Airmails 1921-39', the subject for the June meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society, was very ably presented by member and specialist collector Alan Whittaker. He provided a magnificent exhibition, tracing the development of airmail services in the inter-war years. Numerous display sheets focussed on the emerging companies, their routes, pilots and planes and uncovered this story with stamped covers- some signed by pilots, postcards, newspaper cuttings, correspondence, documents, photos, tickets/luggage labels and advertising materials, all appropriately written-up, together with a complex ‘family tree' of airlines operating during this period.

These were pioneering days- clearly there was a huge demand for services- yet establishing them was problematic- basic field runways with no facilities, fuel delivery issues, and poor maps- certain flights followed telegraph wires! Unreliability of planes added to the mix, although flying-boats were more successful, especially over water! The one positive was the availability of experienced pilots-having trained/served in WWI. The exhibit examined the Western, Central and Eastern Australian routes, links to Tasmania and later to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Alan explained that the first operator-Western Australian Airways- was formed by Major Norman Brearley in May 1921. Railways had a mail delivery monopoly-therefore the development of air services was a great commercial challenge. Other companies followed and the network extended to connection with the Freemantle/UK mail boat. By 1934 a regular UK service had opened from Brisbane.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith (Smithy) and co-pilot /partner Chas Thomas Ulm were ‘major players'. Both were very significant airmen, but Ulm was the business brains- together establishing ‘Australian National Airways' in 1928 and operating from 1930, commencing with 6 Avro 10's. Whilst Smithy was first and foremost a spectacular world flying ace and pioneer, frequently winning air races, a few years later he paid the ultimate price- going missing off Burma (assumed) whilst aiming for a record flight, UK/Australia (1935). Alan's high quality display provided a real insight into these aspects, and then proceeded to chart Ulm's parallel career. Ulm was highly successful in business, which rapidly acquired new routes with contracts for both industry and government mail. He too died in pursuit of his passion, experiencing navigational problems en-route California to Hawaii. (1934)

In concluding his presentation, Alan explained that his considerable accumulation of archive material, collected over many years was occasionally being added to. However locating new items is indeed a huge difficulty, stating ‘it is not so much- can I afford, but can I find?!' He has a constant eye on auctions and Amazon and keeps close links with dealers and other friends within the hobby. He is a member of various philatelic societies and researches through biographies and other historical sources.

Chairman Colin Mount, in voicing the appreciation of members, thanked the speaker for ‘bringing along an amazing exhibition.'

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9th July, 2013 - Annual General Meeting
and  the Chairman's Guest Entertains
Wendy Buckle, President of the British Thematic Association
spoke on "Getting Started in Thematics"

The July meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society began with the AGM (the 46th ) and the presentation of display awards.

President Rowan Brockhurst opens the 46th AGM of the Ringwood Philatelic Society

The evening's scheduled topic dealt with a fascinating subject - ‘Getting Started with Thematics'. Society member Wendy Buckle was eminently suited to address this subject being editor of ‘Themescene', the magazine of the British Thematic Association. Many stamp collectors in childhood focus on ‘how many stamps have you got?' This is often followed by single country collecting and/or specialization. However, over time, collecting thematically has achieved popularity among many philatelists – in Wendy's case some thirty years! She explained some attractions…it is wide ranging and can include any country at any period…the collector decides what to include/ignore. Choosing the theme can be work related, or may arise from an interest or hobby. It can be light hearted or serious. The choice enables the exploration of a subject already cared about and therefore provides a head start…rather than researching a completely new area.

Wendy was quick to point out that in choosing a theme it is important to bear in mind how big it is…'transport is huge but trains or motor cycles is manageable'. Her first collection was on ‘the history of printing', then thoughts arose… 'what came before printing?' She therefore started on ‘illuminated manuscripts' which led to ‘how did writing start?' And then how are written materials collected and stored…..libraries? The warning was not to let an interest ‘run away with you'. Additionally, a narrow seeming theme can soon expand considerably… in Wendy's case she can now muster 24 display pages on how printing spread through Europe!!

Working out how to tell the story is the hardest thing to do. Research in libraries, internet, catalogues and magazines all are useful tools and philatelic knowledge gained from collectors, the trade, exhibitions and club events all assist. Wendy believed it is best to start with stamps. Here there are so many sources….stamp fairs, auctions, club packets, dealers and swopping, etc. At some point the collection of information, stamps and theme related artefacts will need organising and thought given to planning and display layout. All of this is personal choice, as is the writing up, preferably on computer ‘to maintain a standard format'.

Members were greatly impressed with Wendy's display which highlighted key ideas discussed and which presented extracts from her considerable collections – the link being 'Written Communication'. Mint stamps featured… greatly supported by covers, postmarks, postcards, pictures, photos and cigarette cards - all interwoven by skilful, succinct script.

This was a magnificent prompt for members to….'get started'.

Programme 2013- 2014 2013 Tuesday 10th September Members Evening with 5 sheets from members using the letters  S, T and U, Plus members “Bring and Buy”. Tuesday 8th October Visiting Speaker - A Visit from the Salisbury Philatelic Society Saturday 19th  October Hampshire Federation Convention “HAMPEX” held again this year at Wickham, Nr. Fareham, Hants. Tuesday 12th November Visiting Speaker - Les Stubbington from Chichester with “Golf Links with the World of Philately” Tuesday 10th December       Christmas starts here with "Confessions of a Volunteer Organist" by John Davis FRPSL   Sherry & mince pies, Partners welcome, and members are invited to contribute by bringing along some Christmas fare. 2014 Tuesday 14th January Members Evening with mini displays plus “Bring & Buy" Tuesday 11th February John Davis FRPSL will entertain us with "Delivery of The Mail" Tuesday 11th March Annual Competition Night -Traditional, Thematic, Postal History   and First Timers,  plus “Bring & Buy” Tuesday 8th April Visiting Speaker  -  Dane Garrod - "Lost Letters to Madeline" Saturday 12th April Ferndown & West Moors Stamp & Postcard Fair - at Ferndown includes the Inter-Society Competition Tuesday  13th May Members “One Page” Competition  plus “Bring & Buy”   Saturday 7th June “RINGPEX” Our own Stamp & Postcard Fair -  open 10am to 4pm Tuesday 10th June Visiting Speaker - David Speer from Honiton in Devon with "The Harold King Collection" Tuesday 8th July Annual General Meeting and  the Chairman's Guest Entertains Wendy Buckle, President of the British Thematic Association will follow up her introduction to Thematics last year with planning your thematic collection.

Meeting Report - 10th September 2013

Members Evening with 5 sheets from members using the
letters  S, T and U, Plus members “Bring and Buy”

Ringwood Philatelic Society began its year's programme with a two-fold success; an excellent attendance ( plus two new members) and well prepared and delivered presentations, where six members displayed under the letters ‘S', ‘T' or ‘U'. Wendy Buckle produced a magnificent collection of album sheets which using the letter ‘S', showed the development of scripts and manuscripts entitled -‘The Write Stuff'. This history was well described by means of appropriate stamps, covers (stamped envelopes), postcards, photos and diagrams. In particular, attention focussed on Egyptian hieroglyphics, Chinese calligraphy and Japanese characters.

Wendy displaying "The Write Stuff"

The various branches of ‘ S cience' were Gordon Masson's subjects – again a huge area of study but skilfully tailored. He found that the world of stamps ‘did more than justice to this theme'. Aspects of psychology and sociology were covered as well as biology, chemistry and physics. Major minds were celebrated – Newton, Darwin and Marconi and a glimpse into the modern era with Dawkins, space travel, laser and DNA technologies. It became clear that… ‘science is very popular among postal authorities'. The little known topic - ‘ S tamped Stationery' was the special interest of member Geoff Hood and here a concentration was placed on letter cards in the period 1943-44. However such philatelic material was not only produced by Britain…as Geoff put it…'It always amazes me that some of the smallest countries bother to produce these elaborate items'. Paul Barry's contribution was a personal journey through the world of stamps as gifts…here moving on and using the letter ‘T', entitled – ‘ T hanks for the Stamps'. He traced some of the significant items he had received over his lifetime, beginning with a fascinating story whereby his brother had encouraged him to collect by bringing home stamps including a block of four used ‘penny reds'… a swop achieved at boarding school. Within the vast scope of stamp collecting it never surprises collectors to learn of new areas of study and so John Davis' theme was a good example! His was a detailed philatelic account of the establishment and fortunes of an unusual postal service headed ‘Niuafo'ou and its T in Can Mail Service 1882-1983'. (the most northerly of the Tonga Islands) This facility was established due to inaccessibility and required swimmers to take ‘canned' mail out to waiting ships – later using outriggers. The airport's arrival saw its eventual termination. The evening was well rounded off with Chris Wheeler's unexpected - ‘ U nderground Railways of the Americas'. Featuring stamps, miniature sheets, covers, postcards and rail tickets from numerous capitals, it was a collector's treasure trove and ‘a real interest for railway buffs!'

The second half of the meeting saw another lively ‘Bring & Buy session'.

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8 October 2013 - Visit from Salisbury Club

Husband and Wife, John and Claire Scott, visited from Salisbury to entertain the Ringwood Society with two very interesting displays.

Claire began the evening with “The Brunei 1952 Sir Omar Ali Saufuddin Issue”. After a brief introduction to Brunei and the stamp issues up to 1952, many unique exhibits were described, starting with vignettes and heads on green paper, obtained by cleaners from the wastebaskets of the de la Rue offices and sold to dealers. Part plates of the definitive issue were passed round for members to examine. The display sheets covered a wide range of philatelic material: 2 cent proofs; high value plates; errors; shift in positions; postal service department mail with cachets; dead letter mail; one scarce example of parcel post; postage dues; mis-sents; tax marks; fiscal useage and air mails. Post from various towns and villages including an example of a cover from Labi to Singapore which travelled via motor boat to Buhit Puan, and then on to the coastal town of Seria on the only railway in Brunei, run by Shell.

The amazing story of the passer-by of an office block being demolished who saw interesting paperwork in the skip and asked permission to take it. The material turned out to be from Harrisons archive and included the original watercolour artwork and the photographic proof for the Omnibus issues of 1965 and 1966, in which Brunei was the only country to replace the Queen's head with a portrait of the Sultan.

Watercolour artwork........................Photographic Proof..............................Final Stamps

After the break, John explained his display “The Postal Ephemera of the Industrial Revolution”. From collecting stamps and postal history for many years, John had now become a collector of what he described as being “Inside the Letter”. He demonstrated two aspects, the fine engraving used on this period's stationery, and the range of items that were sent in this early mail. His first sheet showed an example of a letterhead of the first Silk Mill in Derby in its then countryside setting, followed by several other Victorian factory examples with their copiously smoking chimneys (demonstrating prosperity).

Examples included invoices for wagons, soda bottles, Henry Jessop's invoices for steel sent to USA; products such as fire engines and saws. Beautifully engraved stationery covering a wide range of Brunel' work, his ships and bridges; Stevenson's Britannia Bridge over the Menai Straits and the High Level Bridge in Newcastle, opened by Queen Victoria in 1849, being the final part of the London to Edinburgh Railway.

Coloured Engraved Letterhead featuring
Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge

There were many continental invoices and letterheads, several featuring medal impressions. The Great Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 were featured. There were price lists, bills of lading, invoices, all examples of material sent through the post. Perhaps an example of the first railway container – a horse-drawn removal van on a railway flat bed wagon! All this fascinating material demonstrating our industrial heritage, is of great interest to archivist, genealogists and industrial historians.

The evening concluded with a Vote of Thanks and Certificate Presentation by Club Chairman, Colin Mount.

 

Chris Wheeler
9 October 2013

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12 November 2013 - Visiting Speaker - Les Stubbington from Chichester with
“Golf Links with the World of Philately”

Maybe this report will be of interest - especially to golfers…..!!

Ringwood Philatelic Society Members experienced a fascinating topic at their November meeting – ‘Golf Links with the World of Philately' – presented by Chichester specialist Les Stubbington. Through this thematic approach the world of golf was explored – making excellent use of appropriate stamps from across the world, printed covers, postcards and postmarks, together with photos and advertising material whereby golfing images promoted products, events or venues. This very considerable display (179 sheets!) illustrated aspects of the golfing story – ‘Golfing Greats', ‘Golf in the Early Days', and a considerable focus on the game itself, - techniques, rules, etiquette, equipment and course architecture. A particular emphasis was placed on major events in the calendar, with world tournaments including ‘The Grand Slam', receiving a most detailed account. A particularly interesting section dealt with the mysterious world of golfing terminology – ‘birdie', ‘eagle', ‘albatross'…and did you know ‘condor'?! (meaning ‘four-under-par on an individual hole' –rare indeed!!) The entire collection was skilfully written-up and assembled over many years – the task of locating suitable philatelic/non philatelic material often being a challenge in itself: to quote our speaker –‘You need to look in various locations since you never know what you are going to come across.'

Les Stubbington with his Certificate

Chairman Colin Mount, in summarising the meeting, warmly thanked the speaker and stated…'This is a fantastic display'. It certainly was – its depth and breadth catering for both the beginner and the most experienced golfer.

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Tuesday 10th December 2013
Christmas starts here with "Confessions of a Volunteer Organist"
by John Davis FRPSL

Ringwood Philatelic Society Members held their Christmas meeting enhanced by amusing entertainment, this year being provided by colleague John Davis. Entitled ‘Confessions of a Volunteer Organist', John began by stating he was an unlikely candidate since he claimed to be ‘untrained, unskilled and limited in technical ability'…adding that he always plays the right notes – but not always in the right order!' His career had seen him involved in church music and finance and had met more than enough ‘desperate vicars' in the process!! Much of his success appears to be due to his wife digging him in the ribs when not up to scratch! John became adept at stepping in at short notice and was generally appreciated. However on one notable occasion, having given his all, he was startled to receive an official's comment…'It is amazing what comes out of the woodwork!!' John cited numerous examples of playing on unfamiliar organs - some abroad. Once he nearly got romantically entangled (or so he thought!) when attempting to play in a church on Lanzarote . An over-enthusiastic and attractive nun, no less, began extreme physical stretching exercises across his body as he attempted to play. ‘What could this mean?' he wondered. Unfortunately for John, it became clear that her actions were completely honourable…she was making sure all the right stops were engaged!! (Well that's his story!) Members were much amused by John's many tales and could have continued further, well into the evening.

John Davis being thanked by Acting Chairman Paul Barry

Following the Christmas fayre and raffle appreciated by all, the previous year's speaker Rev Stuart Timbrell, (this evening invited as a guest) passionately addressed the meeting, and thanked the Society for receipt of a much valued cheque donation to aid his outreach work in connection with psychiatric and vulnerable people in Poole…vital work as government funding cuts are impacting most keenly.

Concluding the meeting, Acting Chairman Paul Barry stated that the Society had enjoyed a brilliant year's programme, including numerous philatelic presentations and displays of high calibre. . He announced that the next meeting would be again at Greyfriars, 7.30pm 14th January…"Members' Evening with mini displays plus Bring & Buy".

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2014

Tuesday 14th January 2014       
Members Evening with mini displays plus
“Bring & Buy"

The January meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society provided a ‘Members' Evening' with mini displays plus ‘Bring & Buy'. Topics varied greatly with Chris Wheeler producing the first two, beginning with ‘Alfred Rusell Wallace, 1823-1913' who developed his theory of evolution – prompting Darwin to publish. Wallace spent his last years in Broadstone. The display showed special Post Office covers with unique postmarks in celebration. Chris then examined the activities of a new postal administration – ‘Caribbean Netherlands', showing just some of their new stamp issues.

Wendy Buckle provided a highly detailed study on ‘The History of Printing', first looking at 11th Century Chinese ‘movable type' which was not observed in Europe until 1450 with the German Gutenberg developments. Details of the famous ‘Gutenberg Bible' were presented which did much to revolutionise communication together with the work of Caxton (1476). The display was supported by pictures, stamps and covers – all superbly written up.

Gordon Masson had been studying the small stamp Victorian Canadian issue 1870-97 complex and in depth…looking at papers used, shades of ink, perforations and the numerous printing plate flaws. This study was well promoted to Members with his demonstration of a digital microscope!! (To see Gordon's full talk click here)

A microscope view of a detail on laptop screen

Using the scale grid on the microscope
to measure the perforations

Chairman and long time Ringwood resident Colin Mount took the theme – ‘Ringwood Post, 1842-1911'. This New Forest market town had been an important postal area in this period. A well researched and collected topic supported his study, with photos, pre-stamped and stamped envelopes and a fascinating array of various local postmarks.

Chairman Colin Mount presenting 'Ringwood Post 1842-1911'

‘GB Victorian Parcel Post Labels' was an unusual and little known concluding contribution provided by Paul Barry. Such labels were introduced in order to aid proper adhesion. (Here stamps were affixed to the label and postmarked). Many such labels have not survived – certainly not in fine condition. A small but worthwhile assortment of these were shown, bearing 1887-1901 ‘Jubilee' stamps…the first of Britain's bi-coloured stamps.

Paul Barry, 23 January 2014

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Tuesday 11th February 2014
‘Delivery of the Mail' by John Davis FRPSL

The Society really does manage to promote a most worthwhile programme, as this evening's meeting really proved. When we think of this subject we probably have in mind…sorting offices, post-vans, bikes, trolleys, bags and rubber bands!! Oh, and orange personnel in shorts!!...and in all weather!! John's research and amazing collection took us far beyond these basic concepts…across land, air and water. For example, when did you last see mail being delivered by catapult or ice-skates?! Our speaker…one of us…is excellent at tackling unusual themes –this was no exception. At the start of John's display, ‘Delivery of the Mail' was seen as the delivery of messages – here we saw a study of stamps depicting Greek/Roman mythology –‘Hermes' and ‘Mercury'. Indeed, angles, bells and smoke signals have all played their part. He then developed the major section in A-Z mode. To give a flavour…'Arrow' mail delivery in difficult terrain. Then an ‘Archer' featured on a Mexican express letter stamp. Of some interest was ‘Auto-gyro' mail…here John displayed a postcard cancelled 8-5-34, flown on the first UK Aerial Post …Windsor to London. ‘Balloon' mail (1811 Siege of Paris), ‘Bike' mail, and Australian ‘Bush' mail followed. Under ‘C' we enjoyed amongst others - 'Cannon Ball' mail, ‘Catamaran' and ‘Clipper' mail (flying boats). ‘Diplomatic Bag', ‘Dog Sledge', ‘Donkey' and propaganda ‘Drop' mail via gliders followed on!! We then examined the worlds of ‘Elephant' mail, ‘Flying-boat' mail, ‘Helicopters', ‘Horses', ‘Hovercraft' and Hydrofoil' mails!! Postmen on ‘Ice Skates' proved interesting as was sea ‘Jug' mail!!...(cans thrown into the sea off Cape Cod in 1954) and Russian ‘Ice Breaker' mail.

The second half was eagerly awaited too…dealing with ‘L-Z' and was equally superbly supported by expert writing-up, together with a wide range of postal history and associated material. Here John kicked off with ‘Local Posts'…ie delivery on foot and ‘College' mail. The period was 1871-86 –with 8 Oxford and 3 Cambridge self-issued stamps. Beautiful coloured postcards with college coats of arms were displayed. 1886 however saw the service terminated. (in contravention of Post Office monopoly!!) Members then enjoyed ‘Microlite' (New Zealand), ‘Motor-bike' (Guatemala), ‘Packhorse', ‘Paddle-steamer' and ‘Private' mails. ‘Tube' mail brings back distant memories of vacuum tube delivery in department stores? (in my case.. a love note sent to the office Junior being promptly returned to me + red ink indignation from her manager, to the effect that I was wasting business time and if Mr- knew… then……ugg!!) I digress! Next…in the mid 1930s we observed ‘Rocket' mail, then ‘Ropeway' mail in Gibraltar. ‘Slave' mail, ‘Sling' mail, ‘Snowmobile', ‘Space', ‘Speedboat', ‘Ski' mail…(even a stamp issued by Equitorial Guinea!!) and ‘Swim' mail (Peru) further developed our theme. The concluding section had some gems too…with ‘Taxi' mail (Palestine), ‘Telegrams, and ‘Tonga'…an Indian mail cart, followed by 'Tractor' mail…Pitcairn's, and of course… ‘Tin Can' mail from Niuafoou in theTonga island group. (this was in fact a collection in its own right, having been displayed elsewhere).This was used from 1882 until 1983, when a new airport obviated the need for swimmers or outriggers to handle the post across un-navigable shores. ‘Wells Fargo' mail was celebrated with a superb cover postmarked Sacramento, California…27July, 1866 and having a beautiful ‘Wells Fargo' logo in black on the embossed envelope.

The warm vote of thanks by our Chairman Colin Mount commented on the sheer range of material in the collection…vast. For me (apart from ‘Tube Mail' for obvious reasons!) the image that clinched it was John's research into…..wait for it…... ‘ STILT MAIL' !!! …where an early postal service operated in the region of Landes, between Bordeaux and Bayonne where poorly drained heath and moorland necessitated postmen to deliver to villagers on stilts. John's wonderful sepia photo postcards are very well worth seeing!!

Paul Barry 12 February 2014

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Tuesday 11th March 2014
Annual Competition Night -Traditional, Thematic, Postal History
  and First Timers

The March meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society began with an unexpected but vital medical input...a detailed introduction to Greyfriars Community Centre's ‘in house' defibrillator. Volunteer staff representing Royal Life Saving Society were on hand to demonstrate this amazing (talking!) equipment which is designed to be operated by anyone by following verbal electronic instructions. Based in an increasing number of public buildings nationally, this emergency medical aid has saved numerous lives.

Members of the Society then were entertained by colleagues' competition entries. Winner of the ‘Postal History' section (and Best Overall) was Wendy Buckle's ‘Postmarks of Riga as a Russian City'. Today Latvia is an independent country but before 1918 it existed as two provinces of the Russian Empire…Livland and Kurland, with Riga capital of Livland. Wendy's study illustrated the major postmarks used by the Russian Post Office on stamped mail. This was a superbly written up display which included maps, postcards and inland stationery cards, covers and transit marks. Geoff Hood's study (gaining ‘Best in the General Class') was equally unusual with a detailed consideration of ‘The Paris Pneumatic Post' …here was examined the 1886 experimental pneumatic tube initially linking the Telegraph Office at the Bourse with the Grand Hotel in order to quickly deliver stock market messages. Later the network was opened to the general public and gradually extended to cover the whole city. The study included a variety of official cards, telegrams and envelopes, together with a look at postmarks and postal rates.

The display…'150 Years of London Underground' gained member Chris Wheeler the trophy in the ‘Novice – First Time Entry' class. Following his highly informative introduction, Chris proceeded to skilfully support his theme with the display of very colourful modern mint stamps, miniature sheets, and commemorative covers (eg.75 th Anniversary of the Waterloo & City Railway, 11 th July 1898). We learnt that the first underground railway opened on 10 th January 1863 connecting 3.5 miles –Farringdon St. to Paddington via King's X and Baker St. using the GWR broad gauge. (Now that's early!!).

Alan Whittaker scooped 2nd place in the General Class with his highly detailed study – ‘Queensland & Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (Qantas) 1926/34'. This riveting entry made great use of scarce material – covers, stamps, photos, airmail booklets, airline advertising items and maps – all superbly written up. The display stated that Qantas was formed on 16th November 1920. An emphasis was placed on its development 1926/34. In this period the Flying Boat Service was established, with WWII disrupting the service until 1943. Behind KLM, Qantas is the second oldest world airline. This unique collection was a privilege to view…. the airline would surely like to acquire this treasure for its own archive!!?

Geoff receiving his cup from Colin Mount; Wendy receiving her cup and plate; and Chris receiving his cup


Judge Julian Jones and some of the Competition Entries

The competition was judged by Julian Jones, Chairman of the Hampshire Philatelic Federation, who gave members a most helpful outline of good display practice, strongly making the point that the skilful writing up of ‘the first page is vital – it sets the scene for what follows…and write this up after all others are completed!'

The evening concluded with a most popular ‘Bring & Buy' session.

Paul Barry 26 March 2014

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Tuesday 8th April
Visiting Speaker  -  Dane Garrod - "Lost Letters to Madeline"

            An intriguing title!  What a story!  Another gem in the programme! Ringwood Philatelic Society, although small in membership, has an amazing ability to attract top speakers with often unique or rare material to display, accompanied by riveting presentation. The April meeting was no exception. The speaker, Dane Garrod, introduced himself as ‘a social historian using philately as a vehicle’. Any title with the word ‘lost’ in it seems to attract our attention, for by nature we all wish to redeem that which was lost. (‘The Lost World’, ‘The Lost Gardens of Heligan’, etc.) Here, these ‘lost letters’ were discovered after 70 years of neglect, found in the derelict estate buildings of a ruined mansion – ‘Edwinsford’, Carmarthenshire. Two workers found this cache of Victorian and Edwardian period correspondence and although details of the new ownership are lost in the mists of time, we know that eventually these envelopes with their letters inside found their way to a South Wales stamp fair in the mid 1980s…for sale in bin bags!

During the next thirty years or more, dispersal occurred. A chance purchase by our speaker of two envelopes, with contents, in 2003 at a London auction, led to him becoming intrigued with the contents and the background of both their author and receiver. Initially it appeared that a young woman had here written two love letters to possibly a future husband…but the story was far more than that…revolving around Madeline Drummond…half, of a born again Victorian/Edwardian love story.

So began Dane’s lengthy, determined and highly detailed investigation into these now distant lives. Born 22 August, 1847 as the eldest child of Sir Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, clan chief, and her mother- Lady Louisa Agnew, (daughter of the Earl of Gainsborough), little is known of Madeline’s young life. Her early marriage to Harry Clifton, later MP, (only son of the squire of Lytham) brought about no less than seven children. With his death at just 35, Madeline found herself a widow, and came to live in the Capital…moving in the highest circles, being the eldest child of a Baronet. By late 1888, she had met and become engaged to Sir James (Joe) Williams-Drummond of Edwinsford…the Lord Lieutenant of Carmarthenshire, and following marriage a year later, (plus a son-‘Jimmy’), they lived there blissfully, yet somewhat briefly, following untimely, separate deaths.  Dane stated: ‘all the letters that Joe Drummond had received through the years from 1872 to 1913, and those that he and Madeline wrote to each other from at least 1888 onwards, were saved in their mansion. They reveal a fascinating story of social life of late Victorian and Edwardian times, and a love between Madeline and Joe that lasted the seventeen years of their marriage. They may be physically gone, but… a form of resurrection has begun.’

             Dane’s magnificent display contained numerous items from the original find, collected over the years, and although some envelopes, stamps and letters had been damaged by the ravages of time, neglect and climate, they present a mine of important social research material. His on-going detection work has taken him to Wales and numerous other parts of Britain.  Interviews with descendants and access to archives, some private, have revealed much information and although the jig-saw will never be complete, he has unearthed enough material to retell a history and a great love affair. When we read, at the end of Lady Drummond’s correspondence …‘Your Very Loving Madeline’, we gain a glimpse into a most special relationship.

 Acting Chairman Paul Barry warmly thanked Dane… ‘for sharing your unique collection, huge historical study, and an engaging story – superbly written up with eloquent delivery’, placing Dane’s detective skills….’on a par with no less a character than Poirot himself!!  Thankyou’.

Dane's title page	Some of the recovered "lost" letters

Paul thanking Dane for his excellent presentation

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Tuesday 13th May
Members “One Page” Competition

Chairman Colin Mount opened the meeting and announced the Society’s recent success…the winning of the philatelic ‘Interclub Shield’ and was able to display it for Members’ approval.

In this evenings’ competition, the 4 winning entries were again of a high standard.  In 4th place, we saw Gordon Masson’s fascinating display…’Great Britain, Queen Victoria Used Stamp Identification’. Here was a small collection of stamps, each accompanied with digital microscope detail. This exercise promoted the valuable assistance that electronic technology can provide…especially useful where heavy postmarks on Victorian issues prevent accurate detection of detail, such as printing die and plate, sheet position, etc…all important matters for the keen philatelist.

Member Chris Wheeler produced an interesting focus on South Africa’s ‘Bible Society Issue’…19th November, 1987. (3rd place) A certain scarcity surrounds one of the four values, that of the 40cent stamp, which in fact was displayed along with the other three values. Due to religious objections (the name of the Deity should not be written on anything disposable), post offices were instructed not to sell the 40c. stamps.  Most were therefore destroyed making surviving copies somewhat ‘sought after’.

The next display was presented by David Etchells. This was a study of two local (Ringwood) GB Victorian envelopes, each with a ‘Penny Red’ (imperforate)….nothing unusual about these until it is realised that incorrect numerical postmarks had been applied by the Ringwood Post Office….both early dates…’Oct. 15,1846’ and ‘Mar 9, 1852’.

Overall winner was Colin Mount whose entry would fascinate many, especially those for whom German aviation studies are important. Here was displayed a commercially flown ‘Graf Zeppelin’ airmail cover, (flight no. 9384) sent from Brazil 24th July, 1934, via Rio…arriving Stuttgart 31st July…flight time 79.04 hours!! 

The four one page competition entries

Paul Barry, 30 May 2014

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Saturday 7th June
“RINGPEX” Our own Stamp & Postcard Fair - 
open 10am to 4pm

This year’s stamp & postcard fair took place on 7th June at the usual venue…Greyfriars Community Centre. There were a good number of dealers representing wide collecting interests, with visitors enjoying time out for their hobby, particularly in the morning. The social side of philately/deltiology was well exploited too!!  Part of the pleasure of fairs is the unexpected. Whilst it is seldom possible to buy according to a shopping list, the unexpected can happen. Take for example the surfacing (and then prompt sale) of a GB Victorian cover 1/- red & green, postmarked JU 24, 00 British Army S. Africa Field P.O., addressed to Scorrier, Cornwall.   Scarce indeed….find another one!!

Refreshments (‘Ringpex bacon/sausage rolls’) all day were a real bonus, especially as some people had started the day at 6am!!, such is the Fair’s popularity.

The Penny Black Raffle (lovely stamp kindly donated by local GB specialist dealer Peter Mollett and won by a Romsey collector), was most popular, and this, together with a further 10 prizes have been delivered to the lucky winners.    See you next year..it may be your lucky day!!

Gordon Masson with Australian stamp dealer Brian Trindall (right)

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Tuesday 10th June
Visiting Speaker - David Speer with "The Harold King Collection"

One shared and strong characteristic of philatelists is that desire and ability to preserve. This fact was none more apparent than that observed in this evening’s display presentation by our speaker David Speer. David who is a member of the BSAP (‘British Society of Australian Philately’) was tonight’s custodian of an amazing personalised collection designed and belonging to the late Harold King, who died in 1992. Harold’s original collection was vast, containing a huge quantity of Australian philatelic items – frequently superb and well documented, with elaborate pen and ink script and hand drawn illustrations. Sadly the collection had to be auctioned off…but this is where the BSAP came to the rescue, acquiring part of this unique archive. Tonight’s display of 180 sheets contained no scarce philatelic material – its riches existing within the extensive artistic creative work employed across the pages, literally telling Australia’s history via reference to philatelic material.

            The study began in the Greek period and traced Australia’s exploration and development through into the modern era. Here indeed was an impressive history lesson of a quality far in excess of any taking place in the writer’s 1950’s classrooms!!  Key figures were highlighted, supported in each case by superb write-up and commemorative stamps on/off covers…including Van Diemen, Cook, Tasman, Bligh, etc. Of notable local interest, a most pleasing display sheet focussed on Sir Joseph Banks (1745), naturalist and patron of science (see below).

            The second part of the evening, whilst Australian in content, took on a different theme. Leaving history a little to one side, the presentation centred on stamps and the story behind them. Special hand-stamps, often featured on first day covers, were highlighted, together with a section relating to the Australian Post Office, and various minor, out of the way offices. Of particular interest was the special hand-stamp ...’The Summit, Mt. Kosciusko, NS Wales, together with a photo of the post box. Uluru, (also known as Ayers Rock), was a separate study and unique correspondence was exhibited, between Harold King and the Postal Administration.

            In thanking David for a most interesting Australian journey through both time and space, Chairman Colin Mount observed…’This collection is quite remarkable…. full of interest’. He stated that Harold King loved research as evidenced in this outstanding collection/display.  There can be no better custodian of these treasures than the BSAP!!

David Speers being thanked by Chairman, Colin Mount

Paul Barry, 23 June 2014

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Tuesday 8th July
Annual General Meeting and  the Chairman's Guest Entertains:-
Wendy Buckle, President of the British Thematic Association,
followed up her introduction to Thematics from last year with:
"Planning your Thematic Collection"

The 47th AGM, chaired by President Rowan Brockhurst, took place with all reports being accepted and officers being thanked for their dedication and success in helping the Club to grow again during the past year.  Another promising programme for 2014-2015 was announced, with the first meeting being on Tuesday 9th September, a  Members Evening with maximum 15 sheets from members using the letters  V, W and X.

Getting started

The President then presented certificates to the four winners of the 2014 Society Competition.

Geoff receiving his certificate	Wendy receiving her certificate
Chris receiving his certificate	Colin receiving his certificate

The Chairman’s Guest this year was club member Wendy Buckle who followed up her excellent talk of last year with an illustrated disposition on “Planning your Thematic Collection”.  The emphasis was on thematics for displays and collections rather than for competitions.  The three major components were analysed: what can be collected; choosing a title
and making a plan.

Using several pages of examples and lateral thinking, Wendy explained some of the suggestions:
the key is to tell a story; use material gained from every source possible (find the material to tell the story, not vice versa); join a study group associated with the theme; look for illustrations as well as stamps and stamp tabs; think broadly about what is incorporated in the stamps, for example the seeds in Jersey’s recent poppy issue; look at the back of the stamps; what they are printed on; non-postal issue stamps; cinderellas; watermarks; FDC envelopes and maxicards; meter marks and slogans; perfins; telegrams, air letters and airgraphs.  She reminded the audience to narrow the topic, for example instead of “transport” select “steam trains from the GWR during the war years” or instead of “planes” select “flight covers from the 1930s”, and then expand within that choice.

Wendy showed several examples of the plans from her own and other philatelists’ displays to illustrate how they should be used to help in telling the story and choosing a title.  Write the plan then choose a title!  There were several questions from the audience and Chairman Colin Mount also suggested that stockbook pages could be used to compile a list of headings, to assist in focusing the collecting of material.

Wendy illustrating use of meter marks	Some meter marks on display

In thanking Wendy for her excellent presentation, Colin noted that although many in the audience had experience in writing up collections and displaying them, Wendy’s simple but in-depth guidance was invaluable to everyone, and much appreciated by all present.

Chris Wheeler, 9 July 2014

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Programme 2014 - 2015

2014
Tuesday 9th September
Members Evening with maximum 5 sheets from members using the
letters  V, W and X, Plus members “Bring and Buy”.

Saturday 13th September
Poole Fair and Somerset & Dorset Federation Competition
Upton Community Centre, Poole

Tuesday 14th October
Poole Philatelic Society visit us

Saturday 18th  October
Hampshire Federation Convention “HAMPEX”
Wickham Community Centre, Nr. Fareham, Hants.

Tuesday 11th November
Visiting Speaker - Christine Earle FRPSL - "The Post Office Goes to War"

Tuesday 9th December      
Christmas starts here with the Rev Stuart Timbrell.
  Sherry & mince pies. Partners welcome, and members are
invited to contribute by bringing along some Christmas fare.


2015
Tuesday 13th January
Members Evening with mini displays plus
“Bring & Buy"

Tuesday 10th February
Wendy Buckle presents "The Write Stuff"

Tuesday 10th March
Annual Competition Night -Traditional, Thematic, Postal History
  also First Timers,  plus “Bring & Buy”

Thursday 2nd April
We visit Poole Philatelic Society

Saturday 11th April
Ferndown & West Moors Stamp & Postcard Fair - at Ferndown
includes the Inter-Society Competition

Tuesday 14th April
Norman Hudson from Chester with "Scottish Islands"

Tuesday  12th May
Members “One Page” Competition  plus
“Bring & Buy”  

Saturday 6th June
“RINGPEX 2015” Our own Stamp & Postcard Fair - 
open 10am to 4pm

Tuesday 9th June
Guest Speaker from Crewkerne in Somerset with "South Georgia"

Tuesday 14th July
Annual General Meeting and  the Chairman's Guest Entertains
Hugh Jefferies MBE FRPSL "Catalogues"

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Tuesday 9th September
Members Evening with maximum 15 sheets using the
letters  V, W and X

This was an occasion when Members provided in-house entertainment…in the form of displays of stamps and related philatelic material and a diverse range of topics was enjoyed. The first subject was related to Lithuanian (the country's Capital being Vilnius) stamps, from early 20th century. Presented on 15 sheets, member Wendy Buckle provided a high quality study display which included scarce covers…one being considerably rare…a commercially used envelope addressed to Wien…Warsaw to Vienna, 19 Nov. 1921. Taking the subject ‘War Artist’, Chris Wheeler displayed a well written up, topical theme…making reference to the work of George Washington Lambert (1873-1930) who specialised in the Australian Light Horse Brigades and their Middle East conflicts. These were mounted troops with characteristics of both cavalry and mounted infantry.  2008 saw the Australian Post Office produce miniature stamp sheets which depicted Lambert’s amazing artistic abilities….these being displayed together with a first day cover, postcards and photos.

The little known subject of ‘Newspaper Wrapper Stamps’ followed…Geoff Hood being a specialist on the subject. This display referred to the development of these British Post Office gems …a lengthy history, with the famous printers De la Rue being the principal contracted partner. Earlier (1712) a ‘newspaper tax’ had been levied to part fund military adventures. 1870 saw the ‘Post Office Act’ with the introduction of postcards and wrappers with printed stamps on them. These early wrappers were printed by letter-press, but were also embossed, such was the Victorian concern over forgery!   ‘Gibraltar’ was the chosen theme by Burt Burton who well illustrated his display with covers and postcards…some with interesting enclosures…including one with naval messages and much personal correspondence sent by a Lt. Commander ..William Camidge (21/3/34) on ‘The Glorious’….to his wife. Taking a very different theme, member Paul Barry presented ‘ ‘Philatelic Material in the Late Victorian Era’. Although a small display, this covered a range of related material…two overprinted stamps supported by Royal Philatelic Society expertised documents, parcel post labels with stamps, including a scarce shade, two revenue stamped Herefordshire documents, a neat Xmas card cover Lymington – Salisbury and a unique cover from South Africa (Boer War postmark) to England bearing the 1/- red and green Victorian stamp.

The next contributor, Gordon Masson, presented ‘Victoria & Victorians’. This depicted the first ‘Christmas’ stamp…that of 1898….which portrayed a world (Victorian) map, having British interests in red. This stamp, together with the majority of others were Canadian. His various sheets viewed different aspects…Victorian founded organisations…..The Red Cross, The National Trust, etc….another ‘Science and Invention’….another ‘Discoveries’….and a fascinating one entitled ‘Development of Culture’….poets, writers, photographers, painters and art forms. Chairman Colin Mount concluded the evening with ‘The Australian 1d Red’ stamp which examined in great detail some of the numerous printing plate varieties…some scarce indeed. These were from the King George V period and explained how so many varieties/shades/watermarks appeared….due to shortages around WWI …all ink having been obtained from Germany and paper from a small mill in Kent… together with rusted steel plates.

In summing up the meeting Colin thanked the contributors ‘for the great variety on display…which makes our hobby and meetings so interesting’.

One of Geoff's Wrappers	Another of Geoff's Wrappers, different shades

Bert's Display	Wendy's Display

Paul's Display	Gordon's Display

Paul Barry, September 2014

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Tuesday 14th October
Poole Philatelic Society visit us

The October meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society was hugely popular taking the form of 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. Here 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 of the conflict…from the invasion of Poland, Russian convoys, Battle of Britain, Dam Busters and the Atomic Bomb… through to V-J Day.

Brian and "Transatlantic Mail"	Bob and "World War II Postal History"

 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’…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. Here was presented a considerable array of supporting material relating to both London and provincial airways…air 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.

Barry with "Railways and Lakes in South America"	David with "Airmails of the British Isles"

One of Brian's fabulous Covers	Roosevelt's 4 Freedom Speech Covers

Chairman Colin Mount highly commended these superb contributions,
stating this was indeed…"a most fascinating" philatelic evening.

Paul Barry

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Saturday 18th  October, 2014
Hampshire Federation Convention “HAMPEX”
Wickham Community Centre, Nr. Fareham, Hants

As can be seen from the pictures below, Hampex 2014 was very well attended, with many dealers and visitors coming many miles to enjoy the Exhibition. With 27 Dealers selling a wide range of stamps, postcards, potal history and specialist material, there was a wide choice for those wishing to buy items for their collections and future displays and competitions. A separate hall was available for the Competition Entries, which were on view for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. The announcement of results and prizes took place at 11:45 precisely, though sadly very few attended these presentations.

The busy trading hall

Examining the Competition Entries	Presentation of Awards

Chris Wheeler 19 October 2014

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Tuesday 11th November
Visiting Speaker - Christine Earle with
"The Post Office Went to War"

          The November meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society hosted a well-timed military theme, looking in depth at various aspects of WWII, with the Post Office’s role closely scrutinized. Specialist speaker, Christine Earle, provided a unique display of frequently scarce and fascinating philatelic material which highlighted the work and influence of the Post Office (the largest UK employer), in this desperate period. Beginning with ‘Mobilisation and Evacuation’, which massively disrupted the lives of millions, the posting of letters took on a new urgency and importance.  ‘Air Raid Precaution', 'the Blitz' and 'the Blackout’ were further themes. The display emphasised that despite this turmoil, the mail, although frequently disrupted or damaged by enemy action, usually got through without excessive delay.

‘Censorship’ was then examined and postal correspondence received huge restrictions. The Post Office played a crucial part in propaganda as it did in ’Salvage and Savings’… a section which highlighted another vital contribution.  ‘Repatriation and Reconstruction’ concluded this fascinating presentation with a focus on ‘Victory’ and new 1946 stamps entitled ‘Peace & Reconstruction’. The display made superb use of stamps, original letters, envelopes (one partially burnt in an air raid), registered mail, telegrams, postcards, official marks and deletions, such as ‘Opened by Censor/Examiner’, printed matter, ration books,  public leaflets, including ‘War Savings Campaign’ and  ‘The Spitfire Fund’, propaganda items (‘Dig for Victory’), photos, newspaper cuttings and black-out samples, Home Guard artefacts and ‘Victory Celebration’ certificates… awarded to all children…signed by the King.

Colin Mount, the Society’s Chairman, was clearly moved by the breadth and depth of the material presented and warmly thanked Christine for her ‘magnificent display…full of great interest’.

The Title Page	Christine Displaying	Two Billeting Certificates	Ration Book
A Censored Letter	A Sugar Bag Used Envelope	War Damaged Letter	Evacuation Return Label

Christine receiving her certificate from Chairman, Colin Mount

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 9th December

Visiting Speaker - Rev Stuart Timbrell
with “Discovering Dorset, Part 8”

Following the most enjoyable talk given by Rev Stuart Timbrell to the Society at the Christmas meeting in 2012, it was a delight to be able to welcome him back again this year to entertain the Club Members with his talk on one of the aspects of Dorset, a County that he continues to research by exploring the buildings, people and heritage of the County, through discussion, visits to historic places, both well known and unknown, and internet research.
Always mischievous in his approach he has unearthed many true stories of intrigue in the County, and this talk “Discovering Dorset Part 8” focused on the Cecil Family from the time of Bosworth Field in 1485, through Henry VIII’s time until the present day, and how through research he had visited many of the historic places where they had lived or had associations with in Dorset through the centuries.  To discover more about how Robert Cecil was involved in the Gunpowder Plot, he joined the Gunpowder and Treason Society to get access to their records, and then resigned!  He found that Robert Cecil had been involved in the setting up of the Plot in order to discredit the Catholics, but then on its discovery he became the “good guy” releasing the names of thirteen ringleaders, thus saving a more detailed investigation and the massacre of many more Catholics.  Through this he also endeared himself to James I, and received benefits as a result.  He went on to talk about the Drax Family, and how they had altered the alignment of the main road and built the longest wall in England to give themselves privacy form the public.  There is a plaque behind the wall just inside the Lion Gate commemorating that achievement.
He talked about the Cecil Family Chapel opposite the Woodland Burial Ground near Lytchet Matravers which he visits, so beautifully maintained, and then to James Hugh Cecil, recently deceased, much respected and whose property he couldn’t get pictures of for his talks, but now with Google, was able to show its magnificence.
  He then went on to tell about his experiences with many talks around Dorset, dropping clangers everywhere by relating the secret misdoings of members of the Dorset Families, not realising that sometimes members of those Families were in the audience, and did not take kindly to being reminded of the facts.  His mother once said of Stuart that “he only ever opens his mouth to change feet”!!
On one occasion he was being interviewed about the trend in the Anglican Church to more modern versions of the Prayer Book, and Liturgy, of which he disapproves being a fan of Cranmer’s more traditional ways, only to be asked what he thought of the new Book of Common Prayer, to which he replied “yes, it is what it says on the cover”!!

Chris Wheeler

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Tuesday 13th January 2015
Mini Displays – Members

          Five displays covered diverse collecting themes. Victorian GB stamps from the 1887 series -’Jubilee Issue’ -were presented first…these formed part of a small parcel-post label collection, an area which until fairly recently ‘was somewhat neglected’ and covered most denominations.  Paul Barry explained some of the characteristics of these labels, including colour/use, originating post office, postmark types and varieties in stamp, their condition and scarcity. He commented on the rich Victorian heritage and shared beautiful Sevres china photo portraits of the Monarch and Prince Albert which enhanced the display.   Geoff Hood shared an interesting study of Persian stamps 1898-1926 which covered a turbulent period, with power succession and unstable economy. Philatelically these issues are ’complex’ with numerous re-prints, invalid originals, Dutch and local (Tehran) print runs and overprints included.

‘The Salvation Army’ was Chris Wheeler’s chosen area, incorporating single stamps, blocks and mini-sheets from around the world….from Antigua – Zaire!  These colourful issues celebrated achievements and special events from 19th /20th centuries in the Army’s astonishing humanitarian history.   ‘Gibraltar’ is member Burt Burton’s ongoing interest. He presented 40 Naval crests depicted in various issues, which are hard to find other than mint or philatelically used on covers. This collection received a greatly detailed write-up and included ship photos, and some censored mail and airmails…all in the period 1938-41. The final display …from Chairman Colin Mount was entitled ‘Australian Forces Postmarks Used Abroad During Wartime’. In this highly informative presentation, numerous letters/covers featured which had been posted from base camps in Egypt, New Guinea, North Borneo and Syria to home addresses in Australia.  The evening concluded with a popular ‘bring & buy’ ….a ‘good start to the year’.

A page from Geoff's display	A page from Bob's display	A page from Bert's display

A hard to find 1/- on a parcel post label	Salvation Army freepost in Canada

 

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 10th February 2015
"The Write Stuff" – Wendy Buckle

There can be no doubt, if one wishes to learn about the history of paper making and printing, that philatelist Wendy Buckle has it at her finger-tips!   Postage stamps have an amazing capacity to tell just any story and when skilfully collected, along with themed material, the results can be highly rewarding.  Members of the Society were certainly not disappointed with Wendy Buckle’s quality display. Being a greatly respected member and Past President of the British Thematic Society, Wendy possesses all the skills to create superb presentations…here telling of the worldwide development of paper production and printing. Despite promises of the ‘paperless office’ we still use paper in countless forms and purposes. Through a range of stamps, envelopes, postcards, letters, watermarks, banknotes, newspaper cuttings, diagrams, photocopies and artefacts, including examples of typeset, the developing story of writing materials and printing was examined. Looking first at stone, clay, wood, leaves, and animal skins, the display moved to 100AD with the Chinese invention of paper and its closely guarded 600 year secret.  11th century Europe experimented with various raw materials – linen rags, silk, cotton, jute, flax, hemp and eventually wood pulp. Monasteries with flocks of sheep developed parchment, but it was the industrial revolution which saw real headway with the mechanisation of paper mills and the move from single sheet to huge rolls.

Within the display, various types of paper were presented. Modern themes were considered…recycling and the photographic/electronic challenges to paper use, including microfilm and computers.  In tandem with paper development was the progress of printing with moveable type in the 15th century (German Johann Gutenberg).  Spreading to England in 1476, this knowledge was further developed by William Caxton.  1814 saw ‘The Times’ being produced by the world’s first steam-driven press. Exhibits included examples of lithography and photogravure methods, with typesetting moving from a hand to highly mechanised and now computerised processes.   Wendy concluded the evening, ‘we are all printers now!’

In thanking Wendy, Chairman Colin Mount observed… ‘thanks a million, I’ve never seen the whole display before…quite remarkable!!’  Society members then examined the extensive exhibits and were equally impressed.

Austria miniature sheet using gold foil	Stamps featuring Ts'ai Lun, and early printing scenes
Postcard from Levroux, a parchment making town	Cover with the Northwick factory image

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 10th March
Annual Competition Night -Traditional, Thematic, Postal History
  also First Timers

While judging took place, the Society’s publicity officer presented a short display entitled ‘New Philatelic Acquisitions’ (GB Victorian) which sought to share the on-going enjoyment of sourcing unusual, scarce or bargain additions to collections through friends, dealers and the internet.  Members were then entertained by a most interesting range of topics for their annual competition night. Taking first place in the ‘traditional class’ and the evening’s overall winner was Wendy Buckle with her very detailed study of Latvian ‘sun’ design stamps. Many were issued, but there is scarcity of used stamps and especially used on cover. Other entries were ‘Persian stamps 1898-26’…definitive and provisional stamps which reflect the turbulent politics of the period and a study of ‘dies’ used in stamp printing. In the ‘postal history’ section with just one entry was Alan Whittaker’s study of Australian pioneers of aviation…’Aerophilately’, which achieved 2nd place. This was a display of very scarce material, mainly covers. The three ‘thematic’ entries saw 2nd and 3rd places going to ‘Salvation Army’ and ‘Panama Canal’ respectively, with the winning entry – ‘U –Boat Campaign’ by Burt Burton. Here the exhibit aimed to demonstrate action in the conflict with German U-boats in the Atlantic and Allied efforts to combat the threat during 1939-43. This was skilfully achieved by stamps, covers and related documents, together with a superb write-up. The meeting concluded with an insightful report from a most experienced judge, John Campbell of the Hampshire Philatelic Federation, who commended excellence and pointed the way for further quality displays.                                           
                                                                                                                                  

Paul starting his display	A multi-franked example	The Salvation Army entry
The Panama Canal entry	Wendy receiving her trophy	The silver salver being presented to Alan

                     Paul Barry

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Tuesday 14th April
Norman Hudson from Chester with "Scottish Islands"

Norman Hudson, the speaker at the April meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society had travelled from Chester to enthral Members. This was a highly specialised display revealing but a small part of a unique collection amassed over some 35 years. Answering a small ad in the Guardian in 1979, Norman booked into a Scottish island mini-break, not realising that experience would mark the start of a love of the region in general and associated philatelic material in particular. The stunning displays commenced with a large map of the islands of which Norman had visited no less than 54 times!

Part one dealt with 29 islands in the Hebrides, with the second presentation considering the Orkneys and Shetlands. Material on view was far reaching and included picture postcards, stamps, covers and photos of islands and personalities in the period Queen Victoria – QEII. There were letters, burnt mail, studies of island postmarks, luggage labels, whisky related items from Isla, an old ordinance map and a Harris Tweed hat to complete!  Island names evoked feelings of stunning beauty, remoteness and silence, except for where sea winds gusted and the singing of telephone wires were evidenced. Names alone promoted members to seek northern holidays…Islay, Jura, Barra, Mingulay, South & North Uist, Eigg and Rum, Mull, Canna..…!    Where possible, Norman had collected philatelic items of all islands having (had) a post office. To name but a few…the earliest known St Kilda postcard complete with news and postmark; a cover from Foula, pop. 30, the only known from this island to survive; an item from Fairisle -the most isolated, yet populated island; a stamped envelope addressed to the Marchioness of Londonderry (damaged in a ‘Rocket Post’ experiment at Scarp, Harris in 1934!!) and a fabulous 1840 Victorian envelope having a strip of four 2d Blues!!!  Rare, indeed unique…find another one!!  Of great contribution was a strong collection of ‘Thomas Kent’ photographer postcards, and of Shetland, a lovely array of ‘Jack Rutter’ photo cards, covering every aspect of island life.  The sub text to the presentation was of course the dwindling of populations and particularly the closures of post offices, often the life blood of communities. This was an amazing and privileged glimpse into a rare subject, a presentation which would grip any group or society interested in fascinating social and glorious natural history.

Colonsay Postbus	Envelope with four 2d blues

Burnt Mail

Norman Hudson receiving his "rewards" from Wendy Buckle

 

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 12th May
Members “One Page” Competition

This meeting boasted the contrasting themes of competition and sell/buy – the former a short one-page competition allowing members to show recent acquisitions, research or interests in the stamp collecting hobby.
The bring-and buy sale which followed, enabled a lively discussion and exchange both of stamps and philatelic material and accessories, as well as keeping up-to-date with colleagues’ progress in our fascinating pastime.
The Competition, judged by the members themselves, concluded with the President’s Cup being awarded to Gordon Masson for his entry entitled “Queen Victoria- Over-printed and Under-charged”. This was a short insight into the price-reducing surcharges of British Empire stamps during that volatile period of our history.

Gordon Masson

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Tuesday 9th June
Guest Speaker from Crewkerne in Somerset with "South Georgia"

            Until the 1992 Falklands Conflict, many people were unaware of South Georgia’s existence, but perhaps philatelists were more informed. At the June meeting, the visiting speaker provided members of the Ringwood Philatelic Society with a highly detailed account of the geography, history and economics of this far flung South Atlantic island, underpinned by superb and frequently scarce/unique philatelic material.  On display were a feast of stamps, covers including letters, lettercards, airmails, informative postcards and a variety of postal items from whalers, sealers, customs, expedition members and tourists (cruise ships), together with business and legal documents. Much of the island’s terrain is inhospitable, but northern areas are flatter having accessible bays with just one community. Early visitors were the whalers and sealers, following on from James Cook’s discovery. As early as December 1909 mail was posted. The then postmaster was both the Magistrate and Shipping Officer! An airmail service was established in 1945 via Montevideo. Initially overprinted Falkland Island stamps were used, later followed by issues of the Falkland Island Dependencies, with South Georgia receiving its own from 1986. The display included a study of postal rates, inland and outgoing mail and a sample of rare registered mail. The utter remoteness of the island has always highlighted the value and excitement surrounding the arrival of mail which in earlier times was the only source of links with the world beyond, apart from limited radio contacts. Of all the exhibits, perhaps the most appealing was a 1936 airmail from the island to Argentina, then on to Europe carried by airship, the Hindenburg  L Z -129…rare indeed!

In thanking the speaker and commending the display to members, Chairman Colin Mount said it had been a privilege to see this incredible presentation.

Chairman, Colin Mount thanking Club Members for their assistance with Ringpex 2015,
with the first half of the Guest Speaker's display in the background

P. Barry

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Tuesday 14th July, 2015
Annual General Meeting
and the Chairman's Guest Entertains
Hugh Jefferies MBE FRPSL "Catalogues"

Ringwood Philatelic Society held its 48th AGM at the July meeting, this being followed by the Presentation of Display Awards and ‘Chairman’s Guest Entertains’ – Mr Hugh Jefferies MBE, FRPSL, until recently ‘Stanley Gibbons Monthly’ and Catalogue Editor. His subject ‘Catalogues’ proved most rewarding. The speaker traced the early development of Edward Stanley Gibbons’ business in Plymouth. In his father’s chemist shop in 1856, Edward began to trade in stamps, the naval context proving to be most lucrative, especially when he bought cheaply (£5) from sailors, two kit-bags full of now most valuable ‘Cape Triangulars’!!!  By 1865 he had established a world-wide price-list service of GB and Empire stamps, the cost being a very competitive ‘one penny’. Business soon expanded, first to Clapham and then to Gower Street. Edward himself had established his famous ‘SG’ numbering system by which every stamp produced is identified. In 1890, such was his success that he sold out to a Chas. Phillips of Birmingham. Catalogues continued to be published, but still under the original ‘Gibbons’ brand name. Shops were opened, ‘SG Stamp Monthly’ launched and catalogues revamped. By the turn of the Century these catalogues were a familiar part of the philatelic landscape. As a longstanding and highly regarded SG Catalogue Editor, (due to receive the MBE for Services to Philately) Hugh was well placed to provide a most comprehensive account of ‘back-room’ catalogue history knowledge, editing decisions and pricings and sometime heavy debate with collectors over contentious exclusions…’catalogues are not perfect’. He presented a range of original catalogues, including the famous SG Simplified in orange cover, first published in 1934. Later to the hobby came the highly successful ‘One Country’ series. Later still, in 1940 came the blue covered ‘World Semi-Specialised’ with an identical one printed in China!!  Numerous other catalogues have since been published. Members were challenged to tell the difference!! He observed that on-line catalogues are emerging but hoped that paper editions will not become an obsolete publishing tradition. Although officially ‘retired’ Hugh continues to advise the SG brand. The meeting concluded with a very lengthy question & answer session, such was the interest generated. Chairman Colin Mount warmly thanked Hugh for ‘a most fascinating, informative and interesting evening’.

Wendy receiving her Certificate for her entry "Sun Design of Latvia"	Alan receiving his Certificate	Bert receiving his Certificate for "The U-Boat War in The North Atlantic 1939-1943"
Gordon receiving his Certificate for winning the One-Page Competition	Chris receiving his Certificate for Services to our Society	Bert and Wendy receiving the winners Inter-Club Shield

1862 Mount Brown Catalogue Cover	1862 Mount Brown Catalogue Title Page	Stanley Gibbons 1940 Whole World Catalogue

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 9th June
Guest Speaker from Crewkerne in Somerset with "South Georgia"

            Until the 1992 Falklands Conflict, many people were unaware of South Georgia’s existence, but perhaps philatelists were more informed. At the June meeting, the visiting speaker provided members of the Ringwood Philatelic Society with a highly detailed account of the geography, history and economics of this far flung South Atlantic island, underpinned by superb and frequently scarce/unique philatelic material.  On display were a feast of stamps, covers including letters, lettercards, airmails, informative postcards and a variety of postal items from whalers, sealers, customs, expedition members and tourists (cruise ships), together with business and legal documents. Much of the island’s terrain is inhospitable, but northern areas are flatter having accessible bays with just one community. Early visitors were the whalers and sealers, following on from James Cook’s discovery. As early as December 1909 mail was posted. The then postmaster was both the Magistrate and Shipping Officer! An airmail service was established in 1945 via Montevideo. Initially overprinted Falkland Island stamps were used, later followed by issues of the Falkland Island Dependencies, with South Georgia receiving its own from 1986. The display included a study of postal rates, inland and outgoing mail and a sample of rare registered mail. The utter remoteness of the island has always highlighted the value and excitement surrounding the arrival of mail which in earlier times was the only source of links with the world beyond, apart from limited radio contacts. Of all the exhibits, perhaps the most appealing was a 1936 airmail from the island to Argentina, then on to Europe carried by airship, the Hindenburg  L Z -129…rare indeed!

In thanking the speaker and commending the display to members, Chairman Colin Mount said it had been a privilege to see this incredible presentation.

Chairman, Colin Mount thanking Club Members for their assistance with Ringpex 2015,
with the first half of the Guest Speaker's display in the background

P. Barry

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Tuesday 14th July, 2015
Annual General Meeting
and the Chairman's Guest Entertains
Hugh Jefferies MBE FRPSL "Catalogues"

Ringwood Philatelic Society held its 48th AGM at the July meeting, this being followed by the Presentation of Display Awards and ‘Chairman’s Guest Entertains’ – Mr Hugh Jefferies MBE, FRPSL, until recently ‘Stanley Gibbons Monthly’ and Catalogue Editor. His subject ‘Catalogues’ proved most rewarding. The speaker traced the early development of Edward Stanley Gibbons’ business in Plymouth. In his father’s chemist shop in 1856, Edward began to trade in stamps, the naval context proving to be most lucrative, especially when he bought cheaply (£5) from sailors, two kit-bags full of now most valuable ‘Cape Triangulars’!!!  By 1865 he had established a world-wide price-list service of GB and Empire stamps, the cost being a very competitive ‘one penny’. Business soon expanded, first to Clapham and then to Gower Street. Edward himself had established his famous ‘SG’ numbering system by which every stamp produced is identified. In 1890, such was his success that he sold out to a Chas. Phillips of Birmingham. Catalogues continued to be published, but still under the original ‘Gibbons’ brand name. Shops were opened, ‘SG Stamp Monthly’ launched and catalogues revamped. By the turn of the Century these catalogues were a familiar part of the philatelic landscape. As a longstanding and highly regarded SG Catalogue Editor, (due to receive the MBE for Services to Philately) Hugh was well placed to provide a most comprehensive account of ‘back-room’ catalogue history knowledge, editing decisions and pricings and sometime heavy debate with collectors over contentious exclusions…’catalogues are not perfect’. He presented a range of original catalogues, including the famous SG Simplified in orange cover, first published in 1934. Later to the hobby came the highly successful ‘One Country’ series. Later still, in 1940 came the blue covered ‘World Semi-Specialised’ with an identical one printed in China!!  Numerous other catalogues have since been published. Members were challenged to tell the difference!! He observed that on-line catalogues are emerging but hoped that paper editions will not become an obsolete publishing tradition. Although officially ‘retired’ Hugh continues to advise the SG brand. The meeting concluded with a very lengthy question & answer session, such was the interest generated. Chairman Colin Mount warmly thanked Hugh for ‘a most fascinating, informative and interesting evening’.

Wendy receiving her Certificate for her entry "Sun Design of Latvia"	Alan receiving his Certificate	Bert receiving his Certificate for "The U-Boat War in The North Atlantic 1939-1943"
Gordon receiving his Certificate for winning the One-Page Competition	Chris receiving his Certificate for Services to our Society	Bert and Wendy receiving the winners Inter-Club Shield

1862 Mount Brown Catalogue Cover	1862 Mount Brown Catalogue Title Page	Stanley Gibbons 1940 Whole World Catalogue

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 8th September, 2015
Members Evening, 5 Sheets using the letters A, B or C

Seven members contributed to the evening with displays on a wide variety of topics, making an enjoyable start to the new Club Year.  Wendy Buckle commenced with Cancels on Latvian military and field post mail from World War I, much of it under German Occupation, all Censored.  Civilian mail used German overprinted stamps.  She explained that during this period no mail was delivered, everyone had to go to the post office to ask if there was any mail for them.  Examples of the use of dumb cancels in 1917 were illustrated. Gordon Mason followed with an expansive display of the stamps of each of the Australian States during the period from 1901 to 1913, with a very interesting commentary on their design and longevity.  He explained that this display represented the progress he is making on his collecting theme.
Chris Wheeler chose Azerbaijan for his display, beginning with the first issue of ten stamps in 1919, during its first very brief period of independence from the Russian Empire. The Bogus Issue of 1920, and the Famine Relief of 1921 were displayed.  In 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan regained its independence and a variety of issues up to 2015 were included in the display.  Colin Mount ended the first half of the evening with five sheets from his Australian Penny Red collection, some rare plate proofs, rusty clichés, and bisects being included.
Paul Dumsday displayed five sheets on various topics: a block of four 1/- kangaroos from Australia;  a South Australia letter On Service; a four value set of Victoria On Service from Ceylon; a postcard with postmark of the Congo Caves from the Cape of Good Hope and finally the set of six unissued Barbuda & Antigua 1981 stamps featuring Albrect Durer.  Maritime Mail and some Censored covers from Gibraltar featuring a range of Cruisers on which it was carried, was Bert Burton’s theme.  The period covered was from 1899 to 1917.  Finally, John Davis displayed an extract from his huge collection Innovative Ways of Delivering the Mail, by selecting examples such as Adam (the first message), Barrel mail, Bathascape mail, Bicycle mail, Cadillac mail and Cat mail (from Belgium).

Dumb cancel KD Feldpost, 1917	South Australia definitives	Australia Penny Red bisect
Congo Caves, Cape of Good Hope	Maritime Mail, carried by a Cruiser	Adam, the first message sender

Azerbaijan, 80th Anniversary sheet	Azerbaijan, error - missing country name

 

Chris Wheeler

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Tuesday 13th October
Guest Speaker - Gavin Fryer RDP, FRSPL with "Victorian Junk Mail"

Ringwood Philatelic Society members greatly enjoyed a deep rummage through ‘Victorian Junk Mail’ at their October meeting – but sadly were not allowed to keep their finds!! This was an exquisite philatelic display by visiting speaker Gavin Fryer, RDP FRPSL which traced the development of different types of mail. Such historical items included official documents –tax notes, court summons, election publicity – Parliamentary wrappers, voting papers, proceedings and petitions, registration fees, the huge area of newspapers and cuttings and a rich variety of advertising mail - charities’ printed circulars, printers’ patterns, paper samples, race course events, book post items, letters, envelopes and of course stamps. Numerous penny blacks and reds and two-pence blues were in evidence, all on cover. A considerable focus was concerned with the complex postal rates of the period. While the emphasis was on the Victorian era, the speaker mentioned the period Queen Anne to the early 20th century. This was a highly detailed, superbly written up unique collection of philatelic documents, eloquently presented. Although regarded as ‘junk’ after their purpose was expended, today such items present as often scarce or unique and frequently of considerable value.  In concluding and thanking the speaker, Chairman Colin Mount stated, ‘I think you will agree this display puts a new slant on ‘junk mail’, this has been an extremely interesting and fascinating evening’.

Ireland Charity Mail with a Symbol instead of a Stamp	Undelivered Court Summons, Returned to Sender	8d orange on a Label attached to Book Post for an item weighing up to 32oz
Letter and Cover sent to Despatching Postmaster of Office asking for payment for deficient postage amount	Sheet Music sent at Book Post rate	Post Magazine sent at concessionary rate

Carlisle County Gaol: Rules for Prisoners sending Mail, 1854	Gavin Fryer being thanked by Colin Mount

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 10th November
Guest Speaker - Bob Small from Colehill with "Napoleonic War Mail" and "Battle for Britain"

To deal efficiently with one vast historical subject in less than two hours was some feat, but to address a second was hugely memorable. At their November meeting Ringwood Philatelic Society members welcomed specialist Bob Small to present the topic ‘Napoleonic War Mail’, followed by ‘The Battle for Britain’. In the case of Napoleonic material, the speaker had begun his collection some 40 years previously, when such philatelic material was more easily tracked down and less costly. The display was substantial, very well written-up and frequently revealed scarce, unique items. Covering the period 1793-1815, members were provided a considerable insight into the series of wars fought between France and a number of European countries, including GB. Original newspaper cuttings from ‘The Newcastle Chronicle’, ‘The Times’, ‘The Globe' and others, strongly supported the philatelic content, including envelopes, letters –some military maps, routes for mail, charges levied, pictures and photographic images. This was a most complex historical episode involving personalities, politics and battles and the correspondence presented provided graphic reading.

After the break, ‘Battle for Britain’ focussed on this momentous historical episode, beginning in 1940 with Dunkirk and riveting quotations from speeches by Churchill (‘the Few’) and Air Chief Marshall Dowding, through to Hitler’s invasion of Russia, Pearl Harbour, ‘Bismarck’, ‘Graf Spei’, the U-Boat and V-1/2 menaces. The display included stamps, covers and letters from the period, together with maps and modern philatelic items such as mini-sheets and special commemorative covers.
The two presentations were superbly aided by the speaker’s most informative style.

Chairman Colin Mount in thanking Bob Small stated that the Members had enjoyed a brilliant historical tour, supported by ‘wonderful stories’ and fascinating philatelic material.

Ship Letters with Portsmouth Marks	Pearl Harbour Map	Chairman Colin Mount thanking Bob Small

PAUL BARRY

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Tuesday 8th December 2015
Guest Speaker - Rev Stewart Timbrell

Another delightful and entertaining evening was enjoyed by Club Members as Rev Stewart Timbrell related intriguing stories about his life as a chaplain to the psychiatric services, some of his great frustrations as he fought against many adverse changes in these services due to political reasons, but detrimental to the patients describing some of the harmful actions.
He related stories of the Cecil, and in particular the Portman families over the centuries, with some intriguing tales of their exploits.  The story of Bryanston School was told, and of its construction, as well as the self-contained chapel there which was built of the Portland stone stolen from the quarry and intended to be used for the House, before it was sold and became a school.  Lord Portman was trying to appease his troublesome wife by building this stunning property for her, but it seemed when she first saw it she was disgusted.  After discussion with the architect a massive extension was built at the back, which then became the front with famous landscape gardeners setting it off beautifully!
He related how there were many occasions when he was chased away for trespassing on the private land of the rich and famous to get photos of their houses and buildings for his research.  On one occasion, he explained, it was probably not a good idea to go as a single man wearing his dog collar to be found in the bushes with his camera on a tripod in the private property of a boy’s school!
His illustrated and jovial talk was followed by a social, celebrating another successful philatelic year.

Colin introducing Rev Stewart Timbrell	Pouring the Drinks	Drawing the Raffle

Chris Wheeler

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Tuesday 12th January 2016
Members Evening with mini displays

The evening provided a good opportunity for Members to share interesting aspects of their collections or their latest acquisitions.
The first display was of a fascinating cover dating from the 2nd World War. This local item had a back story…because of the devastation being caused by Battle of Britain activity, the GPO established Ringwood as the distribution centre for New Forest deliveries, in place of Southampton. This cover was posted ‘South Cave, Yorkshire’ and diverted 10th September 1940, to Ringwood for Brockenhurst delivery. (In manuscript marked… ‘Out of Course and delayed owing to Air Raids’). The second contribution was a considerably detailed study of King George V GB Jubilee stamps (1935). The design is something of a classic now and has numerous varieties, such as flaws, watermarks and marginal printing control numbers. Not in the collection and of great scarcity is the two and a half-pence ‘Prussian Blue’ a major gem in philately…check your copies for this amazing shade!! Few postal items can be found postmarked ‘Fanning Island’ but members this evening were able to appreciate such an envelope with a pair of one penny King George VI Gilbert & Ellis stamps, addressed to Westcliff on Sea, Essex.

On a very different theme were ‘Horizon Labels’. A label from each of the 125 post offices in Great Britain was displayed. These are under-collected, some hard to find, GB large size parcel post adhesives currently issued by main post offices. They are over-printed to identify the office number, date, amount in cash and purpose. (eg A=Airmail, 1L=1stClass Large). The final contribution was a superbly written-up 15 sheet display on ‘Historic Libraries’.  Enhancing the subject were stamps, postcards, pictures/prints and line drawings. Religious libraries, (including chained and monasteries), circulating and public libraries were presented, culminating in Carnegie Libraries.

The meeting concluded with a busy ‘Bring and Buy’ session and a lively philatelic exchange of information, fairs to attend and forthcoming regional and postal auctions. Chairman Colin Mount thanked the display contributors ‘for a most interesting evening, an excellent start to the year’.

Ringwood Delayed by Air Raid Cover	Detail on the Ringwood Cover	Cover from Fanning Island
Horizon Labels from every GB Post Office	Vatican Library miniature sheet	Selection of red Silver Jubilee variants

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 9th February 2016
Wendy Buckle and Chris Wheeler with
"Buying and Selling Philatelic Material On-line"

Many stamp collectors will clearly recall distant days wheeling and dealing on the school playground, in some cases adding considerably to pocket money or occasionally acquiring a bargain via some fellow urchin’s elderly aunt or grandfather or a child’s lost interest!! Ah well!! For years keen philatelists have discovered the best means of enhancing collections or releasing items for sale...dealers being a principal port of call. The internet now provides philatelists with countless global opportunities for studying or sourcing/selling material, but not all collectors are familiar with purchasing in this manner...still less the whole world of selling on the net. It was then a most suitable and timely moment to include expert advice in Ringwood’s programme of events. The February meeting of the Philatelic Society was well attended and members greatly appreciated the evening’s presentation, ‘Buying and Selling Philatelic Material On-Line’. Chris Wheeler provided a much informed presentation on ‘Buying’  -which coved all essential aspects from how to register on E-Bay, Pay-Pal registration, sourcing stamps and related philatelic material and principles of managing auction sites, including timing of bidding, currency and means/timing of payments. Useful take-home handouts were available to guide members in the processes involved and sequences to adopt when making purchases or achieving sales on computer.
It quickly became clear that ‘buying’ on-line is a far less complicated process than that of ‘selling’!  In the second half of the evening, speaker Wendy Buckle provided clear instructions and advice based on some years of successful trading. A scanner for sound accurate images is an essential tool, not a camera. Setting up an auction is a good system but takes longer to set up. Pay-Pal was recommended as secrecy of accounts needs to be maintained. There is a need to work out post/packing and returns policies. Wendy questioned if members would sell world-wide…clear advantages were noted. She pointed to good practice by reminding that as a buyer, one knows what works well. Precise search terms are essential. Scan the back as well as the front of material and on black backgrounds. There was a need to set realistic prices.  7 to 10 days auction exposure was seen to be worthwhile. Automatic re-listing’ is a well worthwhile free choice. Other tips included …keep proof of postage, (Pay-Pal will honour), elect for ‘feedback’, how to deal with unfair feedback, and do post within the specified period. It was reassuring to hear that once options are set up, the system remembers choices made for next time! Both speakers encouraged members not to shrink back, but ‘have a go’.  
In concluding, Chairman Colin Mount warmly appreciated the presentations and stated ...’for those who are not technics –it’s all a bit scary…thank you both very much, this has been really helpful’.

Members reading the coloured version of the handouts

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Tuesday 8th March 2016
Annual Competition Evening

This was Ringwood Philatelic Society’s Annual Competition Night which saw, in Judge John Campbell’s words, ‘a good standard of entry’. Various themes featured…the winner in the Postal History Class was Alan Whittaker with his study of ‘Keith Allison Virtue MBE, the Pioneer Australian Aviator’. (Alan was the overall winner too). Also within this class was his ‘Aero Philately…Airmails Down Under’, 1919-39.  Colin Mount provided his fascinating ‘Ringwood Post’…a local Victorian study and Wendy Buckle followed with ‘German Field Post in Latvia during WW1’. Chris Wheeler won the Thematic Class with ‘The Story of the Panama Canal’…although strongly challenged by John Davis with ‘The Volcanic Eruption of Niuafo’ou in 1946’. The Traditional Class saw Colin Mount’s study - ‘Australian Baron Series’…a presentation which considered the stamp designer’s work. Displays were skilfully designed and were supported by not only stamps, but covers, postmarks and watermarks, historical research, newspaper cuttings, photos, documents…and in some cases unique or scarce philatelic material.

This was one of the Society’s most interesting and well supported meetings.

Traditional
	The Australian Baron Series
Postal History
	German Field Post in Latvia
	Kieth Allison Virtue During World War I
	Ringwood Post
	Airmail Down Under
Thematic
	The Story of the Panama Canal
	The Volcanic Eruption of Niuafo'ou in 1946
First Timers
	No Entries

Judge John Campbell	The Ringwood Post Entry

1797 Free Post Letter, from Ringwood to London, endorsed by Sir William House MP	Replica of the First Aerial Post Stamp, 1919	Alan Whittaker receiving the Overall Winner Trophy from Chairman Colin Mount

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Friday 1st April 2016
Club Displays given to Bridport Stamp Club

Four members of the Ringwood Philatelic Society put up displays during the evening, which was attended by 23 Club members.  The evening opened with John Davis presenting 42 sheets of material from his Stampex award-winning entry on the “Tin Can Mail of Niuafo'ou Island, Tonga”.  A detailed description of the 101 years history of this unique service was given with an array of scarce examples of the mail carried by the swimmers and canoeists of the Island.  A range of cachets used on the mail from 1930, when Walter Quensell’s imagination popularised the tin can mail service to the world at large, and two examples of the unique Carl Louis watercolourist’s hand-painted covers sent from his home in Japan for onward transmission were featured.  The island was evacuated in 1946 after the volcanic eruption and resettled in 1958, when the service continued until the airstrip was constructed in 1983.  Chris Wheeler followed with “World of FRAMA labels”, by putting up 50 sheets illustrating the development and use of these labels in 43 countries from around the world.  These have now mainly been replaced by Post & Go labels.  Many of the FRAMA labels were quite plain, others very colourful.  The labels were of variable amounts and the public could obtain them from machines in post offices to relieve pressure on counter staff. The Post & Go labels are for fixed values.

After the break, Colin Mount displayed “Ringwood Post”, a wide selection of postal material on 40 sheets, featuring the postal history of the town of Ringwood which was a horse changing point for the mail routes to Poole and Salisbury.  A wide range of post marks, some very rare, were displayed, also Parliamentary and Free post.  Duplex, squared circle and other cancellations were shown, and also the incorrect use of the “120” cancellation, belonging to Bridgend, which continued from 1849 to 1874.  Cancellations on mail from post offices in the area were shown, and special postmarks, Ringwood slogans, registered post and to pay examples were displayed.  He closed with an example from Ringwood, Australia – a miniature sheet produced by the Ringwood and District Philatelic Society on the occasion of their 40th Anniversary in 1992.  The fourth presentation was “Medieval Illustrated Manuscripts”, which Wendy Buckle described.  A most colourful display of stamps and postal material on 50 sheets featuring the history of this art form was displayed.  An explanation of how the manuscripts were designed, prepared and executed, together with the sourcing of the inks and other material needed, the progression from scrolls on vellum to bound books on parchment was described.  Examples from psalters, hymnals, missions, bible illustrations, and books of hours, and non religious works such as the Magna Carta, poetry and legal works were all explained.

Waterproof Tin Can Container for carrying the Mail	Cover posted to Walter Quensell, an example of mail carried into the Island

The Straight Ringwood Postmark of 1797, on letter to Salisbury with 5d rate	An example of a cover from Ringwood with the Bridgend "120" cancellation code	1992 Ringwood, Victoria, Australia - Philatelic Society's 40th Anniversary commemorative miniature sheet

1984 cover from Austria to England with "illuminated initial" cancellation	French stamp with detail from the Traite D'Andelot manuscript

1985 cover with valid Frama labels, but incorrect To Pay instruction	Three Taiwan Frama labels on cover	2007 Frama label from Japan

(chris wheeler)

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Tuesday 12th April 2016
Club Displays given by Bridport Stamp Club

The Club’s two speakers were warmly welcomed by Ringwood Members, who proceeded to enjoy most interesting presentations. Brian Hunt presented ‘Falkland Islands’ and began with a brief geographic outline, assisted by a 1982 ‘battle map’. He then displayed a range of Victorian stamps, commencing with the first issued - 1st August, 1861. This was a detailed study of first early, and then the later stamp issues, mainly mint with various printings, different watermarks, papers, perforations, shades, overprinted ‘War Tax’ issues and mini-sheets. Airmail rates were considered along with various designers, printers and the considerable range of beautiful QEII stamps, of which the speaker strongly felt there had been poor post office judgement in promoting too many issues.

The second speaker, Bernard Paull presented ‘Alfa Romeo –Rhapsody in Red –the First 100 Years’. This input was not just a treat for philatelists but for the entire Alfa marque following!! The display consisted of documents, correspondence; magazine articles and extracts, stamps, covers, postcards, cigarette cards, and models. Bernard provided an interesting insight into the company’s history, including 1930s development, the racing programme and Hitler’s humiliation with an Alfa victory in the 1936 Coppa Ciano Race, in the shape of the recently UK auctioned 80-35, and other motorsport achievements, including Italian Grand Prix wins. The 1950s/60s saw the re-emergence of car production, commercial vehicles and racing involvements and further progression. The speakers were much appreciated by Chairman Colin Mount, who invited members to study the superb displays.

"Black Frank on piece from about 1869	1913 cover from Falkland Islands to Birmingham	1971 decimalisation overprint
Registered cover to Alpha Romeo, 1942 with receiving marks	Argentina commemorative cover, for Alpha Romeo driver, Fangio	Mian postmark, 1910, the year Alpha Romeo was founded

Two value strip, with label, commemorating Alpha Romeo's Centenary in 2010

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 10th May 2016
Members “One Page” Competition

This completion saw just seven entries, but quality and interest were much in evidence. The event required members themselves to do the voting, but as in the rules, they were not allowed to self-vote!! Subjects ranged from general themes, as in the case of ‘Bridges over the Grand Canal’, featuring in particular the ‘Ponte di Rialto’, to highly technical -‘Various Positions of dots in the Maltese Cross Cancellation’, a study of aspects of postmarks on GB Victorian penny-red stamps. The historically challenging subject ‘Deplored Explorer –Capt. James Cook (1728-1779)’ gave rise to considerations of the damaging effects of European culture and health issues on native populations. A fascinating display looked at ‘Postmen with Transport –Various Types of Boat’. Here were included stamps depicting a Solomon Islands’ cruise launch, Equatorial Guinea’s canoes, a galley used by the Indonesian Republic and a Falkland Islands’ schooner…and numerous others. Some stamps are rare/scarce because of printing inaccuracies resulting in official stock recall. An example was available within the competition, that of ‘The recalled UNESCO Dinosaur Provincial Park Stamp, Canada 2015. Such a stamp was exhibited alongside the re-printed, reinstated example. ‘The 150th Penny Black Anniversary’ and a postal service where mail coaches, camel post and a Russian courier from the Middle Ages were presented. The final entry and overall winner was member Paul Barry’s ‘New Acquisitions –GB Queen Victoria 1887 Jubilee Issue’, who was awarded the ‘President’s Cup’ by the Society’s Chairman Colin Mount. This entry included 1/- green stamps, the 6d. purple/rose on a Wareham parcel-post label and a beautiful advertising envelope promoting the talents and services of a German art design company operating in the latter part of the 19th Century. The competition was much enhanced by a range of supporting material…stamps mint and used, mini-sheets, covers, photos, drawings, maps, good write-ups and quality presentation.

The seven competition entries

The winning entry with 16 points	The runner-up with 15 points	Paul Barry receiving the Winner's Trophy from the Colin Mount, Club Chairman

(Paul Barry)

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Saturday 4th June
“RINGPEX 2016”

The main event in the Society’s calendar is RINGPEX and this stamp and postcard fair was again greatly popular. The venue - Greyfriars Community Centre at Ringwood is ideal as it provides two modern halls and a foyer for lively trading, together with a friendly volunteer kitchen team providing the famous ‘Ringpex’ bacon rolls and hotdogs!! The highlight of the day was the Society’s Raffle, with superb prizes…the first prize being a wonderful Penny Black kindly sponsored by local GB specialist dealer Peter Mollett…this year being won by a Wimborne philatelist. Numerous other prizes were generously donated by Stanley Gibbons.

This is always a popular event with dealers, some who travel considerable distances and appreciate the Society’s porterage help… and of course with collectors who regard ‘Ringpex’ as a major diary date, providing excellent opportunities for discovering elusive material.

(Paul Barry)

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Tuesday 14th June
Guest Speaker - Bill Pipe from Poole with "Dorset Postal History"

Although, as Chairman Colin Mount stated in his opening welcome, ‘we all know Bill Pipe’, his subject ‘Dorset Postal History’ proved to be somewhat obscure. Postal history emanating from such a rural county from the period 1606 through to the Victorian era (and beyond) was bound to be affected. Bill referred to ‘a fairly illiterate county of sea farers and labourers’. Trade was centred mainly on Poole and Weymouth, with Bridport, Lyme, Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne playing smaller roles. The earliest cover presented, was coach sent being dated 23rd June, 1606 - Winterbourne to Baynards Castle (Surrey). Early letters were in the display, one written 4 months after Cromwell’s death. The earliest postmark presented was 1726. There was a predominance of naval and agricultural mail. The majority of postal gems were from 1840 onwards. A lovely orange Maltese cross cancel (Corfe Castle) on a penny black was enjoyed, together with a cover to London bearing a superb strip of 4 penny blacks –plate 4 AI to AL –the entire having 4 red Maltese cross obliterators, dated 16-10-40, Poole.  Other penny blacks followed together with an abundance of two-penny blues and penny reds and numerous later issues, many with interesting cancels –registered, late-use, numeral, thimble, cds and inspector cancels. One cover catching the eye was bound for ‘Marnhall’, (Marnhull) being cancelled ‘Blandford’ –Ap. 4. 59 with code letter ‘C’.

The second half of Bill’s presentation was equally rewarding. Here there were early ship mail, Mulreadys, railway cancels (a love of Bill’s), Dorset Regiment, wreck and strike post mail. Of particular note was a superb unique Victorian Twynham (the dead village thanks to the Military) parcel post label, (find another one!!) The riveting evening drew to an end when Publicity Officer Paul Barry was called upon to provide the vote of thanks. He paid great tribute to this ‘Aladdin’s cave of treasure with all its rich variety and rarity’. In concluding, he highlighted a selection of the wonderful rural Dorset post office names which had featured, such as Blandford St Mary, Hinton Martell, Long Bredy, Marnhull, Nottington and Punchnoll. Thanks Bill.

23 June 1606 cover from Winterbourne Abbas to Baynards Castle, Surrey	Fifth Clause Post from Castle Cary to Dorchester, 1826	Penny Post Cancel on Wrapper from Wimborne, 1839
Dorchest to Hong Kong with squared circle cancels on four values	Wimborne Temporary Skeleton cancel on 1844 cover with Poole Receiving Mark	Last Day Cover for use of 128 cancel from Beaminster
LNWR Railway Letter 2d Stamp on Mourning Cover to West Moors	Flying Boat Service from Las Palmas to Poole Airport, 1944	Cover to London from Dorchester, marked with label re Snail Damage in Postbox

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Tuesday 12th July 2016
49th Annual General Meeting and the Chairman's Guest Entertains
Hugh Jeffries MBE FRPSL "The Life and Times of Stanley Gibbons"

No one could be better placed to entertain on this subject than Member Hugh Jefferies. Until recently Hugh has been Editor of Gibbons Stamp Monthly and has overseen the collection of numerous artefacts connected to the life and times of this most prominent international stamp dealer. Hugh gave a highly detailed and entertaining presentation relating to the professional and more private life of this fascinating character. This illuminating account threw light, not so much on the Company, but on the Man.  Stanley was born in 1840, the ‘Penny Black’  year, the 5th child of a Portsmouth dispensing chemist. At 15 he went to work as a junior clerk in ‘the Naval Bank’. Being responsible for mail, he developed an interest in postage stamps from around the world and as his expertise grew, in 1853 his father provided a small counter space at the back of the shop to trade in stamps, the collection of which was becoming a major Victorian hobby. Soon Stanley had a brisk business running with a good source of material being via the city’s naval connections. The legendary story of the ‘Cape Triangulars’’ was retold, whereby in 1863 two seamen emptied a couple of sacks of these now iconic stamps onto the shop floor which Stanley promptly purchased for a small figure! Advertising and mail order developed, cheap packets being popular. A move to London was well timed, however the (saucy?) mix of office girls arriving for work at the suburban Clapham address, followed soon afterwards by wealthy men to see Mr Gibbons did not suit the neighbours too well! A move to Gower Street was then to be overtaken by the establishment at the famous address -391 The Strand.  At age 50, he sold his business and led the rich life, having it is believed, numerous ladies in tow!!  Another part of Stanley’s ‘secret life’ were his marriages, 5 in all, with number 6 being lined up just before his death!  Visits in ‘company’ to the Savoy, opposite 391 were apparent, his final visit (1913) resulted in a heart attack, whereupon the managers of this top hotel and of Stanley Gibbons together arranged for his body to be rolled up in a carpet and quietly removed to a modest address nearby to avoid unwelcome publicity!!

Chairman Colin Mount and Members were most appreciative of Hugh’s rich presentation, which included much ‘insider’ knowledge and unique archive ‘scrapbook’ material…brilliant!!

The AGM about to start	Colin receiving the bouquet	Rowan with his Lifetime Award

Treville Street where Stanley was born and started his stamp business	Extract from Stanley's Birth Certificate	Stanley as a Young Man	The sailors unloading the sack of Cape Triangulars

(Paul Barry)

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Programme 2016 - 2017

Saturday 10th September
Poole Fair - Upton Community Centre, Poole

Tuesday 13th September
Members Evening with a maximum 15 sheets from members using the letters
D, E & F, plus members bring and buy

Tuesday 11th October
Guest Speaker - Christine Earle FRPSL from Surrey with “Open Philately”

Saturday  15th October
"HAMPEX" - Wickham Community Centre Nr Fareham
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Tuesday 8th November
Guest Speaker - John Davis from Highcliffe with "Tin Can Mail"

Tuesday 13th December
Our Christmas meeting with a fun quiz.  Sherry and mince pies. Partners welcome and members are invited to contribute
by bringing along some Christmas fare. (Please note there is no speaker this evening).


2017
Tuesday 10th January
Members Evening with Mini Displays plus a Bring & Buy

Tuesday 14th February
Guest Speaker - Colin Baker from Warminster with "British East Africa, its Postal History,
Postal  Stationery and Stamps up to Independence"

Tuesday 14th March
Annual Competition Night - Traditional, Thematic & Postal History
also “First Timers” and a Bring & Buy

Saturday 8th April
Ferndown & West Moors Stamp & Postcard Fair, Inter-Society Competition

Tuesday 11th April
Guest Speaker - Michael Elliott FRPSL  from Sussex with “Finland at War”

Tuesday 9th May
Members One Page competition and Bring & Buy

Saturday 3rd June
"RINGPEX 2017"  Our own Stamp & Postcard Fair
at Greyfriars Community Centre - open 10am to 4pm

Tuesday 13th June
Guest Speaker - Malcolm Price from Sussex with
"Australian Forces in Northern Territory during WW II and their subsequent involvement with the BCOF in Japan"

Tuesday 11h July
50th Annual General Meeting followed by
"A Look at Pillar Boxes" by Rowan Brockenhurst, our immediate Past President

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Tuesday 13th September
Members Evening with a maximum 15 sheets using the letters
D, E &F

Eight Members displayed on a wide variety of topics in this, the first meeting of the Society’s year.  Presentations focussed on the letters ‘D, E and F’ in the title.  Paul Dumsday had selected stamps from such countries as the Dominican Republic, Eire and the Falkland Islands, incorporating both old and new issues, mint, used and covers.  Bert Burton’s displays were well researched and written up topics under ‘Gibraltar’ – all having naval connections. HMS Dwarf (1898-1916) featured strongly, underpinned by
stamps, postcards and photos.  ‘EUROPA’ was Chris Wheeler’s study and here Members learnt that numerous issues had been produced. Although not written up, the presentation was most informative and conveyed very colourful images with superb
stamp design. Of particular attraction were issues from Cyprus, Latvia and Isle of Man. David Etchells provided an excellent focus on ‘D’…for ‘Disability of Blindness’ via a superb literary and verbal commentary, combined with a wonderful range of stamps
which very successfully traced in brief, the story of deafness. They spanned the period 1921 to the modern era and depicted white sticks, guide dogs and German Shepherd dogs. The work of Louis Braille featured along with sections on eye diseases and
diabetes. Famous ophthalmologists were examined along with the renowned local specialist Harold Ridley of Salisbury.

‘The Federation of Australian States’ (1901-1913) was a thoroughly researched subject by Gordon Masson. Using a digital microscope, he demonstrated clear images of early issue Victorian stamps together with insightful commentary. Postage rates and overprints were a particular focus. Wendy Buckle shared a high quality display tracing the development of handmade paper through to machine generated. A particular element dealt with the importance of the Victorian paper maker John Dickenson. The presentation contained postcards, covers, embossed envelopes, articles, photos and an aerogramme, together with antique paper sample books. Colin Mount made a strong technical contribution with his 50 year personal study of Australian 1d red KGV stamps. ‘E’ for Errors was his specialised consideration,
covering perforations and flaws. ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ was Paul Barry’s topic. Here were presented mainly mint copies of the GB 1887 ‘Jubilee’ stamps, together with various covers having international destinations. This most colourful set was the
Victorian Post Office’s response to the much criticised previous dull ‘green and lilac’ issue.

Wearing his newly acquired ‘Chairman’s hat’, Paul commended Members for their participation in ‘a fascinating evening’ and commended the magnificent displays for close scrutiny.

stamps depicting use of the white stick	cataract disease on stamp from Nepal	diabetes detection on stamp from Austria	United Nations stamp featuring the use of Braille
cover sent from a crew member on HMS Formidable	cover sent from a naval officer based in Gibraltar	a John Dickinson produced embossed stamp on envelope	Lake Marion on Tasmania stamp, part of the Empire

(Paul Barry)

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Tuesday 11th October
Guest Speaker - Christine Earle FRPSL from Surrey with “Open Philately”

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          Members of Ringwood Philatelic Society were greatly entertained at their October meeting with a fascinating presentation by international judge, Christine Earle. Her subject ‘Open Philately’ described a collecting/display method in which stamps and associated philatelic material are incorporated into an exhibit together with other items such as maps, photos, posters, official notices, newspaper cuttings, plus 3-D items such as badges, ration books and coins. Christine brought her subject to life by sharing a section of one of her own exhibits which dealt with ‘World War II Britain’. Here the rules of ‘Open Philately’ were in evidence with firstly the subject being developed in ‘an imaginative and creative manner’. A points system was explained in which four essential areas need close attention. These include ‘Treatment and Importance’, including a title and clear plan of development, ‘Knowledge and Research’, ‘Material’ which celebrates condition and rarity and finally ‘Presentation’ where the exhibit must be appealing by sheet, by frame and in overall appearance.

The allowance of a larger paper format, eg A3 provides much greater scope, say for the presentation of large covers or official documents such as in this example –wartime posters and maps. She explained that collectors are free to display their material in any format/content/quality, but if entering serious competitions, then these rules must be followed. The material members were able to study included a fascinating focus on ‘Slogans’ …’Dig for Victory’, ‘Careless Talk Costs Lives’, wartime employment for women, and a number urging good recycling habits. Members were greatly impressed by the quality of items on display, some of considerable rarity, and all written-up and organised in an eye-catching way to tell a story. Collecting, selecting and mounting ‘a rule friendly’ exhibit appeared to members at first to be a most daunting undertaking, but through Christine’s eloquent delivery, richly stimulating display of fine material and the first rate discussion following, a feeling of ‘can do’ was certainly achieved…all much reflected in President Colin Mount’s concluding vote of thanks.   Another excellent RPS evening!!   

Example of effective use of an A3-sized page

Victory Celebrations	Demobilisation	War Time Slogans

    
PAUL BARRY

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Saturday 15th October
"HAMPEX, 2016"

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Tuesday 8th November
Guest Speaker - John Davis from Highcliffe with "Tin Can Mail"

Members of the Ringwood Philatelic Society enjoyed an unusual topic at their November meeting –‘Tin Can Mail’. This proved to be a huge display of unique philatelic material, supported by related artefacts, which had been collected, written-up and presented by member John Davis. His focus of study centred on Tonga in the period 1882-1983 and the small northerly island of Niuafoou which had been ‘discovered’ in 1616 and first charted by Captain William Bligh of ‘The Bounty’ fame. Needing to communicate with the outside world, a system of watertight mail carrying metal canisters was established, promoted by one William Travers. These were taken by swimmers (in later years by outriggers) the 1.5 miles to passing ships in deeper water, with incoming mail being transferred to land by the same means. This remote coconut producing island, close to the international dateline, benefitted hugely from this basic service and it was not until as late as the early 1980s, with the building of an air-strip that this service ended. John’s display included covers- many illustrated, letters, photos, maps, newspaper and magazine cuttings. A special study was made of cachets (postmarks) of which some were exceedingly rare, an example having the wording ‘Damaged by salt water in Tonga’. A considerable range of fascinating covers formed
the display’s central development with ‘destinations’, ‘wartime censored’ cartoons’, ‘underpaid’, ‘volcanic evacuation’, and the inevitable more recent ‘cruise ship’ mail. In addition, Niuafoou’s proximity with the International Date Line had produced numerous
‘meridian’ illustrated covers, some ‘entires’ having revealing correspondence, as in the example – ‘yesterday was also Tuesday’!! An interesting range of island commemorative stamps also featured in the superbly written up presentation. The final element in the presentation saw John in debating mode, considering the finer points of relevant material inclusion. In concluding the meeting, fellow Member Wendy Buckle, herself an international philatelic exhibitor, delivered an eloquent vote of thanks, paying tribute to John’s speed of collecting (4 years!) ..’what a dedication, a very fine and lovely collection...very enjoyable’.

Map of the Islands	Examples of Tin Can Mail	Two Tin Can Mail HumourousPostcards
Building the Airstrip	"Beware of the Sharks"	John receiving his Certificate from Wendy

(Paul Barry -Chairman/Publicity Officer)

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Tuesday 13th December 2016
Our Christmas meeting

There was an excellent turn-out for this evening's celebratory event. Chairman, Paul Barry opened the meeting and set the scene for members to enjoy the refreshments that they had brought along.

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Tuesday 10th January 2017
Members' Evening with Mini Displays

This, the first meeting in Ringwood Philatelic Society’s 2017 programme enabled the examination of a wide range of themes. A superb and well written-up study of early Australian airmail items was much enjoyed. The 1920s and 1930s saw considerable development of these intriguing airmail services and this was well reflected in the displayed material. Included were Australian territory maps, stamps- both singles and in blocks, fascinating scarce flown covers with interesting postmarks and newspaper cuttings. A study of wartime Guernsey stamps, first-day covers and press cuttings was of equal merit. ‘Gibraltar’ was the following theme where the focus shifted to WWI and a consideration of US Forces and their mail, inbound/outbound to the States. Centre stage was a range of letters and postcards (some censored), postmarks, pictures of Gibraltar and submarines. ‘Curious cancellations’ provided a brief examination of familiar GB issues with the highlight being a fabulous multi-stamped cover with some 40 modern stamps!  ‘Gilbert & Ellis’ stamps were also presented along with a very scarce cover franked ‘Fanning Island’. Another unusual presentation  featured  ‘Victorian  Parcel Post Labels’ of the late 19th Century where stamps had been affixed to official gummed labels having strong adhesion to a variety of surfaces, aiding the postal service.  Many philatelists keep well abreast of e-technology and this was amply demonstrated in the final contributions via computer enhanced images where mainly early British Empire stamps were examined in the closest detail. The scanning of images was agreed to be the most effective process. Such scrutiny enables the easy detection of watermarks, printing variations, inks, flaws and occasional rarities….happy hunting!!

Nicely cancelled Gilbert & Ellice Islands stamps	A multitude of stamps on one article
Selection of Parcel Post Labels	Cutting from the Evening Press

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 14th February 2017
Tony Flax - “Caring for the Coast for the next 100 years”

This, the Society’s deferred Christmas meeting, kept to tradition whereby its non-philatelic theme, had wider appeal for member’s guests. Speaking of his many years with the National Trust, currently as its Coast and Marine Advisor for the South West, Tony Flux provided a fascinating insight into a vital, but under represented aspect of endeavour, that of coastal management. Numerous statistics accompanied the power-point presentation, one notably, that 45% of all NT coastal sites exist in the West Country. Beginning by outlining historical support for this conservation work, commencing in Barmouth in March 1895 with the first bequest, Tony underlined the crucial nature of such long term work. Dealing closely with the how/why of continual coastal change, a variety of trends were identified; new surface temperatures, sea level rises and issues around wind and wave action, heat and precipitation. Other aspects of the Trust’s work concerned pros/cons of land defence and dwellings relocation. The tension between inevitable coastal erosion processes and engineering interventions was examined, not to mention costs, local preferences/demands and political influences. ‘Do we patch up coastal stretches today, only to return in 20 years’ time to repeat the exercise?’ Tony made the strong case for realistic and long term planning/remedies, often in the face of local and traditional embedded attitudes, which could be misinformed/misplaced. A major part of the Trust’s work clearly centred around explanation, education, good PR, science/engineering and the economics of viable  projects. This most interesting talk was further enhanced by considerations of case studies, university research and superb coastal photography including aerial coverage, some historical revealing erosion and habitation trends.  Tony, clearly a most passionate advocate of the protected coastal environment, reminded his audience that surveys reveal over 25% of people daydream about ‘being by the sea!’  He stated that ‘Dorset has everything!!’ including a fantastic coastal heritage. In appreciating Tony’s superb presentation and pitch for responsible realistic conservation, Chairman Paul Barry voiced the mood of the meeting in stating how much we all owe to our wonderful rich environment and to the National Trust’s vital and ongoing coastal management brief.

The Forces of Change affecting the Coastline	True Words!

Decaying Defences on Brownsea Island	Aerial view of Poole Harbour

(Paul Barry)

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Tuesday 14th March 2017
Annual Members Competition Evening

Ringwood Philatelic Society recently held its annual members’ competition night. Entries were carefully researched and presented and covered an interesting range of topics.  A high standard is required and Hampshire Federation philatelic judge Julian Jones was suitably impressed, whilst steering competitors towards even higher achievement. Member Paul Dumsday provided a small study on ‘Gilbert & Ellis Islands’ through a selection of QE II stamped covers. David Etchells’ 12 page entry ‘Manuscripts, Writers and Banks’ dealt with the subject within a postal history context which benefitted from the inclusion of both pre-stamped and early postally used envelopes. A thematic entry ‘A Day out at Kew’, compiled by Chris Wheeler, was a delightful consideration of the attractions of this famous national horticultural treasure, underlined by mint stamps, booklets, first day covers, postcards and photos, all superbly written up. The concluding display, and the one achieving first place was the entry from member Alan Whittaker, the subject being ‘German Occupation in WWII’. This again was a well described study, ably supported by mint stamps, overprints, fascinating covers, photos, a Red Cross message and registration form. Displayed was but a fraction of a significant collection, which when fully represented will form a notable local/national competition entry. 
        Chairman Paul Barry commended the members for their superb entries and warmly appreciated Julian Jones for his much valued judging expertise.

The "Manuscripts, Writers and Banks" entry	Judge Julian Jones presenting the winner's salver to Alan Whittaker

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 11th April 2017
Guest Speaker - Michael Elliott FRPSL with “Finland at War”

Speaker Michael Elliott provided Ringwood Philatelic Society members with an insightful, fascinating, but most tragic historical account of Finland during the period 1939/45. Over many years, he had acquired related philatelic material via his personal connections in this Baltic country, together with purchases, some bulk, from UK dealers and his collection and knowledge had benefitted hugely. Geographically, Finland has frequently suffered from having Russia, her huge and mighty neighbour, on the doorstep….none more so than during the mid-20th Century.  1939 saw the Winter War with Russia. The second war was the Continuation War, whereby Finland joined Hitler to achieve advantage over this common enemy. This led up to 1944, when the 3rd war broke out, being part of the Treaty of Moscow…the Lapland War, which sought freedom and independence.  Given this background, it is difficult to imagine functioning postal administrations or the survival of philatelic material. Michael was soon to demonstrate via his superb presentation, quality write-up and eloquent delivery, a considerable knowledge of the period. His 180 sheet display revealed numerous scarce and unique items. There was a huge collection of covers, some pictorial, including some ‘entires’, whereby the original contents were to be appreciated. Amongst the treasured items, there were very scarce German postal history covers, some official and again with correspondence. Military hospital postal items were included. A small section of related material on the Lapland War was present, but Michael explained that little of such postal history has survived. The presentation was peppered with supporting items…stamps, overseas charity labels, photos, maps and propaganda leaflets.

           Chairman Paul Barry warmly thanked the speaker for sharing his excellent collection, and pointed out that it had taken some 12 years of waiting to secure this philatelic extravagance for the Society’s programme! 

Winter War - Unnecessary use of a bisect, 20 March 1940 Winter War - Army Staff Corps card showing use of a Motorcycle, with trailer on sleds, 1937 1940 Olympics Cover - 3 May 1939, but Olympics not held Winter War - Postcard used in 1940, back Winter War - Postcard used in 1940, front Continuation War, letter used by Sweedish Volunteer Parcel Card to a Corporal serving in Kpk No 6, in November 1944 Interim Peace - Picture on Postcard sent in 1940 The Contunuation War, Picture on Postcard sent in 1942

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 9th May
Members One Page competition and Bring & Buy

Four entries were submitted in this evening's Competitions, each winning a trophy for their class. The overall winner was Alan Whittaker who was congratulated on his excellent entry.

Julian Jones and Paul Barry about to announce the results and present the Awards

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Saturday 3rd June
"RINGPEX 2017"  Our own Stamp & Postcard Fair
at Greyfriars Community Centre - open 10am to 4pm

The 3rd of June proved to be another most successful day in the RPS calendar. RINGPEX continues as a highly popular stamp and postcard fair. As usual a significant amount of planning was involved together with very much effort on the day by a small dedicated team of Members. The event was well promoted particularly by an interesting window display of local estate agent Carr & Neave, which took as its main theme the main raffle prize of a fine quality ‘Penny Black’. This annual prize attraction is much appreciated by both committee and punters and is the most generous gift of GB specialist dealer and Honorary Member, Peter Mollett. This year the winner was a local philatelist. An excellent ambience pervaded throughout the day, helped along by the provision of refreshments, including the famous RINGPEX hotdogs and bacon rolls! A most pleasing profit was again achieved which assists in running costs, essential to a healthy society and bank balance! The organising team’s only regret for the day was that due to a health issue, Hampshire thematic dealer Paula Cant and husband Philip had to cancel at short notice with insufficient time to replace. As a real measure of the fair’s enduring popularity, all dealers are booked for next year, being …
2nd June, 2018…an important date for your diary!! 

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 13th June
Guest Speaker - Malcolm Price - "Australian Forces in Northern Territory during WWII and their subsequent involvement with the BCOF in Japan"

The Australian involvement in the Second World War beyond Australian territory is a frequently occurring philatelic study in many clubs and societies nationally, but this particular presentation of Australian Forces in the Northern Territory, followed by an examination of their later role in Japan  is a far less well known subject. Members of Ringwood Philatelic Society enjoyed an interesting evening therefore when speaker Malcolm Price shared both his considerable knowledge and a unique and scarce collection. His extensive display, supported by fine write-up, contained maps, military overprinted stamps and rare proofs, (singles, blocks and sheets), covers –many censored, flown and registered mail, lettercards, various hand-stamp cancellations- steel/rubber, photos, press cuttings, and correspondence. He traced the history of the period and explained that the military were deployed to the north in a protection role. As with Pearl Harbour, the Japanese attack on Darwin  (8th December, 1941) propelled the military into a new gear. Roads and narrow gauge railways were developed. Post offices were few and therefore facilities were quickly established to aid communication. These included new air-force base postal services. South East Asia became a major theatre of conflict, with the Australian mainland clearly further threatened. The display was considerable and a major section considered the Japanese phase of the war. Here were presented naval covers and cancellations to and from significant ships such as ‘The Shropshire’ and ‘The Bantam’ and the Japanese surrender 2nd September 1945, on board the battleship ‘Missouri’ in Tokyo Bay. Australian interests post-war had to be maintained, and so a large military occupying presence was developed along with a strong postal service, both for official and commercial purposes.  PoW mail was part of the display, both inward and outward, together with information airdrop letters and posters (on what not to do). Locally produced overprinted stamps threw up scores of printing varieties, a philatelic goldmine!! By the summer of 1957, the last Australian officials left Japan, and so this fascinating  philatelic story concluded at this point.
          In providing a warm vote of thanks, Society President Colin Mount spoke of ‘the phenomenal amount of displayed material, absolutely perfect, a remarkable display’.
                                                                                                                              

Air Letter from Northern Territories to New South Wales	Letter from an Aboriginal Mission to New York	Malcolm receiving his certificate from President, Colin Mount

            Paul Barry

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Tuesday 11th July
50th Annual General Meeting followed by
"A Look at Pillar Boxes" by Rowan Brockhurst, our immediate Past President

The topic ‘Pillar Boxes’ is not a familiar one among philatelic clubs and societies, yet has a central role in the world of stamps and postal services. Such organisations benefit hugely from the numerous philatelists who have built up unique collections, displays and very considerable specialised knowledge and this evening’s presentation was no exception. Ringwood’s immediate Past President, Rowan Brockhurst, provided a most entertaining insight into the world of pillar boxes, explaining how he first sought to engage in this philatelic study area. His son’s class had been given a task –that of investigating brasses and other embossed surfaces, which in this young boy’s case involved seeking to make rubbings of the insignia on such boxes. Rowan soon became aware of the wide range of boxes, their manufacture, their locations and insignia design. Early boxes were made of wood, as in the case of those in the Channel Islands. They tended to be located at public houses, later to be replaced by iron ones, and installed generally to the rear, where horses with carriages were rested, for onward postal delivery. Members learnt that the oldest box, still in use, is the one at Barns Cross, Holwell, near Sherborne. Considering types of box, the first ones had vertical opening, later to be replaced by horizontal on account of rain ingress. Among early boxes, lovely fluted style ones are still to be seen at Milford-on-Sea, Mudeford and Eton. Colours play their part with green being used in Ireland and blue in Scotland. Later England, Scotland and Wales all changed to red. Exceptions exist, as in the case of Hull with its cream painted ones! The study of design is a huge area of investigation. For example Liverpool had its own, but by 1859 666 standard boxes were established.     Of famous design is ‘The Penfold’, being designed by architect A W Penfold, there being 5 types. All boxes had the Royal Cypher (VR) with adjustments seen across subsequent reigns. Rowan illustrated his presentation with a substantial number of photographs, many depicting ‘ER’ boxes. Also included were images of different types –free standing pillar, lamp-post and fence fixing and wall …of which the one fixed high in a wall at Lulworth (marked ‘out of service’) is a delight, giving rise to questions of why?! A variety of overseas pillar-boxes were also featured, colours setting them apart.  Many boxes receive much local affection, as in the case of Sherborne’s Olympic gold box, to be seen outside the central post office.

          On this subject of pillar boxes, author Bill Bryson makes numerous references, pointing out that this icon is truly engraved in the national consciousness, but perhaps we have to thank Anthony Trollope for their introduction –another story!

Postbox out of use due to birds nesting in it!	Postbox inaccessible due to the floods!

A variety of boxes	Channel Islands and Isle of Wight examples	Rowan with part of his display

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 12th September 2017
Members Evening with a maximum 15 sheets using the letters G, H & I

Recently the society’s committee decided to make a real effort to gain greater member involvement in ‘Members’ Evenings’, and this was endorsed at the summer AGM. Through encouragement and an underlining that all entries are welcome, no matter how brief, basic or undeveloped they may be, the September meeting saw 10 of the 15 members present displaying. This was the best result for many years, and demonstrated that the Society has an all-inclusive remit. The first presentation was by Keith Clements who took the subject ‘History of Germany’.  He began with an examination of the Treaty of Versaille - ‘a harsh settlement’. As he traced the history through to the 21st century, excellent use was made of various stamps, including overprinted Bavarian issues, the Hitler years, the Soviet era, Post-Soviet and those of Re-unification. Peter Pierson provided an insight into the mysterious world of 2009 GB overprinted stamps, entitled ‘The Hidden Codes’.    Clarewyn Smit considered in some depth and with passion ‘The 1976 UN Year of the Disabled’. This well written-up study was well supported by quotations, illustrations and numerous stamp issues and strongly underlined ‘Human Rights of the Disabled’.  Gordon Masson presented ‘Geography of Tasmania in the Victorian Era’. This insightful study made fine use of maps, stamp enlargements and details of printings, including perforations and watermarks.  ‘Gibraltar’ by Burt Burton gave members access to just a glimpse of a fascinating study. The evening’s theme concerned ‘The U-boat War in the Mediterranean’ and was very well written-up, making excellent use of stamps, covers, maps, photos, cigarette cards and military information.  Using ‘G’ (Greenwich), ‘H’ (Huddersfield) and ‘I’ (Ironbridge), David Etchells shared his research of 1841 penny reds and these associated town handstamps. His particular interest considered the ‘Maltese Cross’ cancellation mark.  ‘Australian KGV Penny Reds’ was Colin Mount’s subject and revealed a highly detailed study of printings, worn plates, inks and subsequent rarities. ‘Never give up, keep looking’ was his message as he revealed a recent near impossible gem of an acquisition.  Chris Wheeler shared an interesting colourful display, ‘International Peace Year’. Wendy Buckle took the subject ‘Guttenberg’, which studied printings and engraving, issued stamps, covers and photos. This was a high quality presentation, beautifully written-up. Concluding the evening was Paul Barry’s ‘Great Britain Jubilee Series 1887-01’, which focussed on various stamp values on cover. All had interest, including coloured advertising envelopes, multi-stamped envelopes and interesting themes to collect, for example ‘The Russian Connection’. Here were observed an early cover to the London Russian Embassy and another to a certain British gentleman in Moscow, having no stated address- none being needed in Victorian times!!

1901 Advertising Envelope "Schultze", bearing a ½d green, tied by London CDS

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 10th October
Guest Speaker - Geof Eibl Kaye FRPSL with "Methods of Stamp Production"

Geof opened with a potted history of stamp production, starting with the uniform pre-paid adhesive stamps of 1840, though he mentioned that pre-payment for letters commenced in 1829. The idea was to avoid post-office staff having to charge for postage when mail was received – the stamp signified payment. The process was set up to be low cost, stamps difficult to forge but easy to replicate for mass postage.
He went on to describe, with a fine display of philatelic material and overhead projection images, three main processes of stamp production, giving their development and the advantages of each.
The one penny blacks and reds and the two pence blues of GB were described from the hand-turned printing press to the production of the printing plate from the original engraving of the Queen Victoria head, via transfer roller etc. He touched on the surroundings and borders to the head designs, multi-colour printing and other advances; and how these were adapted to produce some of the best designs for a range of countries, eras and sizes of stamps.
A main area covered in this very detailed and interesting dialogue was that of security. Variations of ink, shifted images, under-printing, pattern displacement etc were all used to prevent forgery and re-use. For economy and /or security, processes such as iridescent over-printing, printing on the reverse under the gum, coded year of printing in the design, removable cut-out panels, differing gum patterns, and many others were cited.
This was an exceptional delivery on a subject germane to the majority of stamp collectors, exemplifying the use of small computer images on a large screen blended with philatelic material displayed on the usual frames, both to complement each other and enhance our understanding of examples by adding “theory to practice”.  

(Report by Gordon Masson)

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Tuesday 14th November
Guest Speaker - Colin Mount FRPSL with "Why Write up your Collection"

Members were entertained on this occasion by their President Colin Mount FRPSL who being extremely well placed to share specialist knowledge on the subject of collection write-up, provided an insightful presentation to a fascinated audience. ‘Displaying our own stamps should be for our own pleasure –yet there is a need to share,’ Colin claimed.Within a few moments it became obvious that this topic was complex and far ranging, with numerous aspects. A successful write-up could only be achieved by skilful manipulation of numerous variables, and the following input reflected many points of consideration. The starting point was clearly that of devising a workable plan. Crucial issues were the need to know what the resulting display was attempting to achieve…’where you are going with it’, followed closely by the importance of a quality first page and vitally, having ‘a beginning, a middle and an end’.  Essentially it should reveal a story, a philatelic journey. Essential elements included….

• The worth of investing in one or two specialist stamps.  Rarity/quality to be considered, but cheap material can provide a good story
•  Specialist catalogue reference…varieties, printings, etc
• The size of the chosen topic…will it fit, say 12 sheets?
• Choosing an appropriate sheet colour (cream was favoured)
• Keep a balance between material and information
• Use a stockbook as a holding bay, while building up material
• Use perfect stamps and good postmarks
• Indicate scarcity (not rarity), eg ‘1 of 5 known’
• The do’s and don’t’s of mounting stamps and related material

            Colin then spent considerable time expanding on the skills/considerations associated with preparing a competition entry. Whilst the afore mentioned pointers were crucial, here the material/display must ‘talk to the judge’.  Additionally…

• Consider font size (most choose 12) and not ‘fancy’
• Keep in mind the scoring requirements…keep to laid down laws’

    A particular focus was placed on the subject of ‘Thematic Display’.  Colin emphasised the importance of having ‘a real interest’ in the chosen theme. It was vital to ensure the topic provided enough philatelic material. The title should not be too far ranging, it should be in full agreement with the plan, having good balance and development being logical and in correct order. In a thematic entry, specialised information is not to be included, but rather ‘tell the story, not the detail’.’ It is important to incorporate clever use of masking larger items, by cutting a viewing panel or blanking square, to reveal just the stamp. The use of stamp blocks, mini-sheets and FDC’s should be most sparingly applied. There is the essential ingredient of demonstrating that the entry reveals philatelic knowledge and that personal research has been employed.
 Throughout the presentation, Colin dealt with questions and most helpful discourses were held on key points of shared interest. The report here gives but just a mere flavour of what is a most detailed and precise subject.

Members responded enthusiastically to Member Chris Wheeler’s fulsome appreciation of Colin’s presentation. The evening was yet another example of how privileged the Society is in having top quality speakers in its midst. ‘Writing-up is truly worthwhile’, Colin stated and continued ‘keep at it…never give up!!’

Colin Mount receiving his Certificate of Appreciation from Poole & Bournemouth Club Chairman, Chris Wheeler	Chris Wheeler receiving his Competition Certificate from Ringwood Society Chairman, Paul Barry	Paul Dumbsday receiving his Competition Trophy from Paul Barry, Ringwood Society Chairman

(paul barry)

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Friday 24th November
50th Anniversary Dinner at Greyfriars

Members and Special Guests recently celebrated Ringwood Philatelic Society’s 50th Anniversary. Quite an achievement, especially when one considers that meetings have been held continuously at Greyfriars over that entire period!  Of equal surprise - that two of the original founder members were present – Gillian Habbin and Rowan Brockhurst. A number of members had previously been involved in organisational tasks behind the scenes. Gillian had created lovely floral table displays, a most colourful statement on arrival, with Jo Knott’s magnificent celebratory cake having further visual impact. In the running order, Rowan provided the initial speech in his capacity of Immediate Past President, speaking warmly of the Society’s early days and provided the Loyal Toast. Colin Mount, current President and long-time Programme Secretary then spoke enthusiastically of the Society’s development and introduced his daughter Jo-Anne who outlined her appeal in support of the chosen myeloma charity - Amyloidosis Awareness UK. The final and main address was made by Hugh Jefferies, who with a lengthy and celebrated career with Stanley Gibbons was much appreciated as the key speaker on the subject of ‘This Wonderful Hobby of Ours’.  

                                                                            Holding proceedings in place was Chairman Paul Barry who later concluded this ‘most memorable evening’ and thanked everyone for their participation, including invited guests and especially the Greyfriars’ Special Events Team for a ‘top class anniversary dinner’.
‘Here’s to the next 50 Years!!’   

Members and Guests Assembling	The Anniversary Cake

Gift Aid Letterbox	Chairman, Paul Barry Opening the Ceremony

Rowan Brockhurst Reminiscing	Colin Mount, President, with his Speech	Hugh Jefferies giving his Speech

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Tuesday 12th December, 2017
Philip Cant from Basingstoke with "Titanic Revisited"

Ringwood PS enjoyed a really worthwhile 2017 programme, culminating with the Christmas Meeting, where speaker Philip Cant presented ‘Titanic Revisited’, having previously shared his iconic ‘…from Cradle to Grave’. Forming the riveting display (no pun intended!) were stamps, postal items, postcards, photos, press reports, and references to Cunard documents and other research findings. Philip traced the inception, building, Board of Trade involvement, staff recruitment, provisioning, passenger and cargo lists and departure for New York. Also covered were aspects of the voyage, two ice warnings, collision, reference to Marconi and the miracle ship ‘Carpathia’, partial rescue and the role of the American press. A particular emphasis was placed on ‘the Enquiry’, subsequent vital maritime law changes, and recent deep water wreck site exploration. Artifacts are expensive, but Philip did have ownership of a rare, limited edition Cunard Steiff black bear…the evening’s highlight!  Members and guests further celebrated the festive season with sumptuous refreshments. Here was another notable event in the busy Society’s programme.

The Sief Titanic Bear	Southampton Boarding Card	Fare Ticket from Queenstown, Ireland
The Liner under Construction	Postcard showing the Launch	Miniature sheet showing the scene just before impact
The submersible "Jason"	Telegram to the "Carpathia"	Jo Knot's Christmas Cake in the Raffle

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 9th January 2018
Members Evening with Mini Displays

The Society’s new year got off to a pleasing start with excellent attendance and a wide subject range within displays. One of the most popular topics of conversation in any club/society is that of ‘new acquisitions’, and this was the Chairman’s chosen area. Taking advantage of Christmas ‘generosity’ and new year dealer bargain listings, Paul Barry was able to share interesting GB Victorian parcel post labels and a scarce registered 1890 cover to Reval (Tallinn), Imperial Russia. French tourist board publicity postcards were also well received, having superb colour and design, being provided by philatelic webmaster Chris Wheeler.  An unusual subject was under focus, being correspondence emanating from “The Thunderstorm Census Organisation”. The displayed covers had been randomly discovered by member David Etchells, who skilfully had pieced together the story of 1920s scientist Morris Bower’s returned storm watchers’ advice cards. Paul Dumsday continued his interest in Pacific island covers, one a fascinating multi-franked Mauritius first day cover, while Gordon Masson followed up with an in-depth study of early Australian States’ issues and designs. John Stephens shared album pages containing interesting Asian philatelic material, informed by lengthy work and leisure experience, particularly in Hong Kong and China. A wide range of topics with wide appeal!   

Jubilee stamps on Parcel Post label from Horsham	5d Jubilee stamp on Registered letter to Russia from Liverpool	Part of the set of eight Hong Kong stamps overprinted CHINA for use in the Treaty Ports
Philatelic FDC from Mauritius	1901 letter with New South Wales stamps	1901 letter with Queensland stamps
Morris Bower and wife with their weather station	1927 Storm Return Card	1945 Storm Return Card

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 13th February
Albert Jackson with "Poland during WWII"

Following a hugely appreciated presentation of this magnificent display last year in another Dorset society, Members at Ringwood knew they would enjoy a superb evening by local philatelist, Albert Jackson.  This was memorable on a number of counts –the haunting history of one of Europe’s darkest episodes, the quality, volume and sheer scarcity of material, the meticulous write-up and eloquence of exposition.  Albert ably described in chronological progression, the main components of this study, historical, geographic, racial, political and pictorial, not to mention the most detailed commentary on Polish/German postal services, stamps issued, cancellations, taxed overprints, official stationery, covers, correspondence and postcards and of course censorship and censor marks.
          Given the pre-war enmity of Nazi Germany towards the Polish nation and her territory, it was clear that the war would have its origins in that sphere. The build-up of invasion forces, the speed of the campaign, the destruction of vast areas and major loss of life were aspects clearly depicted. Of particular note were fine coloured postcards having such captions as ‘The Great March into Poland’, ‘On the Road to Victory’, ‘Heinkel He 111 Warplanes over Warsaw’ and ‘Workers’ Regiment defending Warsaw’. Forced labour, re-settlement programmes and internment camps added to the mix. Yet out of this carnage and unspeakable misery a range of postal services emerged - German, Polish and Jewish, rising phoenix-like from the ashes.  Albert’s fabulous material on display gave a brilliant insight into this historical period, but perhaps the absolute gems in the display were three hugely rare postcards from Russian camps associated with the Katyn massacre. These were among the very few items posted out before the inmates were executed and the camps closed down. However the account of Poland in wartime was not limited here to the early occupation, for after the interval which provided members with opportunities for close scrutiny of displayed material, there was a fascinating consideration of the turning tide. Russia’s eventual massive and sustained assault on Hitler’s Eastern front had huge implications on Poland and her marshalled Polish military forces. Albert provided very considerable insights also into the Polish worldwide diaspora and resettlement programmes.  
Member Wendy Buckle was called upon to give the vote of thanks. On behalf of the Society, she paid very high tribute to the many exquisite aspects of the display. It was indeed a great privilege to have been able to include this presentation in the programme.  Thank you also to President Colin Mount for securing this top philatelic gem.

The disputed Polish territory from WWI	Postcard from the Eger Camp in Hungary	Letter to the Eger Camp in Hungary	Red Cross vignettes issued by France for Polish refugees
Cover to London from Switzerland internee camp with vignettes and stamps	The "First London Issue" of Polish stamps	The "First London Issue" stamps on cover	An example of Intermediary Mail
The Fuhrer's resettlement Programme Card	Mix of German and Polish stamps on cover, with calculation error	Freepost Military Mail, used by a Postal Worker	Confiscated Mail, as contents were partly written in Yiddish
Soviet card at the Katyn Massacre	Returned to London cover sent to a civilian refugee in Iran	USSR Polish Peoples' Army postcard, 1943	Wendy Buckle awarding the certificate to Albert Jackson

(paul barry)

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Monday 5th March 2018
Hampshire Philatelic Federation Workshop
"How to Tell a Story"

On Monday 5 March, at the Greyfriars Community Centre in Ringwood two well known and experienced International Judges, Dr Patrick Reid FRPSL and Christine Earle FRPSL led an exceptional full day workshop with the objective of explaining the most important aspects of improving a display or competitive exhibit.  Among the attendees were experienced judges and club members, all of whom benefitted enormously from the expert guidance given by the two speakers.
The workshop was organised by Colin Mount on behalf of the Hampshire Philatelic Federation, Under the direction of Julian Jones it concentrated on the Thematic, Open, Postal History and Traditional classes, with the afternoon spent critiquing in great detail the title pages brought along by the attendees.
Using power point the first vital message was to consider one’s Philatelic Material, Philatelic Knowledge and combining the treatment of these two.  The exhibit must be relevant, accurate, easy to read, and concise.  What is shown must match the plan.  One must use one’s knowledge to fill any gaps, stating where necessary that a particular item is not available, or the differences between items that look alike.
Everything must be relevant and treated in a logical, well explained sequence.  Every entry must “tell a story”, having a start, middle and succinct end.  Because competition entries vary in length, match the scope to the number of pages.  The three key elements that the speakers constantly emphasised were “Tell a Story”, “Constrain the Title” and “Comply with the Rules of the Class”. This was demonstrated very well in the analyses of the attendees' first page submissions, where many times the title was either too broad, or the content did not reflect the title and plan. A beneficial motto to close on was "Do not forget, personal study and research will distinguish you from the crowd"
Julian Jones thanked the speakers, and in turn was thanked by the attendees.  An really excellent and productive day!

The three basic elements	Obvious presentation tips	Various thematic components

Christine showing one way of laying out a one frame exhibit	Attendees examining each other's title pages, and receiving expert suggestions for improvement

(chris wheeler)

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Tuesday 13th March 2017
Annual Members Competition Evening

The Competition evening was a marked success, this year's entries being larger in number and as the judge, Colion Mount, is quoted as commending the entries, indeed finding that the number displaying and the quality had been the very best for many a long year. He mentioned in particular that displays were ..."well set up, not all entries made use of 'references', nice to see quality of paper...(cream in most cases). Up to 50% of non-philatelic allowed in 'open class'. Everyone had a plan!!"

Thematic
'A Short History of Printed Book Production'	Wendy Buckle	89
'The U-boat War in the North Atlantic  1939-1943'	Burt Burton	78
'The Bear Genus'	Chris Wheeler	74
Postal History
'Naval Censor Mail to and from Gibraltar 1939-1943'	Burt Burton	79
Open
'Venice -  A voyage through the Grand Canal and into St Mark's Basin'	John Davis	84
'The Artists of Cheyne Walk'	Chris Wheeler	74
First Timers -Novice
'The Development of Postal Services for the Visually Disabled'	David Etchells	74

Wendy Buckle was awarded the Thematic Trophy, and represents the Society in this Class at the Interclub Competition at Ferndown on 14 April; Burt Burton was awarded the Postal History Plate; John Davis was awarded the Open Class Cup and represents the Society in this Class at the Interclub Competition at Ferndown on 14 April; David Etchells was awarded 'The Elsie Martin Cup'

The four winners

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Tuesday 10th April - "The Story of Bulawayo”

Here Members were treated to a rich study in social philately. This two-part presentation was highly informative, detailed both in terms of considerable historical/geographic scope and rich philatelic content. John Berridge, in tracing the region’s early days before Europeans, then various pioneers and the life and times of Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902), provided a fascinating backdrop. He produced a map of c. 1780 revealing the then virtually unknown South African region. A major focus looked at the arrival of Dr Moffatt (1795-83) who was the first missionary. His daughter married David Livingstone. 1859 saw Moffat’s missionary station become the basis for the foundation of Bulawayo.  A Royal Charter of 1889 gave the British SA Company rights to administer and develop. Ox wagons, stage coaches and eventually the railway all played significant roles and were colourfully depicted in the philatelic items displayed. The development of telegraphic services was a major contributor, reaching Bulawayo in 1894, with a link to Cape-Town and Cairo. These aspects were well featured and the display benefitted from a section on aviation and its impact. An interesting further section covered postal services during WWII. Here covers were included, Censored mail being one aspect. The use of microfilm being sent (Airgraph) in 1944 and covers flown by SA Airways also featured. The speaker’s second-half presentation considered ‘Early Bulawayo Date Stamps and Cancellers’, the Matebele Rebellion, the Boer War and Mafeking Relief’. Maps, railway time-tables and telegraph stamps were also considered. A fascinating section looked at ‘Postal Stationery’, followed by postcards depicting the early development of the city. Other presented areas featured farming and mining, tourism, KGV stamp issue, ‘UDI Surcharged Mail’ and concluded with ‘Post Independence Bulawayo’.
Chairman Paul Barry voiced the appreciation of the Membership for ‘a most fascinating and enjoyable philatelic presentation.’

Cecil Rhodes Travelling	The First Train Arrives, 1897	1931 Air Mail to Bulawayo
Botswana Miniature sheet, showing the railway route from Mafeking to Bulaway, 530 miles	Air Mail Postcard from Johannesburg	Rule Book of the Royal Philatelic Society, founded in 1910
Underpaid cover to Bulawayo, 1962	Last Day of Rhodesia, cover, 1979	John, receiving his certificate from Chairman, Paul Barry

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 8th May:- One Page Competition Evening

Congratulations were given to David Etchells for his winning entry "Earth Impact Events" with 24 points. Chris Wheeler was second with 22 points for his "Gerald Scarfe and his Stamps", with John in third place with 14 points for his entry "Straits Settlements Local Overprints".

The five entries in the 2018 Competition

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Tuesday 12th June
Guest Speaker - Paul Latham-Warde from Salisbury
with "And I still don't know what to collect"

No one felt sorry for Paul not knowing what to collect because by the end of the evening he had displayed some twenty different topics, some interconnected, giving a bird's eye view across the world of philatelic collecting.

Starting with a letter from Mary Murray to the Inspector of the Poor in Scotland complaining that she was not receiving enough support, Paul gave an illustrated and detailed insight into the Poor System which existed up to its replacement with the Poor Laws of 1834, which were harsh and draconian, designed to deter dependency on handouts. The Andover Workhouse Riots were covered and then the introduction of State Pensions in 1907, Health Stamps in 1911, Unemployment Stamps in 1920, all leading up to the National Insurance Contribution system in 1948. All this social history was illustrated by correspondence, covers, and seals of the time. This led into the topic of cinderellas, which Paul illustrated with part of his collection of the first 60 years of Christmas cinderellas issued by Boys Town, Nebrasca. He then showed his 9 sheet thematic slogan competition entry on the promotion of the British Telephone in the 1930s, closing the first half with another 9 sheet Open Class competition "Protest" covering a wide range of Protest movements, explaining for example the Suffragettes had chosen their colours of Green, White and Violet to represent Give Women Votes. A nice example of one of their seals was displayed.

Paul opened the second half with examples from the Irish Hospital Sweepstakes, whose lotteries were linked to horse racing raising millions of pounds from across the Atlantic for the smaller hospitals of the day. Money and tickets were sent through the post, but aliases and agents had to be used to avoid the ban on movement of these items from foreign sources. This led to two frames on postal fraud, fraudsters and a wide range of fraudulent practices, as well as fraud prevention measures - a whole subject in itself.

Moving on he displayed his collection of high value Castles, which though plentiful and cheap as stamps are not so when used on certificates, telegrams, inter-bank high value parcels, examples of which were illustrated. Then came a display of stamps and covers featuring barbed wire, patented in USA in 1874, of which there are currently 384 varieties. Next was concentration on a specific stamp, in this case the 5c Canadian Jubilee issue of 1897, displayed in a multitude of forms; then the first 25 years of rotary winged flying machines; colourful telegrams including the rare first use of the Valentine design; the British designer Andrew Restall; the 100th anniversary of the RAF and RAF censored mail, and finally a damaged letter from Calcutta with its ambulance envelope.

There was something and more for everyone and inspiration to find a topic and develop it - what an evening!!!

Essays for 1911 Unemployment Revenues	Christmas Cinderellas from Boys Town	Votes For Women Logo
High Value Parcel label	Barbed Wire Miniature Sheet	Plate block of 4 x 5 cents
The first ever Valentine Telegram	Ambulance cover for the Damaged Letter	The rescued letter from the Comet crash

(chris wheeler)

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Tuesday 10th July
51st Annual General Meeting followed by
"President's Guest Entertains"

Following the well attended AGM with award presentations, the Membership were greatly entertained by the President’s Guest Speaker, Michael Elliott, Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London.  His subject ‘Aspects of Finnish Philately’ provided a superb display of this little known collecting area, depicting stamps, postcards, covers and postmarks, further enhanced by write-up and exposition. Michael had inherited a lovely collection, which had provided the inspiration for further development. Emphasis was on the 1940s with ‘the Winter War’, the ‘Continuation War’ and ‘Women at War’. This miserable slice of European history saw Finns fighting alongside German military against common enemy Russia. His knowledge was advanced by a most recent meeting with a local 93 year old lady who had nursed Finnish troops.  The display contained a recently acquired postcard selection.  Members were privileged to have access to this unique and scarce philatelic material, strongly emphasised by the vote of thanks.

The President giving his Address	David Etchells receiving his two certificates from President, Colin Mount

Map showing the 33 stations	1997 miniature sheet showing the early trains	Cancelled TPO stamp as used from Helsinki to St Petersburg from1862 to 1918
Estonia Vounteer Army Censored cover to Finland with Deutche Feldpost mark	Estonian Volunteer Navy cover from Finland to Pernaud with blue cross showing insufficient postage paid	Women Soldiers singing in an Open Air Service, 1941

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 11th September
Bob Neville from Headley in Surrey with "HMS Hood" and "Gibraltar Used Abroad"

The first section of this extensive display comprised a detailed study of the life and times of the battle–cruiser HMS Hood. This was the largest and most powerful battle-cruiser in the world in its time, the pride of the British Navy.   In  telling the story, the speaker, Bob Neville made excellent use of numerous mint and used stamps, correspondence, including postcards, an on-board baptismal certificate, photos and the   front page from the News Chronicle, reporting the ship’s loss and subsequent 4 day chase and eventual sinking of the German battleship ‘Bismarck’ by The Dorsetshire on 24th May 1941, some 400 miles west of Brest. The second area of study featured mainly Victorian Gibraltarian stamps, covers and correspondence. A special emphasis was concerned with famous printing varieties, one of particular note being a red 10 centimos stamp having no printed value. Alongside this rarity was compared a strip of 3 forged examples, these being the subject of expert consideration by the Royal Philatelic Society.   The photo shows Society member Bert Burton, himself a specialist in these two topics, thanking Bob Neville for presenting his most interesting and scarce material, much appreciated by all present at this,
the first meeting in the annual programme.

Lettercard from HMS "Hood"	"HMS Hood" at sea	Flat "O" on top of "centimes"

Baptism Certificate from "HMS Hood"	Bert Burton presenting Bob Neville with his certificate

(Paul Barry, Publicity Officer)

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Tuesday 9th October
Waterlooville & District Philatelic Society visit to entertain us
Speakers: Paul Davidson & Malcolm Smith

          Two eminent presentations from Members of this nearby society proved the point that ‘local is good, very good’. Such evenings are usually shrouded in mystery where topic is concerned and this evening’s was no exception.        Paul’s area of expertise was entitled ‘The Exploration of the Great Southern Continent’. His display was of superb quality, well written-up and was philatelically illuminated by mainly mint stamps, postcards, covers and maps. There followed an historical account of exploration which covered in some detail the voyages of Magellan, Drake and in particular Cook, whose very primitive navigation skills and instruments were explained. The discovery of islands and icebergs encouraged further voyages, and the emergence of scientific intent, including the pursuit of the magnetic South Pole, were well described. Other explorers were celebrated, including the expeditions of Scott and Shackleton.

Using the full force of philatelic material in support, the second presentation was equally informative with ‘Norfolk Island’ being eminently described by Malcolm Smith, whose childhood collecting interests had been developed, covering this outpost of Empire. His progressive historical story-line was well partnered by stamps, some in blocks, postcards, air and official letters, handstamps and postmarks, pre-stamped envelopes, maps and a focus on the Royal Visit issue. Little known facts emerged, such as the island’s use as a penal settlement. The level of information imparted, combined with enchanting, often colourful material combined to create a most memorable evening.

Certificate Presentation to Paul and Malcolm by Ringwood Club President, Colin Mount

         (Paul Barry)

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Tuesday 13th November 2018
Guest Speaker - David Muscott from Lyme Regis with "English Provincial Banknotes"

  Ringwood Philatelic Society’s November speaker was unusual– not only in being a prodigious collector and Dorset stamp dealer for 60 years, but having a specialist interest in English provincial banknotes. He quickly engaged his audience with superb displays of scarce material and fascinating stories. He had held various elevated positions in stamp and banknote “worlds”, an example of the latter when being called as an expert court witness concerning banknote theft. David’s presentation considered original South of England banknotes, demonstrating the subject’s history and breadth followed by production processes and possibilities for forgery.Citing the famous Geoffrey Grant Catalogue, he described how Provincial (ie local city and town) banks were allowed to produce their own banknotes from 1780 onwards, with 1800-1830 being the main period for proliferation. A variety of locally produced notes of varying condition and rarity were displayed – many revealing skilled engraved designs and included design proofs, correspondence and orders for printing. Local banks were subject to licence fees to trade in their banknotes, taxed per note and fined for non-payment. From 1826 many banks became bankrupt not least from taxation, fraud and forgery. Note theft was prevalent and large rewards offered, for example after stagecoach robberies. From a law change in 1844, which prohibited smaller banks, many amalgamated or were taken over. All the banks now existing were from such amalgamations. All defunct notes had to be cancelled and many featured in the display. In 1921 the last English provincial bank ceased printing its own notes. Members greatly benefitted from this presentation, clearly having many philatelic links. A highly informed and experienced collector with lifetime trade and pastime knowledge, David Muscott is to be strongly recommended as a very engaging guest speaker.  
    

A Ringwood One Pound Note	David Muscott with President, Colin Mount

(Gordon Masson/Paul Barry)

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Tuesday 11th December 2018
Christmas Meeting with Tony Flux from the National Trust with "Sir James Thornhill, a famous Weymouth son".

                Ringwood Philatelic Society enjoyed an excellent non-philatelic evening in the company of Tony Flux, from the National Trust who presented fascinating insights into the life and times of Sir James Thornhill, a local 17th Century dignitary. Born in Weymouth 25th July 1675, James was soon ‘adopted’ by his uncle and in his care and protection he soon flourished in London society. In 1688, a year before his benefactor Dr Thomas Sydenham died, James was apprenticed into the world of painting, where he quickly asserted his considerable artistic talents. Finding his niche in Greek Mythology painting, (Italian Baroque) very popular at the time, James excelled. This was a very fertile period for the arts in general, with such contemporaries appearing as Handel, Hogarth, Pope, Wren, Vivaldi and Bach. He was a prolific draughtsman, theatre set designer and portrait painter of renown, (Newton, Handel), who excelled in numerous artistic fields, reaching directorships and MP status at a comparative young age. Among his achievements were the 8 sections of the dome of St Paul’s, and the part painting of the Hall at Greenwich, a homage to William & Mary. From 1718 he began to spend more time in Dorset, and achieved notable commissions including Sherborne House, Charborough Park and St Mary’s Church in Weymouth. Tony Flux’s digital presentation was considerable in scope, and here we can only skirt around the edges of a vast subject. The Society’s sizeable membership present at this meeting were most appreciative of the story of ‘this local son made good’.                                                            

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 8th January 2019
Dealer Evening - Paula and Philip Cant will bring along their stock
(Welcoming Philip Cant and Martin Wybrow)

        Ringwood Philatelic Society enjoys a reputation for providing Members with a wide and most interesting programme, and this evening’s entertainment certainly followed this successful formula. Society Chairman Paul Barry provided a warm welcome to Hampshire dealers Philip Cant and Martin Wybrow who had set up a sizeable range of stock-books for perusal, covering Thematics and Single Country Collections between them.  With ‘stamp shops’ now being a rarity, Members appreciated this opportunity to seek out elusive stamps at close range. Dipping into sizeable accumulations of themed stamps such as Birds, Motor Racing or Sport, or sometimes scarce 19th century stamps from individual countries, such as India, Canada or Finland, the choice was immense. Besides opportunities for purchase, there was the chance to discuss fine philatelic detail with these specialists. Collection gaps were filled, inter-club display material  was secured and orders and wants lists gained attention.   Certainly this meeting proved to provide an excellent start to 2019.                  

Philip and Martin setting up their stock for sale

Members looking for new items
(paul bary)

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Wednesday 16th January 2019
AFTERNOON MEETING (2 to 5)
Members ‘First Day Meeting – The Society Entertains’

        By popular Member request, a special day meeting was staged, proving most successful; a good attendance with nine displays being shared across a wide range of subjects. ‘GB Victorian 1887 Jubilee Stamps’, the introductory theme, contained both mint examples and a variety of unusual period covers, two being full colour advertising envelopes. Another presentation considered a member’s route into collecting and his development of a most interesting display of ‘Australian States up to the 1913 Issues’ which included an examination of official overprints. Can stamp forgeries be more valuable than authentic copies? In the case of the GB 1870s one shilling green, this is in fact true. A focus on ‘Stock Exchange Forgeries’ described in detail how a lucrative massive Victorian scam enabled the sale of forged stamps to be used on telegraph forms, lining the pockets of an unknown worker. A very different slant was introduced with the study of ‘Life and Works of Dick Findlay, Fellow of the Royal Watercolour Society', who emerged as a world famous artist. Among achievements were his contributions to coin and philatelic design. This display included a considerable range of stamps celebrating his skills. In contrast, a further presentation revealed an accumulation of ‘Stamps received on Letters’ through the 1950s to late 1960s and sorted by country, kept in a book with associated caption.  ‘US Warships in Gibraltar’s Waters’, an in-depth WWI study, was superbly written-up. Included were numerous covers depicting vessels along with correspondence ship to ship/shore and photos with some rare locally posted mail items. ‘The American Civil War’ was another presentation which, vast in range, was eloquently covered by historical exposition and displayed philatelic material through album pages. Stamps depicted key military and political leaders, events and flags. ‘Singapore and Hong Kong Handover’ was well supported by beautiful album pages and special bank notes in range 1996- 2004. The contributor, having lived in the region, provided excellent insights. Concluding the meeting was a skilled and refined study ‘The Centenary of the Northern Territory Exploration of Australia’ which considered the 1860s and in particular the contribution of John McDougall Stuart, whose recognition was recorded by stamp issue, the design for which was taken from a water colour entitled ‘The Overlanders’, by Sir Daryl Lindsey.  This was a wonderful daytime event in the RPS diary and one likely to be repeated. 

Centenary of the northern Territory Exploration, 2960	Cover for USS Quincy, in Singapore to Florida, 1936	Key leaders in the Civil War
David Findlay, Designer	£5 Note used in Hong Kong with the serial number beginning with the code HK97	Hong Kong and Singapore Banknotes
Stock Exchange Forgeries	South Africa Succulents 2nd issue by David Findlay	1997 Celebrations, Hong Kong

paul barry

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Tuesday 12th February 2019

Members Entertain

        This was a quickly assembled home-grown evening owing to a sudden change in the Society’s published programme. Eight Members provided interesting displays on diverse subjects. ‘GB late Victorian Stamps’ on cover and document revenues proved interesting. ‘New Zealand Health Stamps’ provided a more extensive study, having been a 31 sheet presentation, created by an early Hon. Member (now sadly deceased). This prize winning display (‘The John Cup’) was superbly well written up and well promoted with its abundance of mint stamps and special mini-sheets. On a very different theme was ‘The Heart of the Matter’. The Member presenting had a sister who had been part of the medical recovery team supporting Dr Christian Barnard and therefore was well placed to here expound the pioneering work in S.A. in the 1960’s. Much background information was imparted and this combined with stamps, covers and photos did much to promote the work on blood and organ donations and heart transplants. A 30 sheet quality display followed on the subject ‘Submarines’. The presenter briefly described each display sheet, and being an ex-submariner was well placed to bring his subject ‘to the surface’ with distinction, using stamps, correspondence and photos. In sheer contrast, the next display ‘Bhutan’ contained mainly philatelically inspired large foil stamps, including some with a built-in record to be played!!   ‘Australian Forces’ was underpinned by individual stamps and covers. This superbly written-up presentation included ‘Australian Forces’ Postmarks’. Continuing ‘Down-Under’ was an in-depth study on ‘Australian States Specials’ where consideration was given to design, plate use, printing methods, overprints, perforations and watermarks. All presented on a sample of album pages, this collection was still emerging. Stamps having ‘amusing or unusual shape’ was the following contribution and here were seen stamps from Tonga.  From the same presenter, the subject ‘UNESCO SAVE VENICE CAMPAIGN’ was equally appreciated. Here were celebrated numerous stamps in support from across the world, including Yemen, Algeria, Bulgaria and Burundi.  Concluding, the Chairman Paul Barry warmly thanked participants, in particular their willingness to muster most interesting material at very short notice.

Stamps commemorating the First Heart Transplant by Dr Christian Barnard	Tonga, Commemorating the forst Poloynesian Gold Coinage	Yemen, 1986 - some stamps featuring the UNESCO "Save Venice" Campaign

PAUL BARRY

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Tuesday 12th March, 2019
Annual Competition Night - Traditional, Thematic, Postal History, Open Philately and First Timers

The 2019 Annual Competition of the Ringwood Philatelic Society saw excellent displays, two of which were of such quality that they were promoted to compete at local ‘Interclub Level’. (Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic/Postcard Club’s 20th April Fair) The Judge for the evening was Colin Mount FRPSL, RPS President. Scoring highest was David Etchells’ entry (Postal History) which was a superb study of ‘The Cancellations on the 1841 Penny Red’. Taking 2nd place was John Davis with his ‘Venice 1796/1866’ (Open Class). Other displays also saw much interest, including naval ‘Gibraltar 1914-18’, and ‘The Quest for the Inner Man’ (both Burt Burton), with  ‘Novice Class’ -John Nicholson’s ‘Liberia’ and Clarewyn Smits’ ‘Dick Findlay’ (celebrated South African Painter). This much enjoyed evening again demonstrated Members’ increasing ability to engage in quality competition presentations.
Competition Results

OPEN	John Davis	Venice  1796-1866	71
POSTAL HISTORY	Burt Burton	Gibraltar 1914-1918	77
	David Etchells	A Study of the Cancellations on the 1841 One Penny Red	81
THEMATIC	Burt Burton	The Quest for Inner Space	73
NOVICE/FIRST TIMERS	John Nicholson	Liberia	65
	Clarewyn Smit	Dick Findlay	53

David Etchells, the overal winner

Paul Barry

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Tuesday 9th April, 2019
Guest Speaker - Colin Mount FRPSL with "A Pig in the Post"

‘Pigs might fly…’well on this philatelic occasion they really did!! Ringwood Philatelic Society President and eminent Guest Speaker Colin Mount, Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London, presented a superb display on postal pigs. This revealed his long term specialist career and very considerable knowledge in the pig industry, which was skilfully illustrated through a rich mixture of pigs depicted on stamps, covers, postcards, postmarks, advertising material, stock development information, historical, geographical, political aspects, farming economics, professional associations, photographs and documents. Amongst the porky stories were insights into war-time propaganda, poems and literature (eg.’The Little Pigs’), Christmas and Valentine cards, and the stories and facts behind the piggy bank and such well known sayings as ‘pig-in-a-poke’. Wild boars in rural UK also had a mention! In the Speaker’s usual informative, friendly and jovial manner, Members were drawn in to a most enjoyable presentation. Chairman Paul Barry warmly expressed the Society’s appreciation for this most entertaining and enjoyable evening in the Society’s programme.        

Pig on Cover, on Introduction Page	A cut-out pig from a stamp adhered to an 1873 cover

Meter mark of the National Pig Breeders' Association, founded in 1844	1955 10 Bani Romania stamp, illustrating pig husbandry	Hangary stamp depicting man hunting pigs

Picture on postcard sent from Army PO No. 3, the Transient Camp in Boulogne, 1916	Address and Message on the postcard sent from Army PO No. 3, the Transient Camp in Boulogne, 1916

paul barry

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Tuesday 14th May 2019
Members One Page Competition and Bring & Buy

Just three entries were submitted for this year’s ‘One Page Competition’. Certainly no lack of interest or attendance, but other pressures and ‘garden weather ‘compete with philatelic interests!
          Following short descriptions of individual displays, the Membership were invited to vote in the Winner. Gaining most support this year was David Etchells with his entry entitled…
"Heinrich (Henry) Schliemann (1822-1890), Polymath, banker, businessman and archaeologist"
This neat compact display entry was well described. Members learnt that Schliemann began working in banking in Russia in 1846. He spoke no less than 14 languages!  By age 36 he retired with a business fortune, having dealt in a variety of commodities. He then pursued a career in archaeology, concentrating on the pursuit of Troy.  He excavated various sites, eventually discovering ‘Priam’s Treasure’ at Troy and the ‘Mask of Agamemnon at Mycenae’. Attractive stamps had been selected to illustrate this amazing life and achievement.

David Etchell's One Page Entry

(paul barry)

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Saturday 1 June - RINGPEX 2019

Visitors arriving	Bacon Butty!	One of the Dealer Halls

President Colin Mount scrutinising a sheet
of Australian KGV penny reds with his expert eye,
which no doubt had a twinkle in it!

Ringwood Philatelic Society Members recently held their 2019 RINGPEX Stamp & Postcard Fair at Greyfriars Community Centre. Much planning and an early start enabled an efficient set up, on what proved to be a glorious 1st June.This was one of their most successful fairs, with an excellent attendance and much valued trade between punters and dealers, and generated a good income for RPS funds.  The highlight of the day was the Society’s raffle, where the star prize was a very fine Penny Black, kindly donated by Hon Member and local GB specialist dealer, Peter Mollett. There were 12 dealers present, providing a wide range of stock covering ‘GB’, ‘Commonwealth’, ‘World’ and ‘Thematics’, and postcard collectors were equally pleased. Another popular and appreciated feature was undertaken by the volunteer Kitchen Team with their all day refreshments, in particular, by the now famous RINGPEX bacon/sausage rolls.

             (paul barry)      

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Tuesday 11th June, 2019
Guest Speaker - Jean Alexander FRPSL with "Supermarket Philately"

‘Lightbulb moments’ or in this case ‘hairdryer moments’ are fairly rare for most of us, but when they occur, the world can change! Ringwood Philatelic Society members warmly greeted Jean Alexander, guest speaker, to their June meeting…a big name for a small outfit! Jean, a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London, and a past Member of the Royal Mail Stamp Advisory Committee, was pleased to share her story and collection. Whilst reading magazines under the hairdryer, Jean was drawn to a soup advert by Heinz which promised ‘New Stamps for Old’. Here was an opportunity to collect brand stamp coupons and exchange them for official Christmas stamps. Her interest in such promotions grew in tandem with an increasing publicity drive involving over time numerous company names such as –Cadbury (Chocolate Fingers), Kellogg’s with Cornflakes, Unilever, Sunday Express (Rupert Bear), Nescafe, ASDA, Boots, WHS, Woolworths, National Trust and others, and eventually The Royal Mail with its ‘Jolly Postman’ offer. These varied consumer rewards of postage stamps, special stamp booklets and packs, postal orders, vouchers and publicity gifts stimulated Jean’s collecting interests and she began to amass a large amount of related items, including associated advertising material. Her fascinating presentation provided Members with a unique opportunity to examine at first hand a wealth of ‘free goodies’ acquired over many years, some of which were rare indeed and totally unknown or now forgotten!! 

Society President Colin Mount voiced very sincere appreciation of ‘Jean’s amazing conserving contribution to philatelic study, ‘a valuable collection’ which has its roots in a quiet moment in a hairdresser’s salon!!’                                    

Free Stamps with Dairylea	Free Stamps with Quick Brew
National Gallery Promotion	Jean and Colin

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 9th July
52nd Annual General Meeting followed by President's Guest Speaker
David Speer with a selection from Australia

        President Colin Mount warmly welcomed his personal mystery guest speaker, David Speers MRSPSL, to the July meeting of the Ringwood Philatelic Society. ‘Australian Philately’ was his subject, which as the new President of the BSAP was both very well presented and full of considerable interest. His collection had its beginnings some years ago, principally consisting of material from the modern era.  Commencing with ‘Australian Defence Forces’  David outlined the historical dimensions, supported by colourful stamps depicting British regiments in the period 1788-1870, produced by various postal authorities. This section included campaign medals and gallantry awards. There followed major sections covering the Royal Australian Navy and Airforce with excellent coverage of heroes, medals, types of ships and planes. Both world wars were represented and interesting campaigns explained. The whole display was richly underpinned by the presence of mint stamps, including strips and blocks, covers, including FDC, pre-stamped envelopes, special cancels and aerogrammes. An emphasis was the supporting Australian Post Office’s commemoration material, usually of annual appearance, with a special ‘ANZAC Day’ focus. The scope of presentation was considerable with further frames covering other aspects of Australian history…KG III, Capt. John Hunter, Capt. W. Blyth, Pioneers, The 1901 debate over Melbourne/Sydney for capital, Australia and the Colonies, Sheep Farming, Agricultural Fairs, Exports, Rivers, Railways and Ships.           David’s scope was huge and provided Members with a most insightful exposure to this fascinating country’s past. President Colin Mount stated that ‘this is indeed a fine and brief study of Australian social history’, and was joined by warm appreciation from the audience. It was another wonderful presentation in the Society’s programme, which richly concluded the calendar for the year.

(Paul Barry)

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Tuesday 10th September, 2019
Members Displays - Maximum 30 sheets

A satisfying balance was achieved, whereby philatelic material was eagerly sought, interspersed with interesting Member displays. Gordon Masson provided 13 sheets on the topic of Canadian stamps and mini-sheets dealing with ‘Chinese New Year’. He explained that his Canadian friend provides him with most interesting material, and this was certainly in evidence. An in-depth study of ‘GB 1841 Imperfs’ was shared by David Etchells whose 12 sheets depicting covers of the period were both fascinating and in some cases rare. Superbly written-up on cream paper, this display considered cancels, seals, registered post, ‘Late-Use’ and ‘TPO’s- Travelling Post Office cancellations, begun in 1838. Members enjoyed part of a huge study by Bert Burton on the subject ‘Gibraltar –Mail for Force H’. This was a naval force to re-place French in the Med by Churchill. Again a similar quality write-up, Bert included covers and rates, photos, military naval crests, and studies of ships, including a rare one of HMS Hood and Renown. Terry Carter’s collectable GB Elizabethan ‘Fruit Stamps’ were colourful indeed, providing an interesting and contrasting display. Early printing in Europe (Guttenberg/Caxton) was superbly studied by Wendy Buckle through her 12 exquisite, informative and beautiful sheets. Paul Dumsday considered some early Argentinian stamps and included were Zeppelin and naval ship designs. Following a lengthy break for refreshments, barter and study of the displays, there followed the final contribution, ‘New Acquisitions’’ by Paul Barry. Here were shared GB Victorian covers and postcards and a superb King Edward VII 4d value with a quality ‘Bosbury’ circular cancellation, adding to a ‘Herefordshire’ themed emerging collection.
This was a most successful evening, providing an excellent start to the Society’s busy philatelic calendar for 2019-2020.

Select a stamp!!  These are from the GB 'Fruit & Veg' series

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 8th October, 2019
John Moody from Romsey - "The Weimar Republic 1919 to 1932"

The Ringwood Philatelic Society welcomed John Moody to entertain its members, and entertain us he did, with a most interesting display of Germany's Weimar Republic, its stamps and postal history. John who is well known in the hobby for his impressive German collection and as the 'face' of Stanley Gibbons at local stamp shows throughout the south gave members a brief history lesson on the foundation and ultimate failure of the Weimar Republic before he embarked on his talk which was illustrated with many pages from his collection.     At the conclusion, John said he hoped members were enriched with knowledge about this particular stage in German history but if not he could guarantee that all members would be millionaires before they left as he presented each member with a 2 million mark stamp. Member Keith Clements thanked John on behalf of the club for a most interesting evening and presented him with a certificate in commemoration of his visit, in his reply John thanked the members for their interest and for the lovely meal the club had provided for him and his wife Margaret.

John Moody with Colin and Keith

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Tuesday 12th November 2019
Paul Skinner FRPSL - "Footsteps through the Album"

‘How many stamps have you got?’  Back in the 40s to 60s this was a common playground question among passionate young collectors. With maturity, philatelists develop a variety of differing specialisms, and in the case of speaker Paul Skinner, currently the British Library Curator, there emerged a focus, not in particular on scarce or expensive stamps, but on one stamp per country. His fascinating, unique collection now comprises scores of the unusual, including printings, inks, flaws and forgeries, papers, watermarks, gums,  perforations, the unique and rare. His far ranging presentation was underpinned by numerous supporting artefacts, all helping to unveil the story of mans’ communication systems, beginning with a clay tablet dating from 1500 BC, followed by papyrus through to velum (1255 original Pope Alexander IV letter!) and through the centuries to Georgian and Victorian postal history, then up to the modern era. Every RPS Member attending will have identified a favourite exhibit, but the section examining historical mail transportation was educational indeed, with ‘Pigeon Post and the Siege of Paris’ generating particular attention. Other contenders for centre stage were items such as ‘Disinfected Mail’, ‘Wartime Microfilm’, a ‘Colditz Entire’ (letter plus envelope!) -to quote- ‘a privilege to find this’, ‘Seawater Damaged/Salvaged Mail’ and ‘Propaganda Stamps’ and associated items. The presentation’s scope was immense, far outstripping the concept of ‘how many have you got?’.

(paul barry)

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Tuesday 10th December 2019
Christmas Meeting with Paul Leonard FRPSL - "Alice in Wonderland & Beyond - The World of Gerald King"

Who would have predicted the enduring appeal of ‘Alice...’ with all its amazing characters, circumstances and ethereal considerations? Numerous versions in both print and film have spawned, not to
mention merchandising! Just when one might have considered all was ‘said and done’, we discover an intriguing new take. Members of Ringwood Philatelic Society were recently superbly entertained by specialist philatelist Paul Leonard, Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London, to ‘Alice in Wonderland & theWorld of Gerald King’.
Gerald King is a philatelist and talented illustrator with a powerful sense of humour. Moreover, his passion for Dodgson’s masterpiece led him to implore the Post Office in 1965 to celebrate the centennial
of the book’s publication by the issue of stamps. Considering the stuffy age, it is not surprising that a negative response was forthcoming! Gerald therefore launched his own philatelic
‘Wonderland’! Over the decades he has produced numerous special stamps, illustrated covers and postmarks, all with a mischievous and amusing slant, and all totally unappreciated by the Post Office,
who simply missed a trick!  Reference to the internet will reveal a considerable wealth of information, both about the world of Gerald King and his amazing philatelic creations.

Alice	Lundy Cover - Centenary of Universal Postage

Gerald at his desk at home	50th Anniversary of the First Wonderland Stamps	Paul being thanked by Colin Mount

paul barry

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Tuesday 11th February 2020
Bob Small - "Britain at War" and "The History of the Royal Air Force"

 

This well researched and eloquent presentation revealed the speaker’s passion for subject combined with a wealth of associated material, all of considerable interest to both war historians
and philatelists alike. Speaker Bob Small set out a broad sweeping tapestry of British political and military activity, from 1066 through to an insightful history of the RAF. This was a superb write-up
making excellent use of charts, maps, documents, letters and photos together with early postal items, eventually leading into modern postal administration and linked stamp issues.
  A particular emphasis was placed on Napoleonic history and the display contained numerous items of correspondence, including an original letter relating to ‘The Glorious 1st June’. Much consideration was given to this period and the material shown formed but a part of a highly researched and collected resource. Other studies followed with topics which included the Boer War,
WWI and WW2 and the Korean War. Prisoner of War correspondence formed a further major interest. This address to Ringwood Philatelic Society Members was another memorable moment in a
rich programme, covering dramatic moments in the country’s history with fascinating, rare and unique material.  President Colin Mount in thanking the Speaker, stated the Society’s
huge appreciation of an ‘amazing collection of material and great insight into this slice of British history’.

Two of the Four stamp Guernsey 1987 set "Battle of Hastings - William the Conqueror"	1589 invoice for supplies "Rebuilding the British Navy afte the Spanish Armada	Bob Small with part of his display

(paul barry)

 

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PROGRAMME FOR 2021 AND 2022

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RPS Members: Please be advised that the meeting due to be held on 11 January has had to be cancelled. The next meeting is now "Exploring Forgeries in your collection" on 8 February.
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2021 14 September	7:30	Members' mini displays, plus Bring & Buy
12 October	2:00	"Basingstoke along the A30"	Martin Appleton
9 November	2:00	"The History of the Salvation Army", then "The Cause, Cure and History of the Plague Pandemics"	Chris Wheeler
14 December	7:30	***CANCELLED***
2022
11 January	2:00	***CANCELLED***
8 February	2:00	"Exploring Forgeries in your collection"	Members to bring along items from their collection
8 March	7:30	Annual Competition - Traditional, Thematic, Postal History, Open Philately and First Timers, plus Bring & Buy
12 April	7:30	"The Australian KGV 1d Red - The Early Story"	Colin Mount
10 May	7:30	Members' "One Page Competition" plus Bring & Buy
14 June	7:30	"Smithy and his Bus"	Susan Burn
12 July	7:30	55th AGM plus Entertainment

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Report on meeting held on 13 July 2021

‘The Western Desert Campaign 1940-43’
Gavin Fryer FRPSL

        Following a lengthy period of lockdown, Ringwood Philatelic Society was very pleased to re-convene with Gavin Fryer’s engaging presentation: ‘The Western Desert Campaign 1940-43’. This was a rich historical philatelic journey into a major and pivotal part of the war. It was superbly supported by maps, newspaper cuttings, stamps, original covers and letters, telegrams, censored mail, Christmas cards, detailed information sheets and fine exposition. Over many years, Gavin had made an in-depth study of this subject and his knowledge was most impressive. His presentation followed a strict chronology, commencing with April 1940 when Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, Commander of British troops in Egypt, formed the Western Desert Force. There began a period in which Allied and Axis forces were at war in huge numbers involving many nations. Gavin considered the conflict from both sides, covering key decisions, commanders and command and the essential focus on supply. Operations, offensives, sieges and retreats were all looked at. A closer examination of major personalities was engaged, such as Rommel and Montgomery. A major emphasis dealt with the concluding episodes of the conflict, which finally saw nearly 240,000 German and Italian soldiers captured, with Alexander’s signal to Churchill stating ‘The Tunisian Campaign is over...we are masters of the North African shores’. The vital supply of oil to progress the European war had been achieved.
        Underpinned by rich military and historical content, this quality of presentation was exceptional and much appreciated by RPS Members...an excellent start to the Society’s emerging programme.

(Paul Barry - Publicity Officer)

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Report on meeting held on 14 September 2021

Members' mini displays, plus Bring & Buy

(no report available yet)

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Report on meeting held on 12 October 2021

‘"Basingstoke along the A30"
Martin Appleton

        Stamp dealers may be among the very best placed to build up not only a grand personal collection, but also a huge knowledge of a given theme or subject.  Speaker Martin Appleton is no exception here and Ringwood Philatelic Society Members were gifted a truly wonderful afternoon. His presentation, seeped in Basingstoke postal history was fascinating, colourful, informative, decidedly humorous, and bursting with postcards, covers and philatelic gems. Martin regaled Members with numerous stories of life in and around the town and the A30 over many years, including the military, railways, solicitors’ archives and not least those emanating from public houses!  It was evident that Martin had grown up in the town with a keen awareness of history all around him and his understanding of this, combined with his collecting expertise and turn of humour, provided the ingredients for this powerful address to the Ringwood Philatelic Society.  

Crimean War 1856 (May 31st). Envelope to George Lamb in Basingstoke with a clear arrival and clear Post Office/British Army CDS in green

 P Barry   Publicity Officer

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Report on meeting held on 9 November 2021

"The History of the Salvation Army", then "The Cause, Cure and History of the Plague Pandemics"

by Chris Wheeler

          Providing two top quality competitive presentations at one meeting is a challenge, but when it is is understood that this ‘open’ display material was sourced and superbly written-up within 10 months, jaws drop and eyes bulge!! (‘done from scratch’) In Wendy Buckle’s vote of thanks, she very accurately voiced the opinion of members present
...’a major achievement – immensely impressive’.
Both displays made significant reference to historical sources, and were well supported by early correspondence...a signed letter from William Booth gives a clue to research quality. Within the presentation on the Salvation Army, much stress was made on the 19th century’s severe social and economic backdrop, concerns being so great that the founder quickly discovered a huge swell of ready supporters. He tapped into the emergence of influential groups – Anti Slave Trade, The Earl of Shaftesbury and funding, Dickens’ publications on poverty…  Motivated by both social and Christian principals and convictions, the organisation rapidly developed and made huge impact on deprived areas, and society at large. Chris described all this so well and noted that ‘The War Cry’, red bucket collections, considerable musical developments and world war missionary work, combined to establish this ‘incredible worldwide society’.
          The presentation display of the Plague Pandemics was equally superbly researched, revealing much endeavour and insight. Commencing with a human biological analysis, the study moved on through bacterial invasion, detection and remedy. A major consideration was given to the study of the history of the Plague, and its huge and important changes...social, economic, climatic and cultural. Interesting research into the Doomsday Book, the Feudal System and its fall, provide just a flavour of content. As with the first display, Chris made excellent use of supporting philatelic and other material, including here some notable stamp issues from GB, France, Switzerland, Russia and China. The Black Death, the 2nd Global pandemic was also fully considered, as was the work of The Pasteur Institute.
The two presentations combined to create a truly memorable meeting in
Ringwood Philatelic Society’s programme.     

(Paul Barry  Publicity Officer)

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Report on meeting held on 8 February 2022

"Exploring Forgeries in your collection" - Members

        Speaker Paul Leonard FRPSL

        Members of Ringwood Philatelic Society were greatly rewarded for stepping out on a cold February afternoon to hear Paul Leonard FRPSL not only address the fascinating subject of the exploration of forgeries in collections, but to also study at close hand a major associated exhibit. This was a display for the  London 2022 International Stamp Exhibition entitled ‘Forensic Philately’ being the work of the Expert Committee of the RPSL.
          Paul traced a little of the history of ‘The Royal’ and then concentrated on details such as how Members of this Committee are employed and details of forensic philately, highlights and challenges and submitting established material. As Paul presented each Display sheet, he made a summary of its content, prior to audience examination.  Reference was made to Sperati and other notable Victorian fraudsters. It became clear that the major thrust was to apply forensic principles to a world of mischief, misleading information and hard evidence to support or dismiss authenticity. Over time many stamps have been examined by the RPSL in great detail, including supposed rarities, including the 1 Cent Magenta!! A major input for consideration comes from ‘the Trade’ - dealers and auctioneers, but private collectors feature too, in pursuit of establishing truth...or otherwise!! Of course disappointments abound, especially when owners are convinced, with their cry of ‘I have the only one!!’
Apart from Committee expertise, opinions and information come
 from numerous directions. These are often underpinned by the support of the latest technology such as perforation gauges, magnifiers, ultraviolet lamps, watermark detectors, indeed allthings digital.
          A major area of consideration surrounds the subject of ‘shade’. A vast fortune may be within grasp if a rare or unique shade is ascribed.  This exciting RPSL display provided much insight into the workings of the Committee, its methods and reporting, together with interesting stories of success and intrigue!        
        Another great philatelic event in the RPS Programme.

(P Barry    Publicity Officer)

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Report on meeting held on 8 March 2022

Annual Competition - Traditional, Thematic, Postal History, Open Philately and First Timers, plus Bring & Buy

(not available yet)

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Report on meeting held on 12 April 2022

The Early Development of the Australian King George V 1d Red

Colin Mount FRPSL

In yesterday’s playground it was a cry of ‘How many stamps yer got?’  In refined and developed philatelic circles of today, we will find not only a consideration of scores of stamps and associated postal history from across the globe, but the minute study of a single issue or indeed a single stamp. Ringwood Philatelic Society was entertained to the latter and this meeting of the Society was memorable to say the least. Presenter Colin Mount FRPSL, the Society’s President, locates prime speakers for the annual programme...but this evening he had secured his own services! Where does one begin?!  This very considerable display was exquisite in all respects. Superbly well written up on cream paper and with huge attention to presentation, it covered the far reaching history of this Australian KGV 1d Red issue, looking in fine detail into such matters as ‘shades’, ‘papers’, ‘watermarks’, ‘perforations’, ‘printing firms’ and ‘plates’. Research was much in evidence, with for example a photo of an English paper mill and workers. Colin traced the stamp’s development and it was clear that this was soon to become a war-time issue. Here begins the major part of the story, since 1914 saw the commencement of war shortages, including inks from Germany and paper from the UK. Changes in production were quickly apparent with the emergence of new shades and papers.
          The presentation covered scores of aspects and fine detail.  Members were able to observe coil machine stamps, mint blocks large and small, gum variations, experimental printings and war-tax overprints. An impressive section dealt with the huge subject of printing plates and their degradation through wear and rust,  resulting in numerous flaws...a study in its own right. Covers and correspondence supported the display, together with an examination of forgeries!  Of great  significance were recent superb additions to the collection. To quote Colin, ‘The four states of the die proofs have been achieved over the past 18 months. These are very scarce and do not come on the market very often. These four states can be counted in single figures and it has taken me over 45 years to secure these.’ Colin is most modest in manner, however it is evident that his sizeable collection with its great depth of treatment, including rarities, has to be perhaps the finest in the UK, indeed the envy of fellow Australian collectors.  One might venture to say that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth might be interested in doing a deal to enhance her own significant Royal Philatelic Collection!   Colin, of course will not be budging...the Tower awaits!!
   
RPS Members were much privileged in having this rare insight into such a fine collection and superb presentation, the result of decades of study and acquisition, an ongoing exciting activity in Colin’s busy philatelic life!

Paul Barry, Publicity Officer

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Members' "One Page Competition", 10 May 2022

The Winning Entry by David Etchells

London Stock Exchange Circular Date Stamps

(paul barry)

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Report on meeting held on Tuesday 14 June 2022
‘Smithy and His Bus’ by Susan Burn

        Ringwood Philatelic Society welcomed again a much regarded speaker, Susan Burn, who as a major authority on the early history of Australian and New Zealand flying, presented her second display to RPS entitled ‘Smithy and His Bus’. Her presentation was of very high quality in terms of research, philatelic content and write-up and her lively delivery all combined to create a truly memorable afternoon.
        Building on Sue’s superb 2021 zoom presentation ‘Flying Boats Across the Tasman Sea’, RPS members were given a further insight into Australian aviation, its development, successes and set-backs, routes, personalities, business interests and philatelic implications. Taking as her aviator champion, Charles Kingsford Smith, the presentation developed the extraordinary talents, the daring-do, the sheer determination and his achievements. Referring to the fascinating book, ‘Smithy...The Life of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’, by Ian Mackersey, Sue set out key themes and findings of her own lengthy and in-depth study of this amazing character, and of course his aeroplane the Southern Cross, which he affectionately named ‘My old Bus’!!
        Philatelic display content was rich indeed. Included were numerous maps, pilots, photographs, correspondence, newspaper cuttings, stamps, cancellations, memorable signed banknotes, but perhaps the most fascinating were the numerous flight covers. One which rises to prominence celebrated the UK – Darwin First Solo Record Breaking Flight 9-22 October 1930.
        Another superb meeting for RPS.  

   
Paul Barry  Publicity Officer

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Report on meeting held on Tuesday 12 July 2022

(Report to follow)

Award Winners

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Report on meeting held on Tuesday 13 September 2022
"Members's Displays"

This meeting was small in attendance following the summer break,  but nevertheless proved to be most worthwhile. The Chairman provided a warm welcome, which certainly extended to two new Members. The President outlined the 2022-3 Society’s Programme which was as usual, full of interesting speakers and events.  A small auction was organised and raised a modest sum for the ‘Hearing Dogs’ charity. This evening’s displays were diverse in content and well received.  Gordon Masson had added to his philatelic interests and shared his newly compiled study entitled ‘Overprint Odyssey’. His 10 sheets provided a fascinating insight into this perhaps understudied world, certainly a new subject for RPS. He identified 9 sorts of overprints, a principal type being historical, covering such events as ‘Bahamas 350 Anniversary of Landing of Columbus’ and 1976 Tokyo ‘Olympic Rings’. Another emphasis was the official government overprints, of which there are scores to be observed world-wide, including Official Service, On Service, War Tax, IR Official, Govt. Parcels, Army Officials, OHMS, together with a range of Indian States overprints. Also displayed were country overprints, eg ‘Zululand’ and general upgrades whose function was to avoid new printings, taking into account for example, currency changes. Frequently old stamps were overprinted, as in the case of Aden. A short concluding discussion centred on the subject of KC III...would there be QE II overprinted stamps, a new issue soon or perhaps fewer commemoratives?!
          David Etchells continues his study of early Victorian stamps and postal history and shared his ‘Recent Acquisitions’. Of particular note was a perforated penny red envelope addressed to ‘Moorfields Hospital’...the first eye establishment. David is also furthering his research, relating to the settlement of Etchells, which was so named until 1894 (his namesake). His other interest is to be seen in a page of similar stamps, where black and blue cancels were applied. By sourcing poorly described internet stamps, he has been able to acquire really worthwhile ‘finds’.
          ‘Herefordshire’ was the third presentation. Here Paul Barry produced a newly created stock book of county related items, explaining his ‘Lockdown Acquisitions’, which encompassed superb early cancellations and covers (one hand painted), postcards, official receipts, maps, Dinky and Corgi models and publicity items, with well known brands included, such as Bulmers, Schweppes, Herefordshire Cattle and Hop Picking. Besides extolling the rich agricultural diversity, he made mention of cultural aspects...The Three Counties Show, The Three Choirs Festival, The Poetry Festival and the world renowned Hay Book Festival. The historical context, including numerous beautiful ecclesiastical buildings, Tudor structures and railways past, were a further major study….a presentation in development.
          Thus concluded the first RPS meeting in an exciting year’s programme.

PB   Publicity Officer

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Report on meeting held on Tuesday 11 October 2022

‘in-house’ afternoon

Following the last minute cancellation by the programmed speaker, Ringwood Philatelic Society’s Secretary quickly put plans in place to provide an ‘in-house’ afternoon. No less than 7 Members stepped forward to fill the void with displays covering diverse subjects. Wendy Buckle set the bar very high with her superb ‘Animal, Vegetable or Mineral’ presentation. This sought to consider the writing materials used through the ages. It also reviewed the range of materials used to record the written word. Ranging from stone and clay tablets, through parchment, vellum, leaves, wood and bark, to cork and eventually paper, it proved to be a most insightful investigation. Instruments used for creating the written symbol or word were also examined at some depth. The whole subject was professionally underpinned by a highly successful philatelic input, in terms of old documents, letters, postcards, photos and stamps, the sheer range of these is well described by accompanying images.

‘Canada in Good Shape’ was Gordon Masson’s subject which well set out the numerous stamp shapes produced by the Canadian Post Office, with a particular emphasis on sporting and tourism subjects. This colourful collection is supported by his buddy in Victoria who sends over useful related philatelic gems.

John Stevens shared an aspect of his collection - ‘Far Eastern Treasures’. Here members were able to enjoy a range of covers reaching back to when he worked in Chesham for a marine engineering company. Covers in many cases had been saved for him by colleagues and these demonstrated a rich variety.

Colin Mount presented a 30 sheet display which was hugely researched - ‘Australian Forces Postmarks Used Abroad During Wartime’. A sample of his sheets covered HMS covers from ships, Naval Active Service, Aero-graph, the forerunner of the Aero-gram, Army Post Office, Australian Forces Postmarks , North Borneo and Palestine...a fine write-up indeed.

‘Returned Mail’ was an unusual, yet fascinating subject. Member Clarewyn Smit spoke from (Covid) experience when she outlined the amazing delay she experienced when sending a package to Australia on 11th October, 2019. This failed to be delivered despite very clear and accurate addressing. She finally received it back as ‘Returned Mail’ on 1stDecember, 2021 having no identifying marks, There then followed Members’ shared frustrations of similar postal delays. One postulated explanation was along the lines of mail dumping during postal staff shortages and general reduced service within the pandemic period.

David Etchells shared his finds at HAMPEX which included an old 1904 church postcard , depicting ‘Burley Church’, which for David is a Hampshire interest item. Also within his display were early ‘Shackleton’ related gems, and having looked in his collection, he uncovered other related items, such that he has a good basis for further subject development.

Geoffrey Penrose looked with a magnifier’s eye at ‘Varieties’, focussing on the ‘Seychelles KG VI Issue’, where many such are to be explored. The example depicted here is typical of such investigation, whereby a tiny part of a map line is missing through plate wear. Members were much absorbed in the intricacies of the colourful material presented.

The final contribution was a presentation by Paul Barry. Differing in his approach was the production of a stock book housing a long term collecting interest – ‘GB Victorian Postal History’, This consisted of stamps and postmarks, numerous covers, some being illustrated, together with postcards, parcel-post labels, various documents, including bills of sale, photos with Victorian postal interest, and newspaper cuttings. Of particular delight was a Victorian ‘INLAND REGISTERED CERTIFICATE of POSTING OF AN INSURED LETTER’ dated by CDS ‘DE.7.87’ showing a superb ‘George St, Edinburgh’ cancellation mark. The stamp in question - SG199 1887 2d Green and ‘Vermillion’. The supporting RPSL Certificate records ‘very scarce shade’. (find another!!)

What had threatened to be a cancelled RPS Meeting, had in fact turned out to be a highly successful philatelic event, for which we thank the participating Members here recorded, but particularly Secretary Gordon Masson. Thanks!

Wendy's 'Writing through the Ages'	Geoffrey Penrose's 'Variety'

(P Barry RPS Publicity Officer)

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Report on Meeting held on Tuesday 11 November 2022

‘’Trans-Atlantic Bits & Pieces’’
Julian Jones FRPSL

‘It is who you know!’    President Colin Mount with his large pool of speaker connections came up trumps again with a very special local philatelist Julian Jones, a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society, London.  Julian, already known to some Members as ‘The Judge’’,  (Dread!!) through past competition encounters, this time did not instil fear, but sheer delight!  He brought from deepest Hampshire a very considerable hoard of Trans-Atlantic postal history items.  It was not just the volume which inspired, but the sheer research, quality and rarity present. There were scores of covers, some illustrated, postcards and air-mails. Registered post featured, as well as letters, sailing spreadsheets and a wide assortment of stamps and cachets. Photos and newspaper items enriched the mix.   Julian began by highlighting the fact that in the 1880’s, post office administrations placed great (economic) emphasis on ‘getting the Mail across the Atlantic fast’. 
To this end, numerous decisions and developments were made. 1893 saw the introduction of US/GB clerks working on-board at postal sorting processes, commencing with White Star Line sailings. Experiments were made to examine possibilities of off-loading mail before a ship’s arrival. 1926 saw seaplanes being used to collect/deposit mail in Atlantic sailings. Such routines had partial success, but could advance postal times by 24 hours. Germany persisted with their catapult service and Zeppelins also featured. French postal authorities were involved in other time saving operations too. Southampton Water Terminal was particularly busy up to 1939 with seaplane activity. Post War saw the further emergence of airmail services.   From the 1880’s, such shipping saw postal rates fluctuate, but by the 1950’s rates did reduce considerably. Julian’s display had a closely researched section of these charges.  With fluctuations, associated stamps/values were issued. Multi-stamped covers were much in evidence over this 70 year period and many were present within the display. – a study in itself. It was noted that stamps on westward mail were ‘boring’, while those travelling eastwards were ‘lovely and colourful’!!  By 1991, all mail was travelling by air with no surface mail facilities being available.
    During COVID, Julian lost no time in extending and improving this unique collection, by pin-pointed acquisition and further research.   In the vote of thanks, Colin Mount RPS President, voiced the view of Membership that here was a major postal history study, richly underpinned by superb research.
    Colin concluded: ’I knew it would be good!’    ‘Good!?’  - ‘No...Brilliant!!

Paul Barry   RPS Publicity Officer

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Report on Meeting held on Tuesday 13 December 2022

Christmas Meeting with entertainment from Sandra Simmons with "Life under the Veil" plus Christmas get-together

This special afternoon meeting of Ringwood Philatelic was a memorable occasion. Members and Guests were entertained by Sandra Simmonds with her first hand, deeply personal riveting account ‘Life Under the Veil’. This was her account of her life, first serving in the Royal Navy,  and later falling in love with an Iranian Naval Officer.
     After much advice to the contrary, and huge difficulties, she moved to Iran, married, and experienced the pleasures in her adopted new country and wonderful people, but also the huge problems of this life change. Sandra spoke of challenges with relationships, crises and bereavements. This was followed by her eventual divorce and move back to GB, with a hint at her subsequent bereavement charity work. The story cannot be well told in print...there is a need to attend her amazing presentations...unforgettable.
      Most appreciative thanks were given by RPS President, Colin Mount FRPSL, who was supported by all.
          Members of the Greyfriars Special Events Team, in consultation with RPS Committee, arranged a grand Christmas Afternoon Tea, during which time a much appreciated Raffle was held...all excellent prizes, having a seasonal theme. This special meeting in the Society’s diary proved the ideal occasion to celebrate the lengthy work and involvement of one of its Founder Members, Gillian Habbin MBE, on whom the RPS Committee conferred Life Membership. In presenting Gillian with a signed and framed certificate in recognition, President Colin Mount FRPSL spoke of the Society’s inaugural meeting held on 16th November, 1967. He made mention of some other celebrated areas of her life, not least the fact that Gillian is also a founder member of Ringwood & District Community Association -Greyfriars, being established back in 1961, and who became first Warden, and later, long term President. This was, he said, an extraordinary life of local public service. 
RPS Members applauded Gillian’s words of appreciation.
Chairman of RPS Paul Barry thanked all who had contributed to this grand Christmas meeting, including the Special Events Team, and wished all a truly ‘Happy Christmas!’

Paul Barry   RPS Publicity Officer

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Report on Meeting held on Tuesday 10 January 2023
Members' Displays up to 32 Sheets

 

          Ringwood Philatelic Society enjoyed an excellent start to the year.
There was a strong attendance, (plus one new Member) and no less than 7 colleagues providing displays.
Subjects ranged considerably, from very old material, through to modern stamps. Covers were strongly represented. Gordon Masson continued his passion for Australian philately and provided historical studies from 1778 convict colony status, the establishment of the Post Office in 1857, through to an 1889 entire, containing a shorthand letter.  A superb Newfoundland cover was displayed showing the 1937 Coronation set of 11 stamps. Other interests included a GB ‘Roundtree’ cover of 1901 sent to a drapery firm of family connection with the famous chocolate manufacturer. Among the varied topics, perhaps the most endearing was a hand painted cover by artist W Bowden dated October 1971, with a special commemorative cancellation of Penrith (London- Glasgow main line) showing the last day of use in GB of the Royal Mail railway Transfer-in-Transit Apparatus.    David Etchells presented a study of rare Imperfect Penny Reds and Cancels (Duplex)...an area which prompted debate on ‘rarity v. condition’. This local Burley village study of explorer Shackleton-related postal history continues with interest. Clive Sherlock contributed worthwhile  examples of modern QEII issues for Gibraltar, Granada, and St Vincent. This was followed by Colin Mount’s study of ‘Ringwood Postal History’. Here were displayed great examples of Victorian 1d. Reds -imperf and perforated on cover, including mourning and registered. The link to the town of Ringwood in Australia was made and his A3 sheet displayed much information, together with his daughter’s holiday cover posted home.  Paul Barry presented a selection of Victorian GB Parcel Post Labels, providing background information, supported by literature...a lesser known area of philatelic endeavour. Following a break for study and refreshment. John Davis shared a highly researched ‘War Tax Issues of the British West Indies’, a subject which has led to RPSL publication. He revealed a complex 32 sheet endeavour in which he and his wife enjoyed a 1998 Caribbean cruise, during which he posted home original war tax stamps, along with the local issues, relating to ports/countries where such stamps had been operated. This was a huge undertaking, which saw no lees than 49 of 50 covers posted!! The concluding presentation came from Michael Goodman, with his ‘Transatlantic Mail from the 19th Century’ which contained a great variety of fascinating covers.

A great start indeed to the RPS 2023 programme!

Paul Barry   Publicity Officer

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Report on Meeting held on Tuesday 14 February 2023
"The Postal History of Bishop’s Waltham" -  Mike Batty

        Ringwood Philatelic Society Members provided a warm welcome to speaker Mike Batty, whose ability to stage a rich Hampshire social history presentation was well recognised. Taking Bishop’s Waltham as his subject, it soon became evident that his remit also covered numerous nearby villages. Mike provided an in-depth description of the development of the area’s postal services from ‘pre-stamp’ through to KGV issues. However the emphasis was certainly on the early material. (One item had a date of 1685). There were numerous covers having origins in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
 Penny Black cancels were abundant, and just a few Two-penny Blues were present, 
with Penny Reds on cover abounding.  Among these fascinating covers, a number were ‘entires’ which revealed a wealth of local information.   There were ‘Mulreadies’,  mourning and registered items, together with parcel post labels. A fair proportion of items emanated from Bishop Waltham solicitors, or were addressed to such offices. Several covers were observed having been posted to France and Germany.
The presentation was a huge postal history study of these most rural Hampshire settlements, having within it, a major consideration of early cancels and postmarks. Black was the most frequent ink colour employed, but Mike had secured a few blue ones. Red ink was known to have been employed, however these were exceedingly scarce, and to date, Mike had not secured one for his collection! A special focus was concerned with ‘CUNARD’ mail, and here Mike had been able to determine much information, such as ship details and sailing times. A further study of interest dealt with ‘Vernon Hill House’. This magnificent mansion continues to throw up gems. Mike had tracked down ‘pre’ and stamped covers, and much correspondence, details of its various owners, the family incomes and expenditures, and a score of further social history revelations.   A further component was a brief study of the local railway’s presence, and here again, quality correspondence was key.
          The display’s write-up was superb, supported by maps, photos, drawings and other documents, revealing a massive commitment into extensive local research.  This collection had developed over many years and benefited hugely from Mike’s long association with the area, and Bishop’s Waltham in particular.

Mike Batty
(Paul Barry Publicity Officer)

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Report on the Meeting held on 14th March, 2023
Annual Competition
       
        This meeting featured the RPS Annual Competition where entries were acceptable in classes Traditional, Thematic, Postal History, Open Philately and First Timers. Chairman, Paul Barry introduced the event noting that this year, sadly few entries were achieved. He observed that this situation arises partly due to the fact that some Members interested competitions are also enrolled with other clubs, and therefore their representation does not always apply to RPS. Over recent years, the Society has sought to assist Members in competition skills, including a special professional workshop. In today’s competition, only 3 Entries were received, with 2 in Postal History Class, and 1 in Traditional. President Colin Mount, wearing his Judge’s badge of office, in scoring entries, paid great attention to detail and reported back to the meeting, summarising his findings. Where there were examples of excellence, these were identified, such as quality in writing up (substance and presentation) and quality stamp examples: conversely, when improvements were noted, Colin commented on perfection in such areas as layout, visual impression and clarity of narrative. The Committee regards these feedback sessions to be of great value, not only to Competitors, but the Membership in general. Such practice assists greater understanding of entries, and indeed promotes greater excellence.

COMPETITION RESULTS WERE:

Postal History		(The Spariott Cup)
	1st David Etchells	‘The Franking System in England’	84/100
	2nd Michael Goodman	‘Gone Astray’	74/100
Traditional		(The John Cup)
	1st Michael Goodman	‘Imperforate Washington 3 Cents’	76/100

NB. 
 These two winning entries will represent RPS in The Inter-Club Competition at
Ferndown & West Moors Philatelic and Postcard Club’s Annual Fair 8th April, 2023

(Paul Barry)

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Report on the Meeting held on 11th April, 2023
"Dominica" by Simon Richards FRPSL

Ringwood Philatelic Society Members welcomed Simon Richards, the current Vice-President of the Royal Philatelic Society London and President of the West Indies Philatelic Study Group, to show his award winning collection of Dominica.
In the first half members were shown the pre-stamp postal history of the island, including the two earliest letters known from 1759 and 1763 and a rare letter from the French period of occupation in the late 1770’s whilst British forces were distracted by the American War of Independence.
Dominica’s first stamp were issued in 1874 and Simon showed rare proof material, blocks and covers through the Victorian period, until the stamps were replaced, in 1890, by issues common to all the Leeward Island Presidencies.
Though this saved cost, the loss of philatelic revenue caused a rethink and by 1903 a new issue showing the capital from the sea emerged, also printed by De La Rue. The extensive display of essays, proofs and trials was most striking.
After a break for tea, Simon showed us the third De La Issue which came out in 1923 and unlike the previous issue did feature the head of the monarch. Once again a large number of the pre-production material was on show as were various identified and consistent flaws that have not (yet) made the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.
The remainder of the second half showed Leeward Islands used in Dominica, the issues of George VI and a final section on censored mail from Dominica which excited quite lively discussion from members.
Simon had won the RPSL Tilleard Medal for his display of Dominica to the Royal back in 2019 and the range and quality of the material was much appreciated by members.

Club President, Colin Mount FRPSL with Speaker Simon Richards FRPSL

(Simon Richards, FRPSL)

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Report on the Meeting held on 9th May, 2023
One Page Competition - Members

Many Clubs and Societies seem to be struggling to gain good levels of interest in competitions. (Eg Salisbury & District, website) RPS has long encouraged its tradition of assisting and encouraging Members to take part, and at the May meeting, there were no disappointments. Nine entries were forthcoming, creating most interesting displays. The event was judged by members present, with President Colin Mount FRPSL providing a most helpful summary. Following the break in which the exhibits were examined and voted on, each was further considered by individual commentary from the participants, and lively discussion from the floor.
The results were:-

 1st   John Stevens ‘Victorian GB Stamps Overprinted for use in Africa’ in Africa’
     2nd    David Etchells     ‘King Charles III...A New Philatelic Era’
     3rd   Gordon Masson  ‘The Forgotten King’

 The evening concluded with an excellent ‘Bring & Buy’ session, perhaps the Society’s largest, and an announcement from Colin Mount, who as Programme Secretary of the British Society of Australian Philatelists, was most keen to promote a first rate superb presentation ‘Aspects of Australian GV Philately’. This Ringwood based event was due to feature a quite magnificent collection, flown over from Down Under with its owner, Michael Drury; ‘an outstanding opportunity not to be missed’

(Paul Barry, RPS PUBLICITY OFFICER)

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PROGRAMME FOR 2023 AND 2024

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PROGRAMME FOR 2024 AND 2025

2024
10th September	7:30pm	Members' Displays	The letter "B" and Bring and Buy
8th October	2-5pm	Julian Bagwell	British Army in Egypt and/or Christmas Stamps
12th November	2-5pm	All Members	Exhibiting - brainstorm session
10th December	2-5pm	All Members	Christmas Get-together
2025
14th January	2-5pm	Members' Displays	Topic TBA and Auction
11th February	2-5pm	Michael L Goodman	USA etc,
11th March	2-5pm	All Members	Competition afternoon, all classes
8th April	2-5pm	Hugh Osborne	South Georgia Postal History
13th May	7:30pm	Rick Wilmott	East Germany
7th June	10am-4pm	RINGPEX
10th June	7:30pm	All Members	One page Competition, Bring and Buy
8th July	7:30pm	All Members	AGM and Auction

 

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