Stamp Fairs 2009:
Spring Stampex, Design Centre, Islington: February 25th to 28th
Philatex, Horticultural Halls, Greatcote Street, London: February 26th to 28th
Autumn Stampex, Design Centre, Islington: September 16th to 19th
Members should check all Fair dates before travelling
Seaford Members Displays at:
Burgess Hill Philatelic Society: March 25th
Hastings and East Sussex Philatelic Society: November 5th
New News Items - click on links below
Web Item 13th May 2009.doc
Web Item 10th June 2009.doc
6 Web Item 8th July 2009 (doc).doc
7 Web Item 12th August 2009 (doc).doc
8 Web Item 9th September 2009 (doc).doc
29th April 2009: News Item
Club’s Tour to British Library, Postal Museum and Archives
One of the main features of the Club’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations supported by The National Lottery Grant ‘Awards for All’ was an organised coach trip to London to view the Philatelic Collections on display at the British Library followed by a trip to the Postal Museum and Archives for a behind the scene tour and talk on the facilities available.
The trip was organised by Seaford Club but was made available to all members of clubs affiliated to ASPS. Seaford and District Stamp Club members were joined by members from Burgess Hill Philatelic Society and Storrington and District Stamp Society. A total of 14 members travelled on a coach supplied by Regency Travel up to London.
We are grateful to Regency for a superb service and thank Peter (Driver) for his courteous and efficient handling of London traffic. We were delivered on time at 10.30am at the Library and after a brief break for refreshment met Peter Skinner who gave us a guided tour of the Library and the Taplin Collection on display. The enormity of the building became clear as we discovered there are over 150 million items in the collection stored on over 625km of shelving, most of which is stored 24.5 metres below the building. Visitors can request items which will be delivered within 17 minutes for reference in the many reading rooms available. There is space for 1,200 readers and simply at 112,000square metres space spread over 14 floors is the largest public building constructed in the 20th Century.
The Taplin Collection is the Foundation Collection of the British Library. There were nine other collections on display. The Taplin Collection was bequeathed on the early death of Thomas Keay Tapling, MP, who died at the age of 35 in 1891. It is significant in that it is an almost complete and prime source of world material issued up to 1890. The fact that it has not been added to since approximately 1906 means it is also ensured not to contain any forgeries printed after that date thus becoming a unique source for reference.
Our time was focused on the Taplin collection but members had an opportunity to view all the collections on display. All material was of a high standard (as had been carefully stored) and members were fascinated by the quality, colour and the rarity of items within the collection. The philatelic material not on show is available to researchers by appointment. We are extremely grateful to Peter Skinner for his time and his willingness to share his considerable philatelic knowledge with us.
With the exception of one member who was ‘besotted ‘with Taplin New Zealand collection (!) the remaining members then moved to the The British Museum and Archive at Phoenix Place, London. We were treated to an introductory talk and presentation which clearly outlined all the material that was available to researchers. This was followed by a guided tour down into the archive rooms to sample the range of material stored there. The collection ranges from documents to hats, shoes, rifles (!) (not seen!), clothing and of course stamps. The Post Office Transport and Equipment is housed elsewhere but would certainly be worth a visit sometime.
After our tour we were taken to the search room where we were able to view material laid out for us and ask questions about any areas of particular interest. My own area of interest (British Postal Strike 1971) was promptly tackled by Helen who very quickly and efficiently gave me the main areas to search for further information. So my personal thanks. I will be visiting again! This time for longer! In fact we would like to again extend our thanks to Helen and the staff at the Archives for their courteous and warm hospitality.
My thanks to the members who supported the event and in particular to Brian who did all of the organising of the venues and transport. His own research work, knowledge and contacts have enabled many more to benefit from his skills. Well done.
Thanks, Maurice Shorten (Secretary)
8th April 2009 Club Meeting:
Topic 100 years of USA Stamps and Postal History
Members were treated to an excellent evening on USA stamps and Postal History. Derek demonstrated detailed knowledge of the subject and members were able to view material of a high quality.
The club experimented with the new boards funded by the National Lottery Grant “Awards for All” awarded as part of the clubs 75th Anniversary by placing them in another part of the room which enabled easier access to refreshments at half time. All members I spoke to felt that it was a better way of displaying material and that we should persist with the method.
The first half of Derek’s presentation focused on the first 100years of stamps issued by the USA Postal System showing varieties and sets issued. Explanation from Derek revealed some interesting facts behind the issues and varieties produced. The second half concentrated on Postal History surrounding the Civil War and Railway Post Offices. Again some superb examples and interesting facts were relayed to members and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity we have had to view an excellent collection built from a lifetime of dedicated collecting.
With seventeen members present once again an enjoyable evening was had and I thank members for their support.
Maurice Shorten (Secretary)
11th March 2009 Club Annual General Meeting and Competition
Meeting commenced at 7.35pm. The President welcomed members and led the proceedings. A total of 19 members were present and 6 entries were displayed for judging after the AGM.
During the meeting in which the 2008 Committee were re-instated by the members, the membership were congratulated by the President for their hard work on May 24th, 2008 at the Clubs 75th Anniversary launch and informed by the Secretary of the remaining activities planned to close off the Anniversary Year and to complete the National Lottery Awards for All grant awarded in March 2008. This includes a trip to the British Museum and Philatelic Archives, a poster to advertise philately for the benefit of all clubs in Sussex and the launch of the Club website. It was decided that a new trophy would be launched to celebrate outstanding philatelc achievement by club members called:
Seaford Stamp Club – Achievement Tankard supported by the National Lottery ‘Awards for All’ Grant and sponsored annually by members.
Everybody enjoyed the evening. There was much ‘banter’ and a warm athmosphere. The Competition was successful with Bill winning the Traditional (Foxton Cup) with a display of overprints and Maurice winning the Thematic (Wood Cup) with a display of Hwange National Park.
Thanks to all. Maurice Shorten (Secretary)
BURGESS HILL PHILATELIC SOCIETY
Three members from Seaford and District Stamp Club gave a very varied display of stamps. The first was of very early French "Ceres" stamp (the French equivalent to our 1p. black), plus several sheets of Napoleon during his first and second empire. Also railway postmarks, postage due and redirected letters. The second display was on Southern Rhodesia from 1937 to 1952 during the reign of King George V1, a nice display covering postal rates, airmails and covers before and during war years including civilian and RAF censored letters. The third was a display of thematic stamps. The first was of Victor Hugo of "Le Miserable" fame, followed by "Statue of Liberty", a gift of the French people to the U.S.A. It was built in France, dismantled, and taken to America, and rebuilt. Following that was "Victoria Falls"discovered by Dr. Livingstone on November 16th.in 1855. A nice selection of stamps and view cards.
Our next meeting, Presidents Evening, will be at the Burgess Hill School for Girls on the 8th of April at 7.30pm.
If you wopuld like more information please contact Bob Schwyter on 01444 480492