External Intervention in the Russian Civil War by Mark Everris

MEETING 27th MAY 2026

Entertainment

Mark Everris, Visiting speaker, displayed and spoke about “External Intervention in the Russian Civil War”.

Initiated by Tsar Nicholas II abdicating and the October Revolution in October 1917, Other world powers sought to protect their interests in Russia by supporting the White Russian Pro-Tsar Monarchists.

In the North West of Russia this meant Britain, the Empire and her allies including The US of IA, sending troops to Murmansk and Archangel. Following the 1918 Armistice these troops were replaced with A volunteer relief force. Mark Displayed many military covers all with suitable Censor marks – Postal administration offices amusingly named Polar Bears (Hence PB1 was Murmansk, PB2 Archangel etc).

In the East Britain had massive stockpiles of military equipment that needed protecting, hence troops, as in the North West, plus a huge contingent of Japanese soldiers arrived in Vladivostock. Interestingly the only conflict to ever record a cavalry unit capturing a Battleship!!

Mark had plenty of Japanese covers and a superb group of 10 postcards with wrapper as given to Japanese Officers at the time, all with full translations.

Overall an Excellent ‘Contextual’ display including some extremely rare and very valuable material. Mark displayed a truly catholic knowledge of the subject matter both from a philatelic and historical view point.

The President presented Mark with a Certificate of our appreciation and Tim Gaunt gave a brief oration and vote of thanks.

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Meeting started at 1930hrs. The President welcomed all members. 8 members and 2 apologies

The minutes from the last meeting 29th April 2026 were read and accepted. No matters arising

The President gave fair dates for Bilsborrow 6th June  and Bolton Society Auction 17th June

AOB

No Other Business

The meeting concluded at 2110 hrs.

 

  

    

   

  

   

  

  

                                                   

                                                          

 

Iraq Stamps & Postal History 1914-1960 by Eddie Grindrod

MEETING 29th APRIL 2026

Entertainment

Our own Eddie Grindrod gave a display of his collection of Iraqi stamps and postal history. First half being the History of the Iraqi postal service including Overprinted early GB stamps, India Expeditionary Force issues, Ottoman stamps overprinted leading to their own General issues and the end of the British Mandate in 1932 – leading to an internal power struggle as to who should govern/rule the country – King Ghazi and King Faisal I issues and WWII, talk finishing at 1947.

Second half continued the Iraq postal story with Aid for Palestine issues, King Faisal II issues and his execution  in a coup d’etat in 1958 by General Qasim, after which all previous issues appeared overprinted with ‘Iraqi Republic’. Eddie concluded at 1960. A very knowledgeable display with a lot of very good material.

John Sanderson gave a vote of thanks.

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Meeting started at 1930hrs. The President welcomed all members. 8 members and 2 apologies

The minutes from the last meeting 25th March  2026 were read and accepted. Steve Rumley volunteered to become the new Programme Secretary. No other matters arising.

The President gave fair dates for Bilsborrow 2nd May and Barton 16th May

 

AOB

A minutes silence was held in respect of the recent and very sad  passing of Roger Buckley. Details of Funeral and wake not yet known. Condolence card has been sent.

 

Competition winners were presented with their Certificates  and Trophy Shields’

Channel Island and IOM bundles of presentation packs and FDCs had been donated by Haworth Brotherton Solicitors of Cleveleys; And Peter Plant (methodist church hall administartor)had asked us to sell his childhood albums on his behalf. To which end a small auction was held with very slow bidding, that did raise £16 for club funds, unsold lots to be put on Ebay or taken to a stamp fair.

The meeting concluded at 2100 hrs.

Competition Displays March 25, 2026

 Exciting evening for everybody and beautiful displays all around.

 

  

  

Competition Wednesday, March 25

Just a quick reminder of the competition day this week with a list of areas to compete:

Aerophilately

A study of Philatelic material, prepared for and used to convey post by Airmail by whatever means i.e. Aeroplane, Balloon, Helicopter, Catapult, Pigeon and similar.

Postal History

The origins and development of postal services and all aspects pertaining to them.

Single-Sheet Competition

Based upon a stamp, stamps, cover, postcard or a combination on a

theme or subject within the Philatelic world.

Thematic

A story or illustration of an idea by use of stamps, postcards, envelopes, or by any other means i.e. photographs, press cuttings etc.

Traditional

A material from all periods and to include stamps, covers postcards or photographs of any country. It can be specialised or non-specialised and may include non philatelic items appropriate to the entry.

One-Sheet Knock-Out Competition

You may enter more than one sheet in A4 size

Competition is decided by elimination at each round

More info on our COMPETITIONS page 

Historical snippets: Beginning of the Society - images and documents from the first Society book