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

 

 

Historical snippets: The Philatelic Extension Bulletin No. 2. OCTOBER 1921

ISSUED BY THE PHILATELIC EXTENSION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE PERMANENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF PHILATELIC CONGRESSES OF GREAT BRITAIN.

Fred. J. Melville (Chairman). J. Stanley Telfer.
F. Hugh Vallancey, Stanley Phillips (Hon. Secretary).

 

Two copies of each issue of this "Bulletin" are sent gratis to every Philatelic Society and Club affiliated to the Congress. A copy will gladly be sent to any philatelic editor who has not received one, or to any collector interested in the work of the Committee, who will send stamped addressed envelopes for many issues as he would like to receive. Address all communications regarding the "Philatelic Extension Bulletin" or the work work of the Philatelic Extension Sub-Committee to the Hon. Secretary, STANLEY PHILLIPS, 9 Avondale Road, Palmers Green, N.13.

OUR WORK-PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.

The first number of the "Bulletin" has been most generously received, and has brought us much interesting correspondence, evidence in itself that a very live interest is being taken in Extension matters this season. The appearance of this number in print instead of typescript is due to the kindness of Mr. F. Hugh Vallancey in consenting to an arrangement which enables us to print the required number of copies of the "Bulletin" at a very low cost.

Let us briefly review the activities resulting from the offers made in our first number.

OUR APPEAL TO EDITORS FOR SPACE met with a most excellent response. Most of the leading philatelic journals advertised our aims very fully, some being extremely generous with space and helpful in their remarks, while Mr. R. W. Gosse put a page of his house-organ, "Brown Studies," at the disposal of the Committee each month. With this publicity extension work should flourish, and we would only ask every editor to carry on the good work begun.

FILLING GAPS IN SOCIETY PROGRAMMES. Several philatelic societies approached us in this connection, and we were able to arrange for important displays by leading specialists, in all cases where such displays were asked for. Other hon. secretaries requested suggestions for less advanced meetings, and replies were sent which have, we hope, proved useful. We can arrange further first-class displays, where these are wanted to complete programs, and will gladly assist with advice or suggestions for more "popular" evenings, if requested. We trust that those whom we have been able to assist will remember that we are, first and foremost, an "extension" committee, and will do their best to keep our aims well to the fore during the coming season.

Will  hon. secretaries kindly inform us, when asking for displays, whether it is proposed to offer hospitality and accommodation for the night to the giver of the display, as we naturally have to know this when making arrangements, and practice differs in different societies.

FORMING NEW SOCIETIES. So far, we cannot point to a new society formed as the result of our efforts, but it takes some time to get collectors together, and we have every hope that, be the end of the season, several flourishing societies will be in existence to prove that our work has not been in vain. Further notes on this part of our work will be found elsewhere in this "Bulletin.

INFORMATION REGARDING EXTENSION WORK. The season is yet young, so we have not a great deal of information to circulate, but already we have heard from several societies and individuals in encouraging terms, and feel sure that extensionists are making a big push this year.

LANTERN LECTURES. As notified in the last "Bulletin," we have had the following lectures placed at the disposal of the Committee, for loan. Nos. 1 and 2 will be sent out accompanied by a full typewritten lecture, which can be delivered as it stands, or used as a basis for the lecturer's own remarks, while short notes accompany No. 3. As the Committee realize the great impetus which these lectures give to the objects they have in view, and as borrowers are put to considerable expense in many cases, in order to secure the loan of a lantern and a suitable room or hall, they have decided to reduce the fee for each lecture to the purely nominal one of five shillings, the borrower paying return carriage.

Lecture No. 1-POSTAGE STAMPS WITH STORIES, 

            No. 2. THE ROMANCE OF POSTAGE STAMPS, 

            No. 3. ТHE STAMPS OF GREAT BRITAIN.

Applications for these slides should state the date on which slides will be exhibited, the purpose of the meeting at which they are to be shown, and proposed date of return, which must be strictly adhered to.

One series has already been shown, with great success, at two municipal lectures in Derby, by Mr. W. W. H. Milnes Marsden, and we have no doubt that other bookings will quickly follow, now that the season is well under way.

EXTENSION JOTTINGS.

(Under this heading we shall deal with matters arising out of letters received by us. We shall be glad to hear from society secretaries or from individual extension workers on all matters connected with Philatelic Extension. A copy of the programme of any philatelic society would also be much appreciated.)

PROGRAMMES RECEIVED. Bath sends us a very fine rota, which includes many interesting displays and and an exchange of visits with the Bristol Society. Two special displays by Capt. H. R. Oldfield and Mr. H. W. Westcott were arranged through the offices of the Extension Committee, ranged through The season closes with a lecture by Mr. Fred. J Melvile, which will no doubt help on extension work greatly in the West. The go-ahead Bath Juniors are already in harness, and are doing great things, and open meetings are promised for December and March, Bristol and Clifton, while looking after the interests of its own members, is not averse to meeting the outside world. It has already started its season with an open recruiting meeting; it is to have a whist drive, also open to visitors; it is doing all it can to encourage the juniors; and it, too, has Mr. Melville down for a lantern lecture. There is no need to say "Wake up West" while Bath and Bristol are in the field. The Huddersfield pro-gramme does not definitely specify extension activities, but possibly some of the meetings are open ones. There is a visit o the Leeds Society, while on April 20th the Society will hold its aooth meeting. The International Philatelic Union has an attractive fixture list, to which friends of members are Invited. The Union is not in the same position as other societies as regards extension work, but it is said that any who have once attended an I.P.U. "smoker" will never give up collecting, so it does valuable work in keeping philatelists in the fold! Liverpool sends us a syllabus which is notable for the opportunity which it gives the ordinary member to take part in discussions, &c. We co not see any definite note of extension work, but perhaps this is left to the Liverpool Juniors, from whom we have not yet heard. Southend has a popular programme and evidently believes in members taking an active part in the meetings they attend. There is a flourishing junior section here. The London Stamp Club, as usual, issues its attractive programme in its own organ, "The Stamp Club Journal," At a recent meeting, Mr. Fred. J. Melville delivered his lecture on "Postage Stamps with Stories" a an object-lesson in extension work, and keen interest in the work of our Committee was expressed by members present.

[P.T.O.

A "MOVEMENTS" REGISTER. The hon. secretary of a leading philatelic society suggests that when a member moves out of the district in which his own society is situated, such society should notify the fact to the society in the locality to which he has moved, in order that he may be given the opportunity of keeping in touch with other collectors. If all the societies loyally carried out such a scheme, it would, we think, have valuable results. Perhaps hon, secretaries would give us their opinions on the suggestion? In any case, collectors who move can always apply to our Hon. Secretary for the address of the nearest society, when they move away from their old one.

THE LONELY COLLECTOR. There are thousands of collectors all over the country who would like to meet other stamp lovers, and yet do not know a single one; who need help, and yet do not know where to go for it. There is fine work to be done here by Individual "seniors." Why should not every collector try to get together four such lonely fellow-collectors at his house every month, to give them such assistance as he can, by way of advice and encouragement, to advise them of other ways of getting information and help; and finally, it is possible, to form form them them into into the nucleus of a new society. It can be done, and it is the way of the real extension worker, who unselfishly tries to help others. We may add that that it brings its own reward in renewed interest in one's own stamps, and the pleasure of Imparting knowledge.

THERE IS A REMEDY FOR THE LONELY COLLECTOR-Let him use the philatelic signature we described recently -Inverted commas (*) before his ordinary signature-on every missive he signs, and look out for it on letters he receives. If this sign were universally used the task of our Committee would be an easy one.

A PHILATELIC FILM has been showing recently, called "David and Jonathan," the action centring round a friend ship between stamp collectors. We are told that the film is very well worth seeing. If it proves a success, we shall doubtless see others on the same theme.

NEW PHILATELIC SOCIETIES WANTED OR FORMING.

BOURNEMOUTH, We are still hopeful of forming a much-needed society here, but it takes time to get collectors t0-gether. Those living in the district who would like to join a society are asked to notify our Hon. Secretary.

ROCHESTER. It seems likely that the next new society to be formed will hall from from this city, as arrangements are well advanced. Those who are interested should write to Mr. Herbert W. Henbest, 17 Dickens Terrace, Wainscott, Rochester.

We repeat the addresses of Hon. Secretaries of new or revived Societies, to which we referred previously. Col lectors who wish to join any of these should write direct. SOUTH WALES AND CARDIFF DISTRICT-Mr. R. Wilfred Rees, 4 Working Street, Cardiff.

NEWPORT AND Mокмостовинки. Мг. C. B. Kyrle Fletcher, 70 High Street, Newport, Monmouthshire.

PORTSMOUTH AND DISTRICT -Mr. Burton F. Cooper, Hambledon, Hasts, would like to hear from any keon collectors who would like to join a society.

GREENOCK. Mr. D. T. Robertson, 4 Lyle Street (Mid. Flat), Greenock, would like to hear from local collectors, with a view to holding informal stamp meetings,

TORQUAY Mr. W. Pheasey, 32 Fleet Street, Torquay, would like to hear from collectors who would care to join the Torquay Society.

CHESTER, SWANSEA, BRADFORD, EXETER, Bedford, and ST. PANCRAS AND MARYLEBONE, all hold collectors who con sider there ought to be a society in their neighborhood, but who do not know any other local enthusiasts. Will collectors who agree with them please write to our Hon. Secretary?

DEAL This Society is looking forward to a good season. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. S. P. Pain. Westward Ho!, Deal, will be glad to hear from collectors in the district.

Sidcup, The lantern lecture on Great Britain has been arranged for January 17th, 1922. Free tickets of admission will be sent on request,

BLACKBURN AND RIBLESDALE Mr. C. I.. Faunthorpe,28 Burlington Street, Blackburn, is trying to form a Kibblesdale Society, and would like to hear from anyone interested.

Norwich. The set of lantern slides on "The Stamps of Great Britain," lent by Mr. Vallancey, has been booked for December 5th. Collectors not actually members of the local society will be welcomed at the meeting, and Mr. A. W, Goose, 15 Rampant Horse Street, Norwich, will be pleased to give fuller particulars.

Leeds-The Great Britain slides have been booked by Mr. R. E. Clucas, 33 Victoria Road, Headingley, for January 10th, 1922, and we are sure any local enthusiasts will be welcomes!.

LEYTON, Mr. Vallancey's lecture was fully appreciated by members of the Leyton Literary Club (established 1870), on October 15th.

NOTES ON LANTERN LECTURING, By Fred. J. MELVILLE

The Congress is providing lantern lectures which will be available to all extension workers during the coming season, and a few hints to prospective users of the slides will prob ably be welcomed.

The slides are arranged in sets accompanied by specially prepared lectures. The lectures are typewritten, but the prospective lecturer should read the "script" over carefully beforehand, and familiarize himself with the contents, so that there may be no halting or stumbling in the delivery. 

He should also study the slides and, before handing them out to the lanternist, see that they are in the correct order. Each slide is numbered at the top right corner of the side from which a positive transparency is viewed.

Beware of prosy chairmen. Many good lectures are spoilt by the chairman taking too long to introduce the lecture; tiring or "boring" the audience before the lecture commences.

In starting a lantern lecture, it is a good plan to deliver the introductory part with the full lights on. When you come to require the first picture, signal for the lights to be turned off. If you start lecturing in the dark, the audience, or part of it, strains to get a look at the lecturer to see what he is like-and that distracts attention from the subject-matter.

Similarly, I find it a good plan in some cases to finish with the lights up; perforations are apt to go astray in the dark

Nothing should be permitted to break the continuity of die lecture. A lantern lecture should never exceed one hour's duration, and if the subject-matter and pictures be bright and interesting, the audience will find the hour pакк swiftly enough and there will be no restlessness, coughing, or other signs of impatience. But it is a mistake that is often made to ask the lecturer to break his lecture into two parts, with an interval for coffee or a sing-song. Before going on the platform, see that you have all you require there-reading desk and lamp, the manuscript, a pointe, a glass of water, and a signal.

A lot depends upon the signal; the less obtrusive it is the better. Highly skilled lanternists usually have an electric device which flashes a silent signal, and this is the best signal of all. Others provide an electric buzzer, but often the lecturer is left to find his own signal. There are simple "clicks," or castanets, sold, which do very well, though the constant clicking of this signal is slightly distracting, and with an audience of mischievous boys they can upset your plans by imitating the click, and an your picture is moved before you are ready.

In the absence of any proper signal, arrange with the lanternist to watch you you wave wa the the pointer across the screen: that is a silent, and usually effective, signal, and is vastly better than thumping the floor with the pointer, or shouting "Next slide, please.

In delivering the lecture, speak out, but don't shout. If you strain to deliver the lecture, it may strain the audience to listen to it.

After the lecture, a few well-chosen words by the chair-man, or or the lecturer himself, or some other official, may be usefully employed to invite all who have had their interest aroused to join your Society, or to attend, as visitors, an ordinary meeting, with a view to joining.

Quiz Night 28th January 2026

Whether you are casual stamp collector or serious philatelist — test your knowledge of postal history, stamp design, and global geography.

Questions are often divided into specific categories that challenge different areas of expertise.

Postal History & Origins: Focuses on milestones like the History of the Penny Black (the world's first adhesive stamp) or the evolution of the Universal Postal Union.

Geography & "Name the Country": Identifying nations by their unique stamp markings or by countries that do not include their name on stamps (e.g., Great Britain).

Philatelic Terminology: Testing knowledge on technical terms like "perforations," "watermarks," or "first-day covers".

Visual Rounds: Participants may need to identify "missing animals" on topical stamps or recognize "famous heads" (monarchs or presidents) from cropped stamp images.

In the meanwhile - will you recognise anybody or yourselves in his picture, printed in EXPRESS on the 16/09/1993?

AGM + Single Stamp with a Story, 10th of December 2025

Nice evening with eight beautiful presentations from Society members.

1. Dave brought a story of a Red Cross Conference stamp from Vienna 1/10/1965, lithographed by Designer Hugo Wulz at the Austrian State Printing Works, 

No Watermark-Perforated 14% x 131/2
Hugo Wulz (1937-2000) prolific artist and printmaker hosting 5 solo exhibitions and participating in many others, born in Villach, Karnten (Carinthia) in southern Austria.

2. Ray told a story of an Italy Stamp commemorating 

1961 VISIT OF PRESIDENT GRONCHI TO S. AMERICA

Designed by R. Mura

This stamp is the original L. 205 in Rose colour which was printed showing the

shaded area of the country the wrong shape. The stamps were recalled and a

new stamp was printed in Grey for general issue. A few of the Rose coloured

stamps had already found there way into circulation. They are now a quite sort

after stamp. The forgers had produced their stamps on the correct paper but

did not know of the change of colour until they were printed in the original Rose colour. The forgeries are collectible but one needs a certificate of authenticity for the first printing as the forgeries are good.

Certificate translates to:

"I have examined the Italian stamp, 205 lire lilac

pink issued in 1961 on the occasion of President Gronchi's visit to Peru, mint with gum, and the one in the photograph. In my opinion, the specimen is original;it has intact original gum and is in excellent condition.

I have signed it.

Geneva, October 5, 1984."

3. John presented a nice example of KGVI 1d stamp, mis delivered by coil machine on cover, also everybody had fun picking an old penny from his bag just to find out that some coins have been issued in their birth year.

4. Ian showed a nice example of social history - a 1875 subscription cover towards building of local school in St. Annes , also a list of participants and fees collected.

Entire sent to Mrs Bolton of St Armes on November 153' I880 Who contributed to the building of new St Annes School, showing a list of subscribers. The entire is posted and backstamped ‘St Annes-on the-Sea’ on the 15”‘ and 16"‘ November having had to be taken to Preston to be postmarked before being delivered.

5. Geoff Cl. told interesting story of GB stamps, commemorating Postal Union Congress  London in 1929 - exiting details and nuances, that happened during the launch.

6. Tim Ga brought a nice block of 1993 Transkei stamps, commemorating James Lind (4 October 1716 – 13 July 1794), Scottish physician, a pioneer of naval hygiene in the Royal Navy, who also developed the theory that citrus fruits cured scurvy, argued for the health benefits of better ventilation aboard naval ships, the improved cleanliness of sailors' bodies, clothing and bedding, and below-deck fumigation with sulphur and arsenic. He also proposed that fresh water could be obtained by distilling sea water. Lind made significant advancements in naval medicine that advanced the practice of preventive medicine and improved human understanding of nutrition.

7. Tim Gi presented a stamp, issued on 24th Oct 1941 to support Germany against Russia Legion of French’ Volunteers’ against Bolshevism (LVF), initially in 1941 formed as unit of the Whermacht made up of Volunteer soldiers who were ideological collaborators motivated by Anti-Communism and the ‘Malgre nous’ (not our choice) conscripts.

8. Steve told a story of a Mexico stamp, commemorating Amelia Earhart visit 

 ‘lying her Lockheed Vega airliner tagged "old Bessie", Earhart flew solo from Los Angeles to Mexico City to pay a goodwill visit on April 19 1935 and then

successfully completed a nonstop flight from Mexico City to New York on May 8th. Mexico issued an airmail stamp for mail due to be carried on the return flight to New York. 780 of the 20c lake “Eagle Man” airmail stamp were

overprinted, of which 480 were additionally overprinted "lMuestra” (Specimen). About one hundred stamps were actually used on mail carried to New York.