NOTES OF ZOOM MEETINGS
We recommenced circulating boxes in September; much appreciated by the members, and continue to do so in the second lockdown with members passing on “no-contact” at the doorstep. We believe these “welfare” visits are in the best interests of members in isolation, with something to look forward to, help maintain morale, counteract possible depression etc.
Following the success of the display-lectures at virtual Stampex, in October, (still available to view until the end of the year), we commenced our own programme of ZOOM display meetings. These started with the postponed AGM (ZOOM 1) at which all officers were elected to continue in post, and all subscriptions were extended FOC until 31st August 2021. David Rennie. 10th December 2020
We recommenced circulating boxes in September; much appreciated by the members, and continue to do so in the second lockdown with members passing on “no-contact” at the doorstep. We believe these “welfare” visits are in the best interests of members in isolation, with something to look forward to, help maintain morale, counteract possible depression etc.
Following the success of the display-lectures at virtual Stampex, in October, (still available to view until the end of the year), we commenced our own programme of ZOOM display meetings. These started with the postponed AGM (ZOOM 1) at which all officers were elected to continue in post, and all subscriptions were extended FOC until 31st August 2021. David Rennie. 10th December 2020
Meeting 2: 30th September 2020 hosted by the Secretary who welcomed 3 members, 5 apologies.
David Rennie showed two heavily postmarked covers, 1937 Malacca to India, 1964 Winchester to Australia, both undelivered and returned to sender.
Mike Dobbs showed 2 covers with British Forces Postal Service 1000 15 Aug 2020 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the ending of the war with Japan and end ending of WW2 and the other with British Forces Postal Service 3229 25 Aug 2020 to celebrate 75 years of British Forces in Germany + Revenue Protection labels used in 2019 - £2 fee for mail where no postage has been paid and £1.50 for underpaid mail – the latter being a dual English/ Welsh language label.
David Rennie showed two heavily postmarked covers, 1937 Malacca to India, 1964 Winchester to Australia, both undelivered and returned to sender.
Mike Dobbs showed 2 covers with British Forces Postal Service 1000 15 Aug 2020 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the ending of the war with Japan and end ending of WW2 and the other with British Forces Postal Service 3229 25 Aug 2020 to celebrate 75 years of British Forces in Germany + Revenue Protection labels used in 2019 - £2 fee for mail where no postage has been paid and £1.50 for underpaid mail – the latter being a dual English/ Welsh language label.
Meeting 3: 14th October 2020. hosted by the Secretary who welcomed 8 members, 6 apologies.
The following displays were given.
Nick Hervey showed two copies of the Johore 1876 2c SG1 with Crescent and Star overprint.
Mike Dobbs showed Buckingham Palace machine postmark on three covers
Adrian Thomas showed Bishop Mark, 1880 1d Venetian on cover to Bonham-Carter
David Rennie showed 1941/2 cover to Sumatra and return “No Service”, GB EVIII FDCs, 1948 Montserrat registered to USA with Customs cachet, 1951 registers St Kitts to Curaçao and returned.
The following displays were given.
Nick Hervey showed two copies of the Johore 1876 2c SG1 with Crescent and Star overprint.
Mike Dobbs showed Buckingham Palace machine postmark on three covers
Adrian Thomas showed Bishop Mark, 1880 1d Venetian on cover to Bonham-Carter
David Rennie showed 1941/2 cover to Sumatra and return “No Service”, GB EVIII FDCs, 1948 Montserrat registered to USA with Customs cachet, 1951 registers St Kitts to Curaçao and returned.
Meeting 4: 10th November 2020 hosted by the Secretary who welcomed 9 members:
The Secretary updated members with the Auction results:
There were: 15 Vendors, 14 Bidders. 81 lots were sold from 205 lots: (total bids received 103, several for same lots) Total Sales were £683.00, and Commission £68.30 + Postage £10.00. TOTAL to FUNDS £78.30.
David Rennie then displayed his collection of Australian Postage Dues with a suitable commentary on 16 sheets.
The Secretary updated members with the Auction results:
There were: 15 Vendors, 14 Bidders. 81 lots were sold from 205 lots: (total bids received 103, several for same lots) Total Sales were £683.00, and Commission £68.30 + Postage £10.00. TOTAL to FUNDS £78.30.
David Rennie then displayed his collection of Australian Postage Dues with a suitable commentary on 16 sheets.
Meeting 5: 25th November 2020 hosted by the Secretary who welcomed 10 members
The Secretary Advised members of the contents of the new SG GB QV specialist part 1 to be published shortly. Showed members copies of Railway Disaster Mail and Ceylon: the Pence Issues which he had reviewed.
Nick Hervey gave a fascinating and informative PowerPoint presentation about the life and death of Captain Fryatt during WWI. This included illustrations of the man and his memorial monuments, his exploits and heroism in attacking German U-Boats, his various vessels, his crew, his State Funeral and later private funeral, and other Fryatt related items including a mountain in Canada.
Accompanied by detailed biography Nick reported on Fryatt’s death by firing squad for being a "Franc Tireur" or "combatant civilian."
Nick also included material relating to Edith Cavell, British propaganda leaflets against the Germans, the Ruhleben Internment Camp etc.
The Secretary Advised members of the contents of the new SG GB QV specialist part 1 to be published shortly. Showed members copies of Railway Disaster Mail and Ceylon: the Pence Issues which he had reviewed.
Nick Hervey gave a fascinating and informative PowerPoint presentation about the life and death of Captain Fryatt during WWI. This included illustrations of the man and his memorial monuments, his exploits and heroism in attacking German U-Boats, his various vessels, his crew, his State Funeral and later private funeral, and other Fryatt related items including a mountain in Canada.
Accompanied by detailed biography Nick reported on Fryatt’s death by firing squad for being a "Franc Tireur" or "combatant civilian."
Nick also included material relating to Edith Cavell, British propaganda leaflets against the Germans, the Ruhleben Internment Camp etc.
Meeting 6: 9th December 2020 hosted by the Secretary who welcomed 7 other members.
The Secretary. Advised members of revisions and additions in the new 2021 SG Part 1 catalogue.
Adrian Thomas then gave an erudite, informative and entertaining display about “Pietism on Stamps”
The presentation started with an analysis of stamps by country. Most stamps are German where the movement started. Pietism in Scandinavia was very influential and Norway, Denmark and Finland have philatelically celebrated their Pietists, but Sweden, in spite of having many influential Pietists, has commemorated none of them.
The presentation started with Martin Luther, the figure that ignited what became the Reformation, and stamps were shown depicting him including a controversial Vatican stamp. He was followed by German stamps showing Paul Gerhardt, Philipp Jacob Spener, August Hermann Franke, Gerhard Tersteegen, Johann Albrecht Bengel, and Nicholas Ludwig Count von Zinzendorf. Scandinavian Pietists included Hans Nielsen Hauge from Norway, Nikolai F S Grundtvig from Denmark, and Paavo Ruotsalainen and Lars Levi Laestadius from Finland.
Zinzendorf provided assistance to the Moravian Church which as one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world dates back to the Bohemian Reformation of the 15th century and to the reformer Jan Hus. Material related to the Moravians was illustrated, and because of their missionary work, stamps from all over the world are available
The Pietist influences have been enormous and these were illustrated. They include depictions of the theologians Fredrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth; founder of Methodism John Wesley; the philosopher Søren Aabye Kierkegaard; and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was executed by Hitler. Pietism is the basis of much that we see that is typical of modern Protestantism.
The Secretary. Advised members of revisions and additions in the new 2021 SG Part 1 catalogue.
Adrian Thomas then gave an erudite, informative and entertaining display about “Pietism on Stamps”
The presentation started with an analysis of stamps by country. Most stamps are German where the movement started. Pietism in Scandinavia was very influential and Norway, Denmark and Finland have philatelically celebrated their Pietists, but Sweden, in spite of having many influential Pietists, has commemorated none of them.
The presentation started with Martin Luther, the figure that ignited what became the Reformation, and stamps were shown depicting him including a controversial Vatican stamp. He was followed by German stamps showing Paul Gerhardt, Philipp Jacob Spener, August Hermann Franke, Gerhard Tersteegen, Johann Albrecht Bengel, and Nicholas Ludwig Count von Zinzendorf. Scandinavian Pietists included Hans Nielsen Hauge from Norway, Nikolai F S Grundtvig from Denmark, and Paavo Ruotsalainen and Lars Levi Laestadius from Finland.
Zinzendorf provided assistance to the Moravian Church which as one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world dates back to the Bohemian Reformation of the 15th century and to the reformer Jan Hus. Material related to the Moravians was illustrated, and because of their missionary work, stamps from all over the world are available
The Pietist influences have been enormous and these were illustrated. They include depictions of the theologians Fredrich Schleiermacher and Karl Barth; founder of Methodism John Wesley; the philosopher Søren Aabye Kierkegaard; and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who was executed by Hitler. Pietism is the basis of much that we see that is typical of modern Protestantism.
The displays detailed below are those before the closure because of the
Coronavirus regulation. A.G.M. is to be held on 9th September 2020
General matters
Average attendances at meetings held for the period to 26th February dropped to below twenty, and for the dinner to twenty-five. Members are encouraged to suggest speakers or subjects for displays, but competitions as always have been a struggle to provide satisfactory numbers of entrants. Refreshments are now Free at our meetings. Because of their ages and health problems, many members are self-isolating, but the Secretary has managed to maintain contact via E-Mail reports, messages and other items of interest. The packet was suspended, and whilst much of the work in closing off packets has been done, completion of payments and returns will depend upon the Packet Secretary, who is of course in self-isolation. David Rennie, Hon. Secretary. 30th April 2020
26th February 2020 Tony Hickey gave his display: Germany 1917-1933.
Tony gave an extremely interesting, informative and educational account of Germany from near the end of WWI to 1933 when Hitler and the Nazis came into power and the 3rd Reich was established. This covered the unrest in Germany at the end of the War, the Wilson 14 Conditions, the surrender and armistice, followed by the negotiations and imposition of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, where reparations and re-defining of borders was to determine the course of the next twenty years.
The rise of the various Nationalist parties and Communism came about because of the resulting economic situation in Germany which led to major shortages and deprivation, especially with soldiers retuning to civilian life to find a shortage of jobs etc. The German fleet had been scuppered at Scapa Flow; there were restrictions on army numbers; the no military planes were allowed. Germany had lost its Colonies, and a number of Plebiscites meant various territories in Europe were amalgamated into Denmark, Belgium, Holland, and France. Poland and Czechoslovakia became independent countries. The statue of Danzig and Memel was determined, and Bavaria incorporated into Germany. The League of Nations had been established but without the participation of the USA, Germany or Austria.
By 1923 inflation and hyper-inflation had reached a peak, until the “Gold Currency” helped to restore some normality. All of this nurtured a deep feeling of resentment within the population, but many of the newly formed but short-lived nationalist parties disappeared or amalgamated and eventually the Nazis established supremacy. The Weimar Republic was established. Hindenburg was elected President.
Throughout the whole period large numbers of picture postcards were produced; of the leaders; of the parties; propaganda messages helping to stir up unrest, to promote or oppose the territory changes, to promote or denigrate particular ideologies. Tony showed dozens of these all written up with suitable background information and other relevant photos, press cuttings and documents such as voting papers etc.
Many relevant stamp issues were also included, particularly the Plebiscite issues, but also the black-edged Cinderella issues mourning the loss of both European territories and overseas colonies. The inter-state borders were finally accepted in 1926, and Hitler after his early release from prison determined to achieve power by “democratic” means rather than revolution. He eventually became Chancellor when the 3rd Reich was established on the 30th January 1933
Tony gave an extremely interesting, informative and educational account of Germany from near the end of WWI to 1933 when Hitler and the Nazis came into power and the 3rd Reich was established. This covered the unrest in Germany at the end of the War, the Wilson 14 Conditions, the surrender and armistice, followed by the negotiations and imposition of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, where reparations and re-defining of borders was to determine the course of the next twenty years.
The rise of the various Nationalist parties and Communism came about because of the resulting economic situation in Germany which led to major shortages and deprivation, especially with soldiers retuning to civilian life to find a shortage of jobs etc. The German fleet had been scuppered at Scapa Flow; there were restrictions on army numbers; the no military planes were allowed. Germany had lost its Colonies, and a number of Plebiscites meant various territories in Europe were amalgamated into Denmark, Belgium, Holland, and France. Poland and Czechoslovakia became independent countries. The statue of Danzig and Memel was determined, and Bavaria incorporated into Germany. The League of Nations had been established but without the participation of the USA, Germany or Austria.
By 1923 inflation and hyper-inflation had reached a peak, until the “Gold Currency” helped to restore some normality. All of this nurtured a deep feeling of resentment within the population, but many of the newly formed but short-lived nationalist parties disappeared or amalgamated and eventually the Nazis established supremacy. The Weimar Republic was established. Hindenburg was elected President.
Throughout the whole period large numbers of picture postcards were produced; of the leaders; of the parties; propaganda messages helping to stir up unrest, to promote or oppose the territory changes, to promote or denigrate particular ideologies. Tony showed dozens of these all written up with suitable background information and other relevant photos, press cuttings and documents such as voting papers etc.
Many relevant stamp issues were also included, particularly the Plebiscite issues, but also the black-edged Cinderella issues mourning the loss of both European territories and overseas colonies. The inter-state borders were finally accepted in 1926, and Hitler after his early release from prison determined to achieve power by “democratic” means rather than revolution. He eventually became Chancellor when the 3rd Reich was established on the 30th January 1933
12th February 2020: Ian Reed gave his display of Channel Islands’ Postal History which was mainly routed through St Malo and later via Weymouth when regular Packet Mail services were established. A range of 18th century material was shown and early 19th century, including private ships, forwarding agent’s mail, Ship Letters etc. After 1840 many stamped letters were shown both incoming and outgoing including a late-use 1d Black in March 1841, postcards, parcel cancels on QV values to £1 green,
The main emphasis was on Guernsey with some fine strikes of the changing postmarks up to c1924. Ian commented upon rates, one 1813 item to Scotland costing 6/9d, and also showed Postal Notices. The French Boite Mobile, and its marks, was also explained and examples shown.
6 Members then showed two frames each as follows.
David Milsted 6th June 1944 D-Day leaders illustrated covers, and Morocco Agencies OPs on GB, and all sub-office postmarks suitably place on an enlarged map.
Peter Newman showed a good run-through collection of Sudan from overprints on Egypt to 1950s, stamps Officials, Postage dues, Military Telegraphs and Perfins.
Andrew Harris showed St Vincent QV 1861-1893 mint including multiples and panes, with values to 5/-.
Mike Dobbs showed FPO 836 Force 135 postmarks, Jersey & Isle of Man buses on stamps and lastly NATO Council Meeting covers from 1959, 1960 to more recent meetings in Reykjavik, Madrid, Prague etc.
Ron Burn Tristan da Cunha 2019 children’s designs with personalised Certificates for the individual artists.
Grahame Boutle Oil Company Share Certificates with fine vignettes, often reused for different companies.
The main emphasis was on Guernsey with some fine strikes of the changing postmarks up to c1924. Ian commented upon rates, one 1813 item to Scotland costing 6/9d, and also showed Postal Notices. The French Boite Mobile, and its marks, was also explained and examples shown.
6 Members then showed two frames each as follows.
David Milsted 6th June 1944 D-Day leaders illustrated covers, and Morocco Agencies OPs on GB, and all sub-office postmarks suitably place on an enlarged map.
Peter Newman showed a good run-through collection of Sudan from overprints on Egypt to 1950s, stamps Officials, Postage dues, Military Telegraphs and Perfins.
Andrew Harris showed St Vincent QV 1861-1893 mint including multiples and panes, with values to 5/-.
Mike Dobbs showed FPO 836 Force 135 postmarks, Jersey & Isle of Man buses on stamps and lastly NATO Council Meeting covers from 1959, 1960 to more recent meetings in Reykjavik, Madrid, Prague etc.
Ron Burn Tristan da Cunha 2019 children’s designs with personalised Certificates for the individual artists.
Grahame Boutle Oil Company Share Certificates with fine vignettes, often reused for different companies.
8th January 2020:
David Rennie showed Straits Settlements and the Malayan States + North Borneo King George VI definitive stamps including Japanese Occupation issues, all mint. He included various covers, including air mails, Censors etc, also various unissued stamps, overprint errors etc.
Ron Burn showed Tristan da Cunha “Cachet Period” 1908-1948 covers with all types represented, with much background information about their use and users. He explained the various varieties and distinguishing features, the use of colour inks out of necessity, manuscript markings etc. The final frame concerned the visit by the Dutch submarine in 1932 with an islander’s original letter reporting on this, press cuttings, Empress of Australia covers etc.
David Rennie showed Straits Settlements and the Malayan States + North Borneo King George VI definitive stamps including Japanese Occupation issues, all mint. He included various covers, including air mails, Censors etc, also various unissued stamps, overprint errors etc.
Ron Burn showed Tristan da Cunha “Cachet Period” 1908-1948 covers with all types represented, with much background information about their use and users. He explained the various varieties and distinguishing features, the use of colour inks out of necessity, manuscript markings etc. The final frame concerned the visit by the Dutch submarine in 1932 with an islander’s original letter reporting on this, press cuttings, Empress of Australia covers etc.