07 October 2016
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The Association of British Philatelic Societies is asking the stamp collecting community for help in filling a number of vacancies, while also appealing for collectors to become a ‘friend’ or ‘patron’ of the organisation.
The Association of British Philatelic Societies is asking the stamp collecting community for help in filling a number of vacancies, while also appealing for collectors to become a ‘friend’ or ‘patron’ of the organisation.
The ABPS is the UK body that co-ordinates many philatelic events and activities in this country. It also represents the interests of collectors in the UK through membership of FIP and FEPA. A spokesperson for the ABPS said: ‘It is a great concern that some individuals and groups do not seem to recognise the importance of ABPS in the organisation and promotion of our hobby at a national level.’
There are currently vacancies on the Executive Committee for an Advertising Manager and the Chairman of ABPS, John Baron, will step down as Chairman in 2017. There are also a number of other administrative roles where more support is needed now.
THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETITIVE PHILATELY
A statement from the ABPS says: ‘Many collectors seen to dismiss the organisation of competitive philately by ABPS as irrelevant to many “ordinary collectors”. I believe this a major misjudgment. Without competitive philately, many of the major collections in this country would not have been built. This would have undermined the market for stamps and resulted in a reduction in the number of dealers and, consequently, fewer stamp fairs. It is also likely that many specialist societies and study groups would never have had the stimulus for their creation without the influence of competitive philately to research and study.
‘Lack of support for ABPS would hugely impact the hobby in the UK. Collectors take it for granted at their peril. ABPS asks for £1.25 from each individual per annum per society. It is not a lot to ask to safeguard the future of our hobby in the UK. If collectors feel that ABPS should be doing more, please let us have some specific suggestions and get personally involved. Contact the ABPS by email.
‘Everyone involved in philately should support the hobby by contributing to the work of ABPS. This can be done by asking your Club to join ABPS or become a Friend for £25 or a Patron for £60 per year.
Patrons and Friends will receive a personal copy of all ABPS Publications including ABPS News (three times a year), ABPS Handbook and Speakers List.’
Find out more about the ABPS and becoming a friend or patron on the ABPS website; e-mail: or write to ABPS, 41 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6JY.