Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

Zanzibar

Zanzibar was the theme of the display provided by fellow member Derek Wiltshire at the latest society meeting.

Derek used a board of postcards to provide an introduction to Zanzibar showing the influence of the Arabs, then Portuguese, and then the Arabs again. In the late nineteenth century, a number of Post Offices were opened in Zanzibar-some only briefly. The British Post Office originally used Indian stamps overprinted with Zanzibar. French and German Post offices used their own designed stamps. The British asked both Post Offices to close down but the French kept open.

Derek showed a range of all early stamps with examples of plate proofs and printers vignette. One letter showed the wax seal of the Zanzibar Post office. First flight covers from 1937 were on display. Zanzibar declared independence in 1963 and became a republic in 1964. Following the revolution the Republic of Tanzania was formed together with Tanganyika. The initial stamps of this republic were not available in Zanzibar but the first and second republic anniversary stamps were.

David Matthews provided the vote of thanks.

The next meeting will be held on Friday 3rd October when Mrs. Jean Osborne will display "Medicinal Plants"

Members are reminded of the South West Congress at Queen Margaret Academy, Ayr on Saturday 4th October (10am to 4pm) where Lanarkshire members will mount a display.