Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Mountains of the World

& their Associated Leisure Activities"

Mr. Eric Ross

Society member, and keen hill walker, Eric Ross entertained the members with his display of "Mountains of the World & their Associated Leisure Activities" at our latest meeting.

Eric began by explaining that, in common with a number of collectors, he'd begun his collection whilst still at primary school. He then, at secondary school, swapped his collection for football boots! Some years later, now married with two daughters and access to his office incoming mail, his wife suggested some stamps for eldest daughter. Sadly she showed no interest! So he (Eric) got the bug, again. he collected some GB and New Zealand and late visited a display in Paisley entitled "The Ups and Downs of New Zealand" which consisted of mountains and waterfalls. He then moved to Carluke, and joined the society, and came across "Thematic Collecting". So it was from there that he decided to "amalgamate" his two hobbies.

Eric's stamps, he prefers "mint", literally came from all around the world. Starting with European countries he included Norway, Switzerland and even some Scottish Cinderellas, then went to Asia with stamps from Nepal, India, Indonesia, & Japan (Mount Fuji is probably the mountain which appears most on stamps) followed by New Zealand (Mount Cook being almost as popular) and Tasmania and finally from "The Americas", Antarctica & Africa.

Round two, and Eric showed stamps depicting associated leisure activities. Starting with Switzerland and the Alps he showed a card showing the hiking path built as part of the 700th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederacy celebrations, along with a couple of tickets for the cable car to Aiguille du Midi-the highest point, in the Alps, reached by cable car. Other activities featured included Fell Running & Orienteering, and a set of stamps celebrating the 1992 Winter Olympic Games at Albertville, France. Flora & Fauna also featured with stamps showing insects, flowers and even butterflies. Of course "Mountaineering the hard way" featured with stamps & covers which included a cover, from Pakistan, celebrating the conquest of K2 in 1954 and a letter from the "Mallory Expedition" to Everest 1924. Finally Eric showed stamps depicting "Mountain Rescue" and the ubiquitous St Bernard dog which, at one time was to be "pensioned off" but subsequently retained as a tourist attraction!

John Potter accorded the vote of thanks.

**Since giving this display Eric has been in hospital for major surgery. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.