Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"President's Night"

Ellen Currie

At its opening meeting, the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society was treated to a fascinating display given by the new President Mrs Ellen Currie.  Her theme was ‘Mapping the Planet’ and, many stamps, covers and postcards showing maps of countries all round the world were displayed.

But it was not only maps!  Many stamps etc. along with the map, variously illustrated the discovery and/or discoverer, the culture, tourism sites, lighthouses, churches, animals … of the country.

Some maps were obviously issued with a sense of pride or achievement - Malaya/Malaysia celebrated the hosting of the Scout Jamboree in 1974 and the World Youth Football Championship in 1997.  A map of the Caribbean celebrated the West Indies victory over Australia in the World Cricket Cup in 1976!

A map of Bermuda marked the 200^th Anniversary of an historical event when, during the American War of Independence - in 1775 - 100 barrels of gunpowder were stolen and taken out to American ships - ‘to aid the war effort’!

The whole display was rounded off with postcards showing a map of Scotland - along with differing places of interest, lochs and mountains- and, of course, ‘Nessie’!

In proposing the Vote of Thanks, the immediate past President, Elsie Miller, commented that we had had a wonderful journey around the world and had discovered many interesting things about the countries as we travelled through!

Our next meeting in St Andrews Parish Church Hall is on Friday, 21^st September at 7:30pm when Stan Brown will be displaying material relating to the theme of ‘World Bridges’.  Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc will be very welcome to attend.