Lanarkshire Philatelic Society
Society Visit
Glasgow Thematic Philatelic Society
What a variable evening was enjoyed at the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society on Friday, 30th November when four visitors from the Glasgow Thematic Society presented their Displays!
Margaret Morris intrigued us with her Display on ‘Comets’. She explained that Comets had often, by their shape, been referred to as ‘hairy’ and the word ‘comet’ is derived from the Greek word for hair’. Comets are, in fact, considered to be debris left over from the formation of the solar system.
In a copy of the London of Gazette for Thursday, 24th August, 1682 was a report of a blazing star or comet that had been seen and caused much alarm – and interest. An astronomer called Halley studied the orbit of this and predicted its return in 1758. When this prediction was fulfilled the comet became known by his name – Halley’s Comet. There were many stamps, covers and postmarks illustrating this.
Of great interest was the Bayeux Tapestry which had an illustration of a comet flying overhead – at the time, this was taken to mean a victory for William the Conqueror – as indeed happened! There were numerous illustrations of this comet on postal material.
With the confirmation of Glasgow’s hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Bill McKinlay felt it was the right time to display his wonderful collection of material relating to the XVII Commonwealth Games held in Manchester in 2002. He displayed many beautiful covers and stamps relating to the different sports and also a set of covers – showing each of the Gold Medal Winners – and each cover was signed by the winner.
He also showed ‘Tanks and other Tracked Vehicles’ – many stamps and postcards from around the world illustrated this them – beginning from the chariots of Egypt and following through the development of the tank throughout the centuries.
After the break, Ken McChlery gave a very interesting Display about Glasgow! He began with the Armorial Insignia – and the meaning of the four parts; the bird, tree, fish and bell. He showed Glasgow postmarks throughout the years – including one for December 25th, 1840 – no holiday for the postman that day!
There were displays of stamps and postcards showing the Royal Highland Fusiliers, the City of Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment; varied views on postcards; a Cover for the Tramway Centenary – 1872-1972; Covers for the City of Glasgow Lifeboat; for No 46242 City of Glasgow Steam engine of the LMS running between London and Glasgow; of HMS Glasgow – which was involved in the Falkland War; of the Glasgow Garden Festival etc. The Display finished with a cover marking the the end of the Corporation of the City of Glasgow and this was signed by the then Provost, William Gray.
From Glasgow we travelled south to the Channel Island of Jersey and Ken Murray displayed many of the beautiful stamps issued throughout the years. These cover many different subjects; Churches, Battle of Flowers, Tourism, Historic Events, Gold, Lighthouses, Cows! Etc. The Display finished with a First Day Cover of the Jersey Occupation in 1943 – and a Cover issued in 1970 for 25th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands in 1945.
Jean Martin, in giving the Vote of Thanks, gave praise to the four guests for their most interesting and varied displays.
Our next meeting in St Andrews Parish Church Hall is on Friday, 14th December at 7:30pm when members Jim Fulton and Bill Jardine will present their Displays of material relating to Hungary and to Trinidad & Tobago respectively.
Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc will be very welcome to attend.