Lanarkshire Philatelic Society
"Society Visit"
Perth Philatelic Society
Two very different subjects were viewed at the meeting of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society on Friday, 2nd March displayed by visitors from the Perth Philatelic Society.
Bob McLeish’s subject was "Birds of Ireland" and this proved to be a delightful and fascinating display as Bob explained how Ireland (Republic) – through the years 1997 to 2004 - dealt with the change of currency. The stamps were printed on varying papers – chalk paper or ordinary – and were printed variously in Ireland, Australia, England and Canada.
The stamps themselves were most attractive – detailed pictures of birds seen in Ireland – and from January 1997 until June 2001 these appeared with ‘Punts and Pence’ currency. From June 2001 to January 2002 they showed dual currency – "Punts and Pence" and "Euros and Cents". From January 2002 until September 2004 (when the issues of "Birds of Ireland" ended) only "Euros and Cents" appeared. The changeover was complete!
On the stamps the names of the birds were given in both Irish Gaelic and English. There were also miniature sheets, booklets and coils on display. The stamps were also issued in separate booklets for home use, for European use and World use. Altogether a really lovely display of "Birds of Ireland".
After the break Dr Stewart Templeton gave an excellent display of covers with stamps commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George V. The display began with covers from the, then, British Colonies and Dependencies. The stamps showed Windsor Castle with a picture of King George V at the right hand side & also showed the wording "Commemoration of Silver Jubilee".
While the picture on the stamps was the same - the name of the issuing country was shown and also the relevant currency. In 1931, as a reaffirmation of British Rule in India, the city of New Delhi was inaugurated as the Imperial Capital of India. The city was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker and the event was marked by the issue - in 1930 - of stamps of similar design to those above but with with views of the new city.
India also issued stamps for the Silver Jubilee – again in similar style but with views of different cities of India as well as some of Windsor Castle as above. Also displayed were some covers with special Silver Jubilee stamps issued by Stephen Smith, who was born in India, and who, between March and June, 1935 sent mail by rocket! This was a larger version of the firework and, on a sloping stand generally facing the target it was intended for & was launched by lighting the touchpaper!
Many covers were launched in this way from different areas of India. A most interesting display of "King George V Silver Jubilee".
Ken Norris gave warm thanks for 2 such interesting displays!
Our next meeting in St Andrews Parish Church Hall, Avon Street, Hamilton, is on Friday, 16th March, 2012 at 7:30pm when we look forward to a display of Scottish Miscellany from Ken Norris.
Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.