Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"The President Entertains"

Mr. Alex Magowan

There was much enthusiastic chatter at the opening meeting of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society last Friday (6th September).　

The new President, Alex Magowan, delighted all with his display of "Hamilton". He began with a postcard depicting the town Coat of Arms - and gave the information that "in 1445 the town was granted the name of Hamilton in honour of Sir James Hamilton of Cadzow".　

There followed a show of postcards of various Dukes of Hamilton and also Anne, Duchess of Hamilton. A wonderful selection of postcards showed different buildings connected with the family; Hamilton Palace - a magnificent building with its Corinthian pillars - many views of the façade and also of the interior rooms: the Mausoleum - built by the 10th Duke - "El Magnifico" - to house his sarcophagus on his death; postcards showed the wonderful bronze doors - when still in place as the entrance; the burial chamber below with its 3 doors - "Life", "Death" & "Immortality";　and the two great lion statues - one awake and the other asleep.

Chatelherault - built by the 5th Duke - as a hunting lodge with views of both the outside - and of the wonderful Georgian plasterwork inside - displayed. Also on view were a series of postcards showing the herd of white cattle which graze in the grounds of Chatelherault. The marble and sandstone Monument to the 11th Duke - in High Parks - was shown - as were views of Barncluith and Cadzow Castles - both ruins.　

Not only postcards　 were shown - a few letters written to Robert Brown, the Factor at the Palace were shown - some postmarks of Hamilton and also a receipt from Auchingramont Church acknowledging payment of rent for 8 seats in Pew 77! as well as a key, engraved with the words "Duke of Hamilton", which belonged to Alex’ grandfather who looked after the grounds of the Palace.　

After the tea break Alex continued his display with views of Dungavel and of of Lennoxlove House, - the former had been a hunting lodge and Summer retreat - while the latter is the current home of the Duke of Hamilton. There were views of the town of Hamilton - many showing the town as it was - but has now changed out of recognition! Many members were searching their memories as they viewed these cards.　Views of the Bridge designed by Thomas Telford;　 Views of the Covenanters’ Memorial and of the Roman Bridge;　and -Hamilton Accies were not forgotten with postcards of past teams!　

The display ended with views of "Hamilton" around the world with New Zealand, Bermuda, Canada, Australia, Korea, USA represented along with other countries.　

Immediate Past President, Mike Cleary, in his Vote of Thanks, praised Alex for giving such a wonderfully interesting and educational evening.　

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 20th September, 2013 at 7:30pm when members look forward to welcoming visitors from the Edinburgh Stamp Group.

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.