Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"French Islands & French Postal Stationery"

Mrs. Mavis Pavey

The society enjoyed a very French evening last Friday (10th April).

Our guest, Mavis Pavey, from Melrose (and the Borders Philatelic Society) gave two most interesting displays - of French Postal Stationery and of French Islands. Mavis outlined how French Postal Stationery - Carte Postale – with prepaid, imprinted stamp –had developed and changed throughout the years. She began with a ‘Carte Postale’ from 1925 and in following years the cards were illustrated with famous buildings in Paris.

In 1937, the illustrations were of French Monuments. This stationery ceased during the War years – and it not until 1976 that the Carte Postale made an appearance again. The illustrations now were of Commemorative events – Philex France; Europa; Olympics & World Cup Football. Later there was a change away from ‘Carte Postale’ to Covers – these bearing a prepaid stamp and illustrated with the same image as the stamp – various commemorative events were displayed. This was soon followed by covers with prepaid stamp but a completely different illustration used – these included – Nature of France; the Alps; Tourism & PTT vehicles.

After the break members were taken on a wonderful ‘tour’ of French Islands. Starting from Les Iles Chausey off the north Atlantic Coast of France, and continuing south along the coast and into the Mediterranean to Ile de Giens. During the second world war some of the islands were used, by the Germans, as Prisoner-of-War Camps – ie Ile Longue, Finistere; Belle Ile en Mer & Ile de la Charent Maritime - and mail sent from the camps was displayed.

On the scenic postcards it was the postmarks that aroused much interest as there were examples beginning from pre-war years and showing how they changed through the years. Other members were delighted to be reminded of holidays taken on some of the illustrated islands.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Ed Archer, who gave Mavis warm thanks for a truly fantastic display.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 24th April, 2015, at 7:30pm when Club members will display 8 Sheets - or - pay 50p!

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