Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Philatelic Vexillology"

Mr. Robert Murray

"Fly the Flag!" – a most colourful display was viewed at the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society on a very dismal evening last Friday (1^st February) on the subject of "Philatelic Vexillology". The speaker was Mr Robert Murray of the Edinburgh Stamp Shop – and his display of flags was fascinating.

He began by stating that a flag was basically a piece of cloth – in different colours, shapes, emblems – and uses. There are flags for Cities/Towns; Signals; Protest; Claiming Territory; Change of National Status; Special Events; Mourning etc.

The flag itself consists of a Staff; Hoist; Flag; Field and Charge (any emblem added) – and there is always a correct way to hoist – e.g. – the Union Flag must be the correct way up (NOT upside down!)  When representing Mourning – the flag must go to the top of staff and be lowered – never raised halfway up from the base.

There followed a wonderful display of stamps and covers showing the flags of Africa; Scandinavia; Eastern European; USA; Asia; Middle East; Europe; Australasia; Latin America. It was pointed out that the flag of Brazil is the most complicated flag of the world. Nepal has a most interesting shape of flag – double pennon (State flag and Civil flag of a sovereign nation)!

Flags of National Organisations – NATO; SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation); AOPU (Asian Oceanic Postal Union); Salvation Army; United Nations; Girl Guides; Arab League etc.

Special Events included the conquest of Everest and the placing of the flag – likewise at the South/North Pole. Claiming Territory – the Falkland Islands.

Many colourful stamps!

Alex Magowan led members in giving warm thanks to Robert Murray for giving a fascinating talk and truly wonderful display complete with most informative write ups – all enjoyed by all present.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 15^th February, 2019, at 7:30pm when members will display material from "Dead Countries".

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