Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Mr. Gordon Shepherd"

"Northern Rhodesia"

Northern Rhodesia was the topic for Gordon's display on Friday 4th March.

He started with the story of the building of the railway northwards from the Cape (of Good Hope) & with the aid of covers, postcards & photos showed its progress. This included the building of the famous Victoria Falls Bridge & also told the story of how mail was distributed around the area by "mail runners"; they had to be able to run 25 miles (effectively a marathon) every day but they did get one day off per week! Covers with railway postmarks made a prominent appearance.

Another bridge which had to be constructed was the Sakania Bridge which had to be high enough to be clear of the water during the rainy season.....there is a 30 foot difference in water levels at that point between the rainy, and dry, seasons!

Gordon, for his second round, told the story of Rhodesia's stamps; in particular one design, by Fairweather, which lasted from King George V, through King George VI to Queen Elizabeth issues. He also mentioned the landing of a BOAC plane on Lake Victoria (in 1948) not too far away from the falls. Postal stationery, Colonial Omnibus Issues, Registered Covers, Royal Visit Covers & stamps featured through to Independence; when Northern Rhodesia became Zambia, in 1964.

Another interesting piece related to the MV Liemba which was originally built, in Germany, in 1913 & named the Götzen which was scuttled during the African phase of WW1, was subsequently re-floated, & is still in use today

A thoroughly interesting, and entertaining, display was accorded a hearty, and eloquent, vote of thanks, by Graham U'ren.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is next Friday, 18th March, 2022, at 7:30pm when Mr. David Rossall (Largs PS), will present "Versailles". 

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