Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Christmas....or not"

Our Members

Some beautiful stamps and postcards were viewed at the meeting of the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society on Friday afternoon. The theme was "Christmas" and members responded with a variety of views.

Colourful postcards with joyful Christmas Greetings were displayed by Gordon Shepherd, while Maureen Mathieson showed covers illustrating, over two years, each the 12 Days of Christmas.

Lovely Stamps depicting the Christmas event in the stable at Bethlehem and issued by various countries of the world were presented by Bobby Forrest. Also issues from the aptly named "Christmas Island".

Fiji – a country with many Christians and Hindus – presents Christmas stamps showing both a Christian view and a secular view. This was a display by Andy Napier.

Elsie Miller showed the variable view of "Ethnic" Christmas – according to the circumstances of the country- eg; in Kiribati there are no sheep so herdsmen of pigs were greeted by the angels!

The fascinating story of the Christkindl Post Office, in Austria, which is opened each year through the Christmas period, and where a special Christkindl postmark is issued – was told by Frederick Spoun.

Caroline Watt moved forward to New Year and displayed beautifully embroidered cards – for soldiers to send to families and friends  during World War 1

There were a few displays that were not of Christmas. 

A beautiful display of colourful Bird paintings was presented by Graham U’ren. The Artist was André Buzin – a Belgian Wildlife Artist.

Sending mail by Tin Can (and reaching Norway!) – this was one of the postcards on a display of St Kilda given by Alan Rushworth.

A presentation closer to home was the interesting view of the changing postmark of Bothwell through the years from 1828 to 1902 - presented by Terry Woods.

Bobby Forrest gave a display of stamps – in interesting shapes! – issued by Tonga through the years. These included issues showing the memorable Queen Salote. 

Sport was not forgotten – Alex Magowan – a Rugby Union fan – with  fascinating postcards, told the story of Rugby as it happened at Rugby College.

Walter Simpson expressed thanks to all for presenting a most interesting and variable display.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 10th January 2025, at 1:30pm when Committee members will endeavour to "Entertain" all with displays.

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