Queen Elizabeth II Coronation (Canada 2018)

Posted on April 12, 2018 by VSC

Issue date: April 20, 2018

From Canada Post’s Details magazine:

June 2 of this year marks the 65th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – the longest reigning monarch in British history. Many “more mature” Canadians will recognize the Karsh photo on the cover of the stamp booklet from a series of five coronation stamps issued in the spring of 1953.

The portrait on this new stamp is from a famous sitting in July 1951, when the Queen was still known as Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth. Over a period of more than 40 years, Karsh photographed Her Majesty on five occasions, two of them before she became Queen.

One of the world’s most photographed women, Queen Elizabeth has had her likeness captured by some of the world’s most famous portrait photographers, including Dorothy Wilding, Lord Snowdon, Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz. It is this image by Armenian-Canadian Yousuf Karsh, however, that is best known to generations of Canadians.

Canada Post also says this issue features something new: “This double-sided uncut press sheet, our first to feature stamp booklets, showcases the front, back and inside panels of 12 self-adhesive stamp booklets celebrating the 65th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” Item #414083149 is $102. Only 1,000 available.

[press release April 20th]
New stamp celebrates 65-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, longest-reigning sovereign in Canada’s modern era

OTTAWA, April 20, 2018 /CNW/ – Canada Post’s latest stamp features a portrait of then-Princess Elizabeth months before her accession to the throne. The image is part of a series of famous pictures taken by renowned Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh in 1951.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, along with Jessica L. McDonald, Chair of the Board of Directors and Interim President and CEO of Canada Post, unveiled the stamp during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

At 25, Elizabeth became Queen when her father, King George VI, died in the winter of 1952. Her coronation was delayed to allow for an appropriate mourning period. The coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. Three million people lined the streets of London along the procession route. Canadians celebrated with fireworks, parades and horse races; and the Governor General issued a silver spoon to each Canadian child born on coronation day.

An estimated 227 million people around the world watched the coronation, which was the first to be televised. Other firsts followed:

Queen Elizabeth was the first monarch to be crowned Queen of Canada.
She was the first British monarch to visit Australia and New Zealand.
On her first Royal Tour of Canada in 1957, she became the first sovereign to open Parliament by reading the Speech from the Throne.
The Queen has made 22 Royal Tours of Canada – more than any other nation in the Commonwealth.
In 2007, she became the longest-living British monarch and in 2015 she became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

Added July 3rd, from Canada Post:
The Official First Day Cover featuring the stamp for the 65th anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II contains a typo in the French text on the reverse. It reads that 2017 marks the anniversary of the coronation; the correct year is 2018. Canada Post apologizes for the error.

War Memorials (Australia 2018)

Posted on April 10, 2018 by VSC

[press release]
Australia Post features war memorials on latest stamp issue
Issue Date: April 10, 2018

In the lead up to Anzac Day, Australia Post is releasing a commemorative stamp issue that recognises the significance and diversity of war memorials.In the lead up to Anzac Day, Australia Post is releasing a commemorative stamp issue that recognises the significance and diversity of war memorials.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said war memorials began to appear in different forms following the immense loss of life during World War I.

“Each memorial stands as a symbol of sacrifice – a place to reflect upon the impact of war and to honour those who have died serving their country or are serving today,” Mr Zsolt said.

This stamp issue, created by Visua founder Gary Domoney, is the fifth and final in the five-year series, A Century of War, which focuses on the Australian experience of war across the last century, since WWI.

The memorials featured on the base-rate ($1) stamps are:

Cobbers Statue – the Australian Memorial Park in Fromelles, France. The statue, sculpted by Peter Corlett, is in memory of the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916. It depicts Sergeant Simon Fraser, 58th Battalion, carrying a wounded man on his back. The word “Cobber” was used by Fraser in a letter he wrote in 1916, in which he described the rescue of two men: “Then another man about 30 yards sang out, ‘Don’t forget me, cobber’. I went in and got four volunteers with stretchers, and we got both men in safely.”
Avenue of Honour, Ballarat – the longest and one of the earliest memorial tree plantings of its type, spanning 22 kilometres and incorporating the Ballarat Arch of Victory. The Ballarat memorial is one of 547 known avenues of honour in Australia, and commemorates all service personnel equally, in order of enlistment rather than rank. It was created to honour the 3,912 Ballarat district men and women who served in WWI.
Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, Canberra – located in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial, it holds the remains of an unknown soldier who died on the Western Front and bears the simple inscription “An Unknown Australian Soldier Killed in the War of 1914–1918”. The tomb symbolises the 23,000 Australian soldiers killed in WWI and whose bodies were never recovered and returned, but lie in the ground far from their home.
Darwin Cenotaph – commemorates Australian personnel who have served in all conflicts since WWI and was the first such memorial in the Northern Territory, dedicated in 1921. It has been relocated several times and now overlooks the Darwin Harbour, the site of the Japanese air attack during World War II, on 19 February 1942. It is located on the site where the 14th Anti-Aircraft Battery was positioned when it fired the first shots in defence of Australia on Australian soil.
Legacy Memorial, Melbourne – established by Legacy, a voluntary organisation supported by volunteers, veterans and service personnel. Legacy assists approximately 65,000 families of veterans who have died or been incapacitated by their military service. The statue Widow and Children, sculpted by Louis Larmen, is a memorial to those who serve and those who bear the scars of war at home. It is set in the Legacy Garden of Appreciation at the Shrine of Remembrance.

The products available with this stamp issue are a minisheet, stamp pack, first day cover, maxicard set, booklet of 10 x $1.00 stamps, medallion cover, prestige booklet, prestige cover and 2 x postal and numismatic covers.

The War Memorials stamp issue is available from 10 April 2018 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last. Please visit auspostcollectables.com.au for more information on the War Memorials stamp issue.

Finches (Australia 2018)

Posted on April 10, 2018 by VSC

[press release]
Colourful Australian finches highlighted in new stamps
Issue date: March 16, 2018

Australia Post is celebrating the diverse beauty of Australian finches in its latest stamp issue, which features colourful illustrations of the small birds.Australia Post’ is celebrating the diverse beauty of Australian finches in its latest stamp issue, which features colourful illustrations of the small birds.

Australia is home to 19 species of native finch, including firetails and mannikins. These beautiful birds belong to the Estrildidae family of the Passeriformes order, an extensive grouping of songbirds. Also known as grass-finches, they are distinctive in appearance, making some of them popular as aviary birds. Australia’s finches are separate from the Ploceidae family, or the “true finches”, which occur in the Americas, Eurasia and Africa.

Ornithologist Wayne Longmore, who consulted on the stamp issue, said: “Australian finches are varied, colourful and full of character; these four stamps represent those three things, and they include both the unusual and common.”

The four domestic base-rate ($1) stamps, designed by John White of the Australia Post Design Studio, feature the illustrations of wildlife artist Kevin Stead, who is a frequent contributor to Australian Geographic magazine.

The stamps in this issue feature the following species:

The Blue-faced Parrot-Finch (Erythrura trichroa) has some 10 subspecies across Australia, Melanesia and Micronesia. It is renowned for its blue face and bright green body. In Australia, its territory is restricted to just the eastern side of Cape York Peninsula, as far south as Cairns.
The Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii) takes its name from the two narrow black bands across its pale chest and encircling much of its face. The Double-barred Finch stays close to surface water and occupies a range of habitats, including pandanus, long grasses, open forests, scrublands and grassy woodlands.
The Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) is a brightly coloured species, with great individual variation in its plumage. It is mainly olive green with a scarlet face and white spots on its underparts and tail, but the depth of scarlet on the face and the number and size of its spots varies by bird. Always close to water, the Star Finch prefers tall, rank grasses, swamp rushes and moist green vegetation.
The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is named for the adult male’s finely barred black-and-white chest and more heavily barred tail. It also has a conspicuous orange ear patch below a blue-grey brow and a bright orange beak. This species covers most of continental Australia and as such has a varied habitat, including rank grass, spinifex tussocks and mulga woodlands, as well as urban parks and backyards.

The products available with this stamp issue are a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicard set, booklet of 10 x $1 stamps and a roll of 100 x $1 stamps. The Australian Finches stamp issue is available at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps, while stocks last.

Visit auspostcollectables.com.au for more information on the Australian Finches stamp issue.

Royal Air Force Centenary (Britain 2018)

Posted on April 10, 2018 by VSC

Royal Air Force Centenary
Issue Date: March 20, 2018

Reason and Inspiration
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom’s aerial warfare organisation and is the oldest independent air force, i.e. independent of army and navy forces, in the world. The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the air arm of the British Army formed in 1912 until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1st April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force.

This stamp issue commemorates the 100th anniversary of the RAF and pays tribute not only to the significant part it has played in British military history but also to its ongoing role of protecting the country and its interests, providing humanitarian assistance and saving lives. It also highlights the bravery and heroism of its personnel and the innovation and technological advancement that has helped make the RAF the envy of the world.

The stamps:
Price: £7.24
Code: AS3416

The stamps feature six RAF aircraft that span the 100 years of the RAF’s history as painted by the renowned aeronautical artist, Michael Turner. These comprise the Sopwith Camel F1, Hurricane Mk I, Vulcan B2, Lightning F6, Nimrod MR2 and Typhoon FGR4. The stamps have been printed as three horizontal se-tenant pairs.

Camel F1
The Sopwith Camel F1 is the best known and most successful Allied WW1 fighter and scout aircraft though it was difficult to fly and required huge skill. Credited with shooting down almost 1,300 enemy aircraft it was also successful as a ground attack craft. Squadrons of Camels were also important for home defence, protecting cities from Zeppelin raids.

Hurricane Mk I
The Hurricane is credited with winning the Battle of Britain, accounting for 55% of German losses, as well as essential service during the Dunkirk evacuation and was the RAF’s principal single seat night fighter facing German bombing raids in 1941 and 1942. Hurricanes also saw action in the defence of Malta, North Africa and the Far East.

Vulcan B2
The Vulcan is the iconic delta wing bomber and a major UK engineering triumph. Designed as a high altitude bomber it entered service in 1956 and was withdrawn in 1984. It was part of the V-force which were designed to carry Britain’s nuclear deterrent. The more powerful B2 entered service in 1960. When the nuclear deterrent passed to the Royal Navy submarines in 1969, the role of the Vulcan became one of a tactical bomber. It was called into action in the Falklands Conflict of 1982.

Lightning F6
The Lightning represents the fastest British-made fighter of all time, being the first supersonic craft to enter RAF service (in 1959). It featured two Rolls Royce engines in a unique ‘stacked’ configuration and its power allowed for take-off and a rate of climb faster than any other jet. Later variants (the F.6) were capable of twice the speed of sound and it was the RAF’s principle interceptor for 20 years.

Nimrod MR 2
The Nimrod was introduced in 1969 for maritime patrol, surveillance and anti-submarine roles. Sophisticated radar and electronic surveillance equipment was in the extended nose and tail. The upgraded MR2 entered service in 1979 and was deployed in the Falklands Conflict and in the Gulf War. It’s enhanced capabilities also permitted search and rescue operations. It was retired from service in 2010.

Typhoon FGR4
The state of the art fighter – one-third British and the current principal craft defending UK skies and increasingly deployed in overseas activity. It is a multi-role fighter, first deployed to the RAF in 2003 and first saw active service in Libya in 2011. It can fly at up to 55,000 feet and at Mach 1.8. At full strength the RAF will operate 160 craft. Markings of No 3 Squadron recommended (as historic squadron and first to fly aeroplanes).

Technical details:
Number of stamps: Six
Value of Stamps: 2 x 1st Class, 2 x £1.40 and 2 x £1.57.
Design: Royal Mail Group Ltd
Illustrations: Michael Turner
Acknowledgements: RAF logos are trade marks of the UK Secretary of State for Defence and used under licence.er licence
Stamp Format: Landscape
Stamp Size: 41mm x 30mm
Number per sheet: 30/60
Print Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14.5 x 14
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA

The miniature sheet:

Price: £4.10
Code: MZ131

In addition to the six stamps, Royal Mail is also issuing a Miniature Sheet celebrating the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team which has been displaying since 1965. One of the premier aerobatic teams in the world, comprising 120 personnel including pilots, engineers and support staff, the Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. They fly the Hawk T1 at speeds in excess of 600mph and the nine display pilots, including the team leader undergo extensive training and practise.

Technical details:
Number of stamps: Four
Design: Turner Duckworth
Miniature sheet size: 192mm x 74mm
Stamp Format: Landscape
Stamp Size: 41mm x 30mm

Acknowledgments: Flypast photo by Cpl Andy Benson © MoD/UK Crown copyright 2007; Swan photo by Sgt Ross Tilly © MoD/UK Crown copyright 2016; Synchro photo by Cpl Steve Buckley © MoD/UK Crown copyright 2015; Python photo © EJ van Koningsveld 2007; sky background on stamps © itsskin/Getty Images; miniature sheet background design by Turner Duckworth referencing a photo of a Red Arrows Hawk © Mike Rivett/Fotomotion; RAF and Red Arrows logos are trade marks of the UK Secretary of State for Defence and used under licence; all MoD/UK Crown copyright images reproduced with the permission of the Controller, HMSO, London

Print Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14.5 x 14
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA

Experience Nature: Wildflowers (Netherlands 2018)

Posted on April 10, 2018 by VSC

[press release]
Dutch wildflowers take centre stage in the new ‘Experience nature’ stamps series

The Hague, 6 April 2018 – PostNL will be issuing the new ‘Experience nature’ stamp series this year. There will be a ten-stamp sheetlet for each season. Now that spring has arrived, typically Dutch wildflowers take centre stage. Marc van den Tweel, general director of Natuurmonumenten, the Society for the Preservation of Nature in the Netherlands, received the first sheetlet with the new stamps. The beauty of nature
With the new stamps, PostNL pays tribute to the diversity of nature in our country. “It’s much greater than we sometimes realise at first,” says Stephan van den Eijnden, PostNL’s commercial director for Mail. “That makes it even more important for us to work together to preserve the beauty of nature in the Netherlands.”

“Nature is coming in through your letterbox, spring is landing on your doormat. Beautiful stamps, showing how wonderful and rich our nature is. Let’s enjoy it and realise how breathtakingly beautiful our country is,” says Marc van den Tweel.

Thousands of photos
The photos on the stamps of the ‘Experience nature’ series are colourful portraits of often extraordinary plants and animals in their natural habitats. The images run almost imperceptibly through onto the adjacent stamps. After the winter series with reptiles and amphibians and the wildflowers in spring, special stamps featuring insects and mushrooms will follow in summer and fall later this year.

Graphic designer Frank Janse from Gouda selected about one thousand photographs for each of the four stamp sheetlets. He narrowed these down to a shortlist consisting of around a hundred images, from which he chose the ten photographs that made it onto each stamp sheetlet. He was guided by both the beauty of the photograph and the special characteristics of the depicted plants and animals. The photographs are the work of amateur photographers who send their best images to the PIXFACTORY websites.

Availability
Every ‘Experience nature’ stamp sheetlet features ten different stamps marked with ‘Nederland 1’, the denomination for items up to 20g in weight destined for delivery in the Netherlands. The stamps are available from 9 April 2018 at the post office counter in Bruna stores and online at postnl.nl/bijzondere-postzegels [in Dutch]. The stamps can also be ordered from the Collect Club customer service by calling +31 (0)88 – 868 99 00. The stamps are valid until further notice.

Post Office Named After Country Star Merle Haggard

Posted on April 9, 2018 by VSC

He may not have a stamp (yet), but Merle Haggard’s name is now on a U.S. Post Office. The Bakersfield, Calif., post office was named after the country music legend last Friday. About 300 people attended the ceremony, including his widow, sister and a band member… as well as local politicians.

Haggard is shown on the left in 1971, during the period when he all-but-owned country music’s top awards. He died on April 6, 2016 — his 79th birthday. Haggard was a native of the Bakersfield area.

Another, smaller, Bakersfield post office is named for another native son, Buck Owens. His son, Johnny Owens and the Buck Fever Band played for the ceremony. The band includes one of Haggard’s backup musicians, Norm Hamlet, who played for Haggard for 49 years.

There’s more on this story, including a video, at the Bakersfield Californian newspaper’s website.

Ganz, 3 Others Get International Honor

Posted on April 2, 2018 by VSC

[press release from the Royal Philatelic Society of London]
NEW RDPs TO SIGN THE ROLL OF DISTINGUISHED PHILATELISTS IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists was established in 1921 by the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain with the approval of His Majesty King George V, who was the first Signatory. An invitation to sign the Roll is regarded as the world’s pre-eminent philatelic honour.

Not including the newly elected RDPs, 380 philatelists from 40 countries have achieved this distinction. There are at present 78 Signatories from 26 countries including sixteen from the United Kingdom, fourteen from the USA, seven from Germany, four each from France, and Belgium, and three each from Australia and Italy. Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and Thailand each have two, with other countries including Austria, Canada, Colombia, Finland, Greece, Israel, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, The Russian Federation, and Switzerland, having one.

At a recent meeting of the Board of Election, comprising Jane Moubray (Chairman), Tomas Bjäringer, Christopher Harman, Alan Huggins, Rolf-Dieter Jaretzky, Robert Odenweller, Christopher King, and Raymond Todd, the members unanimously decided to ask Robert Abensur (France), Gustaf Douglas FRPSL (Sweden), Cheryl R. Ganz FRPSL (United States of America), and Geoffrey Lewis FRPSL (Australia) to sign the Roll.

The Signing Ceremony will take place on Friday 27th July at The Assembly Rooms in Newcastle upon Tyne, during the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain.

Robert Abensur b. 1957 France
Robert Abensur lives in Pont-à-Mousson in North East France. He has researched widely and fulfilled all the requirements needed for a signatory to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists. His main collecting and researching areas are the postal rates and regulations of France and Alsace-Lorraine. His latest book published in 2017 is The Franco-Sardinian route in international relations (1818-1851) and his articles on various subjects number well over a hundred, in France and elsewhere.

He has been President of the Académie de philatélie since 2002 and was awarded the chevalier dans l’ordre des Art et des Lettres in 2009, gained a Large Gold medal at FEPA 2015 for Maritime Mail between France and foreign countries. Routes and Rates 1828-1849 and has organised many philatelic meetings and exhibitions in France.

Robert Abensur vit à Pont-à-Mousson dans le nord-est de la France. Il a fait de nombreuses recherches et remplit toutes les conditions requises pour devenir signataire du Roll of Distinguished Philatelists. Ses principaux domaines de collection et de recherche sont la réglementation et les tarifs postaux de France et d’Alsace-Lorraine. Son dernier ouvrage publié en 2017 traite de la voie franco-sarde dans les relations internationales (1818-1851) et il a publié plus de cent articles sur des sujets variés en France et ailleurs.

Il est président de l’Académie de philatélie depuis 2002, a été nommé chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres en 2009, a obtenu une médaille de grand or en 2015 en exposition FEPA pour Correspondance maritime entre la France et les pays étrangers. Tarifs et voies d’acheminement 1828-1849 et a organisé de nombreuses rencontres et expositions philatéliques en France.

Gustaf Douglas b. 1938 Sweden
Gustaf Douglas is of Swedish nationality and has formed what are considered to be the most complete collections of both Sweden and Finland in existence.

His monographs are always of the highest standard and he has attained Gold and Large Gold medals in international exhibitions since 1971. He co-authored Sweden Number One, in 2005. He was awarded the Tilleard Medal of the Royal Philatelic Society London as well as the Strandell Medal, the highest philatelic recognition in Sweden, in 2014 and is presently working hard as Head Patron for Stockholmia 2019.

Always modest, charming and helpful to fellow collectors, he is a most worthy candidate to sign the Roll.

Dr. Cheryl R. Ganz b. 1950 United States of America
Cheryl Ganz of the United States of America is best known for her lifelong philatelic outreach at local, national, and international levels, engaging a vast spectrum of collectors from specialists to new audiences. Her collections, exhibits, research, and writing, and speaking focus primarily on her specialty of zeppelin posts.

Philatelic recognitions include the Smithsonian Philatelic Achievement Award, Luff Award for Exceptional Contributions to Philately, Alfred F. Lichtenstein Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to Philately, American Air Mail Society Research Award, and Single Frame Champion of Champions. She has written and edited books, articles, and online content, putting philately in a wider context to reach larger audiences without sacrificing philatelic scholarship. Her service to organized philately is multi-faceted in a variety of positions of influence and accomplishment.

Altogether hers is a very fine achievement, and she rightly deserves to be a signatory of the Roll.

Geoffrey Lewis b. 1948 Australia
Geoffrey is an Australian resident of Randwick, a suburb of eastern Sydney, New South Wales, Australia where he has lived for the whole of his life. His collections have included the postal history of Spanish Philippines, that of Cuba, of New Orleans and Stampless Mail entering Spain. He has won FIP Large Gold medals in Postal History with exhibits on the subject matter of each of the three continental areas: Asia, Europe and the Americas.
In 2013 he attained a Large Gold Medal for his well-written study entitled The 1836 Anglo-French Postal Convention – a difficult subject to cover in a readable form.

He was President of the Philatelic Society of New South Wales between 1998 and 2013, was Chairman of the Jury at Sydney 2015, and President of the Organising Committee of the National Philatelic Exhibitions held in Sydney in 2007 and 2011.

He has been appointed a Member of the Australian Philatelic Order and has received the Australian Philatelic Research Award.

Australia’s Most Popular Easter Delivery? Not Chocolate!

Posted on March 29, 2018 by VSC

[press release]
Wine sweeter than chocolate this Easter

Move over chocolate – wine has become the guilty pleasure of choice this Easter according to new Australia Post research.

Australians will spend on average $90 each buying wine online this Easter – more than double the average spend for chocolate ($43 each).

The buy-up comes as more Australians are buying online than ever before, with purchases surging a record 19.2 per cent last year, almost doubling growth in 2016.

Australia Post General Manager for eCommerce and International Ben Franzi said Easter was becoming a significant online shopping event as more Australians looked for more convenience.

“Online shopping is the new norm, thanks to competitive prices and the huge range available from Aussie retailers, all at our customers’ fingertips,” Mr Franzi said.

“Our research showed almost half of survey respondents want to buy their Easter gifts online to avoid crowds, while a further 43 per cent said online shopping was quicker and easier.

“We are also pleased that more of our customers are taking up our range of delivery options, such as Safe Drop, where a customer asks for a parcel to be delivered to a safe spot at their house so they can receive a delivery when they are not at home.”

The research, based on a survey of more than 2000 people, showed about a third of all Australians were planning to buy either chocolate or wine online ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Vinomofo Head of Marketing Kip McMillan said online wine sales typically lifted the week coming into Easter.

“Easter is a big deal for us as customers look for options outside of their busy schedules and closures on Good Friday,” Mr McMillan said.

“In fact this week we’re expecting to sell more than 90,000 bottles of wine, compared to roughly 70,000 last year.

“Australia Post’s fantastic delivery options have allowed us to distribute to our customers with ease, but for those eligible customers who still want to get their last minute orders in still can, even today!”

Australians will also spend on average $85 each on other types of gifts this Easter, such as books, fashion items and homewares, according to the Australia Post research.

Compex 2018 Theme: Illinois Bicentennial

Posted on March 27, 2018 by VSC

[press release]
COMPEX 2018 Theme – “Honoring the 200th Anniversary of Illinois Statehood”

COMPEX 2018 will be held on its new weekend of June 1, 2, and 3, and new location at Guerin College Prep, a large high school facility located at 8001 West Belmont Avenue, River Grove, IL 60171. River Grove is an adjacent suburb of Chicago on the northwest side. This location is easily reached by major roadways and public transportation and is about 6 miles from O’Hare Airport. Also, Guerin College Prep has a large parking lot (free, of course!) and the building is air conditioned!!!

Hours of the show are: Friday and Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free!!!

COMPEX 2018 (Combined Philatelic Exhibition of Chicagoland) is comprised of 7 Chicago area clubs holding their individual exhibits under the same roof at the same time. Member clubs of COMPEX will present a wide variety of exhibits for the viewing pleasure of all in attendance.

This year’s theme is, “Honoring the 200th Anniversary of Illinois Statehood.” A new stamp in honor of this milestone anniversary has been issued by the U. S. Postal Service and will be used on the show cachets. Cachets and a show cancel will be available in keeping with the show’s theme.

In addition to our normal member club exhibits, the prestigious Collectors Club of Chicago will have a special section of exhibits by its members, many of whom have received high awards nationally and internationally.

Once again, COMPEX will have its traditional Youth/Beginners Booth with free stamps and activities for young collectors, whether they are new to the hobby or already working on collections. Information about collecting is also available for those wanting to get started in the hobby, regardless of age.

A bourse of approximately 35 dealers, including a few postcard dealers, will be participating to fill the needs of all levels of collecting interests. The United States Postal Service and the United National Postal Administration will participate with their respective postal products available for purchase. We will also welcome post card and coin dealers. Contact Charles Berg for details (see below for contact information).

In addition to exhibits and dealers, several local area clubs will be holding their society meetings during COMPEX, including the Chicago Philatelic Society with a program still in the planning stages, and the Chicagoland Chapter No. 5, Germany Philatelic Society. Other societies have not finalized their plans as yet and details will be announced at a later date.

Make your plans now to attend COMPEX 2018 on the weekend of June 1, 2, and 3. There will be something of interest for all attendees!!

For further information regarding COMPEX 2018, please visit our website at compexstampshow.org, or by calling Charles Berg at 773-775-2100.

Gold Coast Games (Australia 2018)

Posted on March 27, 2018 by VSC

[press release]
Australia Post commemorates Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in its latest stamp issue

27th March 2018 — Australia Post is releasing a commemorative stamp to celebrate the upcoming Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

It will be the fifth time Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games, which is held every four years, in the event’s 88-year history. Previous games have been held in Sydney (1938), Perth (1962), Brisbane (1982) and Melbourne (2006).

Canada hosted the very first Commonwealth Games in 1930 (then known as the British Empire Games) which saw 400 athletes from 11 countries compete across just six sports. This has grown significantly with this year’s Commonwealth Games set to host over 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories, competing across 18 sports.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said: “this stamp issue commemorates the largest sporting event Australia has played host to this decade.”

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, to be held 4-15 April, will be a record-setting event with up to 300 para-athletes expected to compete in 38 medal events across seven sports. This represents 45 per cent more athletes and 73 per cent more medals than the previous para-sport competition at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The domestic base-rate ($1) commemorative stamp was designed by Sonia Young of the Australia Post Design Studio and features the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games emblem.

The emblem captures the energy and spirit of the ‘Friendly Games’ and is inspired by the bold colours and shapes of the Gold Coast landscape. It features the figures of three athletes; a gymnast, a hurdler and a swimmer, which aim to reflect the depth of heritage and deep humanity of the Games. For more information visit www.gc2018.com/games.

The products associated with this stamp issue are a first day cover, stamp pack, minisheet, maxicard set [bottom right] and medallion cover.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games stamp issue is available from 20 March 2018 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online, while stocks last.