[press release]
Wonderful collection of Cayman Islands

The members of The Royal Philatelic Society London were able to admire the wonderful collection of Cayman Islands built up by Captain James Podger FRPSL at the meeting held on 3 May.

The story begins in April 1889 when a branch of the Jamaica Post Office was opened in Georgetown on Grand Cayman, with Jamaican postage stamps being supplied to enable letters to be sent as if they had originated from Jamaica.

The islands’ own stamps were first issued in November 1900 (the earliest recorded date is 15 November) being of the ‘Key Plate’ design in values of ½d and 1d, these being the final ‘Key Plates’ to use the portrait of Queen Victoria. Following the release of these stamps, further values were required – 2½d, 6d and 1/- – and these were the first ‘Key Plates’ stamps to have the portrait of King Edward VII.

The display continued up to the present reign, including proofs and varieties, and fine examples of usage, with postage due markings, airmails and censorship, plus examples of the extremely rare ‘East End Grand Cayman’ rural post marking.

Giving the vote of thanks, Simon Richards FRPSL paid tribute to the fact that James and other specialists work together to share the results of their research.

Those wishing to visit The Royal Philatelic Society London at 41 Devonshire Place, London W1G 6JY, or be a guest at one of its meetings, are asked to contact the Administrative Office (020 7486 1044).