At its 2nd December meeting, Anstruther Rotary club heard about the British Forces Philatelic Society from club member and retired Army Officer Graham Meacher. The talk centred on the group’s work in producing Commemorative Covers (not to be confused with First Day Covers)
First Day Covers and Commemorative Covers are special postal envelopes that become valued collector's items. FDC envelopes come with newly issued postage stamps affixed and postmarked on the first day that those stamps are placed on sale by the Royal Mail. CC envelopes are issued to coincide with dates of special events or anniversaries. The stamps affixed will not necessarily be those issued on those dates.
Stamp collecting is not often viewed as the most exciting activity, but this talk came alive with some exceptional artwork and stunning images. It is easy to understand the attraction when such images link to historically significant events – the ‘Dambusters’, The Queen’s birthday, Working Horses, Leuchars Airshow, Military Tattoos and so on. We also learned of the value of commemorative covers as an investment and of the importance of signatures to enhance value. An ‘ordinary’ cover selling for £4 or £5 will be multiplied several times with, for example, the Prime Minister’s signature.
A complete commemorative cover will include an image, a postage stamp (first class of course!), a ‘hand stamp’ the event being commemorated, a postal address and will be signed.
Graham, who directs the work of the BFPS, explained the technical processes needed to actually produce a commemorative cover – many of which he undertakes personally. Proceeds from the sale of the Covers go to fund a number of Service charities.
Interesting philatelic titbits also emerged – who knew for example that a UK postage stamp is the only one in the world that does not have the country name on it? – historically because postage stamps were invented in the UK.
Following questions, club President Alastair Graham proposed a vote of thanks. More about the BFPS at (http://www.bfps.org.uk)
