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The Website for the Community of Collectors of Falkland Islands & Dependencies
Stamps and Postal History
Thank you for visiting the FIPSG web site. Number of visitors so far:
The next meeting will be our Annual
Study Group Weekend, on Friday 26th March - Sunday 28th March 2010 at Faringdon.
Our regional events
for 2010 will appear on the events page as they are finalised. If you have never attended
a local regional meeting it is a great way to meet fellow members of the Study Group, ask questions about your collection
and view other displays of Falkland Islands material. You don't have to show anything yourself! Why not take the plunge
and attend a meeting? Other regional meetings are shown on the events page.

March Upland Goose Issue
Our regular distributor of the
March issue of Upland Goose will be unavailable for this particular issue, so we have made alternative arrangements.
Everything should proceed smoothly, but if there any problems, use the Comments form at the bottom of the webiste page here,
or contact our Secretary (see Contact Us page for details). The March issue should also contain the auction catalogue for
the Study Group auction at Faringdon, this will be enclosed if you ask for it to be regularly included.
The Falkland Islands Government Archives
The work of Jane Cameron and the help she has given to the Study Group is recognised in the article below. The
amount of material in the archives and the reading room is a tribute to the work that Jane and Tansy Newman have
put into building an invaluable facility for Falkland Islands postal history research.
For those who have
not visited the archives, the reading room (with Stefan Heijtz and Hugh Osborne in attendance) is shown below.
Karl Lellman 100th Birthday on January 25th
Ken Mills reports that it will be Karl's 100th birthday on January 25th. Everyone associated with the
Study Group will recognise Karl's contribution to Falkland Islands philately and wish him well for this momentous milestone.
If you want to pass on a message to Karl, use the comments form below and we will pass on your good wishes via Ken.
Frank Laycock
It is reported
that Study Group member Frank Laycock has passed away. Members will remember that along with his association with Cavendish
Auction, Frank was the auctioneer with the Study Group for many years. ouir thoughts are with the family at this time.
Jane Cameron - A Tribute
For
many of us lucky enough to have visited the Falkland Islands Government Archives, Jane and Tansy at the archives have provided
caring support to Study Group members looking at extending our knowledge of the postal history of the Falkland Islands. Jane
died on Boxing Day, following injuries in a car crash and her memorial service was held in Stanley on 12th January. Courtesy
of the Merco Press, the South Atlantic News Agency, an article on the service is reproduced below:
Islands
pay tribute to “fierce champion of Falklands’ tradition”“Fierce Champion of Falklands traditions,” Jane Cameron was remembered by her Falklands friends
and her family at a Memorial Service held in Christ Church Cathedral in Stanley yesterday.
Granddaughter of a Falklands Colonial Secretary/Governor and sister to the Islands Government Representative
in London, Sukey Cameron, Government Archivist Jane died of her injuries on Boxing Day, following a car accident near Trelew,
Argentina on November 11. ‘Beagle’ project colleagues Petra Niegeman
also died in the accident and the ship’s doctor Charles Boissevain was seriously injured. Radio reporter Marten Minkema
suffered minor injuries.
Jane, who was born in the Falkland Islands
and studied in the United Kingdom, returned to her place of birth in 1989 where she took up the previously non-existent role
of Government Archivist. Describing the gargantuan task ahead of her, Jane’s brother Donald Cameron told the congregation
that his sister’s work began with a mountain of cardboard boxes stored in Government House and the Secretariat and filled
with dusty historic documents.
Over the next 20 years Jane became
well known for her dedication to preserving the islands history in all of its forms including the preservation of buildings.
Mr Cameron described an archivist as, “…part of the glue that holds the community together.”
An anonymous blogger summarised Jane’s place in the islands with the
words, “In other places there will deservedly be obituaries listing Jane’s many and varied contributions to the
Falkland Islands. Here I would simply like to say that I cannot believe that we shall never again see her bouncing down Ross
Road at the wheel of her little red car, nor ever again experience either her withering glare of disapproval or the sparkly-eyed
warmth of her wicked grin.”
After the service brother and sister
Donald and Sukey, and her husband Howard Pullen, stood outside the doors of the Cathedral and bravely greeted and offered
comforting words to the many Islanders who attended. During the memorial service
Mr Cameron thanked people for their countless kindnesses, including the people of Trelew, and those who worked so hard to
save her at the hospital where she was treated.
Another
Successful Falklands Section to December Grosvenor Auction
Here is the summary from Grosvenor of their
December auction:
Exceptional sections on the Falkland Islands, the Dependencies and Antarctica are an established
tradition at Grosvenor, and the lots offered at this sale brought to the room an impressive gathering of specialist collectors.
As usual prices were strong.
The 1933 Centenary set of 'SPECIMEN' stamps (lot 641), additionally showing
a second 'SPECIMEN' handstamp applied by the receiving postal administration, doubled its estimate to sell for £4,914.
Amongst the Antarctica lots the 1911 envelope (lot 826) from the Scott Expedition addressed by the unfortunate Captain Oates
to his mother did even better, more than tripling its estimate to sell for £3,826.
Another area to watch
could be that of Whaling Mail as determined bidders were seen to drive the prices upwards, The top realisation was the £1,195
paid for a 1931 envelope from South Shetlands (lot 772).
FIPSG Open Evening at Stanley Parish Hall On Thursday 3rd
December, an Open Evening was held by the Study Group for both Falkland Islands FIPSG members and non-members, in Stanley
Parish Hall next to Christ Church Cathedral.
Stefan Heijtz produced a continually running computer display of some
of the gems of Falklands philately and explaining the value of some of the later issues as well.
In the meantime
Hugh Osborne, Kim Stuckey and Stefan provided advice on valuation, storage and buildign collections to many residents. Some
30 or so collections were reviewed and some 50 people attended the 3 hour event in total.
The main focus of local
collections is First Day Covers, but there remains interesting local postal history as well, much of it later with several
nice 1982 Conflict items.
A fact sheet on collecting Falklands stamps was produced and is shown below. All in all,
a successful evening to promote the Study Group.
FALKLAND ISLANDS STAMP COLLECTION CHECK LIST Mint (unused stamps) Stamps
generally issued after 1977 are worth (at the moment) not much more than face value. Keep your mint stamps issued before 1977. Make sure they are in a dry environment, so they do not get damp
and stick together.
Used Stamps Used stamps are normally worth more on an envelope than cut or soaked off it. Used
stamps pre 1970 are of interest to Falkland Islands collectors.
Envelopes with Falkland Islands stamps
posted here (to overseas or internally within the Falklands) The older the envelope the better. A rule of thumb is to think envelopes have to be 30 years
old to start being of value – so envelopes from the 70s and before are worth more than 80s and later. An envelope itself is worth more if: a) It is what collectors call “commercial mail”. This means envelopes that have been through
the post and have been posted for private mail or mail from companies etc. If the envelope indicates who it is from –
either a person or a store/company, so much the better. b) The postmark is clear, so you can see where it is from, and the date is clear c) It is pre 1983. Particularly look out for the 1960’s commemorative issues used on envelopes or anything earlier. d) Envelopes cancelled in Fox Bay or MPA are worth more than ones from Stanley e)
Window envelopes are worth less than complete
envelopes. f) Farm cachets or Government cachets are on the front or back of the envelope. g)
If they carry just the right postage –
known as “correct rate”.
First Day Covers A lot of First Day Covers have been produced,
so the same rule applies as with envelopes – the ones 30-40 years old have more value than those from the 80s or later.
For later First Day Covers, hold on to them for now.
Incoming mail (envelopes posted overseas
coming to the Falkland Islands)There
are some collectors who are interested in these. As usual, the older the better (again pre 1983). Also more unusual destinations,
for example Camp settlements, would be worth more than Stanley ones. These are general guidelines.
There can always be exceptions. If you want guidance use the comments form on the Falkland Islands Philatelic Study Group
website www.fipsg.org.uk
Ronnie Spafford It was reported in some philatelic circles that Ronnie Spafford had passed away. We are pleased to report that as
Mark Twain would say "rumours of my death are greatly exaggerated". We wish Ronnie continued good health.
Letter to Falkland Islands Postmaster
from Stanley Gibbons - 1878
Here is a letter (sorry for the quality) from the man Stanley Gibbons
himself to the Postmaster in 1878.
He adds a wonderful PS (with drawings) "We would like to receive
some of the Black or Red Franks if not troubling you too much. Indeed!
Behind the Scenes at Stanley and
Fox Bay Post Offices
Some photos to give you an idea of the some of the scenes at the Post Offices
at Stanley and Fox Bay. Hope this gives you a better idea of life on the Falklands.

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| Stefan and Hugh with Postmistress Moira |

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| The mail arriving in the PO from the UK MOD flight |

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| The Stanley Machine Canceller |

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| A close up of the datestamp for the machine canceller |

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| Stanley Post Office |

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| Which Way for Fox Bay? |

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| Fox Bay Post Office (building on right) |

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| Fox Bay Postmaster Gavin |
FIPSG Features in Penguin News
Attached is a report of the visit of Stefan Heijtz, Hugh Osborne and Kim Stuckey to the Falkland Islands from
the weekly Falklands newspaper, Penguin News published on 20th November. Article is copyright of Penguin News.
Days 3 & 4 in the Archives
The archives continue to throw up fascinating information about stamp issues, we have certainly gained more knowledge
of destruction numbers and sheet numbering for a lot of the 60's issues.
At the other end of the mail service
period, an excited Stefan is shown here with a book containing 50 or so pre-stamp covers filed. And this was the second such
book he had found like this!
Some other finds are shown - this Map set 1d proof in about A4 size really stands
out (sorry the photo is a little squint).
A big continuing thank you to Tansy who is looking after us so well,
and answering our continuing requests for more material.


Day 2 in the archives
The
second day in the archives provided more interesting material. Stefan uncovered a UK - Falkland islands postal trading settlement
account form, a magnificent large pre printed document. Hugh continued the search of Centenary correspondence and early QEII.
Kim looked at the South Georgia 1963 issues and more QE II commemoratives.
Below is shown as a sample, a couple
of imperforate proofs for the ICY issue.

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| ICY Proofs |
Visit to the Falkland Islands
Government Archives
Study Group Chairman Hugh Osborne plus
Kim Stuckey and Sefan Heijtz are in Stanley researching at the Government archives. This follows Wilf Vevers being south earlier
in the season and Malcolm Barton visiting in the New Year.
Day 1 at the archives turned up some interesting surprises,
including some stamps and cancels. We have tried to show some of the excitement below:
Pictures 1
& 2 - blocks of 20 of the Whale & Penguin 1/2d, 1d, 2/6 and £1 bearing a red ink "Cancelled"
handwritten in manuscipt diagonally across the stamps. These were items sent to Crown Agents to illustrate a complaint of
poor quality
Picture 3 - an imperforate proof of the 1963 South Georgia 2/- value, sent to the Colony to illustrate
some late minor changes to the design.
Picture 4 - Stefan with his usual sniffing out techniques opened a
book to find it originated from Fox Bay and carried cancels from 1925!

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| Two of the Whale & Penguin Blocks |

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| A close up of a pair of the £1 "cancelled" |

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| South Georgia 1963 Imperforate Proof |

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| Fox Bay Find |
YOUR
GOOSE IS COOKED!
SUBSCRIPTION REMINDER - Study Group
subscriptions were due on 1st September. If you have not paid yet please do so as soon as possible. Only those who have paid
by the end of November will receive the December Upland Goose.
Southern
Meeting, Camberley 25th October 2009
Hugh
and Mary Osborne once again hosted this year`s meeting and the fine sunny weather normally associated with this event was
again in evidence. Fourteen members and two guests represented good support for this popular gathering. On arrival, members were invited to sign a sympathy card in memory of Bob
Barnes who had died recently. He had played a prominent part in Study Group affairs for many years and he will be greatly
missed. Mary ensured that we were fortified with coffee, biscuits etc before Hugh
Osborne began the meeting by referring us to a report given by him in the December 2008 Colour Supplement,
page C30. This concerned the BBC wild life cameraman Gavin Thurston who joined the expedition ship MVOcean Nova on
which Hugh was travelling. After later transferring to the BBC yacht The Golden Fleece the resulting
programme in the `Life` series was broadcast on 26th October 2009.
Kim
Stuckey was next with a range of Fox Bay covers for the period from George VI onwards to 1990. All had correct rate
postage including a Hovercraft cover which is very scarce with Fox Bay cancel. Ralph
Riddell-Carre followed with stamps and covers of the KEVII reign including mint blocks, registered mail and a scarce
New Island postmark. After a break for viewing Roger Mazillius had
the 1954 Dependencies Ships definitives as his theme. A wide range of mostly correct rate covers included some with matching
headed notepaper from Base leaders and we also saw a photograph of the Canso amphibious aircraft used in connection with the
Hunting Aerosurveys project. Malcolm Barton continued with a variety of items. Covers
from the collection of Willoughby H. Thompson, the first editor of the Falkland Islands Journal in 1967, supported by a copy
of the first issue, were followed by three complete sheets of the Dependencies 1948 1/2d Map with and without the `dot on
T` variety. Finally we saw a rare used example of the 1984 5d Butterfly with watermark sideways right inverted. Chris
Everett said that he was new to the study of Falklands stamps and brought a box full of covers purchased at auction.
Among them was a bundle of internal mail from the correspondence of Arthur H. Ward when headmaster
of Darwin School. We also saw a range of colour photographs including the Fitzroy and A. E. S near Goose
Green. Following the publication of the recent monographs by Malcolm Barton, Chris said that he will be
starting a collection of the Flowers issues. Mary then provided
us with an excellent lunch and members showed their appreciation by becoming a team of helpers with the washing up etc.
The afternoon session began with Hugh Osborne returning
to display a large range of correct rate covers having the 1960 Birds issue. Every value in the set was represented.
There were examples of ordinary and commercial mail, airmail, air letters and 2nd class airmail. Ray Rabbetts
was next and chose Postage Due as one of his main themes. The earliest dated cover was 1933 and there followed those
either with or without labels or T marks. By contrast we saw a block of the rare QV 1/2d deep blue green of 1891. The issue
was lost at sea and most were salvaged and then destroyed. This was followed by specimen overprints on QV stamps and then
varieties on the 1968/71 Flower definitives, South Georgia 1977/78 overprints and the Dependencies Plants issue of 1981.
At a break for viewing, Hugh presented Mary with a gift on
behalf of The Group to thank her for all the hard work in preparing the meal and other refreshments. Derek Harwood resumed with covers relating
to Antarctic Whaling with a wide selection including mail both to and from the whaling stations. Derek
Hogben came next with copies of photographs used for some of the values of the KGVI 1938 definitives accompanied
by matching imprint blocks. As a piece of modern interest he also showed two specially printed covers for the visit of the
Princess Royal to South Georgia and the Falklands in March 2009 with copies of the relevant Court Circulars. Two members then returned. First was Kim Stuckey who showed
a TAE cover addressed to Lt.A.M.Spong R.N. on HMS Protector. The addressee was Lieutenant Mansfield Spong who was the Royal
Navy Flight Commander from HMS Protector in 1955-56 and piloted the first flight by a helicopter over South Georgia.
He also showed a QSL card from 1948 where the sender was Reuben McLaren, Radio Operator at South Georgia. This helps
with the first name of the many McLaren covers seen from that period. Ralph Riddell-Carre
followed showing 1912 KGV definitives complete with all printings used in blocks of four. Terry
Wiffen had the last offering of the day which was a set of 26 covers published by Phil Middleton of Falklands Collectables
to mark the 25th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War. These were colourful and attractive and showed many
aspects of the conflict. Malcolm Barton gave a vote
of thanks to Hugh and Mary for the excellent organization and success of the meeting which all agreed had been most enjoyable.
DEREK HOGBEN
Postal Strikes and Postage Costs
During the postal strikes, the Study group Exchange Packet is suspended. They will restart with a new Packet Leader,
details to follow.
Postage costs, especially overseas from the UK, continue to escalate. The Committee will explain
how these increasing costs are impacting the finances of the group in a future Upland Goose, and ask members for their views.
Likewise the Books Coordinator asks any members from overseas to check postage costs before placing an order.
Auction Information
The next Study Group auction, open to members only, will take place at the Weekend at Faringdon next March. if you
have any items to be considered for inclusion in the sale, please contact our Auction Manager as soon as possible, so material
can reach him by Christmas.
Robert Barnes FRPSL
Sad news for all Falkland collectors is that our Past President Bob Barnes, has passed away in his
sleep.
For many of us, the first steps into Falkland Islands postal history were the key works, Postal Cancellations
of the Falklands Islands and the Postal Service of the Falkland Islands. Bob was encouraging and patient with newcomers to
the Study Group and continued to add to the research with the Black and Red Franks book. He also brought together his interest
of West Falkland and the story behind some of the names we see on the envelopes with his Personalities in the Post series
and the book on the Pole-Evans family.
Our sympathy is extended to the Barnes family.
Auction
News & Reminders There is a tentative date
of December 10th 2009 for the next Grosvenor auction, that will have stamps and postal history from the Falklands from a variety
of vendors, including one collector not known to the Study Group. Grosvenor report on their recent auction: "The
Falkland Islands and Dependencies have featured strongly in our auctions in recent years, and in this sale a section of over
270 lots, including items from the collections formed by Roger Mazillius and others, attracted enormous interest. Star lots
were the imprint blocks of eight of the May 1891 printings of the ½d (lot 387, £4,543) and 2½d (lot 409,
£4,543), both first printings from the Bradbury Wilkinson archives. The issued stamps from these printings were lost
when the S.S. Neko sank."
A reminder that Robin Murchie has his excellent Postal Auction No. 96 on 10th
November 2009, with Falkland Islands, Antarctica, Ascension, St Helena and Tristan. He can be contacted via PO Box 228, Oswestry,
SY10 1DQ.
Finally a 170-lot, 5-vendor auction is currently underway for collectors of philatelic material, stamps,
both used and unused, and ephemera relating to the islands of Ascension, St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha. This is by far the
largest such auction ever held by the South Atlantic specialists’ society. The auction is open to all, but in particular
we wish to issue a special welcome to participate to those who are members of postal history organisations and stamp collectors
who belong to societies specialising in the region, such as the Falkland Islands, Antarctica and other circumpolar regions,
Pitcairn Island, southern and western Africa, Commonwealth countries, and the like.The list contains many gems, including rare author-autographed,
first-editions of books; coins; monographs; special event covers; postcards; original artwork; older stamp- and postal-related
material, and the list goes on and on.Detailed information about the auction is available from the St Helena,
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society website: www.atlanticislands.org/auction.htm. The auction closes 01 December, 2009.
Gildersome 2009 - by Mark Burton
The Study Group northern area meeting took place
this year at St Peters Church Hall Gildersome on Saturday afternoon 26th September. Mike Roberts who organises
the event started proceedings rolling at around 2 O’clock, reminding us that he had brought the October auction lots
and they were available for viewing and giving apologies from three of the regulars. With only ten members
we were in fact a bit thin on the ground this year. There is generally a “topic” for displays,
chosen at the previous year’s meeting and this year it was the 4d stamp, although as always members are free to show
what they like. First up was Nigel Kaye who introduced his display with the words of Bob Barnes that the postal historian
concentrates on the correct rate and saying that that is what he has done. He started with the 1937 Coronation issue on cover,
the three stamps together make up the fourpenny registration rate and covers showing the 4d Foreign rate, there were 1d postal
stationary envelopes upgraded for registration to 4d including an interesting KGV envelope upgraded with KGVl stamps. We were
shown a Dependencies cover with four pence worth of stamps but only those making up the postal rate being cancelled in accordance
with official instruction current at the time not to cancel over franked envelopes above the postage rate. I then showed a
few sheets indentifying stamp different printings and John Shaw took the floor with just four covers showing fourpenny stamps,
John did however promise that he would be back with other items later on.
Kim Stuckey then took the floor showing a sheet
of the 1895 4d stamp and with his usual sense of humour defiantly told us that this would be the largest concentration of
4d stamps shown this afternoon.He then showed covers franked at four pence from the post offices at Fox Bay, South Shetlands
and South Georgia and Coronation and Victory stamps used to pay the four pence rate. There was a Stewart Douglas cover with
postmark variation of 33 inverted and the SG4 cancellation timed at 8.45pm, the Deception Island cancellation on the first
day of use and a cover to Les Hardy accompanied by a photograph of Les Hardy a Scout Troop Leader. There was also cover from
Stanley to New Island franked by the 1937Coronation set and two covers showing the 1953 Coronation set in blocks of four paying
the registration rate, one from the radio operator at Signy Island. We then had a viewing break. Mike Roberts then showed
the earliest example of the fourpenny rate to Montevideo in the form of a Black Frank cover and a very nice inward cover franked
at 4d from London to Stanley. We saw two examples of Queen Victoria 4d stamps on cover and a block of four KGV 1d stamps on
a registered Afterglow cover, the Centenary and Silver Jubilee 4d stamps on registered commercial covers and a cover showing
the reuse of the Victorian parcel cancellation. Next up was Hugh Osborne who showed different printings
of the first KGVl 4d value in blocks of four and a Whale and Penguin block possibly from the third printing, 1970 SS Great
Britain 4d with an inverted watermark and various covers showing the 4d registration rate . We then had a viewing break followed
by our usual very nice afternoon tea prepared by Mrs Alison Roberts. Next up after tea was David Mountfort , who was
this afternoon enjoying celebrity status on account of his many accidental aliases in the September Upland Goose. David showed
items relating to cruise ships and guard ships and HMS Endurance in particular and also items relating to Brabant Island and
the establishment of the post office there. Trevor Shaw then showed postcards making a request for information about them.
After
this John Shaw, true to his word that he would return was before us again with a fantastic display of postcards principally
used in the Edwardian including one particularly interesting internal under franked card, I thought this was altogether a
most impressive display. Not to be outdone however Nigel Kaye came back. For quite a number of years I have been enthralled
by Nigel’s displays but the several items he put up this second time were really very impressive indeed being items
of correspondence from someone working in South Georgia in the 1950s which his wife was about to shred when it was suggested
they may be of value. There was an air letter from South Georgia to South Uist in the Western Isles and an item relating to
the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit and a particularly interesting postcard franked by a Falklands 1952 1d KGVl stamp from
South Georgia. All very,very interesting. Kim Stuckey then showed a 1956 Trans Antarctic cover posted by the pilot of the
first South Georgia helicopter flight and Mike Roberts showed an HMCS Afterglow cover supported by photographs and a Tabarin
period cover endorsed “Most Secret”, a cover from the return voyage of SS Great Britain and
wreck cover. After 5-30 Hugh Osborne, our Chairman, brought the meeting to a close with a vote of thanks for Mike and Alison.
The Edgar Stern award was given to Nigel Kaye and it was decided that the topic for the next meeting would be open but other
than that it would “same place same time”. The Northern Meeting is a really great event, always most enjoyable,
the coming together of likeminded people in this way is absolutely what the Study Group is all about. I find it particularly
interesting not just to see other peoples’ collections but also the collecting methods and themes that are pursued.
A Slight Change to the Website I
have made some slight changes to the website, which I hope will help with the enjoyment of it. These are:
Older items, that relate to past meetings and news are now on a new page "Archived
News". This will hopefully help with navigation of this home page, but retain older information for research and other
purposes.
News of upcoming meetings are given more prominence. The regional meetings especially are a way of bringing
Falklands collectors together - if you haven't attended one, go to the next local one - you will not be forced to display
anything!
The Membership and History pages are merged to give more information on that page.
Please
use the comments form at the bottom of every page to give any feedback - positive or suggestions for improvement on these
changes.
Scottish Dates for the Diary -
Meetings Two events for your diary:
SCOTEX 2009 at Dewars Centre, Perth 16-17 Oct 2009. There will be a FIPSG
stand. SCOTTISH REGIONAL MEETING, MURRAYFIELD, 1.30pm
Sat 21 Nov 2009. Contact Geoffrey Barber geoffrey.barber@talktalk.net
or Robin Sherman for details.
Please Note - New Date for Southern MeetingThe date for the Study Group Southern Meeting at Camberley is now Sunday 25th October,
other details as before. Please contact Hugh Osborne or use the comments form below if you need more information.
EASTERN MEETING REPORT - SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER
On a glorious Suffolk day, 8 members met at Sudbury for the Eastern meeting. Much interesting debate took place
as everyone presented a display or items for discussion.
Malcolm Barton kicked off with a display
he titled "Unusual". He first tried to persuade us that a Birds ½d sheet cancelled to order in 1968 was in
fact 2/6d of a parcel rate! An interesting block of four of the Mailships 1st printing 1p with the hawseholes variety, complete
with selvedge showed that this was not just used for booklets. Late 70s aerogrammes with Specimen overprints - was this a
John Bull activity or official? A 1971 large cover with thirteen flower £1 values, including both 1st and 2nd printing
to FIC in London. And finally a 1955 requisition for the South Georgia instructional marks, 2 of each type (can we distinguish
between them?) including a cachet that no one had seen before "Décédé - Deceased" - not the
cachet you would want to receive returned on a letter! Unusual indeed.
Alastair Kennedy
showed covers from the 1982 War and a fascinating photo of the interior of the Forces Post Office. Terry Wiffen showed an
excellent purchase from a remainders box - a cover from Marr to his fiance at the time of the Discovery Expedition. Host Clive
Perkins took us slightly away from the Falklands to show a superb set of early PSNC covers in the 1870-1890 period - all of
which bore the name of the carrying vessel. Many of these covers came from Brazil or Uruguay carried on the ships such as
Iberia, Potosi I, Magellan I and II that would also carry mail shipped from the Falklands. Kim
Stuckey showed mail, photographs and letters from the Hunting Aerosurveys Expedition based on Deception Island from 1955-57,
including the expedition labels and cachets. Mail from this expedition is scarce, as it was overshadowed, in a philatelic
sense, by the Trans-Antarctic Expedition taking place in the same period. The Expedition was visited in January 1957 by the
Duke of Edinburgh as part of his world cruise - Deception Island being probably one of the strangest anchorages for Britannia
in her long and distinguished career! Ray Rabbetts departed from his "Modern Man" tag
to show items from the early commemoratives - starting with the Centenary issue of 1933, with an attempt to distinguish printings,
covers to Argentina with postage due as the the postal authorities did not recognise the issue. He then took us onto the KGVI
issues with the Victory 3d Plate 1 re-entry and flaws leading to Plate 2 production. Ray then brought us back into QEII with
a display of the Passerines, showing the blocks that proved the stamps were printed in 4 panes of 25 and then guillotined
to be issued in sheets of 50. He finished with the imperforate stamps of the issue, shown on both unwatermarked and CA watermarked
paper, rescued, it is believed, from waste at the printers Cowells. John Gray showed a variety
of air letters from the 50s and 60s, including a fascinating January 1954 letter from the cook on John Biscoe - which itself
could be the subject of an Upland Goose article. An interim QEII 6d with sheet number on an air letter was also much admired.
Other letters had a wealth of interesting content - "the snobbish Colony Club" as an example! Chairman Hugh
Osborne brought the meeting to a close, taking the cue from the interim 6d airletter to show the QEII interim issue correct
rates on cover. This included a recent acquisition of the 6d on an airmail envelope with the cachet "Insufficent Postage
for Carriage by Air". Other covers included an air mail rate 1/- with sheet number, and various mixed frankings including
the KGVI 1952 issue of 1/8½d six ounce registered rate. At the meeting Clive Perkins announced
this would be the last Sudbury meeting. We are hoping to make alternative arrangements to host the Eastern Meeting and would
ask all members in the area to make every effort to support this new venture. I am sure that all attendees over the years
would like to thank Clive for his excellent hosting at the Sudbury Institute and hope to see him at the new venue next year.

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| Past President Malcolm Barton (left) chats to Clive Perkins as Her Majesty looks down approvingly |
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Membership of the Study Group is just £15 per year for UK and Europe, £20
for overseas and $40 for USA.
To see the benefits of membership click here:
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Important News for Falkland ebayers
Many of us who are regular ebayers have looked at some incredible Perfin offers over the last few days - on a Victorian
9d for example. Without any disparagement of the seller or ebay, Stefan Heijtz adds his considerable expertise to the story.
FORGED
CW PERFINS OFFERED ON EBAY! Over the past few
days, three groups of stamps with the CW-perfin, a total of five stamps QV-KEVII, have been offered on ebay. However, they
are all forgeries in that the CW-perfin has been faked! I have brought this to the attention of both the seller as well as
ebay. Ebay has done nothing about it (are you surprised?) and the seller has added the info that they may be forgeries to
his description, as well as said that he would forward this info to all successful bidders (but how do we know that he did
this?). The seller is based in Hong Kong and
claims that he has bought them in good faith. That may be the case but I believe that they have been produced in China, as
the result of the sale of a genuine example on ebay some time ago, which made it obvious to the forger that by adding a faked
CW to an otherwise cheap stamp, the value would be hundreds of Pounds rather than a few Pence! Sadly there are many dishonest
people around trying to abuse ignorant collectors. Anyway,
if any of you are the buyers of these lots, you should either try to cancel the sale, or at least get an extension for the
stamps. Whether you prefer to send them to me for examination, or RPS, BPA or any other expertising group, is entirely up
to you. But now you have been warned about the status of these items. I will not reveal all the secrets as to why I am able to tell you that these perfins are fakes, but believe
me when I say that they are! There are a number of clear factors involved! For further information please contact me at stefan@novastamps.com



Meeting News Dates for the diary The next diary date is the Grosvenor Auction in London on the afternoon of 9th December.
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