JUNE MEETING
There was an unexpected change of programme for our June meeting. One of our members was to have displayed his collection of Cinderella stamps from South Africa, but this was unavailable so he treated us to a trip to Pitcairn Island instead.
Situated about mid-way between New Zealand and South America, the Pitcairn group comprises just four islands of which only Pitcairn itself is inhabited. It is small, just two miles by one, and for one hundred years was recorded on charts as being in the wrong place. This error was an advantage to the most famous residents of Pitcairn, who were the mutineers from HMS Bounty. Indeed the island’s capital Adamstown was named after the last surviving mutineer, John Adams. However the mutineers were not the first settlers on the Island. These were the Polynesians, who arrived in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Pitcairn’s stamps, first issued in 1940, provide colourful illustrations of the history, topography and wild life of the Islands. In a wonderful display we saw stamps illustrating birds, insects, lizards, flowers, trees, fish, shells and corals as well as local personalities, transport and several of the ships that have visited the Island over the years. It was a magnificent display with which to end our 2009-10 season.
Our next meeting will be on 6th September 2010, when a guest speaker will present a display on Air Mail stamps from the United States of America. Please note that from now on we shall be starting our meetings at the slightly earlier time of 7.30pm.
ABOUT OUR SOCIETY
The Macclesfield and Prestbury Philatelic Society was formed in 1966 to promote stamp collecting in the Macclesfield area of East Cheshire.
The Society is very friendly and informal, with a varied programme of speakers, displays and society evenings.
Anybody may join. The annual subscription is currently £10 (payable in September) which includes the cost of coffee and biscuits at meetings.
The Society runs its own internal packet scheme and also participates in the packet scheme of the North Western Federation of Philatelic Societies, allowing members to look at a wide choice of stamps and philatelic items in their own homes.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age and from beginner to expert, as all members benefit from the experiences of fellow collectors.
The Macclesfield and Prestbury Philatelic Society is affiliated to the North Western Federation of Philatelic Societies (NWF) and the Association of British Philatelic Societies (ABPS).
MEETING PLACE: The Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Meetings are held upstairs (first floor) but a lift is available. The Heritage Centre has a strictly no smoking policy.
TIME OF MEETINGS: 7.30pm.
DATES OF MEETINGS: Mainly the first Monday of each month from September to June.
CONTACT: Peter Kirk (Secretary) Tel: 01625 829119 01625 829119
E-mail: peter@kirk199.freeserve.co.uk
FUTURE PROGRAMME
2010
6th September: Guest speaker who will present a display on USA Airmails.
4th October: Guest speaker who will present a display on The French Red Cross.
(Further dates will be added here as soon as the 2010-11 programme has been confirmed.)
Stamp Fairs
Sale Grammar School: A fair will be held between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on 9th Oct 10. There is an admission charge but members of the Macclesfield and Prestbury Philatelic Society may obtain free entry by showing their printed programme card.
Stockport Masonic Guild Hall: These are held on the last Tuesday of each month between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. Admission is free. Dates are 29th June 10 and 27th July 10.