NEWPORT AND GWENT PHILATELIC SOCIETY Newsletter 11 (May 1994)

Meetings

There were two new ventures in the second half of the 1993/4 season: for the Secretary's display of Czeslaw Slania we borrowed an overhead projector and for the video night we borrowed a TV and VHS video, both from the Council. We also had the usual visits from our friends from Cardiff and Bridgend. The Robson Lowe display of fakes and forgeries was received by post accompanied by some interesting speaking notes.

Meetings for SUMMER 1994 are being held at members' houses as usual. Please note the venues:

- for 22 June and 20 July they are at Gwen Hussey's (30 Birch Hill)

- the meeting on 17 august is at Roy Bentley's (56 high Cross Road)

The programme for 1994/5 will have full details of these and the usual Civic Centre meetings.

Federation Matters

Roy and I represented the club at the Federation meeting in Port Talbot before the Convention. Other topics were covered. The "inter-federation day" proposed by Neil Prior has sunk without trace, with Bristol and Wiltshire making negative noises and the Three Counties not responding at all. We will continue to push for a the Convention in 1997 (the start of our 50th year) and will offer Newport for the Autumn Day in 1995 (if a suitable location is available).

There was once again a request from the Federation for names of members willing to give displays. The proposed list of members interests has been dropped. The Federation Committee are going to review the constitution of the Federation before the AGM (due in October).

Newport is now a member of the Association of British Philatelic Societies (APBS). The newsletter is always available at meetings and a spare is kept by the librarian.

Stamp fairs

Once again Cardiff organised a trip to Spring Stampex, which appeared to be supported better by Newport than Cardiff members. Cardiff do appreciate our support as it makes the trip possible for them. Please support the local fairs at Chepstow, Cardiff and Bristol.

Stamp news

Not much to report, except the new Post Office system for vandalising any mail processed through the special delivery service. Those of you who read the "Stamp Magazine" will have seen an article on it, those who have seen my Lithuanian postcards or received any registered mail from abroad will know how bad things are. Large sticky labels are placed across the mail as a tagging device. The only advice from the Post Office is not to use these premium services if you want decent covers! I have taken the matter up with POUNC but to no effect. You are warned!!

John Perry

Hon Secretary