24 Jun 2026 – President’s Newsletter
It has been a busy period for the RPSL. At the Boston World Stamp Show, many of you visited our booth and we were pleased to attract 40 new or re-joining members. Our dinner at the Fisherman’s Pier took place on a delightful evening and was a great success, thanks to the hard work of our US representative Carol Bommarito. Carol, along with Vice President John Stimson and US representative Liz Hisey dedicated most of their time at the Royal booth and we owe them a huge amount of thanks. What is even better – they enjoyed themselves and have already agreed to do it again at the next show where the RPSL takes a booth – Praga 2028 being a distinct possibility.
It is a great example of how you can help the Society and have fun at the same time. If some of you have a little more time on your hands and if you are thinking how you can help out, or be more involved with the Society, I am pleased to say that we have created a new page on our website detailing where you can contribute; some roles can even be done from home. So, do click this link to our website: Member Volunteering for more details. You can also contact Paul Moorcroft, General Manager with any questions about the volunteering roles.
Last week saw the 5th Crawford Festival take place at Abchurch Lane and it was very well supported with some excellent presentations. We had speakers coming from as far as Australia and the United States to take part, showing how it really is becoming a global event. I was intrigued to learn that the Stanley Gibbons business really took off when a price list for just ‘2d post free’ was launched – showing a keen insight into the philatelic mindset.
Macao 2026 World Stamp Show
The next FIP in Macao is just starting and I will be there by the end of the week for an RPSL regional meeting, and the FIP Congress.
There is an RPSL reception and dinner on 29 June. There are places still available, but bookings will now have to be arranged in Macao from our Stand Number 22 with our China Representative, Danny Wong FRPSL. Tickets are priced at £150.00
2025/26 programme
The2025/26 programme draws to a close with the Devonshire Bowl One Frame Competition.
Devonshire Bowl – Thursday 9 July
The final event of the season is the Devonshire Bowl, we have some 25 entries. It is a ‘popular vote’ competition, so results depend on the views of your fellow members and not accredited judges. Whether you enter or not, please do come along, enjoy the displays, vote and stay for refreshments afterwards – my wife tells me I am approaching a significant birthday and there will be cake in addition to the usual delicacies!
Regional Meetings
Though summer may be upon us, regional meetings continue. The Northern Region meet at York which takes place on 16 July, South East region at Wellshurst on 8 August and the Scottish Regional meeting on 5 September. These are always good days with a wide variety of material available to see, so do try and make one.
Full details of these and our regional meetings can be found on the website. Do encourage non-members to attend as your guest. With fewer local Societies these days it is an opportunity for all and an opportunity to recruit new members.
The AGM
Another AGM has come and gone. It was a pleasure to see Liz Walton and her son Peter for the presentation of the inaugural Walton medal, and to present it alongside the Society’s other prestigious medals. Also, at the AGM a new Council were elected to serve for the coming year. My thanks go to all those who have agreed to serve on Council or one of its Committees. In particular, I would like to thank Daphne McMillan, James Podger and Jack Zhang, who have stood down from Council this year after several years of dedicated service on behalf of us all.
2026/27 Programme
Looking further ahead the President’s programme will start with the traditional member’s only display of material from the Royal Collection, courtesy of His Majesty the King. This will take place on Thursday 10 September.
The dates for the President’s programme for 2026/27 are now on the website as is the full programme which can be accessed by clicking here: 2026/27 Season
Before the season starts, there will be a significant RPSL presence at the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain which takes place from 4-6 September in Nottingham, where the National competitions are being hosted this year.
Looking slightly further ahead to October 2026, the RPSL will be the lead Society at the annual Postal History ‘Masters’ in Ulm, Germany. It will be a great chance to connect with our European members.
In the meanwhile, I will leave you to enjoy the summer and trust you will find something to enthuse you philatelically in the months ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Simon
Simon Richards RDP FRPSL
President of The Royal Philatelic Society London
