It had been a ‘fantastic show’, commented Peter Cockburn FRPSL giving the Vote of Thanks to the members of the West Africa Study Circle who had provided displays at the meeting of the Royal Philatelic Society London on 20 November 2025. No fewer than 22 members showed material for the meeting that marked the 75th anniversary of the Circle.
As always with meetings with a variety of displays, there was something to appeal to everyone, with Peter picking out just a few of the highlights. With more modern studies, Tony Plumbe illustrated the postal arrangements in Biafra during its ‘independence’ from Nigeria, while Barbara Priddy showed mail between West Africa and the United Nations Peace-keeping Forces.
There were superb displays of the Gambia ‘Cameo’ issues presented by Jan Berg FRPSL and John Russell, while the use of revenue stamps for postage in Sierra Leone was shown by Majed Halawi FRPSL. The philatelic repercussions of the volcanic eruption on Tristan da Cunha in October 1961 were chronicled by Richard Moss.
Gold Coast featured in four displays: Tony Stanford FRPSL showed Registered Envelopes including a very unusual ‘J’ size; Ian Anderson FRPSL offered Travelling Post Offices; John Powell FRPSL provided Imperial Airways; Rex Dixon FRPSL showed the issues of King George VI.
There had been a ‘diversity of material’ shown added Simon Richards RDP, FRPSL, giving each of the exhibitors a Certificate of Appreciation, and presenting the Society’s plaquette to Philip Quirk FRPSL, President of the West Africa Study Circle.
