The longest existing philatelic society in the world, the Royal Philatelic Society London has always strived to maintain the high ideals of King George V, its former President (1896-1910) and Patron (1910-1936). The pre-eminent position the Society holds in philately meant a great deal to the late Michael Roberts FRPSL.
Michael’s role as President of the Society, which began in June 2023, was prematurely cut short in December 2024, but he had prepared his two-year programme of meetings. He felt that this should conclude with a look back at the meetings the Society has held over the years, from the very first presented by Sir Daniel Cooper on 29 May 1869. During a stamp exhibition in Germany in 2023 Michael asked Jonas Hällström RDP, FRPSL if he would present this overview.
The Thursday meetings, whether afternoon displays or late afternoon presentations (held at the Society’s premises at 15 Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BW), have always remained the focus of the Society’s many activities. The majority have been recorded in the philatelic press, while many – especially in more recent years – have been accompanied by their own specially-prepared handouts, providing a permanent record of what was shown, and given free to all who attend.
Jonas gave his overview at the Society’s meeting on 19 June, during which he presented a record of all these handouts, numbering more than 1,000 over the years, that he had compiled, assisted by Tomas Bjäringer RDP, Hon FRPSL and Mårten Sundberg FRPSL. Simon Richards RDP, FRPSL thanked them for the great deal of work they had undertaken to fulfil this task.
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