Several members presented “fascinating displays” to their colleagues.
14:50, 14 Jan 2026
Lanarkshire Philatelic Society’s first meeting of 2026 was called The Committee Entertains - and they certainly did just that.
Several members presented “fascinating displays” to their colleagues.
Bobby Forrest paid tribute to a late, “greatly missed” member, Gordon Shepherd.
He showcased stamps, covers and postmarks on different subjects and aspects of Zimbabwe collected by Gordon, whose main collecting interest was East Africa - especially through the war years and the following turbulent spell.
Brian Dow was in the Arctic as he focused on how, in July 1897, Saloman A. Andree of Sweden set off with two companions on a hydrogen balloon expedition from Spitzbergen to the North Pole.
An interesting set of postcards outlined the preparations made - the building of the hangar, storage of the balloon and food, and the eventual setting off on the flight.
READ MORE: NHS Lanarkshire appoints new director of research, innovation and academic partnershipsGraham U’ren, via many press articles, stamps, covers and postcards, told the intriguing story of Lieut. Gen. Sir John Moore.
He was born in Glasgow in 1761 and his statue was the first to be erected in George Square.
He led a varied and exciting life - being involved in the American War of Independence from 1778-1781, serving as Whig MP for Lanark (1784-1790) and being in battles including the Peninsular War in Spain.
Caroline Watt brought eye-catching sights to the afternoon with her presentation Beautiful Postcards, which were issued, printed and embroidered for sending to celebrate birthdays.
Alex Magowan put the spotlight on all of the stamp issues made by New Zealand from 1855 to 1920.
The latter issue was Victory, commemorating the end of the First World War, with designs including the Lion of Trafalgar Square, a Maori Chief, an Angel of Peace, and King George V flanked by Maori carvings.
Alex also presented covers and stamps commemorating the life of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.
The society’s next meeting takes place in Hamilton’s Caledonian Bowling Club, on Motherwell Road, on Friday, January 23, at 1.30pm, when Elsie Miller will present a Killing Time display.
Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history or postcards is “very welcome to attend”; more details of the group’s programme can be viewed at http://www.lanarkshireps.co.uk/
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