Joys of stamp collecting

Dear Editor: A big thank you to the many parents and grandparents who brought children to the Penticton and District Stamp Club booth located within the Canada 150 Heritage Society week-long show at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre.

Children had the opportunity of picking used stamps from bins supplied, receiving a free “My First Stamp Album,” as well as stamp mounts, to try stamp collecting as a hobby.

Hand-outs explained the Penticton Museum and Archives start up on April 8, 2017 of a Junior Stamp Club, with assistance from the Penticton Stamp Club. Children, ages 8 to 12, who are wanting to partake should register by contacting the Penticton Museum either in person, or by phone at 250-4902451. There are a limited number of openings as space is limited.

Thank you to the many people who helped make the stamp club’s booth interesting and informative. The Heritage Society gave us an opportunity to showcase Canada Post Penticton in pictures since 1889, and the commemorative cover created by artist Randy Manuel for the occasion of the First Street mail drop box in 1938, located at Main Street and Penticton Avenue. Covers sold out the first day and the funds put towards the Club’s goal of $30,000 for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

Much of the public returned another day and brought old stamp collections no longer being used, as well as many envelopes, bags, and boxes of used stamps to be used to raise funds for charity.

Door prizes provided by Canada Post Penticton were won by visitors from Summerland and Kamloops.

Participants on Monday and Friday in special occasions regarding the commemorative cover were MP Richard Cannings and his executive assistant Andrina Illife; Carey Bornn, executive director of the medical foundation; artist Randy Manuel; and Gus Boersma of the Penticton Stamp Club. The Penticton Post Office cancel for that day was applied by retired postmaster, Bob Otway.

Each did their part, along with stamp club members who minded the displays, making the week a success. Many thanks to all!

Harv Baessler Penticton & District

Stamp Club