Chichester and District Philatelic Society

Our society has a history since 1960. We held our anniversary in 2020. We are philatelists.

Philately comes from Greek ‘atelos’, then was translated to French as ‘philo-ateleia’ and eventually to just French as ‘philatelie’.

Philately is the study of postal history, stamps, aerophilately, thematic (topical) stamps, and more.

Indeed, it is quite interesting what fellow members brought into meetings. Some collect equipment related to philately and stamp printing.

Postage stamps were introduced to the world in 1840.

Everyone in Britain must know the Penny Black.

By 1846 people were collecting stamps.

One-country, groups of countries, and one-stamponly specialists soon appeared on the collecting scene by the early 1880s.

Catalogues were first published around 1909.

National Stamp Days appeared around then in numerous countries.

In April 1869 the world’s oldest philatelic society was founded as the Royal Philatelic Society London.

Local philatelic societies slowly appeared on the scene, as did stamp auctions and shops.

By the 1930s philately has become big business – Stanley Gibbons in London is just one example of this.

Postal museums were set up to house vast and important collections such as Prince Alfred’s, Edward VII, George V, George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

There are several keepers of the Royal Philatelic Collection, which is housed at the British Library, London, which was created in 1864.

Covid might keep us apart, but the members of the Chichester and District Philatelic Society are still studying behind the scenes!

Two have entered virtual competitions, and communication between members is alive – and a stamp packet keeps the society buzzing and moving along with the times.

We look forward to the day we can meet again! One day soon.

Anyone interested in philately/stamp collecting can look us up on our website by simply Googling the society name, or you can call our secretary on 01243 527068.

If you are interested, once we are allowed to return to meeting status, you are most welcome to attend a meeting free of charge. You’d be very welcome!