President’s evening held

“THE History of Brno 1656-1918” and “Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika”, were the two displays presented by the Loughborough & District

Philatelic Society’s president, Garth Taylor on his President’s Evening, held on Thursday, June 14.

Garth is a member of the Czechoslovakian Collectors’ Society and is an authority on Czech Postal History. It was therefore no surprise to members to find out his first display of the evening was “The Postal History of Brno”.

It is the second largest City in Czechoslovakia. Garth said that a postal system had been in operation since the mid-16th century, arranged by Ferdinand I, who introduced a State Courier Service, between Prague and Vienna.

Most of his first halfs display consisted of pre-stamp material, the earliest being a letter dated 1656, sent by private messenger. These were followed by Official Court letters of 1661. Each with a large embossed seal. Then, further letters, dated 1974, to Prague and other prominent towns. He then showed the first handstamp on a letter, dated 1788.

Then a series of letters sent to the Austrian Postmaster General and, one from the General Commander in Brno. Then a number of administrative postal items were shown. These included a ‘Certificate of Payment of a Court Fee’, (1812). Some Postal Receipts of 1821. Some stylised postmarks and some elaborate handstamps used on letters.

Other letters were shown, including a Registered letter of 1834 and letters, posted in 1840, at local railway stations complete with their own handstamps, plus some postal stationery cards. Garth said that all the items shown so far, had to be paid for by the recipient, whereas from now on, the sender paid for the delivery.

The last sheets displayed consisted of Registered Letters of 1896 with a variety of registration marks. Some Austrian Postage Dues on covers sent from Brno to Vienna with incorrect postage stamps affixed. He then produced some Military Census marks on mail sent during 1916-18.

He finished his first half display with a group of pictorial postcards, each one showing a variety of buildings in Brno.

His second half display was on stamps issued by Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika.

In his introduction, Garth said that from 1903 joint issues were made for British East Africa (later Kenya) and Uganda.

His first set of stamps were those of King Edward VII, in green and showing his portrait, with the inscription British East Africa and Uganda issued in 1903-4.

Then those issued in 1904-7 and finally the third issues of 1907-8. Both mint and used being displayed. His next sets were those of King George V 1912-21, and 1921-22.

A variety of watermarks for these issues were displayed. In 1933, the postal administration of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika were combined.

All issues that followed carried the full inscriptions. His next sets were those of 1935 with more ornate designs, also showing views and local animals in their designs. These were followed by the Silver Jubilee issues. After his death George VI became king. Garth then displayed those of his coronation in 1937. The issues of 1938 the same stamp issued in 1935 but with King George Vis head. The other design was of the Dhow on Lake Victoria as the 1935 issue, but with different colours and changes in currency. These lasted until the outbreak of WWII. In 1941, South Africa produced a small issue overprinted Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika.

Garth’s last set of sheets displayed a variety of stamps of the period already displayed, that included variations in perforations, UPU issues and Royal Visit stamps.

A few sheets of the 1c stamp of King George VI 1938 issue all with different postmarks from the numerous towns and village post offices. Finally, a sheet of Postage Due stamps of 1928-33 Postage Due stamps. In addition to his main display, he displayed stamps of Gambia 1912-33. But that will be another story.

Brian Phipps gave the vote-of-thanks and presented Garth with the society’s certificate for his display.

The next meeting will be on 28th June, when it will be the society’s AGM.

This is the day before the Annual Dinner on Friday, June 29, that will take place at the Longcliffe Golf Club and will be the last function before the summer break. The next meeting will be on Thursday September 13.

RFT