Life on the farm subject of display

IAN BUNTING

Animal magic shone through as the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society gathered for its latest meeting.

Dr Brian Dow, a member of the organisation, spoke about his childhood helping out on his grandfather’s farm.

Dr Dow presented a “wonderful display of many aspects of farming through the years”, beginning with various covers which had contained letters relevant to farming posted in the 18th century.

An air letter issued in 1975 to commemorate Robert Burns – showing the postmark of a plough which so disturbed the “wee beastie” – was among the fascinating items showcased.

There was “much amusement” among society members when viewing stamps and postcards showing the horse-drawn ploughs, ancient tractors and threshing machines of yesteryear.

Meanwhile, other strange machinery caused much puzzlement before a set of stamps from Germany brought the machinery right into the modern age – with even more intriguing views captured.

A 1973 cover commemorated the World Ploughing Championships while another focused on Burns’ stay at Ellisland Farm, near Dumfries.

There was an eye-catching display of material relating to the Royal Highland Show, beginning with a cover dating from 1843 containing a letter written to the secretary of the Royal Highland Society and including covers posted during the show’s pre-war years.

A series of historical postcards illustrated different showgrounds – 1949 in Dundee; Kelso in 1952; 1953 Alloa; and many showing Ingliston in Edinburgh.

A photo focused on a temporary Post Office during one show at Ingliston, with tickets of admission showing how people were given entry to the festivities.

Dr Dow’s presentation came to an end with a marvellous group of medals people won during a variety of Royal Highland Show competitions overs the years.

Walter Simpson led members in giving warm thanks to Dr Dow for giving such “a brilliant insight into the subject of farming through his excellent presentation”.

The society’s next meeting takes place in Hamilton’s Caledonian Bowling Club this Friday at 7.30pm when guest speaker Dr Stewart Gardiner will present his much-anticipated display, entitled “Levant”.

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history or postcards is very welcome to attend; to find out further information on the society and what it has to offer, visit http://www. lanarkshireps.co.uk/