Stamp of approval for latest speaker

Scottish war memorials was the interesting topic of discussion at the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society’s latest meeting.

The stamp collection club’s own Elsie Miller gave a talk and explained how, at the beginning of the First World War, bodies of the fallen were “brought back to this country and laid out in the depths of Central Station”, where relatives came to identify and remove them.

However, Elsie went on to explain that, when the numbers of the fallen rose dramatically, this practice was stopped and no bodies were permitted to be brought home.

This left relatives at home in deep grief – and the thus the building of war memorials became the focal point of the remembrance of those who lost their lives at war.

The group then discussed how many postcards illustrated the different styles of memorials, with many sculptures of soldiers and sailors, and various styles of decoration.

The society will hold its next gathering this Friday, at 7.30pm in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Hamilton.

Guest speaker Alan Blakeley will present his Temperance and Maritime Provinces collection for members and guests to take a look at.

Anyone with an interest in stamps is welcome to attend the event; visit www. lanarkshireps.co.uk/ to find out more details.