New president delivers display

Ayrshire Philatelic Society were t reated to the presidential display by their new president Ken Gibb.

He gave a display on the islands of St Kilda which included postcards, steamer adverts and magazine articles as well as stamps and covers.

His main theme was geology and minerals, with a large section on Scottish geological sites followed by a quick canter round the rest of the world.

The vote of thanks was given by Dan Ross and a certificate presented to Ken by John Chalmers, the past president.

The society hosted the annual stamp and postcard fair at Prestwick Community Centre, organised on behalf of the SW Scotland philatelic societies.

Nine dealers were present, taking 23 tables.

The club thanked Lise Whittle, who ran a lively children’s corner with Stamp Active material, activities and goody bags. A political journalist who was exiled from South Africa for his anti- apartheid views visited Girvan Rotary Club.

David Greybe accompanied Nelson Mandela to meetings in South Africa and overseas for over 10 years.

He spent years writing for the South African Press Association and following Mandela’s every move. He was even invited to Robben Island by Mandela to see his prison cell.

David came to Britain to seek asylum and continued to follow the South African story. Although he was not allowed to return to South Africa, he set up a base in Gambia.

He now lives in Torthorwald, near Dumfries, and sells olive oil at farmers’ markets.

The club thanked David for travelling so far to talk to them.