READER FEEDBACK
RE-USE OR RECYCLE!
COVER ETIQUETTE & MAXIMAPHILY
Firstly thank you for all you do to make Stamp Collector the absorbing magazine it is. Firstly a query re stamp etiquette in regard to passing on stamp covers. If a batch of covers have gone to one’s previous address is there any concern about the fact that people might try to contact one at that address thus perhaps annoying or breaching privacy for the people currently at that address? How much is there a need to erase the cover address?
Also I was very interested in the Laura Mcinerney’s article on maximaphily in the March issue. Some years ago I created a cover which I think must be quite unique to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Birth of Poet John Clare. There was a special handstamp, and I used on the card a Robert Burns stamp plus got them all signed by C Day Lewis the then Poet Laureate, which he did with pleasure. In the envelope was a stiffener with one of Clare’s poems ‘Sudden Shower’ and on the front also a poem of his ‘Hail Humble Helpstone!’ about the village where he was born.
Geoff Clarke, via email
Stamp Collector replies… The etiquette of addresses on covers makes for a very interesting debate. When publishing the magazine and website, we would endeavour to obscure any modern personal address, and this follows data protection policies. However, individual collectors are unlikely to be held accountable for GDPR breaches, so this really is a case of being considerate and, if possible, removing the personal address when possible. How do other readers address this issue?
Hi Laura. I enjoy reading your articles from Switzerland and remember you asking whether it is ever OK to throw away any stamps. My answer would be a definite ‘NO!’ Simply because you can donate them to many different charities. I find the RNIB (rnib. org.uk) easiest to donate to; they send you a freepost envelope you can order online. [You can also call the RNIB helpline to arrange to donate some of your stamps on 0303 123 9999].
Another fairly limited but unique area of stamp collecting you could consider are UN stamps. As there’s only one little post office in Geneva, they normally get nice clean postmarks. Recycle and enjoy!
Richard Cooper, Luasanne