On 17th December Banbury Stamp Society were entertained by our John Davies, our Society Secretary, who spoke on the subject of the 1890 Penny Postage Jubilee. John explained that he started stamp collecting after his two young daughters took up the hobby at school and from 1990 he became involved in Stamp Active, an organisation dedicated to promoting stamp collecting amongst young collectors. Whilst attending a stamp fair he first saw material relating to the penny post jubilee, found it very interesting and luckily acquired his first items very cheaply. Thus, a collecting interest was born.
John explained that the introduction of stamps (the penny black) and a uniform postal rate in 1840 saw a revolution in communications. Before 1840 it was expensive and complicated to send a letter and the recipient paid the postage. The reforms of 1840 dramatically reduced the cost and complexity of postage and resulted in a dramatic increase in communications across the country. This greatly enhanced personal and academic contacts and strongly enhanced economic growth through the 19th century. Very rapidly other countries followed Britain’s lead.
In 1890 the universal penny post (it cost only one penny to send a letter anywhere in the United Kingdom) had been in operation for 50 years and was a much acclaimed success so the decision was made to celebrate the event in style.
Two events were organised in London. Both were celebrated with grand gala dinners and a series of exhibitions relating to the postal service which included an operating post office, an army field post office, a telegraph office and a postal sorting office so that members of the public could see the behind the scenes working of the postal system and actually use some of the facilities.
In addition, a range of specialist material was produced. These included Britain’s first commemorative postal stationary envelopes and first commemorative handstamps to cancel the stamps. In addition, rare stamps from around the world were perforated and overprinted and sold to the public as souvenirs. John displayed a wide variety of such material some of it quite rare and difficult to obtain. He explained that his display is termed “open philately” when exhibited as it constitutes a mix of stamps, envelope covers, and postcards along with a mix of material such as letters, invitations, posters, handbills etc. which enhance the display.
John was thanked for a most interesting and entertaining display and was thanked for his dedication to stamp collecting it being noted that he is still involved with Stamp Active after 35 years.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 7th January and is our New Year Social when members are asked to bring along a contribution to a buffet and to display their own new acquisitions if they would like to do so – meeting at 7:30pm at Hanwell Fields Community Centre. The Banbury Stamp Society is on-line at ‘www.banburystampsociety.co.uk’, or contact John Davies on 01295 255831. All are welcome.