Stroud and District Philatelic Society

AT THE latest meeting members were entertained by John Barker’s display of German charity stamps, labels and postcards.

John opened with German postage stamps overprinted for charity purposes in 1917.

The first stamps dedicated to raising fund for over 150 charitable organisations were issued in 1922.

At the same time postcards and labels were produced and sold at a premium for the same purpose.

The display contained many wonderfully designed labels. Followed postcards issued during the First World War, including for the submarine fund.

From the early 1930s when the Nazis rose to power, collecting money for charity became more sinister with the public identification of people who wouldn’t contribute.

At this time businesses paid a charity premium for their mail by means of a permit which was renewable annually.

During the Second World War communities organised ‘soup kitchen’ events where on one day a month people were served a simple meal for which they were charged the cost of an average restaurant dinner.

John explained that after the war in West Germany money continued to be raise for charity by premiums on postage stamps.

From 1949 – 1969 a radio lottery, where cards were sold to the public – a percentage of the cost going to charity - on which they answered questions posed on the radio.

They then sent the cards to the radio station, where they were entered in a draw.

Although East Germany didn’t believe in charity – the state would look after the need of the people – they did issue stamps to pay for war memorials and supporting Vietnamese communists during the civil war.

A wonderful display by a knowledgeable speaker.

This meeting was the last attended by Bob Tungate before his move to London.

A vote of thanks was made by Austin Mears for Bob’s many contributions to the society, as Secretary and past Chairman, his many wonderful displays of stamps and the securing of our present venue.

Bob has been made an Honouree life member in recognition of his tireless work and the regard with which he is held in by the members.

A farewell buffet was held in his honour during the interval.

Our nest meeting is on October 7, when John Davis is the visiting speaker with a display titled ‘Let’s Collect Stamps’.

For detail of the society please contact John Armitage 01453 835198.