Bring your postage stamp collections to Clearwater for expert advice this weekend
The Postage Stamp Roadshow will be at Clearwater Mall this Saturday, 29 September.
The West Rand Philatelic Society (WRPS) will be setting up at Clearwater Mall this Saturday, 29 September, to allow those with a knack for stamp collecting to pop in and ask advice on their hobby.
According to Peter Coetzee, vice-chairman of the WRPS, and vice-president of the Philatelic Federation of South Africa (PFSA), they are concerned by the diminishing interest in philately (the collection and study of postage stamps) on the West Rand, which is reflected in the reduced membership of the Society. In light of this, and in order to try and stimulate some interest from the West Rand community, the PFSA has supported the notion of having an event which would attract attention to the hobby of stamp collecting.
“We know from experience that most families have their ‘Grandfather’s Collection’ or their ‘Schooldays Collection’ packed away in the attic, basement or garage,” Peter said.
“A bit like the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ but only focusing on postage and stamps.”
They are encouraging individuals to dig around and “Bring your Attic or Garage Finds” along to their Postage Stamp Roadshow this weekend. The WRPS will be set up in the area just outside Standard Bank at Clearwater.
The WRPS further pointed out that there is tremendous value in collecting stamps for the following reasons:
1. There is huge educational value – you can learn about world geography and history. Most of the history of Southern Africa can be studied through postage stamps, letters and post cards.
2. If you do wish to spend some money on stamps, and you buy carefully, you will always get your money back and maybe even make a profit.
3. A study done by the Royal Philatelic Society recently on membership over the last 100 years showed that not one elderly member had suffered from dementia.
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