Philatelic
Society of Canberra Celebrates 75th Anniversary| Australian Capital Territory |
Philatelic
Society of Canberra Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The Philatelic Society of Canberra celebrated its 75th anniversary with a celebratory dinner at the Hellenic Club in Woden on Friday 9 November 2007. The Dinner was attended by over 50 members and their partners. At the dinner, Hans Karman was installed as a Life Member of the Society for his long service as Exchange Superintendent and his role as the Society's first web-master and a Plaque for Services to the Society was awarded to Bernard van der Meer (a member of the Society since the late 1950s).
Right: Bernard van der Meer receiving his Plaque for Services to the Society from Philatelic Society of Canberra President Paul Barsdell
Members brought a range of memorabilia to the Dinner including copies of the original advertisement in the Canberra Times announcing the first meeting, old program cards, photos and Society souvenirs. Long-time members including Elspeth Bodley, Hans Karman and Peter Kunz provided reminisces.
The Philatelic Society of Canberra was founded at a meeting held on the evening of 9 November 1932 at the Hotel Canberra, now the Hyatt Hotel. Eleven people attended the meeting, electing the Hon Archdale Parkhill, the Postmaster-General, as the Society’s first Patron, Mr H Woodhouse as the first President, Professor Haydon and Mr Finlay as Vice-Presidents, and Mr J Shakespeare (one of the founders of the Canberra Times) as Secretary/Treasurer/Exchange Superintendent. Subscriptions were set at 5/- for ordinary members, 3/6 for associate members and 1/- for junior members with a 2/6 application fee. The society's first constitution was also presented at to the meeting. The stated aims of the society were:
the cultivation, study and advancement of Philately in all its branches
to hold meetings for exchanging information, reading papers, delivering lectures on Philately and for discussion thereon
to provide a medium for the exchange and/or sale of stamps
to transact other business as may promote or facilitate the study of philately
The Society continues as a strong vibrant society with close to 200 members, a Clubroom and Library at the Griffin Centre in Canberra, active Postcard and Machin Groups, a Junior Club based at the National Dinosaur Museum and an active exchange circuit. The Society's achievements over the seventy-five years include conducting bi-annual exhibitions since 1980 including two full National Exhibitions (Austamp 90 and Natstamp 98), hosting the first three Australasian Challenges and 25 years of publishing the Society's Journal (Capital Philately).
Top Left: Members of the Philatelic Society of
Canberra examining Society memorabilia
Top Right: Elspeth Bodley providing reminisces of the Society in the
1970s
Above left: Hans Karman receiving his Life Membership
Certificate
from Philatelic Society of Canberra President Paul Barsdell
Above Right: 75th Anniversary Dinner