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John Bell, MAP
John
Bell has been a stamp collector since he was a young boy, first
collecting the world as all young people do, then in his teens
the British Commonwealth King George VI period.
While living in Victoria during the 1960's he started collecting postmarks and would drive around the State posting letters to himself. About 1964 he purchased the Robson Lowe Encyclopaedia of British Empire Stamps, Volume IV, The Empire in Australia. This was the turning point from his being a collector to becoming a philatelist.
On returning to South Australia in 1971 he was persuaded to attend Stamp Club meetings with a person who has since become a very close friend. The introduction to organized philately subsequently led to his involvement with the South Australian Philatelic Council, to exhibiting and to judging.
John was SAPC President from 1994-1997, was re-elected in 2006 and still holds that position. He was awarded the Briskham Award for Service to South Australian Philately in 1996.
The highlight of exhibiting his South Australian Postal History was being awarded the Grand Prix at Canberra, and International Gold at London and Auckland, all in 1990. This exhibit was sold in 2001 which has enabled him to build an exhibit of Portuguese Postal History and which has been accepted for both London and Lisbon this year.
John attended the first APF judging school in Canberra and served his apprenticeship at Adelaide Stampex 1986. This has led him to judging in many National Exhibitions around Australia which he enjoys, also appreciating the opportunity to look at the displays and exhibits in all disciplines.
His positive approach and encouragement at all levels of philately is appreciated by all.