China 2003 16th Asian International Stamp Exhibition

From November 20 to 24, 2003, Mianyang, Sichuan, China held the 16th Asian International Stamp Exhibition under FIAP patronage.  The opening ceremony was a huge and impressive event lasting for nearly two hours. Ethnic dancers and performers from around China performed in front of more than 30,000 people.

Over the 5 days there were in excess of 160,000 visitors to the show and the first day entry lines of people snaked for many hundreds of metres from the entrance.  The show clearly showed that China philately is working hard for the future of philately in that country.

A total of 24 countries participated, showing over 1500 frames of exhibits.  The Jury consisted of 33 members and all classes of philately were represented.  Australia was represented by Michael Blake on the Expert Committee and two apprentice judges, John DiBiase and Geoff Kellow.

The Grand Prix d'Honneur was William Kwan's Stamps and Covers of China 1942-1949.  The Grand Prix International was awarded to Prakob Chirakiti's Siam: The Early Years.  Australian Exhibitors were:

 FIP Classes (multi frame)

John Sinfield Whiskers Large Gold
Bernard Beston The Postal Stationery of British Guiana Gold [91]
Ernest Meggysey The Conveyance of Messages in Europe Gold [90]
Hans von Strokirch Icelandic Postal Cards Large Vermeil [89]
Derek Pocock Nicaragua: Postal Stationery to 1924 Large Vermeil [87]
Alfred Chu Hong Kong: The 1898 10c on 30c Provisional Issue Large Vermeil [85]
Ross Wood French New Hebrides Definitives Large Silver [79]
Elsa Todd Nicaragua - Gold Currency Surcharges of 1913 Large Silver [78]
Charles Lawlor Western Australia Mail 1829 to 1912 Large Silver [77]

 One-Frame

Michel Roland For Economic Reasons Gold [90]
Derek Pocock The Forgeries of Western Australian Swan Issues Sapphire [75]
Derek Pocock Nicaragua - The Postal Use of Fiscal Stamps in the 1020's Sapphire [70]

[ Source:  APF News, April 2004 ]