China 2003

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 ]