From Darryl Fuller, APF Philatelic Development Officer

Some years ago the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF) came up with an idea to assist international exhibitors to raise their exhibit’s medal level by one level – hence the name.  This was aimed at exhibitors who had achieved either a vermeil or large vermeil medal at an international exhibition.  If they achieved the next medal level then this would mean either a large vermeil which gave them entrée into an eight frame international exhibit or would give them a gold medal which would increase the number of Australians at this level.  The One-up club was considered an important part of the activities of the APF and was, in part, included in the Strategic plan.

The one-up club has not been used much in last few years and in my role as Philatelic Development Officer I have resurrected this service.  It is a fairly simple concept.  You simply send me a photocopy of your exhibit and a cheque for $40 to cover mainly postage and photocopying.  I then arrange to send the exhibit copies to three experienced judges in the class of the exhibit.  They send me back the exhibit with notations and notes on how they feel the exhibit could be improved to achieve the next medal level.  I return your exhibit and the notes and you are then free to use the advice as you see fit.  This service is far better than a few minutes in front of a frame at a critique session and which, even more importantly, may not be available at an international exhibition.

National Exhibits

The One-up Club is aimed at international exhibits, however, I have been wondering whether a similar system could be used at national level.  Given that a vermeil medal is your ticket to an international exhibition I thought that there might be some interesting in a similar scheme with large silver national exhibits.  It could be a simpler system with each exhibit only looked at by one judge who critiqued it.  This would still give better feedback than most exhibition critiques as the judge would have time to read the complete exhibit. 

I have not started this service yet but I would like feedback from exhibitors who might potentially use such a system.  Please let me know if you are interested.  It would also be less than $40 for the service.

If you would to send me feedback on the One-up Club or send an exhibit that fits in the international category please make cheques payable to me and send the photocopy to Darryl Fuller, 130 Bandjalong Crescent, ARANDA, ACT, 2614 or e-mail comments to djbsfuller@netspeed.com.au