Australians were present in unprecedented numbers, such were the high expectations of attending the tenth world exhibition held in the UK.  Only the war years have intervened in holding this world-renowned philatelic event since it commenced in 1890.  This year's show maintained the exemplary standard with an astounding range of exhibits on display with overall standards continuing to rise.

It was a great show which was a memorable and enjoyable experience, although I must confess that as a consequence of the exhibition's overwhelming size, I sensed a lack of 'atmosphere', which I have always found present at smaller exhibitions.  It took me quite some time to become familiar with the sheer size of the exhibition, and the configuration of the competitive display frames areas.  I believe that the lighting in, and siting of certain frame islands [particularly the FIP Championship Class] could have been much improved and clearer frame row sign-posting would have made locating particular exhibits considerably easier.

Collectors found the lure of the incredible range of stock on offer at the stands of 200 dealers from around the world irresistible, despite the obvious pain in the hip-pocket area.  In addition, 129 Postal Administrations were represented, including Australia Post who were there with its stand and its [and Eire's] personalised stamps, with Shane Warne at the launch autographing sheetlets.  'Smiler' stamps, that is personalised stamps of the UK, were available however they attracted nothing like the interest of those at Australia 99 where the concept was first seen.

Special features included a display of gems and rarities from the Royal Philatelic Collection and the British Library, and classic Post Office posters.  The four printers of stamps for Royal Mail each had a display stand demonstrating design and technical aspects and printing methods.  The printing of sheets of Penny Blacks from a modern plate created from an original die of the Penny Black, printed on an original Perkins, Bacon & Petch printing press was fascinating.  Along with many others I found this informative hour-long demonstration compulsive viewing which led me to return more than once.  Exhibition souvenirs included a Jeffery Matthews miniature-sheet featuring ten of the colours for the Machin definitives, an Exhibition miniature-sheet and a Millennium stamp booklet.  Customers were well catered for in a large Royal Mail retail area – either by self-service or by face to face contact.

The initial shock waves at the announcement of £31 per frame did not dampen the desire of Australians wishing to participate.  Of the 37 entries received, the number of Australian entries accepted was 19 [140 frames] plus 3 literature.  One was in the FIP Championship Class; the remaining 21 entries were awarded 3 Large Gold, 7 Gold, 4 Large Vermeil, 3 Vermeil, 4 Large Silver.  Two Special Prizes were awarded to Australians – Roland Geitenbeek and John Sinfield.

Strong Australian participation in The Stamp Show 2000 and other recent international exhibitions while being great and very gratifying news for our exhibitors, presents a serious problem for the APF and its National Commissioners, as the airline companies tighten up on excess baggage allowances.  Freight forwarding, a practice long employed by many European and other countries, has to be considered in the future when transporting this many exhibits to an overseas exhibition.

Australian Exhibitor Results

 [ Source:  APF News, October 2000 ]