News and Events

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our Honorary President, Mrs Margaret Morris, who passed away peacefully on 27th April 2026. Margaret was undoubtedly the UK guru on thematic collecting and wrote a very useful guide to thematic collecting for the British Thematic Association. She collected a wide range of material relating to astronomy, which had formed the focus for her career, and won both national and international competitions for her displays and exhibits. She was a gentle individual, always ready to help others and help them to improve their own exhibits and displays and she was always very supportive of new collectors.

On Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April 2026 the ASPS Congress (stamp and postcard fair) took place at The Vine Conference Centre in Dunfermline, Fife. The event was well attended with over 20 stamp and postcard dealers doing a good trade. They have already signed up for next year's Congress event!

Dr Brian Dow (Glasgow Thematic Society & Lanarkshire Philatelic Society) was awarded the Sir Alex McConnell Medal and certificate, and Ian Barker (Ayrshire Philatelic Society) won the Award of Merit. Certificates, medals and trophies for National Exhibition winners and other awards were handed out on Friday evening before everyone enjoyed a lovely buffet meal provided by the caterers at the Vine Conference Centre (Thanks to Mel and her staff).

Younger stamp collectors were treated to a wealth of free takeaway materials from the StampIT staff (Sandie Robb and Lise Whittle) and the National Competition entries, host society displays and the Tom Rielly display were all on show for attendees to peruse at leisure. The Tom Rielly presentation and display this year was given by Thames Thematix dealer, David Griffiths, whose display entitled "Here Be Dragons" explored the role that dragons have played in philately, mythology and philosophy.

A souvenir cover was produced for the event.

2026