70th Anniversary Celebrations
This year we marked yet another major step in the life of our Society as we celebrated the 70th anniversary of its launching in 1949. The ‘offcial’ celebration of our platinum anniversary took place after the AGM held at Charlecote on 2nd March. If you were unable to attend the celebration please free feel to pour yourself a glass of champagne and toast the Society’s health in your own armchair.
Our longest standing member George Nash (N° 30) was invited to contribute to the Journal's anniversary edition as has Bill Mitchell (N° 50), who likewise contributed an article. Bill served the Society for many years as Auction Secretary and has been a regular contributor to the Journal and this has been recognised by being presented with the Long Service Award.
SPINK e-Auction
23 May 2019
Although the SPINK e-Auction of Stamps and Covers of France and French Colonies has now closed the prices realised are published here
The many highlights included an incredibly scarce 1852 1fr. carmine tête bêche strip of four, used on cover to London, a lovely 1870 cover to Amiens franked with 25c. consisting of perforated Empire issue 10c. (2) and 10c. bisected vertically, the 1929 20fr. Pont Du Gard, perf 11, unmounted mint and a 2fr. booklet, series 93, containing Pasteur 10c. green, two panes of ten, each overprinted "specimen", along with these more scarce items there was a huge range from 1849 right through to 1977 for collectors at all levels.
Notre-Dame de Paris Fire
15 APRIL 2019
This souvenir sheet commemorates the 850th anniversary of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris. France Post issued this sheet on the 19th of January 2013.The background shows the cathedral viewed from the Seine. The two stamps show details of the stained glass window located in the west.
The quatrefoil stamp illustrates the threshing of cereals and the circular stamp features the Blessed Virgin and Child.
It is recorded in the Memoriale Historiarum that the construction of Notre-Dame began between 24 March and 25 April 1163 with the laying of the cornerstone in the presence of King Louis VII and Pope Alexander III. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is built in the Gothic style, facing the rising sun in the East, in the form of a cross. Notre-Dame measures 130 meters long, 48 wide, 35 high and can accommodate over 6000 people.
While undergoing renovation and restoration, the Notre-Dame de Paris caught fire on 15 April 2019 and sustained significant damage, including the destruction of two-thirds of the roof and the spire. Artwork, relics, and other antiques stored at the cathedral including the supposed crown of thorns which Jesus wore prior to his crucifixion and a piece of the cross on which he was crucified, are believed to have been rescued, however, other priceless pieces of historyincluding one of the finest organs in the world and a collection of bells, some of which were renovated at the 850th anniversary of the cathedral. have been damaged or lost forever. Much to the relief of art historians, the cathedral's three famous rose windows have survived the fire.