The Salvation Army Philatelic Circle. Harry Hayes

Back in 1978, two philatelists, Ewart Sanders of Carshalton and Harry Hayes of Batley discussed the possibility of forming a Salvation Army philatelic society. About forty collectors showed an interest and three or four newsletters were issued. However, due to lack of spare time, the venture was "rested". It was not until 1989 that further attempts were made. An initial letter was sent to some 100 collectors and the responses were encouraging. In due course, the Salvation Army Philatelic Circle was born and the first subscription was received from Mrs. Jean Chinn of Southport; this was on February 27th 1991. By the end of August, fifty four members had enrolled and the first newsletter was published on September 1. It consisted of twelve pages of articles, including a close study of the very first S.A. stamps - those issued by the Netherlands Indies in 1932. Other important studies included the S.A. Cartridge stamps and albums of the 1920s and scarce Canadian illustrated envelopes of c. 1886. The Newsletter also included the catalogue for the Circle's first postal auction of S.A. ephemera, of seventy eight lots. The Circle's aims are many, including ""to publish news and studies of S.A. philately, and to gather, exchange and disseminate information about items which in some way connect The Salvation Army with the postal service." This field is very wide indeed and includes stamps, envelops, postcards, publicity labels, metered (machine-franked) mail, special postmarks and the like. A members' exchange service was commenced, whereby members could send items for disposal, and/or receive similar items in return. The journal has continued its quarterly issues in an unbroken run to date; up to 24 pages per issues; and with a total of 510 pages by June 1999. The auctions have included as many as 300+ lots per sale; the exchange service has extended from the four U.K. countries to the U.S. and Canada; Australia and New Zealand. A Convention had been held each year since 1993, where members present talks and displays featuring their own particular collections. To date, these have all been held at York, in the superb Citadel there. At the end of August 1999 there were 116 paid~up members, from 17 different countries/ and each year the Circle shows an increased membership. Subscriptions are payable on 1st September annually and cost £4 p.a. for U.K. Membership, £5 for the rest of Europe, and £6 for the rest of the world. There is no additional charge for the Convention. Further details may be had from the Secretary, Harry Hayes, at 11 Chatsworth Drive, Haxby, York. Y032 3QS, England, or by telephone on 01904 764660.