I am excited to be able to introduce this issue, focused on collecting within the vast geography and history of the British empire. I have wanted to publish on this theme ever since reading a blog post by Richard Morel, a good few years ago (long before I had any power over deciding issue themes), called “From Neptune to Trident: How the Colonial Deputed Seal for Barbados evolved into a national symbol.” In the post, Morel describes how the trident symbol, originally from a British colonial seal, lingered on Barbados iconography (including stamps) long after the country’s independence.

This angle of studying stamps struck a chord with me – don’t all bibliophiles love to study symbolism? – and I began planning this issue on British empire, curious about how our authors might approach their own topics within this wide, interconnected theme.

The Barbados colonial seal, engraved 1663 by Thomas Simon. As posted on the British Library blog by philatelic collections curator Richard Morel.

As you start reading through the articles in this issue, first take a moment to read over my introduction of the issue. You’ll see that we have a wide representation of the British empire, both former territories and current, save for any significant representation of British North America, which I hope to cover in the future. And every author’s approach is different, with some focusing on postal history and some focusing on classic and modern stamp issues. Thank you, thank you to everyone who authored an article in this issue.

A few words on clubs

In Scott English’s column “Our Story” this month, he shares the principles upon which our society is founded – among other things, to bring collectors together – and asks for your thoughts and input on how to move forward as a hobby, fulfilling our mission in the modern world. If you have not already read his column, I encourage you to do so.

On a similar vein, I want to share a few isolated stories I have heard recently. One was from a collector who has a growing online presence. He shared in a video that he had a frustrating experience attending a club’s in-person meeting. He did not feel welcome as a new attendee – little effort was made to listen to his point of view.

Meanwhile, I received an article submission recently that had some compelling arguments – and I will not undercut the author’s points, as we will be publishing his article in a future issue. This person had enormous trouble contacting his local clubs, which only offered snail mail correspondence and no website to share about the club’s activities. The author has several ideas for collectors to bring their clubs into the 21st century and drum up energy for the collectors out there who may not be involved in organized philately.

I’m sure that some of you have your own stories to tell about frustrating experiences within the hobby. I also know that there are a lot of clubs out there that are making exciting and creative choices to bring in new collectors and make club membership rewarding for everyone.

One example is the 75th anniversary celebration of the Sequoia Stamp Club that happened September 17, www.penpex.org/SSC75. The club first met in Redwood City, California, in 1947. The club regularly puts on philatelic programs, exhibitions, lectures, film and slide shows, hosts speakers, circuit book buying events, live and silent auctions, trading events and much more. Their upcoming celebration is free to attend, with free raffle drawings and gift bags for all attendees, a costume theme of 1947, a photo booth, stamp lots for sale, and games like Shoot the Moon, philatelic bingo, cornhole and more.

Now tell me that doesn’t sound like a good time, and welcoming for everyone.

Here’s a much simpler story – senior editor Jeff Stage told me about his experience at a stamp show in Gettysburg, many years ago. He said that this was the most welcome he ever felt at a show, because there were four people stationed as greeters when he arrived, who learned his name, showed him around, and made him feel like he belonged there, even as a stranger to the club that put the show on.

It can really be so simple!

Like Scott’s invitation for responses, which I hope you will answer, I also would love to know your thoughts about these examples I have shared. Is your club or society doing something unique? How are you reaching out to new collectors? What do you do to welcome new people? What activities do you do to keep meetings fresh? How are you bringing your club into the digital age?

Please reach out to me at [email protected] and share your thoughts, or give me a call at 814-933-3803 ext. 207.

Please keep your feedback coming and share your views. Remember: if you wish to see an always-improving American Philatelist, you – our readers and APS members – must become a part of this exciting journey. Reach out with your questions, concerns, and suggestions. Write a letter to the editor ([email protected].) More importantly, volunteer to participate. This is your American Philatelist. My email is [email protected]. Letters by regular mail are always welcome and will be responded to in kind.