Shropshire Stamp and Postcard Fair

Long-forgotten stamp collections are set to be valued at an upcoming Shropshire event, which also aims to attract existing and budding philatelists. The Shropshire Philatelic Society is hosting its annual Stamp and Postcard Fair on Saturday 3rd October at Halls Auction Centre in Battlefield, Shrewsbury. Last year was among its most successful, attracting established collectors of stamps, postal history, and postcards, and those interested in starting the hobby from across the Midlands and beyond. Also invited are those who may have a collection in their home gathering dust, perhaps handed down from a relative and now in long-term storage. Society president Nick Webb said: “We know there are plenty of attics and cupboards out there containing stamp collections which may include valuable items. Often, these albums are handed down from generation to generation, but it’s easy to forget about them over time. “Not only could finding them out and bringing them to the Fair prove useful for their owners, but it also means we may uncover rare or unusual stamps which have unknowingly been hidden away for many years – or even decades. “The day is also the ideal opportunity for those considering stamp collecting as a hobby to come along and find out more. The great thing about stamps is that you can build a collection based around almost any theme you can think of – so people already interested in anything from art to astronomy, or science to sports, can build albums based on their existing passions.” Open from 10am to 4pm, there will be 12 dealers on hand to meet attendees, alongside Halls valuation specialist Andy Neal. Shropshire Philatelic Society was founded in 1947 and meets twice a month, with external speakers, an annual competition, and displays of members’ own material – which includes postcards and postal stationery as well as stamps. For more information about the society or the fair, visit www.facebook.com/shropshirephilatelicsociety or contact Nick Webb on 07780 996241 or email ncvwebb@gmail.com.