The recent meeting of the Banbury Stamp Society took the form of a members’ display evening, with the chosen theme being the letter “N”. As expected, this deceptively simple prompt allowed for a wide range of imaginative and highly individual interpretations. What followed was an entertaining, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable evening, showcasing the breadth of interests and expertise within the Society.
David Hood opened proceedings with a compelling display on the Normandy invasion, with particular emphasis on the battle for Pegasus Bridge. His exhibit combined historical narrative with postal material to powerful effect, bringing into sharp focus the significance of this early action on D-Day.
Julian Woodward followed with a display of new (or relatively new) QEII issues, concentrating on stamps from the final years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. These were attractively arranged by theme and included subjects such as music, film, and popular culture, notably Harry Potter, James Bond, and comic book heroes.
Michael Fernbank presented a fine study of numeral cancellations of Malta, featuring some particularly striking line-engraved covers that were much admired by members.
A regional theme was explored by Ian Grace, who displayed material relating to Northern Ireland. His exhibit examined the symbolism chosen for the first regional issues, including the Red Hand of Ulster, the flax plant, and the farm gate. Ian also recounted the well-known legend behind the Red Hand: a Viking chieftain, determined to claim kingship, severed his own hand and threw it ashore to ensure he was the first to touch land, thereby founding what became the O’Neill dynasty.
Mat Shaer contributed a characteristically inventive “No Stamps” display, consisting of two contrasting yet complementary boards. The first comprised Festival of Britain 1951 cinderellas, initially deceptive in appearance but entirely stamp-free. The second featured pre-stamp postal history of Oxfordshire, extending back into the 1870s, alongside examples of “Too Late” instructional handstamps.
A wide-ranging and visually engaging display was provided by Peter Collyer, covering Norfolk Island and New Guinea, together with additional material from St Kitts and Nevis, Nauru, and the North Atlantic Gannet. This was complemented by an appealing selection of postcards from New Zealand, New Caledonia, Nova Scotia, Nantucket, and Nicaragua.
John Davies showed recent acquisitions for his Large Gold and Grand Prix-nominated 1890 Uniform Penny Post Jubilee display. Highlights included contemporary images of the Guildhall as it appeared during the Jubilee celebrations (tragically later destroyed in the Blitz), letter-card handstamps, photographs of the British Army Post Office tent, and material relating to pneumatic tube post.
Paul Pritchard raised a laugh after he explained he couldn’t think of what to show, even though he is well known within the Society for his extensive National Savings collection! Paul was able to show a particularly attractive “Save the Guns” National Savings cover and bonus block of National Savings stamps found in the cover.
Jonathan Durley presented a fascinating “Not Delivered” display centred on the Dead Letter Office. He outlined the role and development of this department, especially following the dramatic increase in mail volumes after the introduction of the Penny Post, and illustrated his talk with several excellent examples of handled material.
Finally, Peter Fernbank came to the floor with a display on New Constitution overprints from the Bahamas. This included Nassau–Miami first flight covers dated 2 January 1929, and covers signed by the first pilot, Harry Rogers, on both the outbound and return legs, and overprinted material marking the granting of independence to the Bahamas in 1964.
Overall, the evening demonstrated not only the ingenuity of members in interpreting the theme but also the remarkable diversity of collecting interests within the Banbury Stamp Society. It was an event thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
The next meeting of the Banbury Stamp Society will be held on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, at 7:30pm at Jubilee Park Hall, Bloxham. The Banbury Stamp Society is on-line at
‘www.banburystampsociety.co.uk’, or contact John Davies on 01295 255831.