Perhaps you just discovered a new addition in your favourite Little Free Library?
It is not a book, but like books, these ‘Start in Stamp Collecting’ packs contains ideas – in form of used postage stamps.
We hope it could introduce you (or someone you know) to new activities and fun with stamp collecting.
While these days we see less letter mail with postage stamps, they are still out there.
Why collect? I believe collectors are born. Whether you like and save art, old stuff or even books, many pleasures come from acquisition, study and arrangement of objects that attract and challenge us. If you already have the collection ‘bug,’ you know how interesting it can be.
Our stamp collecting hobby is truly international, apolitical and well supported with information and ways to learn more. Best of all, this is a quiet hobby for all ages. It is portable and needs little space – and it doesn’t cost much either. But stamp collecting becomes absorbing – takes time – while encouraging exploration of themes such as art and design, biology, science, history and nearly every human arena. It can be challenging and very creative, such as preparation of displays and exhibits illustrated with stamps that tell a story.
This hobby has virtually no “RULES”. So folks may find their own path, collect on their own or join a local group to share with others. My long path in stamp collecting is based on love of stamp designs, history, technology of printing – and overall just having fun during exploration and research. This led me to contacts and friendships to share interests with many groups and people around the world.
Back to the “Start in Stamp Collecting” pack! Volunteers in The Gerald E. Wellburn Philatelic Foundation prepared gift packs to share a few stamps – and introduce access to more information for interested folks. A local collector, Gerry left a legacy to help promote stamp collecting on Southern Vancouver Island. He set an example to remember.
Over nearly 30 years, his Foundation developed many activities to encourage, support and share the hobby he loved. Outreach to children – our future collectors – has grown into school and library programs, displays and stamp shows, as well as web-based information sharing. These Stamp Packs go back nearly 14 years, and recently new schools programs have encouraged young students to prepare displays using postage stamps.
Take a look at examples and more details on the Victoria area stamp clubs website: www.vicstamps.com.
Perhaps you collected years ago. The opportunity is still here! Hope you have fun…
Peter Newroth
The Gerald E. Wellburn Philatelic Foundation
