When did it all begin? In 1943 - despite the blackout and the
call of duty to Home Guard and Civil Defence. Yes, there was a war on, but
somehow the Society managed a full progamme throughout the war years.
The founding fathers of GDPS produced a booklet describing the
first ten years of the the Society, and here is fascinating extract from the first few
pages.
The First Ten
Years
With the passing of the first ten years in the life of
the Guildford & District Philatelic Society, it is thought that a short
story of its history would be appropriate so that our more recent Members
might know something of the Society’s birth and growth.
Also older members may no doubt like to receive this as a reminder of
the many happy and interesting hours spent in the company of fellow
collectors.
The Society enjoys a worthy reputation in the world of
Philately and it is therefore with pleasure that these notes are offered for
your reading and enjoyment.
The Formation of
the Society
The first move towards the formation of the Society
occurred at the conclusion of a stamp sale held in Guildford on a Saturday
afternoon during the Autumn of 1943. A
gentleman, obviously an enthusiastic collector, approached some of those
present to ascertain whether the idea of forming a society was likely to
meet with support. The enquirer
was Mr P F Button, later our first President, and the replies he received
indicated a keen desire for a local philatelic society.
A meeting of all those interested was therefore
convened, and through the kindness of Mr O B S Wallis, was held at 146/7
High Street Guildford on 2nd October, 1943. Those attending this
meeting were:
Mr G H Bain
Mr C A Cole
Dr R Lang
Mr EC Bedwell
Mr G V Eltringham
Mr G O Mansell
Mr C A Broberg
Mr H Goldstein
Mr C H Parker
Mrs P F Button
Dr J E Haine
Mr R W Piggot
Mr P F Button
Mr R Hartridge
Mr O B S Wallis
Mr N Caesar
Mr W Korn
The decision to form the Society was unanimous, all
present expressing unqualified support for the project. Thus the Guildford
& District Philatelic Society was created, and as a tribute to his
initiative, Mr P F Button was elected President for the opening season.
Other officers elected being:
Vice president
Dr J E Haine
Hon Sec. and Treasurer
Mr O B S Wallis
Committee
Messrs G H Bain, C A Cole, G V Eltringham and C H Parker.
Following the inaugural
meeting no time was lost in getting things going and the first general
meeting of the Society was held on 14th October 1943, 30 members
and friends being present. Looking
back, it seems somewhat remarkable that we were able to make such a rapid
start under war conditions. It
does show, however, what can be done when enthusiasm prevails.
Our first Headquarters were
at 146/147 High Street where meetings were held fortnightly each season
until April 1948. Due to the
blackout and travel difficulties to say nothing of the Home Guard and Civil
Defence duties, etc., the meetings were held on Sunday afternoons.
These afternoon meetings were continued until April, 1946, when it
was decided to meet on Wednesday evenings.
In April 1948 the Society
moved to Guildford House where we remained until April, 1952.
General Activities
As already stated, the
first general meeting was held within two weeks of the formation of the
Society and we are proud to record that an unbroken sequence of meetings
been maintained throughout each Season
When considering our past
activities we acknowledge with gratitude visits paid to the Society by a
number of personalities distinguished in the philatelic world.
In this respect we recall the talks and displays kindly given by the
following:
Mr D B Armstrong
Mr Frank Godden
Mr J Beken
Mr H Holland, FRPSL
Miss Gwen Brooks
Mr Robson Lowe
Mr L J Edwards
Mr Tom Morgan
Mr F A Pester
Mr C J L Snowden, FRPSL
Messrs L N & M Williams, FRPSL
Mr E W Gerrish, OBE
The late Sir Lindsay Everard, Bart. FRPSL
Of these visitors a number have been with us more than once – this we
consider a high compliment.
Displays given by our
members constitute a strong feature of our meetings and, at some time, or
another practically every Member has produced a full or part-time display.
We are fortunate in having a membership of widely differing interests
and this is evidenced in the diversity of material shown.
It has been something of a revelation to note that some of our
Members, assumed to be hard-boiled in the collection of a particular
country, have held our attention with talks and displays concerning most
unusual material about which few if any had previous knowledge.
It is our hope that we
shall be provided with many more pleasures from these sources.
Guildford
& District Philatelic Society