Why philatelic societies need to change… and quickly!
May 2031 – ‘A’ Level Examination
Social and Cultural History
Question 1.
Consider whether or not the decline and ultimate disappearance of philatelic societies was inevitable at the start of the 21st Century.
The prospect of this examination question appearing on an A level examination paper in ten years’ time is perhaps deeply worrying to today’s philatelists. Before reaching an overall answer to that question, however, one needs to consider the historical development of philatelic societies.
In the minute books of November 1921, we can see what happened a century ago at the 445th meeting of the Leeds Philatelic Society. The following events occurred:
• The names of the attendees were recorded.• The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.• One new member was elected to the society• A ‘hearty welcome’ was given to the visitors from Huddersfield Philatelic Society.• Mr North showed his Bavaria and Baden collection and read an interesting and lengthy paper thereon.• A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr North for his lecture• Novelties and exhibits were held over until the next meeting.
