Milton Keynes Philatelic Society

 

 

The Society was founded in 1979 after several local enthusiasts gathered together and decided to form a club. Together with a few coin collectors, The Milton Keynes Coin and Stamp Club was formed and held it's first meeting at the Methodist Hall, Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

A committee was formed with Mr. Black as Chairman, Mr. B. Teal as Treasurer and Mr. Chambers as Secretary. Other Committee members were Mr Pete Garner, Mr Robin Brown and Mr Sid Geary. The Club aimed to provide collectors in the new borough of Milton Keynes, a meeting place where they could discuss their hobby, hear speakers give talks on their own collections, competitions and an opportunity to buy and swap stamps with other members.

In 1980, to help raise money for club funds, it was decided to hold a Stamp Fair which was open to the general public as well as the club's own members. It proved to be very successful and today the club holds three fairs a year.

In 1982 the Club decided to host the Inter Club Quiz. This involved clubs from Leighton Buzzard, Bedford, Wolverton and ourselves competing for a trophy. The Wolverton club won it in it's first year. The Inter Club Quiz is still being held each year but with the Luton Society taking the place of Wolverton who had to drop out of the competition.

The club changed it's name to the Milton Keynes Philatelic Society in 1999 due to the drop in coin collectors attending meetings.

In 2000, the club celebrated it's 21st anniversary. To commemorate this it was decided to produce a limited edition souvenir cover, complete with a set of four stamps. In August 2000 the club produced the cover shown at the top of this page.

The cover and postmark were designed by the lateMr Chris Garner. It was an overwhelming success for the club, selling out within a matter of weeks. Initially the club were very apprehensive of committing such large amounts of funds to such a project.

Since the formation in 1979, the club has grown from strength to strength, exhibiting at local events and venues including Aylesbury Prison and the Milton Keynes Library.

Each year club members nominate a charity for which they aim to raise funds. Previous charities that have benefitted include Willen Hospice and the Milton Keynes Hospital Accident and Emergency Department.