history

A HISTORY
OF THE
THATCHAM AND DISTRICT
PHILATELIC SOCIETY
1966-2016
0

A HISTORY OF THE THATCHAM AND DISTRICT
PHILATELIC SOCIETY
Contents
Introduction
The History
Officers of the Society
Notable Members
Society Competition Winners
Front cover: The first mail coach, 1784. The artwork shows a mixture of
official and private emblems, the Royal Arms over the name of Fromont of the
Kings Head, Thatcham, flanked by Wilson's Swan with Two Necks and below,
the Thatcham postmark, our current logo.
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INTRODUCTION
This History was compiled from the Society's minute books and archives and
from the memories of our older members. Particular thanks are due to David
Beddoes and Reg Rhodes for their contributions to the history of the early
years of the society.
Many of the committee members provided input.
The society started 50 years ago this year as a sort of breakaway from the
Newbury Stamp Club. Still going strong, the society's longevity is entirely
thanks to the contributions of all of its members, from the beginning until this
day and long may it continue.
The society has had several notable philatelists as members over the years and
our combined philatelic knowledge is considerable. I hope that TDPS will
continue to welcome collectors and enthusiasts whatever their philatelic
interests and that each will continue to gain something from their membership.
My wife, Mig did all the typing and editing. As I am a one-finger typist, this
would have taken me an eternity! Thanks to all who have made it possible for
me to compile this History. All errors and omissions are mine alone and I
apologise if I have missed anyone out or if I have not included any particular
items of interest.
Barney Bardsley,
Chairman, 2016
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A HISTORY OF THE THATCHAM AND DISTRICT PHILATELIC
SOCIETY
The origins of the Thatcham and District Philatelic Society go back to
November 1962, when, after attending an evening meeting of the Newbury
Stamp Club (which met above the Tudor Tea Rooms in Market Square) Frank
Record and his son Malcolm had to walk home due to very foggy weather.
During the walk Frank had the idea of a Thatcham society.
In late 1964 or early 1965 an advert was placed in the Newbury Weekly News
and at a meeting in the parish hall it was agreed to try and find suitable
premises in Thatcham. Frank was a member of the Catholic Church and was
able to obtain the use of the Catholic Hall where the new society met monthly.
The hire of the hall cost £1 per night and during the winter months, members
paid 1/- per month towards heating costs! (Father Garlick, an original TDPS
member, was the incumbent at the time and in 1980 the meetings were moved
to the Parish Hall as a new priest at the Catholic Hall thought that it should
only be used for church affairs).
In 1966 TDPS was officially formed. Initial subscriptions were 5/- per annum
(2/6d for juniors).
The first president was the Rev. Ardagh-Walter and the first chairman, Frank
Record, who remained in post until 1980
In June 1967 the first newsletter was produced by John Drawbridge. It was
priced at 2d and consisted of two pages, handwritten on both sides and stapled
together. Copies were made on a duplicating machine. The first issue listed
the names, addresses and philatelic interests of members in alphabetical order
from A to D including Mr and Mrs Dawson of Ye Olde Stampe Shoppe in
Cromwell Place, Newbury. There were items on new GB issues and
publications plus details of auctions and sales at various locations in Southern
England. The Monthly Stamp News, as it was called, continued at least until
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March 1972, when issue no. 57 was on sale for 1p. It is not known when this
newsletter ceased.
In the early days, auctions were popular, mainly organised by Steven Miles.
In 1968 the annual subscription was raised to 10/-, juniors remaining at 2/6d.
In 1969 Frank Record resigned as Chairman and was elected President, the
Rev Ardagh-Walter retiring from the post. The new chairman was Mr F
Benson. David Beddoes became Treasurer, a position he held continuously
for 24 years until 1993. At a committee meeting, the possibility of an invalids
section was discussed and whether active members might visit people who
could not attend the monthly meetings. This suggestion appears not to have
been followed up.
On July the 4th, 1970, the Society participated in the Thatcham Folk Festival.
A souvenir cover bearing the recently issued stamp commemorating Newburyborn
Francis Baily (shown below) was provided by the Winchester Stamp
Shop. The Post Office provided a special hand stamp and a post box and
orders were received from all over the country in response to adverts placed in
stamp magazines. Alas, no one had arranged for the stamps to be available
and members had to travel to post offices as far away as Reading to buy
stocks.
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The Society decided to join the Thames Valley and District Philatelic Society
in 1975 and resigned from it in 1976!
The first competition trophy was donated by Frank Record in 1975 and was
initially known as the Chairman's Cup.
In 1976 the first Honorary Vice-Presidents were elected; Phillip Cockerill (a
well known local stamp dealer and member), Dennis Kinns and Mr S Miles.
An auction, exhibition and fair were mounted in October 1977 to
commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. In the same year the
committee accepted the fact that members did not wish to have formal
meetings, with speakers and displays, but to continue to function as a bourse
and general meeting place. At this time average attendance at the monthly
meetings was 25 or more (not many more than we average today with far
fewer members).
In 1978 John Stockings, who took over The Olde Stampe Shoppe in the
Arcade in Newbury and Keith and Kath Buckingham, who opened the Stamp
Shop in West Mills, Newbury became members.
To avoid an increase in subscriptions auction catalogues would be charged at
5p each. The Society participated in the Newbury Chamber of Commerce,
Newbury Week, 17th - 26th May 1979 and it was thought to be 'an
outstanding success'.
A coach trip was organised to the National Stamp Exhibition in London, the
fare being £2.
The October 1980 Auction was considered to be a success but Graeme Stewart
commented that it was a lot of work to make £18 profit (some things don't
change!). At about this time approaches were made to local schools about the
possibility of junior membership but due to lack of response, no further action
was taken.
In 1981 a trip was organised to the Post Office Sorting Office in Reading, the
fare being 50p.
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The first Annual Fair was held (along with an auction) in October 1982 at the
Parish Hall and was 'deemed a success'. Sue Rhodes helped with refreshments
at this and subsequent fairs and was given chocolates as a 'thank you'.
Throughout the early ‘80s the Society held several film show evenings. And
at this time the society included speakers and displays in addition to auctions
and bourses.
In the early Eighties, stamps could be obtained from Reg Rhodes at the Eight
Bells Arcade and subsequently at the Wharf Street Arcade old auction rooms
near to the Waggon and Horses pub in the Market Place, from Keith
Buckingham in West Mills, Lewingtons in Oxford Road and Blackett and
Turners above Thomas Butler, 86 Northbrook Street. Today, of course, there
are none.
In 1983 Reg Rhodes presented a shield for an annual Thematic Competition.
An attempt was made, in October 1983, to hold Monday evening meetings (in
addition to those held in Thatcham) in Newbury. The venue was The Dolphin
in Bartholomew Street but these were poorly supported and were abandoned
in December after only 3 meetings.
A new post of Auction Secretary was established in 1983 with the resigning
Secretary, Matt Cousans taking up the role; a post he held until 1984, when
David Beddoes took over. He was followed by John Stevens in 1993 and then
by Peter Bridger from 1994 until 2005, when the post was discontinued.
In 1983, subscriptions were raised from 50p to £1.
The Newsletter was revived in Sept 1983 edited by the, then chairman, Ken
Fisher consisting, originally, of a single sheet of A4 typed on both sides. The
Newsletters were numbered, starting at 1, and as always, the editor asked for
contributions from members. The Newsletters appeared at 3 monthly
intervals as they do today.
On 1st August, 1984, a Mail Coach Bicentenary run was made from Bristol to
London, leaving Newbury at 22.51 and arriving at Theale at 00.22. The route
followed the original as closely as possible. In connection with this event the
Society arranged a publicity display in conjunction with the Ramsbury
Building Society. In the same year, the first Annual Stamp Fair was held at
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the Memorial Hall, fairs having previously been held in the Parish Hall.
Member, Brian Webb, initiated it and subsequently, Paula Cant took over and
continues to organise it today.
Membership cards were introduced in 1983, the format being very similar to
today's version. There had been cards, previously but they were very basic
and contained no information except the year and the name of the member!
In 1985, John Stocking moved away from Newbury and Ye Olde Stampe
Shoppe was taken over by John Carter, who became a member of the
committee and subsequently, in 1987, the Chairman.
During the mid 80's, the club was invited by the auctioneers, Phillips of Bond
Street London, to philatelic evenings at their offices on several occasions.
These evenings consisted of quizzes, a display of their items for auction and
finished with a buffet supper. They were well attended.
TDPS publicised the society in the Eighties by attending several local events
such as the Thatcham Fete and events held at the Northcroft Leisure Centre.
The Society's meetings moved to the Memorial Hall in 1990. In the same year
the first constitution was produced. Subscriptions were raised, from £1 to £2.
In 1991 the last stamp shop in Newbury, the Newbury Stamp Centre in
Cromwell Place (previously known as Ye Olde Stampe Shoppe) closed.
To mark the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the society, a dinner was
held at The Laurels, Ashford Hill on 28th September 1991. The speaker was
David Boyd of Phillips the auctioneers and the cost was £14 per head. In
addition the Jubilee auction was held in November where the minimum
reserve was raised from £1 to £2.50.
An accessory service for members was initiated in 1991. Tony Hillier (still a
member) took on the task with John Stevens and then Reg Rhodes succeeding
him. Today, the job is admirably performed by Dave Tanner who also handles
club stamps.
In 1991 the Jubilee cup was presented by Ron Pickett, Chairman, to
commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the society. Entries
consist of nine or sixteen sheets.
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In 1993, TDPS joined the Hampshire Philatelic Federation.
In 1994, Dave Beddoes and Reg Rhodes were made lifetime Honorary
members. Also in this year, the society's records became computerised.
Under the guidance of Tony Stevens (a teacher at the school and a member of
the society) Shaw House pupils designed and produced a cover to
commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Second Battle of Newbury. The
Limited Edition of 500 covers were sold for £3 each.
In 1994 Reg Rhodes moved from Newbury and opened his stamp shop, The
Stamp Den, in 'Super Mews' Thatcham.
A new Novices Cup Competition was begun in 1995. This competition was
(and still is) restricted to members who had not previously won a society
competition.
In an attempt to cater for members who were unable or unwilling to attend
Thursday evening meetings, Monday afternoon meetings were started, in
February 1996, which were held in the committee room at the Memorial Hall
and subsequently in the Council Chambers. They were successful from the
start and remain so today.
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To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the society in 1996, the club
organised a 'Chairman's Challenge', a society stamp fair and an anniversary
dinner, held at the Stable Bar, Newbury Racecourse. Colin Mount of the
Hampshire Philatelic Federation was the guest speaker.
In 1997, Peggy (Ethel) Cruse took on the job of Newsletter editor and
remained editor until 1998.
In 1998, the society had a new logo designed by John Tingey, Vice Chairman.
There were several subsequent variations.
Ron Pickett received a Bronze award for his 32 page entry on Scouting at
Thematica '98 in London. Jim Mowat took over as Newsletter Editor in 1998
and continued to run it until 2000.
In 1999 Subscriptions were raised from £3 to £4. Suggestions for changing
the name of the society to Thatcham and District Stamp Club were made in
1999.
In 2000 Martin Farr became editor of the Newsletter and he and Jim Mowat
re-formatted it in 2008. Martin continues to produce excellent quarterly
editions. The newsletter helps members who cannot attend meetings (for
whatever reason) to keep in touch with what is happening in the society - a
valuable resource; well done Martin!
A Millennium Stamp Fair was held at Newbury College on May 6th, 2000 to
commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the Penny Black. This was our first
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major stamp fair with 20 or so dealers present. A grant of £400 was given by
Thatcham Town Council along with a £100 allotments donation.
Millennium Stamp Fair Commemorative Cover
The Stamp Den, run by Reg Rhodes, closed in April, 2000.
After the success of the Millennium Stamp Fair, the society decided to
organise a bi-annual stamp fair along the same lines which was to morph into
Westbex as we now know it.
The club's website was set up in 2001, by John Tingey, who continues to run it
today.
In 2001, the logo was changed to the current one
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The club's first Postal Auction was held in February 2002.
In 2004 the first Westbex was held at Kennet School and in this year a silver
salver was presented by Chairman, John Baron, to be competed for annually.
This is a single sheet competition.
In conjunction with Westbex Jerry Wilson hand painted a series of 6 postcards
of Newbury and Thatcham scenes, for sale by the club. He subsequently
produced three further sets of six postcards one of which is shown below.
In 2005, subscriptions were raised from £4 to £5. Peter Bridger and John
Stevens were made Honorary Life Members.
In 2006, Westbex was held successfully at Bayers’ headquarters in Newbury.
The society joined the ABPS and rejoined TVDPF.
From 2007, the Newsletter became available on the Society Website and in
this year a questionnaire was sent to members, asking what they wanted from
the society. A request for more auctions was the most popular choice,
followed by guest speakers.
In 2008, Westbex returned to the Kennet School which is still the venue today.
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In the same year the position of President was reinstated, a role filled by John
Baron. Subscriptions were raised by £2 to £7 and at the same AGM it was
agreed that voluntary contributions could be accepted for tea and coffee at
meetings. Over the years this has proved a not inconsiderable amount.
The Society Newsletter was named The Thatcham Postmark in 2009 and its
size was increased to A4 with additional pages.
The Monday cup was instituted in 2009 to be competed for annually at a
Monday meeting. This is a 3 sheet competition on any subject. The first
winner was Jerry Wilson who went on to win several times in subsequent
years. This trophy was renamed the Jerry Wilson Memorial Cup in 2015.
At the AGM in 2010, the committee recommended that the subscriptions
remain the same. However the meeting decided by a majority decision to
raise them to £10 at which figure they remain today.
In 2011 a new cup for Postal History was presented to the club by Keith
Foster's family in memory of Keith who was a long-time member of the
society and specialised in Postal History. The trophy became known as the
Keith Foster Memorial Cup.
Although the Society’s membership has declined from a peak of 136 in 1990
to 54 in 2015, both the Monday afternoon and Thursday evening monthly
meetings are well attended. The subjects of the Monday Meetings are chosen
by those attending and usually have an encouraging input from members.
Thursday meetings tend to have more visiting speakers although some very
good evenings are had when members display their own collections.
As with most philatelic societies, membership is declining and the age of
members increasing! Still, attempts are being made, both locally and
nationally, to interest the younger generation in taking up the hobby.
The Post Office continues to issue large numbers of commemorative issues
each year and many GB collectors no longer collect current issues. How often
do you get correspondence through the mail which has a stamp on it and even
then, is it cancelled with a biro or even at all? Whether this society, or even
the hobby of stamp collecting, will exist in another fifty years' time remains to
be seen.
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Regardless of this modern commercialisation our membership still actively
supports and enjoys all aspects of our hobby, philately. Most importantly our
members show their collections and share their knowledge with each other.
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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY (past and present)
PRESIDENT :-
Rev. Ardagh-Walter (1968)
Frank Record (1969)
John Baron (2008 - to date)
VICE PRESIDENT :-
Phillip Cockrill (1976 - 1990)
Dennis Kinns (1976 - 1990)
Steven Miles (1976 - ?)
Frank Record (1988 - 1990)
Matt Cousans (1988 - 1990)#
HON LIFE MEMBERS :-
Phillip Cockrill (1991 - 2002)
Dennis Kinns (1991 - 1996)
Frank Record (1991 - 2005)
Matt Cousans (1991 - 1996)
Devid Beddoes (1994 - to date
Reg Rhodes (1994 to date)
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Sue Rhodes (2003 to date)
Peter Bridger (2006 -2014)
John Stevens (2006 - 2007)
John Tingey (2008 to date)
CHAIRMAN :-
Frank Record (1968 and 1970 -1980)
F. Benson (1969)
Ken Fisher (1981 - 1986)
John Carter (1987 - 1989)
Ron Pickett (1990 - 2001)
John Baron (2002 - 2007)
Jim Mowat (2008 - 2011)
Barney Bardsley (2012 to date)
VICE-CHAIRMAN :-
John Baron (2001)
John Tingey (2002 - 2007)
Mike Gurr (2013 -2015)
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SECRETARY :-
K. Foster (1968)
E. Menzies (1969)
Matt Cousans (1970 - 1983)
Graeme Stewart (1984 to date)
TREASURER : -
David Beddoes (1969 - 1993)
John Stevens (1994 - 2005)
Jim Mowat (2006 - 2007
Mike Ward (2008 to date)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS :-
In addition to the above list, a total of forty different committee members have
served at various times. Some served for just one year and others, for several
years on different occasions.
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NOTABLE MEMBERS (Past and present)
Frank Record whose idea the TDPS was and who donated our first cup for
competition in 1975. Frank was our first chairman and remained in the post
for twelve years. On Saturday afternoons he often had open house for
members to buy and barter stamps.
Phillip Cockrill was a stamp dealer of some note who lived locally in
Hampstead Norreys. He was an authority on the stamps of Liberia and wrote
and published many books on various philatelic subjects; the first was entitled
'Ocean Mails published before World War II'.
Sue Hopson is a current member and has published several books and pieces
for specialist societies, in particular, publications relating to the Seychelles.
Sue is also known for her knowledge and collection of Newbury area Postal
History and is considered an expert on Newbury postcards.
John Tingey wrote a book about W.R. Bray; 'The Man Who Posted Himself'
and has given many talks on the subject to us and other societies. He has
contributed several articles to national stamp and postcard magazines. John
was made an Honorary Life Member in 2008.
Graeme Stewart our fantastic secretary who has been in the post since 1984 -
an astonishing 31 years! He was given an award of merit by ABPS in 2012
for services to philately.
John Baron was chairman from 2002 - 2007 and subsequently became our
President and then Chairman of ABPS, posts he still holds. John was given an
award of merit by ABPS in 2015. Also in 2015 John was made a Fellow of the
Royal Philatelic Society of London, the first Thatcham member to be awarded
this honour.
Peter Bridger was a long time member who took over running the auctions in
1993 and significantly raised their profile. Peter was made an Honorary Life
Member in 2006.
David Beddoes was treasurer from 1969 - 1993. In 1994 he was made an
Honorary Life Member and in 2009 he was given an award of merit by ABPS.
David provided much of the early material for this history.
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Reg Rhodes is a long term member and sometime committee member. He
donated a trophy for a Thematic Competition in 1983 and he has been a stamp
dealer for many years and had a stamp shop in Thatcham from 1995 until
2000. Reg continues to have an open house for members. He was made an
Honorary Life Member in 1994 and given an award of merit by ABPS in
2009.
Sue Rhodes along with others was responsible for catering at fairs and auction
nights for many years and was made an Honorary Life Member in 2003.
Laurie Biddlestone was an early member and dealer from Basingstoke. He
took part in the television programme, 'What's My Line', and beat the panel.
Laurie was also a gliding instructor!
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SOCIETY COMPETITION WINNERS
Jubilee cup Reg Rhodes Keith Foster Frank Record Novices Single Sheet Society
Trophy
2015 A Cross I Keel G Stewart A Jordan M Smith M Hoskins A Cross
2014 B Bardsley M Farr J Tingey M Gurr B Bardsley B Bardsley
2013 B Bardsley I Keel I Keel D Tanner D Tanner B Bardsley
2012 A Cross M Gurr I Keel J Wilson A Jordan A Cross A Cross
2011 B Bardsley M Farr G Stewart J Wilson B Bardsley B Bardsley
2010 J Tingey N Gregory D Tanner W Sentence M Farr J Tingey
2009 K Foster M Farr D Tanner P Schedler J Baron I Keel
2008 J Baron I Keel M Farr D Tanner M Hoskins J Baron
2007 A Cross M Farr J Mowat J Tingey M Farr
2006 J Tingey N Gregory J Keel C Smith D Tanner J Tingey
2005 M Hoskins I Keel M Farr J Mowat D Tanner
2004 M Hoskins I Keel I Keel J Tingey
2003 M Hoskins I Keel J Tingey J Keel
2002 J Tingey I Keel M Farr R Rhodes
2001 J Tingey P Bridger M Farr M Farr
2000 J Tingey R Paterson B Austin M Gurr
1999 B Austin J Baron R Pickett J Baron
1998 J Tingey J Wilson J Tingey E Cruse

1997 J Tingey P Martin J Tingey J Wilson
1996 B Wade R Pickett R Pickett P Martin
1995 J Tingey B Wade B Wade S Rhodes
1994 M Hoskins B Wade B Wade
1993 M Hoskins R Pickett B Wade
1992 R Pickett R Pickett R Pickett
1991 C Steer R Pickett R Pickett
1990 D Davidson G Smith
1989 R Pickett B Barnett
1988 A Steer R Pickett
1987 D Davidson/ R
R Martin
Pickett
1986 R Pickett K Fisher
1985 A Hancock A Hancock
1984 N Wickens J Carter
1983 D Kemp A Hancock
1982 A Hancock
1981 R Paterson
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