INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
HISTORY - The Circle was founded over 50 years ago with the objective of "getting together a body of advanced Philatelists who collected the Postal History and stamps of Belgium with a view to collecting all the material and data possible to establish a permanent written record". An objective achieved through the publication, four times a year, of the journal "Belgapost", which has an international reputation, and also by producing occasional monographs by members. Our scope has subsequently expanded to include anyone with an interest in Belgian Philately at any level to encourage and expand his or her interest, knowledge and enjoyment.
MEETINGS – A published programme of friendly and informal meetings is held during the autumn & winter seasons during which two members are invited to display material from their collections on a topic, previously chosen by them, and advertised in "Belgapost". Other members are encouraged to bring any relevant material from their own collections to support the display thereby obtaining as many views as possible as to how the topic may be approached. A free exchange of information and advice usually follows. All members attending are invited to present a minimum of 5 sheets from there own collection on the theme of “Something beginning with..”.
The meetings are held at Regent's College, London this is easily accessible being a short walk from Baker Street Underground Station. Parking is very limited at the college and a fee is charged for this. Although expensive, parking, by prepayment, for up to a maximum of 4 hours, is available in the Inner Circle (a map is attached). Unfortunately, since the events on 9th September 2001, entry to the college is by the front entrance only and members will be invited to sign a visitors’ list on arrival and on occasion to produce identity. The room allocated varies and members should enquire at the reception desk on arrival.
WEEKEND MEETING – Annually, usually in September, a weekend meeting is held in a hotel outside of London with a different location being selected every year. This is a social occasion as well as a philatelic one and members are encouraged to invite their spouses and guests. A programme of displays and discussions will be arranged for the Saturday morning and afternoon and also on Sunday morning. As part of the programme competitions will be held for the Churchill Crown and the Barker-Johnson Cup. Saturday afternoon concludes with an auction. A formal dinner is held in the evening during which presentations are made of the Churchill Crown, the Barker-Johnson Cup and the Jack Andrew’s Literary Award. Local members are welcome to attend the sessions and the dinner and need not stay in the hotel. A second, more study focused, meeting with be held in the spring of each year.
OVERSEAS MEETINGS – A significant proportion of our membership is Belgian so we usually hold a meeting in Belgium to correspond with one of their large exhibitions. These tend to be bi-annual events and often stretch up to 5 days but always include a weekend. UK members are encouraged to stay together, whether for the whole of the event or just a few days; the Secretary, assisted by local members, will arrange suitable accommodation. A dinner is usually held with local members on the Saturday evening. As with the weekend meeting members are encouraged to invite their spouses and guests.
CIRCLE LUNCH – Subject to demand, the Circle holds an Annual Lunch for members and their guests as part of the AGM. The Lunches give members and their guests the opportunity to intermingle and discuss topics other than stamps.
THE EXCHANGE PACKET – This is run for the benefit of members who wish to buy or sell to their mutual advantage. This is a postal packet and unfortunately, the packet cannot be extended to members abroad. Any member, who wishes to contribute to or receive the packets, should contact the Packet Secretary.
AUCTION SALES – These are held 2/3 times per year depending on the material received with both postal and in room bidding. These are ideal for small collections of stamps, as well as postal history, maps, books, prints, etc. which cannot be included in the Exchange Packet service.
These sales are also available to all members abroad. Members with suitable material for sale are asked to contact either the Secretary or the Treasurer. Sale results are printed in "Belgapost".
LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE - There is a library from which members may borrow books and publications by post, by prior arrangement it may be possible to collect items at meetings or from the librarian at home. If you have specific queries our Archivist will supply a list of relevant publications and articles and a comprehensive listing over a hundred pages long is available on computer disc from the Archivist and can also be accessed via the Internet. In addition individual members, who between them hold a wide range of books, are normally willing to help with information and advice. Many books are in the French, Flemish or German languages and the Archivist may be approached for assistance in translation.
"BELGAPOST" - Subject to the contribution of suitable articles, it is published 3/4 times per year. Apart from specific topic studies, contributions are welcomed on members' activities/new items acquired/requests for advice or information. Wherever possible, illustrations should be included in what is essentially a visual hobby. In recent years, numerous new books have appeared in Belgium, these are listed and reviewed in "Belgapost" and the Editor welcomes members’ reviews of new books. Letters to the Editor are welcome. All contact should be made direct to the Secretary.
SUBSCRIPTIONS - are fixed annually at the Annual General Meeting for the year ahead. The membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March and the annual fee will be notified to members soon after the A.G.M. For 2010/2011 the subscription is £20,00 UK, €30.00 or Sterling equivalent for Europe, $40.00 or Sterling equivalent for the Rest of the World. Cash payments can also be made in euros or US dollars subject to exchange rates at the time. We now have a bank account in Belgium and Belgian members may pay into that account or by PAYPAL or MONEYBOOKERS. Details may be obtained from from the Secretary.
MEMBERSHIP LIST – Members receive a copy of a list of members’ names, addresses, interests and email addresses where appropriate. Details of new members are included in "BELGAPOST". Members are expected not to disclose details of other members to third parties without permission.
For further information or questions contact the Secretary.