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13
Sept 2021
International stamp experts head to Harrogate for centenary event
Stamp experts from around the world are to meet at Harrogate's Crowne Plaza hotel this month.
Harrogate is hosting the Philatelic Congress of GB, an annual event that was first held in Manchester in 1909,
Philately is the collection, appreciation and study of postage stamps and the history of the postal system.
Leading philatelists from the UK, Sweden, Germany and Spain will take part in displays, discussions and expert talks from September 23 to 26.
Other international experts will follow the activities on zoom.
The event will mark a special Harrogate centenary.
In 1921, the town hosted the first signing of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists — a large, decorative piece of parchment signed by the world's leading philatelists.
The very first signature was that of King George V, who was known as the King of Philately. An invitation to sign the roll is regarded as the world's pre-eminent philatelic honour.
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As well as the signing of the roll, the prestigious Association of British Philatelic Societies congress medal and awards of merit will be presented to recipients.
'I'm definitely a nerd'
The event and the signing of the roll was cancelled last year due to covid so for Keith Burton, chair of the Harrogate Philatelic Society, it's going to be even more special. He told the Stray Ferret:
Mr Burton will give a presentation on local postcards at the event. For him, despite a love of philately, finding an old postcard is about more than just the stamp.
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