Chichester & District Philatelic Society
formed in 1959



 

About Us

ORIGINS OF THE CLUB

A letter dated 20th January 1959, under the signature of Mr. L.W. Wildgoose, Secretary of the Association of Sussex Philatelic Societies was issued, inviting interested parties to a meeting on 9th February 1959 to discuss the formation of a new Philatelic Society. Notices were also placed in the local press.

The inaugural meeting took place on Monday 9th February 1959 at 7.30pm in the Assembly Rooms, North Street Chichester. The Chair was taken by Mr. E.W. Tory President of the Association of Sussex Philatelic Societies assisted by Mr. R.C. Emery and Mr. L.W. Wildgoose.

The meeting started with a show of hands indicating the desire of all present to proceed with the formation of a philatelic society in Chichester. It was agreed that the title of the new society be the "Chichester & District Philatelic Society". Meetings were to be held on the second Monday of each month starting on Monday 9th March 1959. Mr. G.F. Hinton and Mr. E.A. Wells were elected as a committee of two with Major H.T. Simmonds acting as honorary secretary. At the end of the inaugural meeting seven members joined the new society;

Mr. T . Farley Smith: Mr. R.C. Emery: Mr. H.E. Gilbert: Mrs. G.F. Hinton: Mr. H.T. Simmonds: Mr. E.A. Wells: Mr. L.W. Wildgoose.

Following the meeting Mr. Simmonds sent out a circular letter to around 70 persons inviting them to join the new society. Reports appeared in the Chichester Observer, The Bognor Post and Stamp Collecting Weekly.

The next meeting took place on the 9th March 1959 with 27 persons in attendance. It was agreed that a further two committee members were required and Messrs. A.G. Barnett and J.H.A. Haig were elected. The acting secretary was asked to draw up draft rules for presentation to the AGM to be held on the 11th May 1959. The last act of Mr. Tory was to propose a Chairman of the Society but before this was done it was agreed to change the designation to President. Mr. A.G. Barnett seconded by Major H.T. Simmonds proposed that Brigadier G.A. Viner OBE be elected President which was carried unanimously. The meeting ended with a display by Mr. J.H.E Gilbert of his specialised collection of airmail covers and stamps of Egypt.

The first AGM was held on 11th May 1959 with 29 members in attendance. The rules of the club were adopted and the annual subscription set at 10 shillings. It was also agreed that the club would join the Association of Sussex Philatelic Societies.