January 2015

Contents to Volume 45, Number 8

‘New auction record set at Spink; the world’s most expensive stamp to go on long-term display, and Ofcom delivers some bad news to Royal Mail.

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

In a GSM exclusive, Glenn H Morgan FRPSL reports on the new state-of-the-art printing facility for Walsall.

John Holman reviews the stamps of 2014 and tries to predict some of next year’s commemorative issues.

Royal Mail takes us down the rabbit hole with their new Alice in Wonderland issue.

John Deering delivers a festive treat for Machin watchers and looks ahead to Royal Mail’s new releases for 2015.

John Holman brings us his latest update on Downstream Access, newsagent services, tourist stamps, railway posts and Christmas charity mail.

Derek Connell outlines the main events held to celebrate the centenary of the adhesive postage stamp and reveals the wealth of souvenirs created for the occasion.

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.

For over 50 years Ronald Alcock was one of the leading figures in British philately. Michael Peach looks at the history of the man and his business, along with the numerous publications he created.

Peter Ford FRPSL traces the development of Tobago’s postal history. With its locally produced bisects and surcharges, plus a wealth of known flaws, this small island offers big potential for study.

Port Lockroy, one of the world’s most southerly post offices, offers the intrepid traveller some interesting philatelic opportunities. Barry Floyd investigates.

In the final part of his mini-series on India’s Gandhi Memorial stamps, Pradip Jain presents his study of the highly desirable ‘SERVICE’ overprints.

Rob Holley presents a range of covers, cachets and markings that can be used to build a collection of Malayan disaster mail.

From January 1867, New Zealand’s postage stamps were authorised for use for fiscal purposes. David Smitham presents a study of four such examples.

Stamps to look out for from the British Virgin Islands.

Simon Goldblatt shares his excitement at turning up rare, valuable postmarks on cheap, common stamps.

Your chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher.

Using a variety of philatelic material, Josef Charrach outlines the development and use of building materials from the earliest civilizations to the present day.

Despite only having six basic stamps to hunt down the Indian feudatory state of Idar still holds plenty of interest.

Alison Boyd investigates the stories behind some of the latest stamp issues from around the world.

Your monthly summary of recent and forthcoming stamp issues from around the world.

Jersey discovers dragons, Guernsey celebrates the Year of the Goat and the Isle of Man reflects on 2014.

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.

SG Catalogue Editor, Hugh Jefferies, discusses the flaws found in the key plate definitives of the Leeward Islands.

The latest 16-page update to the Stanley Gibbons catalogue.