December 2015

Contents to Volume 46, Number 7

Dates for London2020 announced, new name for the BPMA and Jersey Post’s 2016 stamp programme.

More reports from the nation’s Philatelic Societies.

Forthcoming fairs and auctions.

News of recent auction results.

John Holman looks at the various stamp issues of Dubai, as well as Dubai-themed issues of the United Arab Emirates, before presenting a seasonal collection of postmarks from towns with a Christmas connection.

We see what Royal Mail’s 2015 Christmas delivers and reveal the theme for the latest Post & Go release. Plus, discover what’s in store with Royal Mail’s 2016 Special Stamp programme

John Deering explains how Post & Go is quickly becoming a global phenomenon and notes some important changes on P&G issues from Britain’s Armed Forces museums.

Robert Galland completes his review of Britain’s franking privilege by highlighting the various handstamps used on covers that breached the stringent regulations.

Derek Connell highlights more philatelic material produced during London 2015, including a selection of unique covers and souvenirs.

Don Davies looks at some of the more unusual methods used by early letter senders to ensure mail reached its correct destination.

The latest supplement to the GB Specialised Catalogue.

Peter van Gelder takes the wraps off wrappers, explains why Canada Post is in a tangle with a 2015 card, and reveals how and the much derided Mulready design was revived again in 1940.

Glenn Morgan talks to prolific stamp engraver Chris Matthews about his career and his transition from traditional methods through to ‘engraving’ on a computer.

The rare postmarks and cachets from the remote island paradise of Washington Island are examined by GSM postal historian, Steve Pendleton.

Occupation overprints can provide a unique window on history. Join John Moody as he presents an illustrated history of German overprints from World War II.

To mark the 175th anniversary of the marriage of Albert and Victoria, Edward Klempka highlights postal history items associated with their early years together.

Nicholas Pertwee charts the usage of Benin’s single-circle postmarks during the People’s Republic and Republic periods.

In the concluding part of his almanac of King George VI’s colonial issues, Noel Davenhill surveys the post-war stamps produced up to the king’s untimely death in 1953.

Nimrod highlights stamps to keep a collector’s eye out for from Singapore.

Another chance to win a £50 Stanley Gibbons voucher in this month’s GSM competition

A summary of recent and forthcoming issues.

Alison Boyd reveals the story behind more new issues, including Malta’s Great Siege, the seven new wonders of the world and some tasty Christmas treats from Denmark.

This month, Jersey and the Isle of Man celebrate Christmas, while Alderney commemorates the 70th anniversary of Homecoming Day.

More fun from the Hedley Adams Mobbs collection.

SG Catalogue Editor Hugh Jefferies talks about a newly listed variety from Barbados and highlights some very interesting items from Rhodesia and Cyprus that could be heading for catalogue status—with a little help from GSM readers.

A 15-page update to the Stanley Gibbons Catalogue.