Notes from the Machin Study Group Meeting of October 4, 2011.

At 7:15 p.m., Don welcomed everyone and mentioned that Garfield had sent regrets but was attending the symphony this evening.

Attendance: Members attending were: Rhonda C., Vijay V., Jim C., Peter B., Don H., Reay C., Anne W., John L., Jack E., Peter W..

Reay asked a question: What had happened to the initiative of having presentations on the sequence of each denomination of the Machin series. The question will be referred to Garfield because no one knew the answer.

Vijay gave a hint re the 35p stamp : Catalogues state that the 35p stamps were printed by De La Rue but there is no reference to a different colour shading to some of the stamps. This is because during the time of printing, De La Rue closed its printing establishment and moved to another location. In the meantime, the 35p stamps were printed in Holland by Enschedé during that time, explaining the slight change in shading. The colour is lime green.

Peter B. showed an unusual cover : using clipped indicia from aerogrammes printed by Royal Mail in the ‘70s, as postage for current mail, with an explanation on a label on the front of the cover explaining why it was legitimate.

Vijay presentation about “Boots” sheetlets : The drug store company collaborated with Royal Mail to devise a mini-sheet containing a first class stamp, the Boots and Royal Mail logos and directions for usage on \boot’s greeting cards. Varieties were explained including those distributed at international stamp shows, with overprints. Vijay prepared a comprehensive handout which contains the rationale for the mini-sheets and an excellent description of the varieties with illustrations. It will be available on the website and hard copies at the next meeting.* Thanks were extended to Vijay for an outstanding presentation. (click here for the handout)

* Peter introduced a procedure for those members not able to print copies of handouts. (Vijay’s handout is 5 pages, in colour and for him to provide 15 copies for members is costly, explaining the procedure.)
It’s a sign-up sheet for copies of any handouts or articles shown at the club. Copies will be made and given to the signees at the next meeting and paid for by the members receiving them. It was agreed that it was a worthwhile procedure. Sign-up sheets were passed around for two articles.

Following the presentation, coffee and cookies were enjoyed, then followed by a Machin Quiz of nine easy/tough questions. Prizes for the top five scores will be handed out at the November meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.