The hobby philately is a world-wide phenomenon, and experts in virtually every country in the world share a wealth of knowledge with each other.
Kevin Fouché, spokesperson for the Goldfields Philately club, says international exhibits are the Olympics of stamp collecting, and there are regularly club exhibits on regional, provincial and national level.
“The oldest member in our club, Dr Meyer de Kok (75), has done national and international exhibits with his award-winning collections on Birds. With this collection he was awarded gold in South Africa and silver at the international exhibition in Indonesia.”
To boost the hobby and to encourage stamp collecting, the Welkom club has a small library section where members can borrow books, magazines and stamp catalogues to expand their knowledge.
Philately is a complex and interesting hobby that spans the annals of history, starting with the first stamp produced, called the Penny Black in 1840, which depicted a silhouette of Queen Victoria of Great Britain.
Philately includes particular countries, both past and present, like Basutoland and Lesotho, Siam and Thailand, or thematic depictions like horses, fauna or flora, royalty or specific persons in history, Greek mythology, World Wars, fashion, cars, other motorised vehicles and steam engines.
Fouché says first-day covers, where stamps are postmarked on the first day of issue, are also sought after.
The first meeting of the Goldfields club was in November 2023, and it became formal in January 2024.
Fouché says a quite a few people have shown interest, both in and around Welkom.
“We even have one member who lives in Ireland. He attends by Zoom. We are actively trying to build the club, particularly amongst the younger generation.”
The club has been gifted albums, stamps and catalogues by philatelic societies and individuals from as far afield as Cape Town, Sedgefield and Johannesburg.
They are also affiliated to the Philatelic Association of South Africa.
The club is open to anyone, whether you are an active collector or you wish to know more with the aim to start collecting.
“It is also a means for younger members to expand their knowledge of the world both internationally and local,” says Fouché.
The youngest member, Dylen Gerber, is 15 years old.
“We have a group of teenagers who are enthusiastic about learning and presenting their research each month.
“Our meetings are held monthly on a Saturday morning at Captain’s Cabin in Stateway, Welkom.
The club currently comprises six adults and four youngsters.
Fouché says rare and collectible stamps are the most valuable items for weight to value ratio.
“The most expensive and rare stamp is the 1c British Quiana stamp, which sold for more than £9 m. (9 million-pound sterling).
“South Africa has its fair share of rare and valuable stamps like the 40c stamp selling for R10 000.
“Ultimately there are a lot of factors that affect value and prices. Not everything old is expensive, and not everything expensive is old,” he says.
Fouché says the monthly meetings have a set agenda where each person attending gives a five-minute presentation on a particular topic.
“There is a vast depth of knowledge amongst the members. We also have a swop shop and pick a box, where attendees can peruse through new items available,” he says.
Contact Fouché on 084-333-7000, or dial 082-699-2361 or 082-805-4800.
