January 2010

1st December
Members' Evening

Bob having set up the Digital Projector invited members to show their images. First up was Tony Deller who showed a random selection of sixteen images. Among them were two panoramas made up from six or seven images, one measuring 18,544 x 2624 pixels and a file size of 139Mb. Next went Tony Martin starting with a shot of a guitar player and then, by way of contrast, views of Malta. Mick Valantine followed this with shots of a recent holiday cruise. Joyce then gave a selection of her favourite subjects of landscapes, animals, plants and family. Dennis Noble then showed a selection of his work and Norman brought up the rear with shots of Scotland and animals. Members were encouraged to partake by asking the photographers about their work with some interesting conversations on how to do this or that. A good evening.


8th December
Postal History

Bob Cook, one of the Society's members, showed his other interest to fellow members with a talk about postal services. He started by setting out the history. The earliest postal service is thought to have operated around 4000 BC in China. Such arrangements spread to Egypt and eventually to Europe. England was one of the first countries to operate a 'government' sponsored service when Henry VIII appointed a Master of Posts in 1530. With examples of early letters, the development of English/British post was followed until the Penny Post was introduced in 1839. Members were then shown examples of British Postage Stamps from these early days to modern times. For the rarer stamps, members were told of their current collectors value. It was interesting to see how, with improved printing techniques, the changing art work used in the design of the stamps. We thank Bob for showing members some of his collection.


15th December
Christmas Social

Around thirty members attended the Christmas Social which began by Bob the Chair greeting each member on arrival with Seasons' greetings. Members then helped themselves to the food whilst chatting about this and that. Tony then ran his Quiz which ended with a tie between Bob and Alec, Alec ending up as winner after the tie break question. A very sociable evening was had by one and all.