It was in November 1553 that the idea of forming a STUDY CIRCLE for BRITISH WEST INDIES first occurred to me and on making a few enquiries and receiving some promises of support I decided to go ahead and, as you are aware, the BRITISH WEST INDIES STUDY CIRCLE was inaugurated on the 27th January 1954. Since then the response has been far greater than I dared hope and it is most gratifying to know that our membership includes not only eminent philatelists and dealers of world-wide repute but also same who are beginners. Our Bulletin has received most encouraging support and it is one of my regrets that I. did not take a chance and order more copies of the earlier issues. Quite a number of those who have joined in recent months have had to be disappointed and the fact that the validity of their subscriptions has been extended to the end of this year has in no way lessened their desire to possess all the issues. When finances permit it is my hope to order a reprint when back numbers will be available at a small charge. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who have so kindly loaned a page from their collections for .our exhibit at the forthcoming National Stamp Exhibition. In this connection I would add that I am not unmindful of their difficulty in selecting a single page (it is an easier task to choose 50 ::) and I am sots all those who are able to attend this Exhibition will find some items to interest thaw. The other day I was reading one of the little handbooks written by the late Fred J. Melville some forty odd years ago and the thought came to me that the CIRCLE might contemplate compiling something similar with a more concise and, of courses up-to-date context. A start might well be made with ANTIGUA. If any members have any suggestions in this regard I shall be very glad if they will drop me. a line. Once again I would emphasise how welcome contributions are for inclusion in the Bulletin and I shall never complain at the size of my postbag. In conclusion I extend my best wishes: for 1955.
Dear Member,
Whilst it was rather too soon in the October Bulletin to extend our good wishes for Christmas it is we feel not too late to express the hope that you had a good time and even found a few moments during the festivities to have a browse through your collection. As for this New Year of 1955 we trust it will prove a very happy one and that you will come across some of those elusive items for which you have been waiting quite a time. It may sound odd, but is nevertheless true, that the uncertainty of finding what one is looking for is one of our hobby's greatest attractions. Only recently we heard that a member who has been collecting for many years came across a copy of ST. CHRISTOPHER 6d: (S.G. 8) with a perfect cancellation of "ST. KITTS"; although there were many copies of this stamp in the collection they bore either the commoner "A12" or the straight-line "AWJY" type and we can fully appreciate the pride and pleasure felt in this latest acquisition; albeit its intrinsic value was of no special significance.
It is most gratifying to record an increase of 24 making a total of 97 and our "Royal" representation 36 (14 Fellows and ,22 Members). Comparing the table showing the geographical distribution, with that in the October issue it will be noted that two counties = Staffordshire and Warwickshire --appear for the first time. We also welcome our first member from Wales and two more from overseas.
LONDON 16
PROVINCIAL (65 )
| Cheshire 1 | Lancashire 1 | Wiltshire 3 |
| Cornwall 2 | Lincolnshire 1 | Yorkshire 3 |
| Derbyshire 4 | Middlesex 4 | Northumberland 2 |
| Devon 3 | Norfolk 2 | Sussex 2 |
| Durham 2 | Northants 2 | Kent 3 |
| Essex 1 | Shropshire 2 | Surrey 8 |
| Hampshire 2 | Suffolk 3 | Herts 3 |
| Staffordshire 1 | Essex 3 | Warwickshire 2 |
| N. Ireland 1 | Wales 1 | Scotland 4 |
OVERSEAS (16)
| B.W.I. 3 | Canada 2 | Eire 1 |
| France 1 | U.S.A. 9 |
In a: few days time we shall be celebrating our first anniversary and we feel full, justified in stating that they view of our Founder and Honorary Secretary that the need for our CIRCLE really did exist has been confirmed beyond doubt.
Members will have observed in the philatelic press reference to our display to the London & Provincial Stamp Club for which we are grateful. Our special thanks are also due to Mr. Robson Lowe for his most generous remarks on page 36 in the November 1954 issue of "The Philatelist." Incidentally we are glad-to learn that Mr. Lowe is interested in the stamps of a number of the colonies in the B.W.I. group and it is with pleasure that we welcome him as a member in his personal capacity.
BAHAMAS: S. G.75 used (pair or block of four)
BARBADOS: S. G.77 & 83 mint.
CAYMAN ISLANDS: S.G,61 & 86 mint.
JAMAICA: SG. 31 used in CAYMAN ISLANDS
do. Squared circle cancellations of ANCHOVY, DARLISTON, MAVIS BANK or WHITE MOUSE on cover, piece or stamp.
LEEWARD ISLANDS: S.G. 90, 91, 92, 106 & 107 (SPECIMENS)
MONTSERRAT: S.G.43 mint
ST. CHRISTOPHER: First issues on covers.
TOBAGO: Blocks.
NOTE: Members who are able to supply any of these wants should send them (stating price asked) to the Hon. Secretary for onward transmission. If the member who requires them decides t o purchase a remittance should be sent to. The Hon. Secretary drawn in favour of "B.W.I. STUDY CIRCLE" and the amount (less postage and 10% commission) will be remitted to the owner.