Some time ago one of our overseas members wrote and asked me whether it would be possible to publish an analysis of members' interests, and on referring to my records I find the order in preference is as follows: Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada, Bermuda, St. Vincent, Cayman Islands, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, St. Lucia, British Guiana, St. Kitts-Nevis, Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands, British Honduras and Montserrat. It is generally known that Jamaica is a very popular colony, so it comes as no surprise to find it at the head of the list. With my limited knowledge of the rest I am not competent to offer an opinion except to say that I never anticipated that Cayman Islands was so much in favour. It will be appreciated that a number of members collect several colonies, so the listing should only be regarded as a rough guide as to choice. It occurs to me that a new collector might well consider the less favoured Montserrat ('unpopular' is not the word), as it would seem that there is the least competition in acquiring material of that colony. As you will have read in the President's paragraph, it is suggested that a start should now be made in compiling a first handbook. It would seem prudent that in making an initial attempt one of the smaller colonies should be selected, and I feel I cannot do better than reiterate my suggestion made two years ago that Antigua might be the first subject for a handbook. If all members who collect this colony will send me notes on postal history, stamps and postal stationery the committee will be happy to collate the information. In our last Bulletin I mentioned how glad I was to make the acquaintance of members from overseas, and since then I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. E. G. Creed, who has recently returned to Australia. He takes a very prominent part in the philatelic activities of Melbourne and has promised to bring our Circle to the notice of collectors in that city. In July 1956 I promised to inform members of the progress of the Sales Circuit, and I am pleased to announce that seven Envelopes have been sent out, one of which, unhappily, has been stolen from a member's flat. Since all material is fully insured no loss will be sustained by any contributing member. The total value of the sheets so far distributed is £336, and up to the time of going to press sales are close on £80. In this connection it would appear that many members are finding some useful items for their collections. You will, I hope, have noted the comments made on another page by the Hon. Secretary Sales Circuit, and I do earnestly enjoin all members to co-operate in every way and so lighten, which many will know from personal experience, is a very onerous task.
DEAR MEMBER,
Once again it is our hope that you spent a happy Christmastide notwithstanding the difficult times through which we are passing. Furthermore we trust that during the past year you succeeded in filling some of the gaps in your albums and - what is equally important - extended your knowledge of your special interest. For our Circle 1956 was a year of steady progress and the increase of 41 in membership we regard as most encouraging. The growth in our overseas membership is especially gratifying and a very warm welcome is extended to the following who have joined us in recent weeks: J. Law (Canada), G. R. Raymond, H. M. Shilstone and M. M. Sternfels (U.S.A.). Having regard to what has been achieved since January 1954 we feel there is good reason to hope that our 200th member will be enrolled during 1957.
Geographical distribution of membership.
LONDON (31)
PROVINCIAL (97 )
| Cheshire 1 | Herts 3 | Shropshire 2 |
| Cornwall 1 | Kent 6 | Somerset 1 |
| Derbyshire 4 | Lancashire 4 | Staffordshire 1 |
| Devon 4 | Lincolnshire 1 | Suffolk 2 |
| Dorset 1 | Middlesex 8 | Surrey 13 |
| Essex 4 | Norfolk 2 | Sussex 7 |
| Gloucestershire 4 | Northants 2 | Warwickshire 3 |
| Hampshire 6 | Northumberland 2 | Wiltshire 3 |
| Yorkshire 4 | ||
| N. Ireland 1 | Scotland 8 | Wales 1 |
OVERSEAS (41)
| Australia 5 | B.W.I. 5 | Canada 7 |
| New Guinea 1 | South Africa 4 | U.S.A. 22 |
In the July 1956 Bulletin I stated that I hoped to send out the first Envelopes towards the end of the following October and I am glad to say I achieved my ambition. I regret to say, however, it entailed my giving up much more of my leisure time than should have been necessary. Many members did not comply with the simple instructions that were published and disregarded one or more of the Rules that were enclosed in each Envelope. In consequence, I had to undertake much additional work which, quite frankly, resulted in my feeling that my task was a burden instead of a pleasure. In order to avoid a repetition I shall be glad if all members will make a special note of the following requirements:
a) All sheets to be 7 inches high and 4¾ inches wide, with a ½ inch margin on the left hand side.
b) Your reference number to be given in the right hand top corner.
c) All stamps to be mounted with good hinges to avoid the need for re-mounting.
d) All amounts to be cast and the total given at the foot of each sheet.
e) Details of each booklet reference from which purchases have been made and number of items taken to be stated on advice slip.
I make no apology for giving the facts. It is now up to you all.
ADVERTISERS: When communicating with any of our advertisers, Members are requested to make a point of mentioning our Bulletin.
BULLETINS: Copies of back issues are available as follows:- Nos. 2 and 4-7 (l/6d.). 8-11 (l/3d.) post free. Orders should be addressed to the Hon. Secretary accompanied by the appropriate remittance.
OPINIONS SERVICE : Facilities are available for opinions to be given on most stamps of the B.W.I. group. A fee of 1/- per stamp is charged. Members wishing to take advantage of this service should send the stamp(s) to the Hon. Secretary, enclosing the requisite fee and stamped addressed plain (or registered) envelope. Every endeavour will be made to return the stamps within seven days.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Members are reminded that these are due on the 1st February and prompt payment will be much appreciated. Should it be so desired to pay by Banker's Order, the necessary form can be obtained on application to the Hon. Secretary.
NOTES AND QUERIES: It will be appreciated that our Bulletin constitutes the vital link between us and is mainly dependent upon a steady flow of contributions from members. These may either afford information or raise points upon which enlightenment is sought, and it will be helpful if S.G. numbers are quoted wherever possible. ALL contributions should be addressed to the Hon. Secretary.