I am glad to say that a number of members acceded to my request to pay their subscription by Bankers' Order. If you find a further form accompanying this issue of the bulletin I do hope you will complete it and return it to me as soon as possible.
This will lighten my task as Hon. Treasurer and also save you unnecessary expense and trouble. The response to my plea for a few lines on any aspect of B.W.I. philately was not so successful, and I sincerely trust that many more will find some time during the winter evenings to write about something they have found of particular interest. In this connection I would emphasise that no subject should necessarily be regarded as elementary as it is such items that might be most helpful to those of our members who are new collectors.
Dear Member,
A year ago we expressed the hope that our 200th member would be enrolled by the end of 1957 and whilst that happy event did in fact take place our total membership remains at 196 due to the inevitable loss through death and resignations. This represents an increase of 24 over the year which is very satisfactory and it is noteworthy that the number resident overseas has now reached the half century. A warm welcome is extended to the following who have enrolled since our last Bulletin was issued: Mr. H. J. Gaston of Granby, Connecticut, Mr. G. N. Johnstone and Mr. F .P. Schmitt both of New York, USA.
Geographical distribution of membership.
LONDON (35)
PROVINCIAL (111 )
| Buckinghamshire 1 | ||
| Cheshire 2 | Kent 5 | Shropshire 2 |
| Cornwall 1 | Lancashire 6 | Somerset 1 |
| Derbyshire 4 | Lincolnshire 1 | Staffordshire 1 |
| Devon 5 | Middlesex 4 | Suffolk 2 |
| Dorset 1 | Norfolk 2 | Surrey 16 |
| Essex 5 | Northants 1 | Sussex 6 |
| Gloucestershire 5 | Northumberland 2 | Warwickshire 4 |
| Hampshire 5 | Nottinghamshire 1 | Wiltshire 3 |
| Hertfordshire 4 | Oxfordshire 1 | Yorkshire 8 |
| Isle of Man 1 | ||
| N. Ireland 1 | Scotland 8 | Wales 1 |
OVERSEAS (50)
| Australia 5 | B.W.I. 4 | Canada 7 | |
| France 1 | New Guinea 1 | South Africa 2 | Lebanon 1 |
| Sudan 1 | Tasmania 1 | U.S.A. 28 |
It is with regret that we record the death of one of our overseas member - Mr. P. T. Masters of Melbourne, Australia - which took place suddenly on 7th July, 1957. Mr. Masters became President of the Royal Philatelic Society of Victoria in the year of their entry into permanent headquarters. One of his principal interests was the postal history of Jamaica, for which he was awarded a bronze medal at ANPEX in 1955. Our sincere sympathies are extended to his widow and daughter in their sad bereavement.
For some time now I have realised that circumstances were such that some curtailment of my honorary philatelic activities would have to be made, and it is not without some regret that I have tendered my resignation as Hon. Secretary of the Sales circuit. As most members will recall, I inaugurated the Circuit in the autumn of 1956, and although there have naturally been a number of teething troubles I feel that the venture has proved a success and is now firmly established. As you will observe in our 'shop window' Mr. W. H. H. Crow has volunteered to take over my duties, and it is my earnest hope that all members will continue to observe the simple rules and so render his task as light as possible.
ADVERTISERS: When communicating with any of our advertisers are requested to make a point of mentioning our Bulletin.
BULLETINS: Copies of back issues are available as follows:- Nos. 8-11 (1/9d each) and 12-15 (1/6d each). 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 avail themselves 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 stamp(s) within fourteen days.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Members are reminded that these are due on 1st February and prompt payment will be much appreciated. Should it be desired to pay by Bankers' Order the necessary form can be obtained on application to the Hon. Secretary.