70 years of service to stamp collectors and postal historians of Essex and surrounding counties
As Chairman of the Association of Essex Philatelic Societies (AEPS).
I would like to welcome you to our new website which highlights the events and activities of our affiliated societies related to the collection of stamps and postal history in its many forms. Whether you are a traditional stamp collector or a specialist, and wherever you reside in Essex or on the boundaries of Essex in East London, South East Hertfordshire or Southern Suffolk there is a stamp club near you where you will find a warm welcome. Our Societies offer talks and displays on many subjects, provide regular stamp fairs, organised competitions, seminars and other social events, all aimed at the enjoyment and wider appreciation of this hobby. Should you wish to make contact, you may do so through this website either directly with a local society, or with an officer of the AEPS.
Ray How,
Chairman Association of Essex Philatelic Societies.
Welcome
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Chairman of the A.E.P.S.
Competition Registrar
Raymond How FRPSL.
Ray’s collecting Interests: are in Irish Stamps and Irish Postal History, as well as Airmail and Maritime Postal history, He also collect’s Law and Order Stamps and Postal History, and the Postal History of Essex. Ray is also the Chairman and life vice President of the Rayleigh & District Philatelic Society of which he has been a member of since 1965. He also plays an active role in the A.E.P.S. as the Competition Registrar, a role that he enjoys very much. Ray is a member of four other Specialist Societies, The Royal Philatelic Society, The Irish Philatelic Circle, The East Anglian Postal History Society, and the National Philatelic Society.
Secretary of the A.E.P.S.
Promotion officer / Newsletter editor
Len Stanway
FRPSL.
Born in North Yorkshire, and after spending sometime in Singapore as a boy, he was taught how to write-up a collection, and was introduced via his father, to Stamp Clubs. After graduation, he moved to Essex, joining initially, to the Billericay Society, and then moving to Basildon in 1977, by 1978 he was an officer of that Society and has since held every role there, currently being President and Treasurer. In 1979, he joined AEPS and is currently Secretary, again having held most roles. Len is a Malaya specialist (but with many other areas of expertise as well), he is a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society of London, and a member of Malaya Study Group, Borneo PS, Singapore Stamp Club, Revenue Society, Railway Philatelic Group, Harrogate PS, Yorkshire Postal History Society, The British Thematic Association, South East England On-line Philatelic Society and others, he also edits the journals for three Societies, and has written a number of Philatelic books.
Treasurer of the A.E.P.S.
Mick Carter
Mick has been collecting stamps, since 1949, he mainly collected KGVI and QE2 to about 1970. He joined the Metropolitan Police Philatelic Society when he was working within the Force in 1961. After Mick retired, in 2010 he moved to Frinton on Sea and joined the Frinton and District P.S. where he is now the Treasurer. After joining the Frinton Society, Mick decided to specialise in stamps and postal history of British Forces in Egypt, and the British Occupation of Former Italian Colonies, Sudan and Paiforce (Br. and Allied Forces in Persia and Iraq). Mick also gives displays to Societies all over Essex and Suffolk and enjoys giving something back to this fascinating hobby, for all the years of enjoyment that this has given him.
Committee Member
Colin Evans
Colin has been a member of the Benfleet and District Philatelic Society since 1992 and is currently the Chairman of the Society, a post which he has held for the last 12 years, he is also the Programme Secretary of the Benfleet Society. Colin’s has a wide variety of collecting interests which are ,The Ross Dependency, The London 1980 International Stamp Exhibition, as well as many Thematic Collections, he is also a Thematic stamp dealer in his spare time, and can be found at stamp fairs across Essex. Colin is also a member of The British Thematic Association, The National Philatelic Society, and South East England online Philatelic Society.
A.E.P.S.
Sponsored by Alliance Auctions:
tel: 01279 758 854
e-mail: info@allianceauctions.com
Office hours: Monday- Friday 9am to 5pm.
The AEPS is a philatelic federation, a society for societies, providing the increasingly important bridge between local and national levels. The AEPS currently supports societies in Essex, east London, south-east Hertfordshire and southern Suffolk. Just as individual collectors benefit by belonging to a local society, so individual societies are strengthened by being members of an association.
Organisation:
The Association comprises a Council, with up to three delegates from each society. The Council meets about five times a year on a Saturday afternoon to discuss forthcoming events, means of promoting philately at all levels and any other matters of interest.
It is supported and guided by an Executive Committee, which usually meets before the Council meeting to prepare any presentations which may be required and to discuss routine operational matters. Each year, the AEPS arranges a Spring Stamp Day and an Autumn Rally under the "StampEssex” brand, usually hosted by a volunteer society.
Representation:
The AEPS represents the interests of members of local societies at national level on bodies such as the Council of the Association of British Philatelic Societies (ABPS) and at British Thematic Association (BTA).
Publications:
The AEPS produces a quarterly "AEPS Bulletin” newsletter giving details of events and other matters of interest to Society members, a monthly Combined Programme of forthcoming society meetings and a handbook "Philately in Essex”.
Benefits Of Membership:
If you collect stamps then you can’t afford not to be a member of a stamp club! Stamp clubs provide their members with the opportunity to meet with like-minded people and to share information about their hobby. They are also a great source of stamps for your collection.
Many collectors hesitate before visiting a stamp club because they may regard themselves as ‘only beginners’ or for other reasons. Don’t think this way. We were all beginners once. Join a club today and you will never look back. Stamp clubs are full of people from all walks of life who, just like you, enjoy collecting stamps.
All members of stamp clubs were beginners at one time and most are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. This knowledge will more than compensate for the cost of being a member.
The members of stamp clubs cover the full spectrum of stamp collectors, from those who collect new issues, to those who have only very limited stamp budgets through to those who exhibit at national exhibitions. All value the benefits of their memberships in their stamp club and the friendships and contacts it brings.
What can a Stamp Club provide?
Most stamp clubs offer an opportunity to obtain stamps at reasonable prices through their exchange books, society stamp auctions, stamp fairs and exhibitions.
-
Stamp displays and visiting speakers
-
newsletters or magazines
-
access to catalogues and reference books on stamps
-
But above all, stamp clubs offer the friendship, knowledge and experience of their members who help you
-
with advice on all aspects of collecting including:
-
identifying stamps
-
where to get stamps
-
storing and housing your collection
-
ideas on new collecting areas
-
assistance with exhibiting
Exchange Books
Most clubs have exchange books which contain stamps which members of the club are seeking to sell. Many collectors join stamp clubs primarily for access to the exchange books which enable them to sell their duplicate stamps as well as to buy stamps at reasonable prices. Best of all, many clubs allow you to look at these exchange books in the comfort and convenience of your own home.
Costs of being a member
One of the great benefits of being a member of a stamp club is that it costs so little. Even the most expensive club or society cost less than a £1 a week, with most costing considerably less. The savings you will make on stamps, books and accessories will more than repay the cost of joining a stamp club.
THE MEMBER SOCIETIES OF THE AEPS
Venues are wheelchair-accessible except where stated.
Basildon Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Charlie Mead (01268-522052, charlie.mead@msn.com).
Venue: George Hurd Centre, Audley Way, Basildon, SS14 2FL.
Normal time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Benfleet & District Philatelic Society (incorporating Southend Philatelic Society):
Secretary: Mrs Sue Stacey (07957-725647, sjs5032@virginmedia.com)
Venue: Jubilee Hall, St Barnabas Church, Church Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet SS7 2EJ.
Normal time: 7.30pm for 8pm to 10pm.
Chelmsford & District Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Pat Adams (01245-471626).
Venue: Christ Church, United Reformed Church, New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW.
Normal time: 7.00pm for 7.30pm to 9.45pm.
Clacton Philatelic Society:
Contact: Ken Brown (01255-820514, kenbrown788@btinternet.com).
Venue: Clacton Indoor Bowls Club, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 6NA.
Normal time: 7pm to 10pm.
Colchester & District Philatelic Society:
Contact: Peter Evans (01206-540990) peter.evans7978@btinternet.com.
Venue: Wilson Marriage Centre, Barrack Street, Colchester CO1 2LR.
East Anglia Postal History Society:
Secretary: John Copeland (01277-218128, jwjcopeland@btinternet.com).
Venue: Garden Room, Red Gables Resource Centre, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1BE.
Normal time: 2pm for 2.30pm.
Epping Forest & District Stamp Club:
Secretary: To be advised (contact Eric Hutton, Chairman 01992-676917).
Venue: Main Hall, Roding Valley High School, Brook Road (entry from Alderton Hill), Loughton, IG10 3JA. Normal time: 7.45 for 8.00pm to 10.00pm (Saturdays 1.30pm to 4.30pm).
Frinton & District Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Steve Alpe (07810-277275, steve_alpe@hotmail.com).
Venue: Frinton Community Centre, Soken House, The Triangle, Frinton-on-Sea CO13 0AU.
Normal time: 7pm to 10pm. Afternoon meetings 2pm to 5pm.
Goodmayes Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Cliff Cashman (020-8984 9346, No e-mail).
Venue: Methodist Church Hall, Percy Road, Goodmayes, IG3 8UA.
Normal time: 7.45pm to 10pm.
Harlow Philatelic Society:
Secretary: David Button (01279-423514, no e-mail).
Venue: Maidmoore Room, Great Parndon Community Centre, Abercrombie Way, Harlow, CM18 6YJ.
Normal time: 6.30pm for 7pm to 9pm.
Ipswich Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Mike Smith (01473-403904, michaelsmith1949@gmail.com).
Venue: Kesgrave War Memorial Community Hall, Twelve Acre Approach, off Bell Lane, Kesgrave IP5 1JF
Normal time: 6.30 for 7.30pm to 9.15pm. Afternoon meetings 1pm to 6pm.
Leytonstone, Wanstead & District Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Richard Wood (020 8523 0719, No e-mail).
Venue: Forest Room, Wanstead House, 21 The Green, Wanstead, London E11 2NT.
Normal time: Last Monday at 7.30pm to 9.30pm, September to June.
Rayleigh & District Philatelic Society:
Secretary: Ray How (01702-544632, ray.how@btinternet.com).
Venue: Parish Rooms, Rectory Garth, Hockley Road, Rayleigh SS6 8BA.
Normal time: 7.30pm for 8pm to 10pm.
Sudbury & District Philatelic Society:
Secretary: David Gottesmann (01787-469527, dgottesmann@netscape.net).
Venue: Tudor Church of England Primary School, Tudor Road, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 1NL.
Normal time: 7.00pm for 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Witham Philatelic Society:
Contact: 07767-633655.
Venue: Spring Lodge Community Centre, Powers Hall End, Witham, CM8 2HE.
New Time: 1.30pm for 1.45pm to 3.45pm.
Local, Regional & National Stamp Fairs
Many local stamp Societies hold regular Stamp Auctions throughout the year. Stamp collectors may attend the auction in person or may wish to "bid” for auction items by way of a postal bid.
The closing date for receipt of postal bids and a copy of the auction catalogue will appear below once it has been issued by each society.
To find local, regional and National stamp fairs. Click on the link below which will take you to the website...
Auction Houses
Alliance Auctions: http//www.allianceauctions.com/
Bill Barrell: http://www.barrell.co.uk/
Bridger & Kay: http://www.bridgerkay.com/
Cambridgeshire Philatelic Auctions: http://www.cpa-ely.co.uk/
Cavendish Stamp Auctions: http://www.cavendish-auctions.com/
Embassy Philatelists: http://www.embassystamps.co.uk/
Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions: http://www.grosvenorauctions.com/
Stanley Gibbons: http://www.stanleygibbons.com/
Societies & Research Links
Association of British Philatelic Societies LTD: https://www.abps.org.uk/
British Airmail Society: http://britishairmailsociety.co.uk/
British Thematic Society: http://www.britishthematicsociety.org.uk/
Federation of International Philately: http://www.f-i-p.ch/
Great Britain Philatelic Society: http://www.gbps.org.uk/
National Philatelic Society: http://www.ukphilately.org.uk/
Philatelic Traders Society: https://www.thepts.net/
Royal Mail: http://www.royalmail.com/
Royal Philatelic Society of London: http://www.rpsl.org.uk/
Stuart Rossiter Trust: http://www.rossitertrust.com/
South East England Online Philatelic Society: http://www.seeops.org.uk/
Association of Sussex Philatelic Societies: http://www.sussexphilately.org.uk/
Witham Philatelic society: http://www.withamphilatelic.rf.gd
Basildon Philatelic Society: http://www.basildon-philatelic.org.uk
East Anglia postal history Society: http://www.eaphs.webador.co.uk
Frinton philatelic Society: http://www.frintonphilatelic.com
Ipswich philatelic Society: http://www.ipswichphilatelic.uk
Leytonstone/ Wanstead philatelic Society: http://www.lwdps.org
Facebook Pages:
(Sponsored)
A Press Release by the Association of Essex Philatelic Societies The Member Societies of the Association welcome visitors and members of other societies to their meetings as shown below. Most venues are now fully-accessible to mobility-impaired persons, but, if in doubt, such persons should take advice from the organisers regarding access to events. "(Provisional date)" indicates that the society in question is scheduled to meet on that date, but that confirmation and details has not been received by the Editor at the time of going to press. Visitors intending to attend such meetings are advised to contact the relevant Society officer shown below to confirm arrangements before travelling. *** IF YOUR SOCIETY’S LATEST PROGRAMME IS NOT LISTED OR NOT UP-TO-DATE, PLEASE SEND ME A COPY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! SOCIETIES ARE ALSO REMINDED TO SEND MEETING REPORTS TO THE EDITOR FOR INCLUSION IN “THE ESSEX PHILATELIC CONTACT”. ** Sep Host Society Subject of meeting. 1 Sudbury To be advised. 2 Benfleet New Zealand. A New Era (Brian Stonestreet). 2 Clacton Bourse and Members’ displays (7pm-10pm). 2 Goodmayes To be advised. 2 Ipswich To be advised. 3 Witham Africa (Members’ displays). 7 Basildon Chairman’s Night. 8 Chelmsford Members’ displays. 8 Epping Forest To be advised. 10 Harlow To be advised. 14 Frinton Nick Harris displays Anglo-Boer War (7pm-10pm). 14 Rayleigh Postcards and Ephemera (Members). 15 Sudbury To be advised. 16 Ipswich James Podger displays “‘West Indies A to V”. (evening). 19 EAPHS Autumn Meeting (Member’s displays and bourse), Stowmarket. 22 Basildon Members’ displays. 24 Harlow To be advised. 28 Frinton Peter Lister FRPSL displays What An Inheritance Brings 2 (2pm-5pm). 28 Leytonstone & Wanstead To be advised. 28 Rayleigh New Zealand – A New Era (Brian Stonestreet). Preliminary listing for the next month’s events. Please be aware that this may be subject to change. A “final” listing will be issued on the usual date. Oct Host Society Subject of meeting. 1 Witham Queens Afternoon. 5 Basildon Postal auction viewing and Abu Dhabi by John Copeland. 6 Sudbury To be advised. 7 Benfleet Society Auction. 7 Clacton Mick Carter displays British Occupation of Italian Colonies (7pm-10pm). 7 Goodmayes To be advised. 7 Ipswich Graham Wylde displays “GB QV Surface Printed Issues on Cover” (afternoon). 8 Harlow To be advised. 9 United Nations WORLD POST DAY. 12 Frinton Terry Rawlings displays Aspects of Spain 3 (7pm-10pm). 12 Rayleigh Falklands Conflict, 25 years (Trevor Potter). 13 Chelmsford Members’ displays. 13 Epping Forest Recent Acquisitions (Members). 20 Basildon President’s Night. 20 Sudbury To be advised. 21 Ipswich Andrew Skilling displays “Gold Coast” (evening). 22 Harlow To be advised. Oct Host Society Subject of meeting. 26 Frinton Simon Moorcroft FRPSL displays Manchester Postal History (7pm 10pm). 26 Leytonstone & Wanstead To be advised. 26 Rayleigh Competition and Bourse Night. 28 Ipswich Society Coach Trip to Stampex, London (time tba). If details of any of your Society’s events are not shown or have changed, please send me a copy of your programme or relevant details as soon as possible for inclusion in the next one!
The Enschede Castles £2 missing gold Queen's Head SG 1994a
The Bahrain 1948 Olympics 2½a on 2½d
1893 issue type 7 surcharge ½d on 2d with diagonal handstamp.
The Enschede Castles £2 missing gold Queen's Head SG 1994a
All Association of Essex Philatelic Society (AEPS) members have the opportunity every year to enter county competitions to display their collections. If we enjoy collecting stamps and get pleasure from enjoying our pleasure with others, this is the greatest prize of all.
In all competitions it is advisable to let your club or competitions secretary know in advance, which category you intend to complete in and the title of your display. There are limits to the number of displays that can be given in each category.
Essex Philatelic Contact
(Click Here)
(Click Here)
VOL.37 No.4 December 2025
VOL.38 No.1 March 2026
(Click Here)
(Click Here)
VOL.38 No.2 June 2026
VOL.38 No.3 September 2026
Never Miss a New Post.
A.E.P.S. Shop
AEPS has produced a number of publications and philatelic materials for sale to members.
The following items can be pre-ordered from Mr Colin Evans on 07914489814, and collected at AEPS Council meetings or Stamp Days, or by arrangement at the Raweth and Marks Tey Stamp Fairs. Postage can also be arranged. Prices shown exclude P&P.
