The Southland Philatelic Society’s fair today features dealers from across the region coming together to sell and share their passion for postage stamps, first day covers and associated memorabilia from around the world.
Society secretary Margaret Peake said the special events started on Thursday night with an auction that included some personal collections and even historic stamps such as a New Zealand-issued one with Queen Victoria’s portrait, dating from 1872.
She said the fair promised to be a great day for the collector community, with dealers from across the region coming together, "but also for anyone interested in the subject."
The reasons for starting a stamp collection were different for every member, but they all shared an appreciation for this important part of history, she said.
Mrs Peake collects stamps from New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
"I started to collect postcards when I was a child because my siblings collected and I wanted to be part of it," she said.
"I’ve reconnected with this passion a few years ago ...
"I think it’s quite special because I love history and there are some beautiful pictures on [the stamps]."
Along with viewing members’ collections, people attending the fair will also have the opportunity to buy a postcard and stamp created especially for the event.
The society was inspired by a picture of the Invercargill water tower to create a special-edition stamp.
"We printed 300 stamps, which will be sold for $4, and the postcards will also be available.
"It will be a one-off only.
"I think it looks really good and people can enjoy having those exclusive stamps."
The fair runs from 10am to 4pm today at the Age Concern Southland rooms on the corner of Forth and Nith Sts, Invercargill.
