Mike leads a discussion at the US Study group. Click the image to be redirected to the US Study Group page.

The United States Study Group of the Ottawa Philatelic Society met during a regular meeting on Thursday, December 1st, 2011. There were nine members present.

It was an exciting meeting as the discussion topic was “Mail to and From Prisoner-of-War Camps in the United States” lead by Mike Powell. Mike showed us many covers with interesting American and German auxiliary markings, destinations, rates, etc. His vast knowledge of the subject lead to other discussions during the meeting. Mike is a published author on prisoner-of-war mail to and from Canadian camps.

Thank-you, Mike!

The next meeting of the United States Study Group will be held on Thursday, January 5th, 2012 during a regular meeting. The topic of discussion will be “The Battle of Chrysler Farm in the War of 1812”, lead by Tom Hare.

We look forward to seeing you then!

David Giles

Chairman

Clicking the book image will dircet viewers to the purchasing page at Ian Kimmerly.com

Recently, Mike Powell produced a literary work entitled  Notes through Barbed Wire.  Offered as "a comprehensive look with a new approach on mail to and from civilian internees and Prisoners of War held in camps in Canada during World War II." As should be expected, this work is the result of years of research following a series of successful introductory exhibits of the same name, presented at the ORAPEX and BNAPS exhibits, of which Mike was the receipient of numerous awards.  Encouraged by the accliam and the depth of stories within, Mike began actively pursuing content and contacts. 

The book is available in both colour and black and white, both with spiral binding.  Printed and available through BNAPS, it can be purchased locally in Ottawa or can be purchased directly on the interent at Ian Kimmerly Stamps, 62 Spark St., Ottawa, Canada (www.iankimmerly.com).  For easy refernecing the book codes are B4h049.1.1 (colour) and B4h049.1 (B&W).  Ian Kimmerly is the recognized distributor for BNAPS publications.

Click on image for list of local purchase options

One of our long-time members and past Presidents, David Madeley, along with a host of local volunteers put together this attractive coffee-table book, which has recently been offered to the market. The book's website offers the following details :

"Woodroffe, a community suburb of Canada's capital, was once a thriving village on the Ottawa River. Its charming history has now been told, in words and pictures, in a book published by the Woodroffe North Community Association (WNCA).

River, Road and Rail is a hard-covered book with a colourful jacket. Its 300 pages includes many illustrations, photos, historic maps and aerial photos. You may purchase a copy at the current price of $30. An Order Form is below. Please mail your order to Katherine Day at 51 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K2A 3T4, and make your cheque or money order payable to WNCA Book Fund." 

A list of stores and other locailities currently offering this book are available via the direct webiste link provided by clicking the book's image.

FIFTY YEARS.....AND COUNTING !

June 5, 2011

Ottawa Philatelic Society Member Received 50-Year APS Membership Award

On April 30th, 2011, Ian Kimmerly was presented his 50-year membership pin for the American Philatelic Society. The award was presented at the ORAPEX 2012 awards ceremony by Doug Lingard, Chairman of the ORAPEX 2011 Committee.

Mr. Kimmerly joined the APS at age 14, and has been active in philately all his life. A Past-President of the Ottawa Philatelic Society, he is President of Ian Kimmerly Stamps, here in Ottawa. He has also previously served as President of the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association. 

Ian collects and exhibits the stamps and postal history of the Solomon Islands. The members of the Ottawa Philatelic Society extend their congratulations to Ian on this important occassion.

DBG

Please click stamp to visit "Topical Challenge" page with rules and prizes.

A LITTLE PHILATELIC FUN BEFORE THE SNOWFALLS.....

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

In anticipation with our monthly theme "TOPICAL MONTH", a small contest has been put together to generate some further interest in exhibiting while hopefully getting many of our members back into a philatelic frame-of-mind now that the cottages are locked up and the lawn mowers have started collecting dust.

This Contest is open to members of the Ottawa Philatelic Society, however, provisions have been added to allow to online visitors to also submit one-page exhibit entries. (Further details will be provided on Friday, November 4)

This will be held in conjunction with our regular exhibit evening at the OPS (November 17) in which all OPS members are invited to submit exhibits on any topic or size for an open competition/discussion with winner(s) being voted on by the OPS membership. Provisions will be made to have each of these exhibits posted onto the "OPS EXHIBITS" section of this website.

The Topical Challenge component will consist of three levels and partipants are encouraged to step up to the highest difficulty level. The details will be made available at the November 3 meeting of the OPS. A handout describing the Topical Challenge will be made available that evening. 

Please click the "Monopoly" Stamp to see Contest Rules and Prizes.

UNITED STATES STUDY GROUP UPCOMING DISCUSSION

Sunday, September 25, 2011

1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue

On Thursday, October 6th, the United States Study Group of the Ottawa Philatelic Society invite you to attend our monthly meeting. Along with Show and Tell, and Questions and Answers, our discussion topic will be lead by Mr. Hank van der Linde.

Our discussion will focus on the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition Issue. We will also discuss the 1998 reprinted issue, of the original designs.

If you wish to learn more about the issue that features one of America’s most popular stamp designs, or wish to contribute to the discussion, we look forward to having you sit with us.

See you there!

David Giles

Chairman

A FEW WORDS from the WEBMASTER.....

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

As many of you will notice, there has been a major adjustment to the presentation of this website.  The borders have been expanded to be much broader and the Table of Contents is now listed in the left margin and below the header.  These changes were necessary to acommodate the upcoming OPS Market which will be up and running by the end of September, 2011.  A few of the categories (Youth Program, Gale Q and A, MINIEX, ORAPEX, The Philosopher) have been moved under the "OUR RESOURCES" heading.

Over the summer months a great deal of consultation has taken place.  The findings have since been presented to the Executive for review and approval.  The ultimate goal was to produce a market for the OPS that would be fair to both buyers and sellers and also provide a high level of oversight to the serious logistical challenges that would need be addressed.

I believe that have those solutions and elements of fairness are now in place.  A short presentation will be offered to the OPS membership on September 29 followed by a formal launch of this virtual market.  As we meet a series of targets we will progressively expand both the public's access and the consignment base to a broader audience.

Special thanks for all of those who have helped out thus far and the support and patience of the Executive.

Stay tuned ! TS

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

AUCTION CATALOGUE with PRICES REALISED......

Friday, May 20, 2011

We are pleased to announce that the May 19th OPS auction was another great success.  Of course, we all realise that this "process" was a learning curve for all, however, the gradual integration to a technologically enhanced auction was an overall smooth transaction.

The full auction catalogue is available here for viewing or download with prices realised in tha final column.

HEY YOU GUYS.........

Friday, May 20, 2011

Pssssssst......  OPS members and spouses are invited to the annual banquet this upcoming Thursday at the Hintonburg Community Centre.  One... Two...Three... Lots of Great Treats.  Special thanks to Nicole Lacoures and Yvon Richard for co-ordinating our event and we look forward to the pot-luck !  Of course, there will be the presentation of the Poirier Cup.  If you would like to offer to bring something please contact Nicole.

See you there !

CHANGING of the GUARD........

Saturday May 7, 2011

The Ottawa Philatelic Society members are pleased to announce the new OPS executive, voted in at the Annual General meeting (AGM), Thursday, May 5, 2011. 

They are as follows:

President : John Noordhof

Vice President : Michel Lavoie

Treasurer : Wayne Perrin

Secretary : Jack Gray

Member-at-Large : Robert Benoit

We would extend our sincerest wishes for the upcoming year and reaffirm our collective support for their initiative, patience and volunteer spirit.

Note: The minutes of the AGM will be posted as they become available in our "OPS Minutes" section found in the MEMBERS AREA.

 A NEW WAVE of OPPORTUNITIES......

After much review we have offered a new face to an old friend.  The Ottawa Philatelic Society is very pleased to introduce this new format to our website. These changes were brought forward as the flood of creative ideas of our membership surpassed the technical limitations of our previous format.

We believe that this medium is worthy of the ongoing investment while opening a fresh, new avenue by which our members can "activate and participate".

Thursday, March 24, 2011

 Jack Gray, Seconded by Dick Logan:

"That the proposals regarding the website and related matters presented today be accepted in principle, that the process and timetable outlined in these proposals be adopted, and that, to permit a further round of consultation, a ratifying vote on the proposals be taken at the Annual Meeting on May 5, 2011."

ORAPEX PHILATELIC EXHIBITION..........

Saturday, April 30 - Sunday, May 1, 2011

As many in the philatelic community are well aware, the annual ORAPEX exhibition will be held during this weekend at the RA Centre. A complete program (press release), exhibiting rules, and basic directions have been provided on a full page within this site. You can navigate there by clicking the button below or the image at upper left.

The show opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning. This follows an active Friday evening in which the many volunteers that make such an event possible convene to accommodate the dealers and exhibitors who will setup shop ! A wine-and-cheese banquet and awards ceremony will be held, also at the RA Centre, on Saturday evening and tickets can be purchased only in advance at the ORAPEX welcome table - all are invited and encouraged to attend, but tickets are limited.

The show continues throughout Sunday and the public will have the opportunity to further view the awarded exhibits. This year's honorary philatelist is our very own Dr. Robert "Bob" Smith and we, the Ottawa Philatelic Society, have benefit over many years from Bob's insight, knowledge and relentless smile.

The OPS will once again provide volunteers to manage both our long-standing commitment to our Youth Booth as well as our contribution to the Welcome Table. if you would like to donate a couple of hours to the latter, please contact Jack Gray.

Once the ORAPEX show is complete, we hope to indulge viewers with and wonderful array of exhibits from OPS members and Friends of the OPS, and post them here on our exhibit page(s).

No doubt that additional updates will occur over the next month, so please check back or forward any questions through the "CONTACT US" forum.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Tonight's program includes the monthly meeting of the United States Study Group.  This week's discussion will be headed by OPS member Tom Hare.  Tom has been an astute collector of select United States material for many years and one of his key areas of study centers on coil issues.  Tom hopes to offer an overview of the American coils and unravel the elements therein.  Using the Washington-Franklin series through to the Transportation definitives, examples will illustrate the basic terminology (ie joint line pairs) and also expand into discerning the pitfalls between the forgeries and the real deal !  A great opportunity for members and guests to take advantage of.

Click Image of "Bread Wagon Transportation Coil" Stamp to be redirected to the United States Study Group page.

  Thursday, April 21, 2011

Our next Exhibit Night will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the Hintonburg community Center.  The evening is currently open to any sized exhibit and, as always, will be accompanied by interesting discussions.  It is hoped that exhibitors will make their exhibits (and their stories) available to this website following that evenings events. 

 SHOW AND TELL........

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tonight's meeting offers an interesting look at worldwide Joint Issues, supported through a Show-and-Tell format.  Members and guests are invited to bring respective items for discussion.

According to the "International Encyclopedic Dictionary of Philately" bt R. Scott Carlton (1997) a Joint Issue is : "Stamps of similar design and purpose issued concurrently by two or more issuing agencies. "

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Following the regular meeting, the Great Britain Study Group will conveen for its monthly meeting.  While the group offers regular elements, there will be an "Open House" where visitors are invited to bring in items in which they require further information. All are welcomed to attend.

Thursday, March 31

This evening the United States Study Group will hold their monthly meeting.  All are invited to attend with an opportunity being provided for a question and answer session.

Also this evening, David Giles will offer a brief discussion on "How to make the most of Attending a Stamp Show" for our Philatelic Foundations program. This has been forwarded to this date due to last weeks website proposal.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

This evening's program is entitled "The American Revolution".  As this month is being hosted by the United States Study Group, they have encorporated a few surprises into the planning.  Feel free to stop by and see what happens when this group beats to their own drum (ouch) ! ? !

By clicking the stamp image above, you will be redirected to the United States Study Group page of this website.

Thursday March 3, 2011

March is "United States Month" at the OPS.  This, the first meeting of the month will be an open meeting, followed by the convening of the Great Britain Study Group.  This week the group will host its usual show-and-tell session followed by an open discussion dealing with.......  For more information, please contact David Madeley. djmcan@rogers.com

Friday, February 25, 2011

"I AM THE GREATEST..."

We have recently added an wonderful video entitled the "100 Greatest American Stamps" that was provided by the Smithsonian Institution via Youtube.  The slideshow is presented by Janet Klug (former President of the APS) and Donald Sundman (President of Mystic Stamps).  To view the full video, please visit the "UNITED STATES STUDY GROUP" Page by clicking the Smithsonian Stamp at left.

Thursday, February 24

Following the Open Meeting, the United States Study Group will hold its monthly meeting.  A short Show and Tell will be followed by a brief discussion on Precancels.  Members and visitors are welcome to attend.

For information on the United States Study Group, please contact David Giles (dbsgiles@sympatico.ca)  

Monday, February 21, 2011

AUCTION NOTIFICATION......

The APO (Hull Club) is hosting an in-house auction on Monday, February 21, 2011.  All are invited.  For more information, please click the "AUCTION SERVICES" button at left. The complete catalogue is also posted !

Friday, February 18, 2011

A very warm thank you is extended to Mr. Larry Burden.  Larry provided a very informative presentation on the History of Freemasonry and the Symbols of Freemasonry on Stamps.  Some intriguing observations were noted, followed by some wonderful discussions.  Larry left all with some interesting food for thought and a unique window onto the history of various components of our hobby.

Thursday, February 17.

The OPS is very pleased to welcome Mr. Larry Burden as guest speaker who will presenting a  slide-show dealing with the history of Freemasonry on Stamps.  Visitors are most welcome.

Friday, February 11, 2011 

FELICITATIONS !

Nicole Lacourse of the Ottawa Philatelic Society won the "People's Choice Award" presented to the Best Exhibit at the the recent MINIEX Philatelic Exhibition, held on Thursday, February 10,2011.

The exhibit, here offered complete (click Exhibiting button below) also won the "Judges Choice Award" for best Topical-Thematic Exhibit - featuring Jules Verne and some of his Famous Stories.

Well done Nicole !!

To view the featured exhibit and to get a complete list of the other winners, please click the "EXHIBITING" button below

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Submitted by Todd

FORGERY ALERT......

Recently, information has been brought to my attention that a wave of forgeries have found their way onto the Canadian stamp market.  The issue(s) primarily surround very dangerous forged overprints of the "O.H.M.S." issues.  While the details of this have come to light only in the past couple of weeks, it appears that the stamps have been introduced gradually onto the market over the past eighteen (18) months at least. On last inspection almost 90% of such items currently being offered on eBay were such forgeries........

Thursday February 10.

A reminder that the regular meeting at the Hintonburg center will be closed so that the OPS members can partake in the MINIEX 2011 event, being held at the RA Center, Centennial Room (West wing).  Room is available at 6:00pm.  Table Auction viewing/bidding begins at 6:30pm and will end promptly at 8:00pm.  Simultaneously, judging of the exhibits will take place.  With the closing of the auction, visitors and participants will be invited to partake in a 20-40 minute panel discussion on the "future of the post and the hobby". Coffee and doughnuts will accompany the eager.

The auction process will commence following the presentation by the exhibiting judges.  Auction lots will first be paid for, and then monies redistributed to the sellers.  Patience and co-operation will be essential and fair.  The auction co-ordinator, Wayne Perrin, will be granted final say on issues of security or complaint.  Of course, praise is most welcome as well.