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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.

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Welcome

Meet The Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

About the Association of Essex Philatelic Societies (AEPS)

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”.

Why Join A Stamp Club?

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.

Benefits Of Membership:

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Association of Essex Philatelic Societies

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...
 

www.stampfairsdiary.co.uk

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/

Philatelic Events in Essex and Environs in January & Febuary 2026

Philatelic Events in Essex and Environs in March and April 2026 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”. *** March Host Society Subject of meeting. 2 Basildon Acquired in 2025 )Members’ displays). 2 Frinton Annual General Meeting and Members’ 8- or 16-sheet displays (7pm 10pm). 2 Sudbury Auction. 4 Benfleet Origins of and Introduction to the United Nations (Len Stanway FRPSL). 4 Clacton Bourse and Members’ displays (7pm-10pm). 4 Goodmayes To be advised. 4 Ipswich Two Members Entertain: Victory Issues (Barry Martin) & Grenada 2 (Andy Soutar) (evening). 5 Witham Mails Under London (Len Stanway FRPSL). 9 Rayleigh My Collecting Interests (Sue Stacey). 10 Epping Forest Denmark: Conscience, Conflict and Camps 1932-1949” and “The Re Unification of Southern Jutland with Denmark 1864-1920, plus some postcards (Birthe King FRPSL RDP) 12 Harlow To be advised. 13 Colchester Subject to be advised (2-4pm). 16 Frinton Members’ displays – Letters M, N and O (7pm-10pm). 16 Sudbury Display by Rayleigh P.S. 17 Basildon To be advised. 18 Ipswich Ross Dependency - Stamps & Postal History (Colin Ross) (afternoon). 23 Leytonstone & Wanstead Quiz Night. 23 Rayleigh Chairman’s Night. 26 Harlow To be advised. 30 Frinton Bourse with Sarah Brrokes (2pm-5pm). 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. April Host Society Subject of meeting. 1 Benfleet Isle of Man (David Belton). 1 Clacton Annual General Meeting (7pm-10pm) (Members only). 1 Goodmayes To be advised. 1 Ipswich Society Auction. View Lots from 4pm, Auction Starts at 7pm Sharp (In the Conference Room). 2 Witham Anything beginning with G, H, I or J (Members)(afternoon) 3 - GOOD FRIDAY BANK HOLIDAY 6 - EASTER MONDAY BANK HOLIDAY 7 Sudbury Display by Bury St Edmunds Postcard Club. 9 Harlow To be advised. 13 Frinton Ed Hitchings Entertains (7pm-10pm). 13 Rayleigh Mark Routh Entertains. 14 Chelmsford Members’ displays. 14 Epping Forest Competition Evening. 15 Ipswich The Harrison’s Entertain (Dahlia & Terry Harrison) (afternoon). 21 Basildon To be advised. 21 Sudbury Bring & Buy and Informa displays (letters V, W & X). April Host Society Subject of meeting. 23 Harlow To be advised. 25 EAPHS Annual General Meeting, bourse and members’ displays, 10.30-16.30, Stowmarket. 27 Frinton James Podger FRPSL displays West Indies (7pm-10pm). 27 Leytonstone & Wanstead Pakistan (Abdul Aziz). 27 Rayleigh 69th Annual General Meeting and Competitions. 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!

Notice Board & Competitions

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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.

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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)

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News Letter

VOL.37 No.4 December 2025

VOL.38 No.1   March 2026

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Never Miss a New Post.

Our Services

AEPS SALES LIST (Coming Soon)

AEPS has produced a number of publications and bulk-buys philatelic materials for sale to members. It also holds stocks of items published by member societies or individuals on a commission or sale-or-return basis. The proceeds from these sales help provide the funds necessary to enable AEPS to fulfil its objectives to promote the hobby of philately in Essex. Note: These prices are correct at time of going to press. Actual prices are subject to adjustment as new stocks are purchased. AEPS Sales items are available on the AEPS Sales table at AEPS Council meetings, AEPS Stamp Days and Autumn Rallies, or by post. Items marked * can be obtained from Mr How. All other items can be obtained from Mr Stanway. AEPS PUBLICATIONS Philately in Essex. Three volumes available by email free on request.Contains details of present rules and guidance, past history and a catalogue of philatelic souvenirs issued since 1944. AEPS History by R D Lee (1986). A brief illustrated history of the first 40 years of the AEPS. 16-page paperback. ISBN 978-0-9511700-1-4. £2.00 each (P&P £2). Mails Under London by L C Stanway (2000). The history of the carriage of mails by rail under the streets of London by the Pneumatic Despatch Company, the Post Office Railway and by the London Underground companies. Includes details of stamps and other philatelic material. 56 pages, 17 plates, line diagrams of rolling stock. Paperback ISBN 978-0-9535398-1-9. £9.50 (P&P £3). STATIONERY Stamp Wallets: Black plastic with stamp mounting card insert and gold-blocked AEPS logo. £1.00 each Bookmark: Basildon 2004 commemorative, leather-effect bookmark. Gold-blocked, available in black, red, lake, green or blue. £1.00 each The following items are unsuitable for posting and subject to availability. They can be pre-ordered from Mr How and collected at AEPS Council meetings or Stamp Days or by arrangement. Prices will depend on latest supplier price movements: Album page covers. Venus Protectors Light Duty Plastic. 290mm x 275mm (50 covers). Gummed Corners. Herma Transparol large self-adhesive corner mounts (100 pieces). Storage boxes. Stout cardboard. 330mm x 320mm x 75mm. Postal History size. TIES & BADGES AEPS Woven Tie (Maroon/Gold). £7.50 (P&P £1) AEPS Lapel Badge Full-colour AEPS emblem in shield-shaped gold- effect pin mount £1.50 (P&P 50p) AEPS Tie Clip Full-colour AEPS emblem in circular gold-effect mount on gold -effect bar clip. (Limited number only) £5 (P&P 50p) AEPS Cuff Links Full-colour AEPS emblem in circular mount on rigid bar-type cuff links. £7.50 (P&P 50p) SOUVENIR COVERS AND CARDS (Postage and packing £1 per order unless otherwise stated - All items subject unsold) 49.2 Maldon Paquebot card - serviced £2 57.2 1982 Basildon Pitsea postcards - mint £1 72.2 1990 Sudbury Stamp Day cover and postmark card - mint £1 80.2 1994 AEPS cover - mint £0.25 80.12 1994 AEPS cover - single stamp - postbus cachet £2 80.13 1994 AEPS cover - single stamp - postbus cachet £2 80.14 1994 AEPS cover - single stamp - postbus cachet £2 80.15 1994 AEPS cover - single stamp - postbus cachet £2 80.16 1994 AEPS cover - single stamp - postbus cachet £2 85.1 1996 Sudbury Stamp Day cover and postmark card - mint £1 104.10 Basildon 2004 cover Day 1 (Smilers stamp) £2 104.11 Basildon 2004 cover Day 2 (Smilers stamp) £2 115.5-7 Colchester 2010 sheet (Smilers stamps) £20 (P&P £3) Bn3.1 1989 Basildon Laindon postcards - mint £1 Bn3.2 1989 Basildon Laindon postcards - serviced £2 Bn4.1 1990 Basildon Vange postcards - mint £1 Cr3.1 1983 Colchester Postcard 4 - mint £1 Fd1.1 1973 Ford cover - serviced £2 Sy2.1 1977 Sudbury Gainsborough cover - serviced £2 Other items listed in the catalogue (sections H1-H2) may be obtainable on request. The AEPS will be pleased to accept covers, etc., from events run by member societies for sale on their behalf on the AEPS table as above, either as a donation or on a sale or return basis. No commission will be charged. Donations of any material for sale for AEPS funds would also be welcome.

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