The BTA is officially adopting Open philately, social philately and postcard collecting in an attempt to broaden its appeal beyond traditional thematic collectors. In doing so the BTA will become the UK’s first national society for ALL theme-based collectors.
The BTA is taking this positive step in response to the increasing popularity of theme-based collecting, i.e. collecting around a theme or story, and especially disciplines which encompass non-philatelic material or material with a social connection. In particular, themes and philatelic subjects are increasingly supported by or include ordinary personal or family stories with connected material, including letters, photos and postcards alongside traditional philatelic items.
Thus the BTA will strive to promote, support and improve understanding of all aspects of theme-based collecting and all it’s disciplines. Special pages in Themescene, the BTA’s magazine, have been introduced which specifically cater for open, social or postcard collectors. Looking forward, there will be workshops and seminars, some organised with the ABPS, on collecting and exhibiting; meetings featuring speakers and displays from all theme-based fields and the BTA will stage special events every time the Pictorial classes form part of the Spring Stampex exhibition (next such occasion 2014). The BTA will also from this year be staging an annual social competition as part of its annual competitions: the John Fosbery Trophy. This competition, with no rules, is perfect for those who want to show something different or innovative and who want to gain experience of competing. The competition will be staged at the South of England Stamp Fair, South of England Centre, Ardingly, Sussex on Saturday 12th October 2013. Entry forms are available from the BTA website at www.brit-thematic-assoc.com
The next meeting of the BTA will be on Saturday April 20th at the Royal Philatelic Society London. It will feature a display by Stuart Henderson who will be showing thematic and Cinderella material from his collection, as well as short displays by members. There will be a chance to swap and buy material. Begins at 10:30 and finishes at 17:00. There will be a small charge of £5 per person to defray costs. Lunch is not included but there are eateries locally. Morning and afternoon tea and coffee will be served. Anyone interested in attending please contact John Hayward at sassman@btinternet.com or call 01276 29246.