Some thoughts and advice from the Chairman of ABPS
As I write this early in June, there are obviously many looking forward to face-to-face meetings again. The Royal Philatelic Society; Postal History Society; Great Britain Philatelic Society and Society of Postal Historians are leading the way with meetings planned in London in June, and in York in July. I shall be involved with at least one of these, and hope that all are successful.
Most local societies are preparing to start meetings from September, and many are planning to retain Zoom meetings as a part of their annual programmes from now on. Indeed some, including my own in Wakefield, are investing in equipment which would allow for power point presentations as an option to accompany any evening display. I am really looking forward to getting back to seeing people, but even if all legal restrictions are fully relaxed, it seems to me that it would be wise for societies to continue safe practices for a while yet… ensuring good ventilation of meeting rooms; wearing masks where appropriate; keeping socially distanced; considering one-way movement around venues; providing hand sanitation stations… all would be sensible precautions. I realise that there will be those who oppose these things, but given the age profile of our members, irrespective of vaccination status, in order to keep them safe and confident enough to attend meetings again, I think it is both appropriate, and important for ABPS to advise these cautionary measures.
Graham Winters FRPSL, Chairman ABPS, 9th June 2021.