The Boneo Philatelic Society’s AGM took place over the weekend at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth, a unique Tudor-style hotel in Warwickshire. With 26 members, partners, and guests in attendance, this year saw a notable increase in participation compared to the previous year, making the event both vibrant and highly engaging.
Among the attendees were several overseas members, including Sid McHarg from the United States and Ivan Wilkinson and Beth from Australia, adding an international flavour to the gathering.
A Record-Breaking Auction!
One of the key highlights of the weekend was the Society’s auction, which attracted significant interest and participation. In what proved to be a hotly contested affair, the auction achieved an impressive total realisation of over £63,000—an all-time record for the Society.
The success was driven by two key components: the highly anticipated Jack and Mike Roberts’ collection and the regular Society auction, both of which generated lively bidding and exceeded expectations. Among the highlights include:
Lot 259 – Comprises the archive relating to Philip Henry Hansen (John) described in detail in the Sarawak Journal (Vol 76, No. 4) – sold for £4,000!
Lot 48 – Unissued 1897 $2, $5 and $10, superb unmounted top marginal copies which was probably the most contested lot in this auction – sold for £2,800.
Lot 112 – Great Britain embossed Ten Pence (cut down) and one shilling (uncut) on incoming cover. Sent on 08.01.1854 from Rougham, Norfolk, one of two known covers from this correspondence recorded – sold £1,600.
Lot 794 – Brunei 8c grey-blackwith one-line overprint in red unlisted in SG, tied by fine Brunei 18.1.12 JD1 cds (The only cover so far recorded bearing 8c with red handstamp) – sold for £1,600.
Detailed auction reports will be covered in the upcoming Sarawak Journal. For realisation and unsold lots of this auction please click here.
Thanks go to Ivor Moore, Carol Turner, and the team of runners for ensuring the auction ran smoothly.
Venue and Atmosphere
Chesford Grange in Kenilworth was a fitting venue for the AGM, offering a spacious and comfortable setting that allowed for easy movement and engagement. Members praised the hotel’s large rooms and excellent facilities, which contributed to the smooth running of the event.
Our thanks go to Claire Martin-Redman for coordinating with the hotel and ensuring the event ran flawlessly.
Presentations
As is tradition, the AGM weekend featured a series of philatelic presentations by Society members, showcasing rare and historical collections that delighted both beginners and seasoned philatelists.
- Malcolm Gascoyne opened the session with a captivating display of postcards from Sarawak, North Borneo, and Labuan. His deep knowledge of these regions and their postal history was evident, and his presentation was well-received.
- Carol Turner followed with a vibrant showcase of North Borneo’s first two colour pictorials, adding a visual and historical richness to the event.
The second day of the AGM featured equally fascinating talks:
- Richard Garbett presented an insightful session on RAF mails of Sarawak, Brunei, and North Borneo. His detailed explanation including several historical records and black and white pictures of the RAF pilots drew appreciation from the audience.
- Jon Higgins then took the stage, sharing his expert knowledge on the Brunei single-line Japanese overprints, a niche but highly interesting area of philately.
The final day brought more enthralling displays:
Jeremy Dickson showcased Labuan’s anniversary issues, offering a rare glimpse into the development of this issue.
Simon concluded the presentations with a thought-provoking and unique discussion on the aesthetics of exhibiting. His talk was a refreshing exploration of how collectors can enhance the visual appeal and narrative of their collections when presenting at exhibitions.
AGM Dinner
The AGM weekend culminated in a delightful dinner on Saturday evening. The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for members, partners, and guests to relax and enjoy a more informal atmosphere after the day’s exciting auction.
A highlight of the evening was Jon Higgins’ presidential speech, in which he thanked members for their ongoing commitment to the Society and shared his vision for the future.
Beth took the stage and delivered a stunning rendition of Moon River. Her incredible voice captivated the audience, and she was met with jubilant cheers and applause from the members. It was a memorable and joyful moment that brought the evening to a perfect close.
The Borneo Philatelic Society (BPS) fosters a global community of collectors passionate about the stamps and postal history of Brunei, Labuan, North Borneo (Sabah), and Sarawak. New members are warmly welcomed to join the Society regardless of their level of experience. Find out more about joining the Society.
