BNAPS unveils annual award winners

Despite the coronavirus-driven cancellation of its 2020 convention, the British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS) has unveiled the winners of its annual awards.

Andrew Scott, of Sechelt, B.C., editor of the British Columbia Postal History Newsletter, won the 2019 John S. Siverts Award, which is presented annually to the editor of the “most informative” BNAPS study group newsletter.

Jonathan Johnson, of Prince George, B.C., received the 2019 Ritch Toop Memorial Award for the best military article, monograph or book published anywhere in the previous year. Johnson’s winning book, WWI Canadian Army Nursing Sisters Serving Overseas, was published as part of BNAPS’ “Exhibits” series last year.

Alexander Globe, of White Rock, B.C., won the 2019 Vincent G. Greene Award, which honours the author of the best article (or series of articles) in BNA Topics, BNAPS’ quarterly journal. Globe took home the honour for a pair of articles, “Canada’s Post Office in the 1850s, and its multiple 4-ring stamp obliterators featuring the same number” (BNA Topics 76 #1) and “Canada’s Post Office in 1869, and its multiple 2-ring stamp obliterators with the same number” (BNA Topics 76 #3).

Mark Oakley, of Vernon, B.C., won the 2019 Jack Levine Fellowship Award. Created in 1993, the award recognizes one or more “spark plugs” who have made major contributions to the success of a regional group. Oakley is a member of the Pacific Northwest Regional Group.

‘HALL OF FAME’ FOR BNAPS TRIO

Three philatelists – David Lacelle, Doug Lingard and Charles Livermore – also recently took home the BNAPS Hall of Fame Award.

Initiated in 1993 by then BNAPS president Chuck Firby, the Hall of Fame Award honours members who have made “significant general or specific contributions to the society,” according to society officials.

“The contributions may have been made by a member in an elected or appointed position or by a member acting on their own initiative.”

The honour can also be bestowed for “less visible, behind-the-scenes contributions” made to BNAPS.