Canpex 2016 opens today in London

The inaugural Canadian National Philatelic Exhibition (Canpex) opens today in London, Ont.

Recently sanctioned by The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC), Canpex 2016 is being hosted by the Middlesex Stamp Club (RPSC Chapter 204) at the Hellenic Community Centre on 133 Southdale Rd. W. Attendees will be greeted with 120 competitive exhibit frames; more than 30 dealer tables; as well as free parking and admission. The show will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. tomorrow.

“This is not an exercise in simply running another stamp show,” said Canpex committee co-chair John Sheffield, who’s also a member of the Middlesex Stamp Club. “Rather it’s an opportunity to promote our great hobby. October is Stamp Collecting Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a national exhibition.”

STRONG EXHIBITS

Committee co-chair Steve Johnson said Canpex attendees will have the opportunity to view a “strong showing” of competitive exhibits, which range from traditional postal history to display class to thematic exhibits.

“Collectors and interested members of the general public will have an opportunity to see material not readily available,” said Johnson. “Exhibits have been entered from as far away as The Ukraine. The members of the jury will be kept very busy judging this material.”

Canada’s national-level shows include the Edmonton Spring National Stamp Show, held in April; Orapex, held during the spring; the Royale, held during the summer; Novapex, which is bi-annual and held in September; and the upcoming Canpex.

“I think we’re the only national show in the country that can say we actually have exhibits from Europe, and there are very few exhibits in this show that were at the Royal,” said Sheffield, who admitted it was “challenging” to find exhibitors given the number of national-level shows bunched together this summer. “You have three national exhibitions within 90 days, plus BNAPEX [the annual convention of the British North America Philatelic Society, BNAPS]. We’re proud we’ve attracted the exhibits we have.”

Johnson said exhibitors spend their highly valued time producing outstanding displays featuring stamps, many of which are “works of art,” from their collections.

“A walk through the exhibits will be educational and informative,” he added.

FREDERICK BANTING

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Frederick Banting was born 125 years ago.

This year’s Canpex honouree is Frederick Banting (1891-1941), who was the co-founder of insulin. This year marks the 125th anniversary of his birth.

Banting played a critical role in the First World War. In 1918, he was wounded at the Second Battle of Cambrai. Despite having injuries of his own, Banting assisted other wounded soldiers for more than half a day. The following year, he was awarded the Military Cross for heroism.

Following the war, Banting returned to Canada and finished his surgical training in Toronto, where he studied orthopedic medicine. In 1919, he became the resident surgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children but soon after moved to London, where he established his medical practice.

Between July 1920 and May 1921, Banting continued his practice while teaching orthopedics and anthropology at the University of Western Ontario. In 1921 and 1922, he lectured in pharmacology at the University of Toronto. Finally, in 1922, he received his medical degree.

“London, Ont., was the head of organ transplant technology in Canada,” said Sheffield, who added there are no shortage of famous Londoners to honour in future years. “We can go down the list of doctors here that are now world famous.”

BOURSE & SEMINARS

“There are a lot of guys taking a lot of tables,” said Sheffield, who added there are a number of philatelic societies and organizations, including The RPSC; BNAPS; and the American Topical Association, are in attendance.

Canadian Stamp News is also attending Canpex 2016 at dealer table Nos. 1-2.

For a full list of attending dealers, visit canpex.ca/bourse.php.

RECEPTION

Later today, after the bourse closes at 4 p.m., Canpex attendees are invited to celebrate “Stamp Collecting Month” at a reception recognizing the show’s exhibitors. Admission is $25 and includes food and drink. Tickets may be ordered by emailing info@canpex.ca.

Tomorrow afternoon, noted philatelic judges Ed Kroft and Sam Chiu will host a seminar on the recently revised APS Manual of Philatelic Judging and Exhibiting.

Trajan Media, publisher of Canadian Stamp News, is a Canpex sponsor.

For more information, visit canpex.ca.

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