It has hardly been a month since the society’s successful convention in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., but The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) is already making moves for next year’s big gathering in Boucherville, Que.
Pierre Leclerc, a director with l’Association des numismates et des philatélistes de Boucherville (ANPB), announced Royal*2017*Royale will be held May 25-29 at Hotel Mortagne in Boucherville, Que. In addition to several “prestigious” collections of stamps and postal history that will occupy 210 competitive exhibit frames, the show will boast more than 45 dealer tables.
Leclerc added there will be much to do for those folks interested in the philately of Quebec, such as meetings and seminars hosted by clubs affiliated with La Fédération québécoise de philatélie.
Next year, the ANPB is celebrating its 50th anniversary as well as the 350th anniversary of the founding of Boucherville, which is just east of Montreal on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. Lastly, 2017 also marks 300 years since the death of Pierre Boucher (1622-1717), a famed French settler, soldier, official and governor in New France.
MAYORAL INVOLVEMENT
Leclerc said Jean Martel, mayor of Boucherville, is already showing a keen interest in next year’s convention.
“Our city is proud to be hosting such an important event. The stamp collectors who attend this prestigious philatelic exhibition will see some of the most outstanding stamp collections in Canada. They will also become more knowledgeable about various key aspects of their hobby,” wrote Martel, in a letter to the ANPB. “Numerous activities are planned and young and old will have the opportunity to be initiated into this pleasurable pastime.”
“As well, the experienced collectors will surely benefit from stimulating and profitable discussions with other hobbyists,” he added.
BIG PLANS
RPSC President George Pepall said there’s a “huge” plan in place to propose to Canada Post’s stamp advisory committee a stamp commemorating Boucher’s death.
“Jean Lafontaine prepared a folder, including a visual of Boucher and information about him, his achievements, and his ability,” said Pepall. “It would be a huge tribute to Jean, who died suddenly last September and was looking forward to bringing the country to Boucherville.”
For more information about Royal*2017*Royale, visit royale2017.com.