The opening day of the 2016 Convention of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) has come to a close, and so far, it’s all going to plan.
This according to RPSC President George Pepall, who’s also treasurer of the Kitchener-Waterloo Philatelic Society (KWPS), host club for this year’s convention.
“We’re quite happy with how things have started,” said Pepall, who added the bourse floor was flowing throughout the afternoon, something that was supported by the number of seats occupied by showgoers.
Collectors flocked to the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex today for the opening of the 88th Convention of The RPSC.
This sentiment was mirrored by Leigh Hogg, chair of the organizing committee, who agreed most dealers’ tables were busy for opening day.
“It’s been a good day,” he said. “So far, so good.”
DAVID JOHNSTON
“The Governor General is a patron of the Royal as well as a former resident of Waterloo, and a former president of the University of Waterloo,” said Pepall. “One of the ovals on our second show card says ‘David Johnston Research and Technology Park.’”
David Johnston Research and Technology Park, located at 340 Hagey Blvd. in Waterloo, was named after Johnston and introduced during his 11-year presidency at University of Waterloo.
“What we’re trying to do is show Kitchener-Waterloo in the 21st century rather than the early 20th century,” said Pepall.
Johnston sent his “warmest greetings” to those attending this year’s Royale.
From left: RPSC National Office Executive Assistant Margaret Schulzke and RPSC President George Pepall.
“Philately—the practice, if not the word—is as old as postage stamps themselves. It implies not merely the collection of stamps, but more specifically their careful study,” wrote Johnston. “Stamps tell stories: from the image they bear to the kind of ink used, stamps are rich in both historical and technical detail.”
WATERLOO WELCOME
Another warm welcome came from Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger, who said stamp collecting has been an “integral part” of Waterloo’s culture for decades.
“I want to encourage all attendees to embrace this weekend; to share ideas and learn as much as possible from the seminars,” she wrote.
KWPS President Jim Oliver said Kitchener and Waterloo have “long and interesting” histories in the hobby of stamp collecting.
“Philatelic publications sprang up here more than 100 years ago and full retail stamp stores have existed in both cities until the era of glossy malls and the Internet changed the way we buy and sell stamps and covers.”