Everyone at The PTS wanted to say a massive thank you to Rick Warren for his hard work and dedication to the hobby & the PTS over the years, we are sad to see him step down as chairman.   Rick took over at a time when we weren’t sure where the society was going.  He stepped up and drove the society forward.  Rick chaired the restructuring of Stampex International separating it from the trading activities of the PTS.   Ensuring Stampex & PTS are what they are today.   Rick has been in the industry since he was a boy, trading whilst he was still at school.  In 1994 he set up Apex Philatelic with Tim Francis which he later sold to Stanley Gibbons.   A few years ago he founded Mayfair Philatelic Auctions.

John Curtin who has known Rick for over a decade comments

"Rick has been one of the stamp trades greatest entrepreneurs. His computing expertise transformed the traditional auction model and brought choice, convenience and value to thousands of collectors.  There have been many a stamp show where his purchasing power (and ability to pay) has been the bedrock to the success of many in the trade. In our opinion there are few who have contributed more to the collectors and dealers here in the UK. He has been a pleasure to deal with."

The Philatelic Traders Society are delighted to have presented Rick with a hononary lifetime PTS membership to mark his wonderful work with the society.    Rick is also going to stay connected to the PTS & Stampex through his work at Mayfair Philatelic Auctions & generally, within the hobby. 


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With thanks to Chris Forwood from Epsom & Ewell Philatelic Society we find out just what makes a good stamp club & how to reenergise yours

Is your local stamp club on its last legs?
Perhaps it deserves to be. That’s harsh, but truth often is.
Not so long ago the Epsom & Ewell Philatelic Society had a guest speaker, but only eight members turned up.  
That was embarrassing for everyone; but as he droned on it occurred to us it was amazing that so many attended.
It set us thinking – what makes a good philatelic society and what future does it have?
If we just wanted lots of members we could have become more of a bourse. That has been done successfully by  some of our near-neighbours. We did not want to copy them but things did have to change.
We asked members what they most disliked about our meetings - poor speakers easily topped the poll.