PTS AWARDS ANNOUNCED

We have recently heard these awards described as the Academy Awards of the philatelic world.  We originally launched the awards to help celebrate the successes of 2020 and to keep inspiring people after such a tough year. 2020 has seen many companies think on their feet, take risks, pivot their business and come up with outstanding creative initiatives.  

We are delighted to be able to announce these winners and are thrilled to be showcasing the amazing work people have done within the hobby and the trade. All nominees will have the chance to use the PTS Awards nominee logo, will be included on the website and will receive a copy of the Philatelic Exporter.     Category winners will have their business featured in the Philatelic Exporter, will be included on The PTS website, will secure a year's subscription to the Philatelic Exporter and an advert in the upcoming PTS Collector Handbook 2021.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the nominations and for joining in with the awards.  Including the judges, Isobel for coordinating the whole project and The Philatelic Exporter. We were delighted with the feedback and a massive congratulations to all the winners and runners up.     

Suzanne Rae, Chair, PTS ​

Ambassador of the Year  - to celebrate those who are actively promoting the trade and the hobby in new, creative way
Winners (joint) 
Markand Dave 

• Markand has dedicated his time and energy to many projects within the philatelic community.  Including his work with philaminars which were a massive success and a brilliant concept to highlight during lockdown. 

Bill Barrell

• Bill was nominated for the support he has given the council this year on several projects including Virtual Stampex.   Bill actively took a role in Virtual Stampex, helping to introduce people to the concept and the event itself.  Bill also helped support on marketing the concept globally.  Taking out adverts and financially supporting adverts for the PTS to ensure Stampex was widely received.  Bill is also on various other societies for instance the ABPS as the PTS representative.   Bill also took time out to write pieces for the PTS handbook as well as creating engaging video content to share his knowledge of philately within the community. 

Runner Up StampIT

• Nominated for the brilliant and creative material Sandie creates for StampIt.  Especially the work for StampoverOctober 

Legacy champion of the Year – to celebrate those who are actively investing in knowledge sharing and retention for the future
Winner Exploring Stamps

• Graham Beck has been nominated for being one of the first people to set up a video you tube channel.  Graham's videos are easy to watch, fun and engaging.  He covers a wide range of philatelic topics and has something for serious collectors and those just starting out.  

Runners up 
Trevor Pateman, 

• Trevor Pateman has been nominated for his brilliant work on the blog www.armeniazemstvo.com .  This is devoted to Russian philately.   Launching in 2010 the blog has over 500 posts and boosts over 6000,000 page views.  Part of the blog has been made into a book.    

CDDStamps, 

• Michael Dodd of CDD Stamps has been nominated for several reasons including his amazing contributions to the hobby.  He has recently written a book to support those collectors buying online and to help an unregulated hobby.  Michael has lots of great content on his blog. 

Rushstamps

• Eric Friedman from Rushstamps produces a catelogue every year which is a comprehensive overview of philatelic material. 

PTS contributor of the Year – to celebrate those who are actively contributing to the success of the society outside of the immediate Team and Council
Winner Spink

• Spink has been nominated for their forward thinking in sponsoring Virtual Stampex 

Runner Up 
StampBoard 

• Glen Stephens has been nominated for his work with helping to raise awareness of the PTS and Stampex through stamp forums. 

Stephen Taylor

• Stephen Taylor has been nominated for his oustanding contribution and support of the PTS.

Creative concept of the Year – to celebrate the best in innovations within philately – for the trade and the hobby
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Winner Conversations with Philatelists 

• Conversations with Philatelists the podcast launched by Michael Cortese from NobleSpirit and Charles Epting of HR Harmer 

Runners Up 
Royal Philatelic Society London 

• The Royal Philatelic Society London moved quickly at the start of lockdown and with technology already in place managed to launch virtual content and meetings to their membership. 

Museum of Philately 

• Museum of Philately has given the philatelic community access to amazing privately held collections.  It is free to access and online so everyone can enjoy