Stamp collectors in Vancouver are privileged to belong to the British Columbia Philatelic Society, a stamp club that has existed continuously for 83 years. Known as the “B.C. Phil”, the society was founded on November 27, 1919 as the result of efforts of a stamp collector named G.S. Ketcheson. Its first president was Samuel Grintzburger. Twice-monthly meetings were held at the Hotel Vancouver. By the end of 1919 the society had 35 members.

Members of the B.C. Philatelic Society enjoy the ending moments of one of the club’s silent auctions, held Oct. 30, 2002.

The purpose of the society is as relevant today as it was in 1919: “To educate and publicize the hobby of philately to as wide an audience as possible, to recruit new members, and to form bonds with collectors and clubs throughout North America and abroad.”

The society is an affiliate of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, the American Philatelic Society, and the Northwest Federation of Stamp Clubs.

At this time, we have 91 members in good standing. They include nine Life Members.

The Society also benefits from the membership of four Vancouver stamp shops — Weeda Stamps, Steveston Stamp Auctions Ltd., FvH Stamps, and The Bay Coins & Stamps — as well as Jim Miller Ltd., an on-line dealer of Canadian postal history, and several part-time dealers. See our member-dealer web page for additional information.

The Society has been sponsoring stamp shows since 1927, according to available records. Its annual show, now called Vanpex (Vancouver Philatelic Exhibition), has had national-level status since 2001, and is held on the auspices of the RPSC.

The Society publishes a newsletter three times a year; the editor is Clive Bellian. It is distributed to members at club meetings, and by mail and e-mail. It is also available on at local stamp shops.

The club owns a small philatelic library of general and specialized philatelic catalogues and literature, all of which can be borrowed by any member.

Once a month, the Society receives circuit books as well as stamp lots and covers on approval from the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. Members can request specific countries or other collecting areas.

Membership in the B.C. Philatelic Society is open to any collector of good character. Annual membership dues are as follows: Individual $20, Family $30, Youth (under 18) $7.50.

If you wish to join us, please fill out the membership form and mail it to the address indicated, with your membership fee.