HISTORY |
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The Society was founded on 31st October 1936, and originally named' The Russian Study Circle. The founder President was Dr A H Wortman, FRPS, who continued to be a member of the Executive Committee until his death in January 1983 It aims were defined as the study of the Postage Stamps and Postal History of Russia (past and present), including the various independent republics set up between the Revolution and the formation of the USSR, Poland, Finland and the Baltic States. It sought to draw together the collectors of this material resident in Great Britain who were then comparatively few. Today the membership totals about 300 of whom about half live in the UK. The field of study has expanded, moreover, to include the new republics, Mongolia and Tuva, as well as revenue and other 'Cinderella material over the whole area. Meetings are held five times a year at the Union Jack Club, Waterloo. One of them is always devoted to the competitions for the Society's trophies and another to the annual auction which by 2001 had reached over 1000 lots. Other facilities .available to members in the UK include the use of the Society's extensive library of philatelic and historical works, the receipt of the Exchange Packet, and two free expertisations a year. There is a more limited access to the library available to Overseas Members. The Society's Journal currently runs to 50 or more A4 pages per issue and is published and sent free to all members at least once a year. It contains articles of interest to both specialist and beginner and is an invaluable source of information to all collectors in the Russian field. Back numbers of the Journal are available from the Hon Treasurer. © 2001-2004 the BSRP |