FROME Family History Group began 2024 with a short annual business meeting followed by a talk entitled ‘commemorative stamps and my family’ by Gerald Burdall.
The business started with a short report from the chair thanking the committee and in particular the programme secretary, Sue Simpson, who after many years, has handed the task on to Sue Leather. Our treasurer, Gerald Burdall also stepped down and we welcomed Marilyn McCullough who has kindly agreed to take over from Gerry. For his final treasurer’s report, Gerry announced that we had a healthy total of over £700 in the bank.
Our speaker for the evening was Gerry Burdall who was giving his last speech having retired due to his advancing years. The subject, ‘Commemorative stamps and my family’ was an insight into the history of the postal service and to the years where commemorative stamps were issued. Gerry tied each year to information about his family history and what they were doing at the time.
With some stunning illustrations of stamps and fascinating facts about both the stamps and his family, we found out that the first stamp issued to commemorate an event was for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. In 1950 Thomas Burdall, Gerry’s father, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to trade unions.
Many other beautiful stamps were shown including the one for the Olympic Games in 1948. Gerry remembers being taken by his father to see the Olympic flame on its journey to Wembley Stadium. The stamp remembering the Pilgrim Fathers in 1999 and the sinking of the Titanic reminded Gerry of family involvements in these events.
The evening finished with four beautiful stamps portraying photographs of Queen Elizabeth II which were issued in 2022, the same year as the birth of his great granddaughter, Daisy.
Our next talk will be on Tuesday 27th February where Professor Richard Coates will be telling us about a project on national and local surnames. You are welcome to join us at 7.30pm in the library. Entrance is £3.
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