Stamp Collector

8 MAY 2020 www.stampandcoin.co.uk Quick Links Page 10 Roll of distinguished philatelists Page 12 Websites to keep you collecting Page 14 Latest new stamps STAMP UPDATE Collecting during the Covid-19 outbreak Does the virus spread on pieces of mail? An update from Royal Mail (13 March) states: ‘Public Health England (PHE) has advised that people receiving parcels are not at risk of contracting the corona-virus. From experience with other corona-viruses, we know that these types of viruses don’t survive long on objects, such as letters or parcels. This complements the highly publicised guidance from PHE for people to wash their hands more often than usual using soap and hot water.’ The statement also explains that, during deliveries, the hand-held devices used to take signatures will not be used. When delivering parcels that don’t fit through a letterbox, the postal worker will knock on the door and then step back and await the recipient to answer the door and safely take the item. Those who cannot get to the door will be left a ‘Something for You’ card as usual. Those self isolating will then need to arrange for a friend or family member to collect the item on their behalf. What can we do to keep in touch with collectors? How do we keep in touch with our colleagues? There’s always the good old telephone. And if you would like to chat with more than one person at once, why not try a software program such as Skype or Zoom, which allow you to communicate with audio or video via your wifi connection? The basic packages on these websites are free to use. Postcrossing is a project that allows you to send postcards and receive postcards back from random people around the world. That’s real postcards, not electronic! The concept has become very popular and there have even been a range of stamps issued to celebrate the hobby. Put simply, you just follow these steps… • Request an address and a Postcard ID • Mail a postcard to that address • Receive a postcard from another postcrosser! • Register the Postcard ID you have received • Go to number 1 to receive more postcards! • It’s a great way to meet people and receive stamps from around the world. • Find out more at the Postcrossing website (www.postcrossing.com) How can I keep updated on the hobby? Be sure to regularly visit the allaboutstamps. co.uk website and we’ll keep you updated with the latest news, auction results and prices, as well as providing stamp guides and collecting articles. If you usually buy your copy of Stamp Collector magazine at the shops, you may need to look at alternatives, why not subscribe and have each issue delivered to your home (see page 83), or switch to the digital edition (visit allaboutstamps.co.uk ). Remember you can also follow the Stamp Collector social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just visit the website at allaboutstamps.co.uk and click on the icons at the top of the page. How can I keep buying stamps? Whilst there might not be as many opportunities to meet with traders face to face, the internet has provided a platform for collecting for years now, so make the most of it. Delcampe.net and eBay are your first ports of call. At the time of writing many public stamp auctions are still taking place. Of course with the majority of stamp auctions you can also bid for items remotely, by telephone, or internet. What effect has the pandemic had on the stamp market? The pandemic has caused economic instability meaning currency exchange rates continue to fluctuate. Be sure to check the exchange rate before purchasing stamps from another country. Writing on his regular email newsletter Australian dealer Glen Stephens stated: ‘Bank Interest rates are near ZERO globally, so many folks have now bailed out of stocks, and grabbed a few STAMPS they need…’ In the longer term, the economic fall-out could mean more people choose stamps as a safer investment. Here’s some advice from the American Philatelic Society (APS): ‘Keep Working on Collecting: Even if you’re not able to travel to a stamp club meeting or stamp show, there are some great ways to buy and sell stamps. If you find yourself confined at home, this is an opportunity to work on that accumulation of stamps you’ve been meaning to put in your albums. Stay positive! ’ For the most up to date information on the pandemic, please continue to refer to the World Health Organisation and, in the UK, guidance from the National Health Service. The global pandemic is having an effect on all aspects of our lives, so what safety measures should stamp collectors take and how can we keep in touch with fellow collectors?