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		<title><![CDATA[Kingston Stamp Club Community Forum - Upcoming Events]]></title>
		<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[Kingston Stamp Club Community Forum - https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 23:01:06 +0000</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories - Final 2026 Session]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=360</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 17:40:03 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=360</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Weeks 1 and 2 enjoyed full attendance. There are only four participants, but three of them are “graduates” of the last session. The other participant was a KSC member some time ago and will be returning to the club.<br />
<br />
Bob Gardner’s presentation this week was very informative. Before he started, he discovered he had personal connections to almost everyone in the room, so our discussion felt like a group of very good friends sitting around an antique oak library table. Hugh and I missed the ferry home because we couldn’t get the group out of the room when the class ended! <br />
<br />
We have created an all-new program for this final session, and we really appreciate the club members who have volunteered - not just to present, but to develop and present something that is new! We have incorporated a new hands on session so everyone can practise looking for watermarks, measuring perforations, finding some varieties, working with hinges, cutting a mount, examining stock books and sampling album pages - and hopefully go home and get closer to the collections they have inherited or built over time. <br />
<br />
We are ending with a bang! Roy Lingen has offered himself up as a philatelic sacrifice - inviting the group to ask him anything for an hour. A selfless act of bravery that is very much appreciated!<br />
<br />
Week 1 - Introduction<br />
Week 2 - Country Collecting: Saint Pierre &amp; Miquelon with Bob Gardner<br />
Week 3 - Introduction to Marcophily: 250 Years of Postal Cancellations with Hugh MacDonald<br />
Week 4 - Hands On Session: Traditional Tools for Collectors with Richard Weigand, Val Mayers, Jim Gould and Hugh MacDonald<br />
Week 5 - Country Collecting: Germany with Ted Luhtala<br />
Week 6 - An Introduction to Topical Collecting with Janet MacDonald and “17th January” with Guy Monette<br />
Week 7 - Digital Demos: New Tools for Collectors with Hugh and Janet MacDonald<br />
Week 8 - Ask a Dealer Anything with Roy Lingen]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Weeks 1 and 2 enjoyed full attendance. There are only four participants, but three of them are “graduates” of the last session. The other participant was a KSC member some time ago and will be returning to the club.<br />
<br />
Bob Gardner’s presentation this week was very informative. Before he started, he discovered he had personal connections to almost everyone in the room, so our discussion felt like a group of very good friends sitting around an antique oak library table. Hugh and I missed the ferry home because we couldn’t get the group out of the room when the class ended! <br />
<br />
We have created an all-new program for this final session, and we really appreciate the club members who have volunteered - not just to present, but to develop and present something that is new! We have incorporated a new hands on session so everyone can practise looking for watermarks, measuring perforations, finding some varieties, working with hinges, cutting a mount, examining stock books and sampling album pages - and hopefully go home and get closer to the collections they have inherited or built over time. <br />
<br />
We are ending with a bang! Roy Lingen has offered himself up as a philatelic sacrifice - inviting the group to ask him anything for an hour. A selfless act of bravery that is very much appreciated!<br />
<br />
Week 1 - Introduction<br />
Week 2 - Country Collecting: Saint Pierre &amp; Miquelon with Bob Gardner<br />
Week 3 - Introduction to Marcophily: 250 Years of Postal Cancellations with Hugh MacDonald<br />
Week 4 - Hands On Session: Traditional Tools for Collectors with Richard Weigand, Val Mayers, Jim Gould and Hugh MacDonald<br />
Week 5 - Country Collecting: Germany with Ted Luhtala<br />
Week 6 - An Introduction to Topical Collecting with Janet MacDonald and “17th January” with Guy Monette<br />
Week 7 - Digital Demos: New Tools for Collectors with Hugh and Janet MacDonald<br />
Week 8 - Ask a Dealer Anything with Roy Lingen]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[2026 Eastern Ontario Stamp Festival  April 18th]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=351</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:19:50 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=64">Barb</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=351</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I just want to remind everyone the Kingston Stamp Club is hosting the 2026 Eastern Ontario Spring Stamp Festival, Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A. MacDonald Boulevard, Kingston, Ontario. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers ample free parking.<br />
<br />
<br />
This year’s festival will feature several local stamp dealers, club member dealers, and a consignment sales area. There will be something for every one! From an extensive range of definitive and commemorative postage stamps from around the world, revenue, Cinderella, and topical stamps, postal stationery, postcards, and first day covers, as well as, catalogues, and stamp collecting supplies will all be available to purchase. <br />
<br />
This event provides experienced philatelists, postal historians, and newcomers to the hobby with an excellent opportunity to enhance or begin their collections while exploring the ways in which stamps reflect history, culture, art, and nature in miniature form.<br />
<br />
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there!<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;" class="mycode_align">For additional information, please visit <a href="http://kingstonstampclub.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">http://kingstonstampclub.ca</a> </div>
or contact Club President, Bob Gardner at 613‑389‑9587, or <a href="mailto:bandjgardner@cogeco.ca" class="mycode_email">bandjgardner@cogeco.ca</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I just want to remind everyone the Kingston Stamp Club is hosting the 2026 Eastern Ontario Spring Stamp Festival, Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A. MacDonald Boulevard, Kingston, Ontario. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers ample free parking.<br />
<br />
<br />
This year’s festival will feature several local stamp dealers, club member dealers, and a consignment sales area. There will be something for every one! From an extensive range of definitive and commemorative postage stamps from around the world, revenue, Cinderella, and topical stamps, postal stationery, postcards, and first day covers, as well as, catalogues, and stamp collecting supplies will all be available to purchase. <br />
<br />
This event provides experienced philatelists, postal historians, and newcomers to the hobby with an excellent opportunity to enhance or begin their collections while exploring the ways in which stamps reflect history, culture, art, and nature in miniature form.<br />
<br />
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there!<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;" class="mycode_align">For additional information, please visit <a href="http://kingstonstampclub.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">http://kingstonstampclub.ca</a> </div>
or contact Club President, Bob Gardner at 613‑389‑9587, or <a href="mailto:bandjgardner@cogeco.ca" class="mycode_email">bandjgardner@cogeco.ca</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 6]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=349</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:23:15 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=349</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Our guest speaker this week was Val Mayers, who explained what varieties collectors do. She prepared a very helpful handout and a gave a very generous gift of a page of stamps to every participant. I have found that “fly specking” fascinates the group if it is presented in the later part of the series, once they have developed some comfort with general terminology. This was the third time I have seen Val talk about varieties, and I learn something new each time. But I still struggle to see donuts and bullet holes …<br />
<br />
Val arrived early and was introduced to the church administrator, Amy, who had questions about how her ten year old daughter could learn about collecting. That was a match made in heaven!<br />
<br />
We had a second featured speaker this week, Guy Monette, who spoke about the Canada 1898 map stamp. He shared a very wonderful story about how he got started as a collector. He also brought his stamp pillow to show the group.<br />
<br />
Our final meeting will feature a panel - Val Mayers, Jim Gould, and - making his SATS speaking debut - Kevin Humphries.<br />
<br />
Session 4 begins April 27. It is too soon to know if there will be enough people registered to run that program, but we will begin seeking speakers at our April 9th KSC meeting. You do not have to make a long presentation. We can group several speakers in one session and offer a philatelic potpourri! You don’t even need to have a formal presentation - you can bring a few things for Show and Tell.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Our guest speaker this week was Val Mayers, who explained what varieties collectors do. She prepared a very helpful handout and a gave a very generous gift of a page of stamps to every participant. I have found that “fly specking” fascinates the group if it is presented in the later part of the series, once they have developed some comfort with general terminology. This was the third time I have seen Val talk about varieties, and I learn something new each time. But I still struggle to see donuts and bullet holes …<br />
<br />
Val arrived early and was introduced to the church administrator, Amy, who had questions about how her ten year old daughter could learn about collecting. That was a match made in heaven!<br />
<br />
We had a second featured speaker this week, Guy Monette, who spoke about the Canada 1898 map stamp. He shared a very wonderful story about how he got started as a collector. He also brought his stamp pillow to show the group.<br />
<br />
Our final meeting will feature a panel - Val Mayers, Jim Gould, and - making his SATS speaking debut - Kevin Humphries.<br />
<br />
Session 4 begins April 27. It is too soon to know if there will be enough people registered to run that program, but we will begin seeking speakers at our April 9th KSC meeting. You do not have to make a long presentation. We can group several speakers in one session and offer a philatelic potpourri! You don’t even need to have a formal presentation - you can bring a few things for Show and Tell.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 5]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=343</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:35:54 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=343</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[This week’s featured speaker was Hugh MacDonald. The topic was <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">The Philatelic History of Occupation</span>. Hugh showed occupation stamps and covers from conflicts in the 19th, 20th, and 21st century. It was a great learning opportunity for the group.<br />
<br />
Another highlight this week happened during Show and Tell. One group member - who started collecting more than 70 years ago and was a country collector - asked about topical collecting and the feasibility of finding stamps related to his profession in the sciences. It was a privilege to be present as a seasoned collector dared to strike out in a new direction!<br />
<br />
Next week Val Mayers will speak about Varieties. In the autumn session of Stamps and Their Stories, Val showed participants how to « flyspeck » and they were quite excited when they were able to see tiny variations.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[This week’s featured speaker was Hugh MacDonald. The topic was <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">The Philatelic History of Occupation</span>. Hugh showed occupation stamps and covers from conflicts in the 19th, 20th, and 21st century. It was a great learning opportunity for the group.<br />
<br />
Another highlight this week happened during Show and Tell. One group member - who started collecting more than 70 years ago and was a country collector - asked about topical collecting and the feasibility of finding stamps related to his profession in the sciences. It was a privilege to be present as a seasoned collector dared to strike out in a new direction!<br />
<br />
Next week Val Mayers will speak about Varieties. In the autumn session of Stamps and Their Stories, Val showed participants how to « flyspeck » and they were quite excited when they were able to see tiny variations.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories - Week 4]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=341</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:35:22 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=341</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[This week’s topic was Collecting Countries. Ted Luhtala spoke about his collection of Germany. Participants always find Ted’s stories about hyperinflation stamps fascinating! He also showed a collection representing an entire decade of East German stamps - a collection he assembled during the pandemic. <br />
<br />
Next week’s topic is Occupation Stamps, presented by Hugh MacDonald.<br />
<br />
We don’t know yet if the Senior’s Association will want us to run another series in Session 4, which begins in late April. Watch this space for news!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[This week’s topic was Collecting Countries. Ted Luhtala spoke about his collection of Germany. Participants always find Ted’s stories about hyperinflation stamps fascinating! He also showed a collection representing an entire decade of East German stamps - a collection he assembled during the pandemic. <br />
<br />
Next week’s topic is Occupation Stamps, presented by Hugh MacDonald.<br />
<br />
We don’t know yet if the Senior’s Association will want us to run another series in Session 4, which begins in late April. Watch this space for news!]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 3]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=339</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=339</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Our guest speaker this week was Richard Weigand, with a new presentation on the founding of the Red Cross and collecting Red Cross stamps. The group really enjoyed listening to Richard, and appreciated the additional information he provided about the Kingston Stamp Club.<br />
<br />
This group is bringing some great items for Show and Tell. I am learning so much from them!<br />
<br />
There is no class March 16 because of school break. Our guest presenter on March 23 will be Ted Luhtala, speaking about collecting stamps from Germany.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Our guest speaker this week was Richard Weigand, with a new presentation on the founding of the Red Cross and collecting Red Cross stamps. The group really enjoyed listening to Richard, and appreciated the additional information he provided about the Kingston Stamp Club.<br />
<br />
This group is bringing some great items for Show and Tell. I am learning so much from them!<br />
<br />
There is no class March 16 because of school break. Our guest presenter on March 23 will be Ted Luhtala, speaking about collecting stamps from Germany.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 1]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=331</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:50:01 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=331</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Session 3 of Stamps and Their Stories (SATS) started today, in the Friendship Room / Library at St Andrew’s on the Lake United Church. There were six participants - three new faces and three KSC members. This is the very first time that every participant is a collector, so we are looking forward to some exciting show and tell and good discussions. <br />
<br />
Hugh MacDonald provided an introduction to philately and postal history that was very well received. We have a list of topics the group would like to see presented in future sessions, so please be prepared to say YES with enthusiasm if we come your way at this week’s meeting!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Session 3 of Stamps and Their Stories (SATS) started today, in the Friendship Room / Library at St Andrew’s on the Lake United Church. There were six participants - three new faces and three KSC members. This is the very first time that every participant is a collector, so we are looking forward to some exciting show and tell and good discussions. <br />
<br />
Hugh MacDonald provided an introduction to philately and postal history that was very well received. We have a list of topics the group would like to see presented in future sessions, so please be prepared to say YES with enthusiasm if we come your way at this week’s meeting!]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[2026 Eastern Ontario Spring Stamp Festival]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=330</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:27:54 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=64">Barb</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=330</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The Kingston Stamp Club is delighted to announce the 2026 Eastern Ontario Spring Stamp Festival, taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A. MacDonald Boulevard, Kingston, Ontario. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers ample free parking for all attendees.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">This year’s festival will feature several local stamp dealers and over 20 tables presenting an extensive range of definitive and commemorative postage stamps, revenue, Cinderella, and topical stamps, postal stationery, postcards, postmarks, and first day covers, as well as, catalogues, and collecting supplies will be available to purchase. The event provides experienced philatelists, postal historians, and newcomers to the hobby with an excellent opportunity to enhance or begin their collections while exploring the ways in which stamps reflect history, culture, art, and nature in miniature form.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Hope to see you there!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">For additional information, please visit <a href="http://kingstonstampclub.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">http://kingstonstampclub.ca</a> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">or contact Club President, Bob Gardner at 613‑389‑9587, or <a href="mailto:bandjgardner@cogeco.ca" class="mycode_email">bandjgardner@cogeco.ca</a></span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The Kingston Stamp Club is delighted to announce the 2026 Eastern Ontario Spring Stamp Festival, taking place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A. MacDonald Boulevard, Kingston, Ontario. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers ample free parking for all attendees.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">This year’s festival will feature several local stamp dealers and over 20 tables presenting an extensive range of definitive and commemorative postage stamps, revenue, Cinderella, and topical stamps, postal stationery, postcards, postmarks, and first day covers, as well as, catalogues, and collecting supplies will be available to purchase. The event provides experienced philatelists, postal historians, and newcomers to the hobby with an excellent opportunity to enhance or begin their collections while exploring the ways in which stamps reflect history, culture, art, and nature in miniature form.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Hope to see you there!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">For additional information, please visit <a href="http://kingstonstampclub.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">http://kingstonstampclub.ca</a> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">or contact Club President, Bob Gardner at 613‑389‑9587, or <a href="mailto:bandjgardner@cogeco.ca" class="mycode_email">bandjgardner@cogeco.ca</a></span>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[44th Annual Toronto Postcard Club Show]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=303</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:25:49 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=303</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Sunday, February 22nd, 2026<br />
10:00 am to 4:00 pm<br />
<br />
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(This is on the east side of the city before the downtown traffic snarl!)</span><br />
6 Sakura Way<br />
Toronto M3C 1Z5<br />
<br />
&#36;10 admission includes free parking<br />
<br />
17 dealers confirmed so far<br />
<br />
<a href="https://torontopostcardclub.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">https://torontopostcardclub.com</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sunday, February 22nd, 2026<br />
10:00 am to 4:00 pm<br />
<br />
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(This is on the east side of the city before the downtown traffic snarl!)</span><br />
6 Sakura Way<br />
Toronto M3C 1Z5<br />
<br />
&#36;10 admission includes free parking<br />
<br />
17 dealers confirmed so far<br />
<br />
<a href="https://torontopostcardclub.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">https://torontopostcardclub.com</a>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 9]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=278</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:53:27 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=278</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[The autumn 2025 Stamps and Their Stories series presented for the Seniors Association of Kingston completed its run on Monday. The participants really enjoyed hearing from our group of talented speakers. They learned, they laughed, and some may return for the spring series.<br />
<br />
A big thank you to our members who devoted time and expertise to develop their talks, used their initiative to find the little room hidden away in the centre of the church, and demonstrated a love of stamps while telling some great stories. We were a darned fine bunch of philatelists! <br />
<br />
In order from week 1, our guest speakers were: Jim Gould, Bob Gardner, Paul Fleet, Roy Lingen, Debbie Lingen, Richard Weigand, Hugh MacDonald, Ted Luhtala, and Val Mayers. Our week 9 panellists Jim Gould, Al Herrington, and Val Mayers helped me end the series with storytelling and a show and tell around the big library table. <br />
<br />
Thank you all for making my job so easy and representing the Kingston Stamp Club so well!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[The autumn 2025 Stamps and Their Stories series presented for the Seniors Association of Kingston completed its run on Monday. The participants really enjoyed hearing from our group of talented speakers. They learned, they laughed, and some may return for the spring series.<br />
<br />
A big thank you to our members who devoted time and expertise to develop their talks, used their initiative to find the little room hidden away in the centre of the church, and demonstrated a love of stamps while telling some great stories. We were a darned fine bunch of philatelists! <br />
<br />
In order from week 1, our guest speakers were: Jim Gould, Bob Gardner, Paul Fleet, Roy Lingen, Debbie Lingen, Richard Weigand, Hugh MacDonald, Ted Luhtala, and Val Mayers. Our week 9 panellists Jim Gould, Al Herrington, and Val Mayers helped me end the series with storytelling and a show and tell around the big library table. <br />
<br />
Thank you all for making my job so easy and representing the Kingston Stamp Club so well!]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 8]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=268</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=268</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Val Mayers spoke to the group about Varieties this week. She brought lots of examples of varieties, as well as the tools she uses. She passed around stamps and UV lights and participants were actively searching for missing colours and irregular perforations. Val’s enthusiasm for the topic was contagious. At one point someone called out « Doughnuts! Please show us doughnuts! » <br />
<br />
Val also provided a brief overview of the club’s youth program. Guest speakers like Val certainly do a great job promoting the club, making it sound like a fun place to spend a few hours with friendly people.<br />
<br />
There is just one week left in the program. For the first time, we are having a panel of five members sharing the story of their collecting journey.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Val Mayers spoke to the group about Varieties this week. She brought lots of examples of varieties, as well as the tools she uses. She passed around stamps and UV lights and participants were actively searching for missing colours and irregular perforations. Val’s enthusiasm for the topic was contagious. At one point someone called out « Doughnuts! Please show us doughnuts! » <br />
<br />
Val also provided a brief overview of the club’s youth program. Guest speakers like Val certainly do a great job promoting the club, making it sound like a fun place to spend a few hours with friendly people.<br />
<br />
There is just one week left in the program. For the first time, we are having a panel of five members sharing the story of their collecting journey.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 7]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=267</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:38:35 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=267</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Ted Luhtala spoke to the group about collecting stamps by country, in this case, Germany. He brought examples of his albums and custom pages he created for stamp studies. The group continues to be very interested in the story of German hyperinflation after WWI. It had been discussed by several presenters. Ted was able to spend more time telling stories about hyperinflation and German life during that period. The consensus of the group was we didn’t learn about this in school. <br />
<br />
This is why these sessions we do for the Kingston Seniors Association are called Stamps and Their Stories. In many cases, participants start by saying they don’t care about stamps, but they like to hear a good story. They are often surprised at the end of the session to find that they are interested in stamps!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ted Luhtala spoke to the group about collecting stamps by country, in this case, Germany. He brought examples of his albums and custom pages he created for stamp studies. The group continues to be very interested in the story of German hyperinflation after WWI. It had been discussed by several presenters. Ted was able to spend more time telling stories about hyperinflation and German life during that period. The consensus of the group was we didn’t learn about this in school. <br />
<br />
This is why these sessions we do for the Kingston Seniors Association are called Stamps and Their Stories. In many cases, participants start by saying they don’t care about stamps, but they like to hear a good story. They are often surprised at the end of the session to find that they are interested in stamps!]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories Week 6]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=241</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:29:12 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=241</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Yesterday Hugh MacDonald delivered “500 Years of Postal History” to the group - illustrated with actual physical covers from 1510 to 2025. He included a brief visit to Old Assyria to see a clay letter and envelope from about 1900 BCE. To be clear, he showed a photo, not the actual artifact.  <img src="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="smilie smilie_1" /> <br />
<br />
The group asked lots of questions. Two members are experienced collectors with a good understanding of postmarks and the evolution of the postal system. At the end of the presentation, Hugh handed out a selection of covers and invited participants to take something that appealed to them and examine it using the Four C’s: Covers, Cancels, Context, and Curiosity.<br />
<br />
Next week - “Collecting Countries - Germany” with Ted Luhtala.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Yesterday Hugh MacDonald delivered “500 Years of Postal History” to the group - illustrated with actual physical covers from 1510 to 2025. He included a brief visit to Old Assyria to see a clay letter and envelope from about 1900 BCE. To be clear, he showed a photo, not the actual artifact.  <img src="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="smilie smilie_1" /> <br />
<br />
The group asked lots of questions. Two members are experienced collectors with a good understanding of postmarks and the evolution of the postal system. At the end of the presentation, Hugh handed out a selection of covers and invited participants to take something that appealed to them and examine it using the Four C’s: Covers, Cancels, Context, and Curiosity.<br />
<br />
Next week - “Collecting Countries - Germany” with Ted Luhtala.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories - Week 5]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=156</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:51:01 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=156</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Richard Weigand told a very entertaining tale about Rowland Hill and the birth of the modern postal system today. Unfortunately, we were missing four participants due to vacations and illness. But - the very small size of the group gave a participant who is not a seasoned collector lots of time to ask questions. Richard is both patient and interesting when he provides answers. He says it’s the inner minister coming through <img src="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="smilie smilie_1" /><br />
<br />
A very seasoned collector was wowed by Richard’s explanation of the imagery on the George V Seahorses stamps. “So much propaganda packed into a little piece of paper!” This was a great advertisement for our study groups!<br />
<br />
So many stamps … so many possible stories for future sessions of this program!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Richard Weigand told a very entertaining tale about Rowland Hill and the birth of the modern postal system today. Unfortunately, we were missing four participants due to vacations and illness. But - the very small size of the group gave a participant who is not a seasoned collector lots of time to ask questions. Richard is both patient and interesting when he provides answers. He says it’s the inner minister coming through <img src="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="smilie smilie_1" /><br />
<br />
A very seasoned collector was wowed by Richard’s explanation of the imagery on the George V Seahorses stamps. “So much propaganda packed into a little piece of paper!” This was a great advertisement for our study groups!<br />
<br />
So many stamps … so many possible stories for future sessions of this program!]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Stamps and Their Stories - Week 4]]></title>
			<link>https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=120</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:38:18 +0000</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=34">Janet MacD</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/showthread.php?tid=120</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Our week 4 presenters were Debbie and Roy Lingen. Debbie brought her very impressive Queen Victoria display. It went very well with the topic of Roy’s presentation - Collecting Stamps to Fit Your Mojo. <br />
<br />
Roy talked about collecting options, including one stamp for each design instead of 43 varieties of the same stamp, and variations of the one stamp per country album. At one point he did shatter the expectations of one person when he said their Canadian collectible stamps were worth their face value if used as postage!<br />
<br />
We were very grateful to have Roy and Debbie make the trip down to Reddendale from the wild northern hinterland of Verona  <img src="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="smilie smilie_1" /><br />
<br />
It is very interesting to see some participants remembering parts of past presentations and linking them with the current week. That happened again in week 5. <br />
<br />
The presenters are doing a wonderful job of “selling” the club!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Our week 4 presenters were Debbie and Roy Lingen. Debbie brought her very impressive Queen Victoria display. It went very well with the topic of Roy’s presentation - Collecting Stamps to Fit Your Mojo. <br />
<br />
Roy talked about collecting options, including one stamp for each design instead of 43 varieties of the same stamp, and variations of the one stamp per country album. At one point he did shatter the expectations of one person when he said their Canadian collectible stamps were worth their face value if used as postage!<br />
<br />
We were very grateful to have Roy and Debbie make the trip down to Reddendale from the wild northern hinterland of Verona  <img src="https://kingstonstampclub.ca/forum/images/smilies/smile.png" alt="Smile" title="Smile" class="smilie smilie_1" /><br />
<br />
It is very interesting to see some participants remembering parts of past presentations and linking them with the current week. That happened again in week 5. <br />
<br />
The presenters are doing a wonderful job of “selling” the club!]]></content:encoded>
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