Meet . . . John Davies

John only became involved in the hobby after his two girls, Leanne and Hayley, received a stamp collecting outfit at Christmas (1986). Their enthusiasm led him to start a stamp club at Queensway Primary School in Banbury, which went on to won the prestigious Schools Trophy in the Melville Competition.

Inspired by a visit to Congress in 1987 on the theme of promoting philately, John developed and launched the Stamp Active programme in 1990, supported by Royal Mail and the British Philatelic Trust. He ran the programme for over eleven years providing starter packs and regular mailings to over 600 schools and junior stamp clubs.

In 1990 came the start of John’s own collecting interest relating to the 1890 Penny Postage Jubilee. The collection has grown and he now gives regular society displays and exhibits both nationally and internationally.

John has been involved in youth philately for many years. He was invited to join the Melville Committee in 1988 (later the National Youth Stamp Group) and served for 14 years including five years as Chairman. During this time the Group had great success with The Stamp Show 2000 being a particular height. He stood down as Chairman in 2002 but has now rejoined the group as Secretary. He is actively working to re-launch the new Stamp Active Network.

He also supports a number of local and national societies. He is a member of the GBPS Council and acts as Advertising Manager. He is Secretary of his local Banbury Stamp Society and a member of the NPS and a Fellow of the ‘Royal’.

At the moment John assists the ABPS with publicity and provides regular press releases to promote the ABPS and its work. ABPS is a keen supporter of youth philately and the promotion and development of the new ‘Stamp Active Network’ is now a priority for John.