185 years ago today, the world’s first postage stamp – the “Penny Black” – came into use in the United Kingdom. Bearing the profile of Queen Victoria, this revolutionary stamp was part of Rowland Hill’s postal reform, which for the first time allowed senders to prepay postage.
A small piece of paper that changed global communication forever!
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https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/upu_penny_black-800.jpg800800Costas Chazapishttps://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fepanews_logo-107x138-1.pngCostas Chazapis2025-05-06 17:19:172025-05-06 17:19:17UPU Celebrates 185th Anniversary of Penny Black
Yesterday, we received the latest press release from BOSTON 2026:
There has been much hype and misinformation circulating mostly on social media warning potential visitors to the United States to reconsider their travel plans. Let’s set the record straight.
Boston 2026 committee members reviewed several overseas official government web sites in the past week and found all had their security alerts of travel to the U.S. at the lowest possible level. Foreign nationals should review any travel advisories to the U.S. posted on their department of state’s web site for the most complete and accurate details.
The change in federal administration has brought increased scrutiny to the process of entering the United States by Customs and Border Protection agents meant to ensure security for all. Whether driving across the border from Canada or Mexico, or arriving an airport, the documentation requirements remain the same depending one’s country of origin to avoid potential delays.
Expect border agent random security checks to possibly include examining electronic devices, cell phones, laptops, and alike checking phone logs, photos, social media and text messages to prevent entry from wrongdoers. A handful of reports of entry denials overshadow the fact that more than 4.5 million non-U.S. citizen air passenger arrivals alone took place last month in March.
Canadians staying in the US over 30 days are now required to register online with U.S. Immigration authorities in advance of travel. That time period was formerly six months.
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.
From Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 May, EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 will welcome visitors from all corners of the world to what is expected to be the biggest philatelic event of the year.
In his welcome message in the exhibition catalogue, Jon Aitchison, EuroPhilEx Chairman, noted that this is the first British international exhibition to be staged outside London since Manchester 1899. Also in the catalogue, Bill Hedley, FEPA President, quoted: It will be an occasion for the philatelic world to come together, rekindle its enthusiasm, and have a good time.
Highlights of the event include 2,000 exhibit frames, a magnificent Court of Honour, more than 60 dealer and trade stands, a live philatelic auction, society meetings, the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists Ceremony, the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain, the FEPA Congress, and two FEPA seminars.
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https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/europhilex_raging_bull_and_logo.jpg800800Costas Chazapishttps://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fepanews_logo-107x138-1.pngCostas Chazapis2025-05-03 12:05:222025-05-03 12:05:22EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 is around the corner
UPU Celebrates 185th Anniversary of Penny Black
From the UPU social media:
185 years ago today, the world’s first postage stamp – the “Penny Black” – came into use in the United Kingdom. Bearing the profile of Queen Victoria, this revolutionary stamp was part of Rowland Hill’s postal reform, which for the first time allowed senders to prepay postage.
A small piece of paper that changed global communication forever!
…
BOSTON 2026: Boston 2026 to Overseas Visitors: Come!
Yesterday, we received the latest press release from BOSTON 2026:
There has been much hype and misinformation circulating mostly on social media warning potential visitors to the United States to reconsider their travel plans. Let’s set the record straight.
Boston 2026 committee members reviewed several overseas official government web sites in the past week and found all had their security alerts of travel to the U.S. at the lowest possible level. Foreign nationals should review any travel advisories to the U.S. posted on their department of state’s web site for the most complete and accurate details.
The change in federal administration has brought increased scrutiny to the process of entering the United States by Customs and Border Protection agents meant to ensure security for all. Whether driving across the border from Canada or Mexico, or arriving an airport, the documentation requirements remain the same depending one’s country of origin to avoid potential delays.
Expect border agent random security checks to possibly include examining electronic devices, cell phones, laptops, and alike checking phone logs, photos, social media and text messages to prevent entry from wrongdoers. A handful of reports of entry denials overshadow the fact that more than 4.5 million non-U.S. citizen air passenger arrivals alone took place last month in March.
Canadians staying in the US over 30 days are now required to register online with U.S. Immigration authorities in advance of travel. That time period was formerly six months.
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.
Thomas M. Fortunato
Boston 2026 Public Relations Chair
Tom.Fortunato@Boston2026.org
Read the press release here.
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EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 is around the corner
From Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 May, EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 will welcome visitors from all corners of the world to what is expected to be the biggest philatelic event of the year.
In his welcome message in the exhibition catalogue, Jon Aitchison, EuroPhilEx Chairman, noted that this is the first British international exhibition to be staged outside London since Manchester 1899. Also in the catalogue, Bill Hedley, FEPA President, quoted: It will be an occasion for the philatelic world to come together, rekindle its enthusiasm, and have a good time.
Highlights of the event include 2,000 exhibit frames, a magnificent Court of Honour, more than 60 dealer and trade stands, a live philatelic auction, society meetings, the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists Ceremony, the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain, the FEPA Congress, and two FEPA seminars.
…