Back in 2008, at the EFIRO 2008 World Stamp Exhibition in Bucharest, the UPU and FIP developed a competition between postal operators, which presented their contemporary postage stamps in one-frame, 16-page exhibits. The competition has continued ever since, at least once every year, at a major exhibition.
From 2024 onwards, the UPU and FIP have taken a major step forward, increasing their visibility even further. The 19th Competition Class travelled the world and was exhibited in Europe (EFIRO 2024 and PARIS PHILEX 2024), North America (WESTPEX 2024), and Asia (CHINA 2024).
28 postal operators participated across three categories according to their annual volume of stamp issues. The exhibits were judged by three FIP-accredited jurors. The winners were as follows:
Group A: 1st place Slovakia; 2nd Morocco; 3rd Bosnia and Herzegovina – BH Post, Sarajevo.
Group B: 1st Macao, China; 2nd Belarus; 3rd Türkiye.
Group C: 1st Greece; 2nd Romania and United Nations Postal Administration (tied); 3rd France.
In 2025, the 20th Competition Class will travel to URUGUAY 2025 in February, BERNABA 2025 in Bern, Switzerland, in May, GASS 2025 in Chicago, United States, and PHILAKOREA 2025 in Seoul, in September.
New publication by the Royal Hispanic Academy of Philately and Postal History (RAHFeHP): The book titled Distribución y entrega de la correspondencia en España / Desde épocas prefilatélicas a nuestros días / Apartados, Carteros y Lista de Correos is written by Raimundo Almeda Candil.
The author focuses on the Lista de Correos (General Delivery list), P.O. boxes, and postmen, while also examining various other types of postal lists. The study is divided into several chapters, covering major periods in postal history. The Introduction discusses the precursors of postal lists during the extensive rule of the Habsburgs, including lists for both official and parallel postal services.
Chapter One examines postal lists and their organisation, as well as postal regulations up to 1716. Chapter Two analyses the postal ordinances found in the 18th century, from the establishment of the postal service as a public institution in 1716 to the first half of the 19th century, leading up to the introduction of the postage stamp. Chapter Three focuses on the philatelic period, spanning from 1850 to the reign of Alfonso XIII. Finally, Chapter Four explores the period from the Second Republic to the present day.
Special attention is given in this study to the Postmen Corps, as they have been intimately involved in the distribution and delivery of mail. These employees trace their origins to volunteers who, for a small reward, would collect letters from the General Delivery list on behalf of others. This practice eventually led the authorities to recognise the importance of mail distribution in reducing the number of undelivered letters and, consequently, ensuring the collection of postage fees for delivered mail.
The 261-page book is available from the RAHFeHP as volume LIV (54) in the Discursos Académicos series.
https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Discurso-54-800.jpg800800Costas Chazapishttps://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fepanews_logo-107x138-1.pngCostas Chazapis2025-02-18 12:45:572025-02-18 12:45:57Distribution and Delivery of Mail in Spain
Several events will be taking place during EuroPhilEx 2025, being held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from Wednesday. 7 May until Sunday, 11 May.
On Thursday, 8 May there will be a reception by the Royal Philatelic Society London from 7pm at the Arden Hotel. Admission is free and all are welcome.
This will be followed on the same evening by the Four Societies’ Dinner, also at the Arden Hotel, at 8pm. An open invitation is extended to members of the Royal Philatelic Society London, The Collectors Club of New York, Le Club de Monte Carlo, and the European Academy, and their guests. Tickets will be on sale through the EuroPhilEx website from the end of February, price £50 each.
The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists signing ceremony will be held at The Council House, Victoria Square, Central Birmingham, B1 1BB on Friday, 9 May 2025, followed by a free drinks reception. Attendees should arrive from 4.30pm for a 5pm start. Free coach transport will be provided from the Arden Hotel, next to the NEC, at 4pm and 4.15pm, which will return after the ceremony and drinks reception that will run until 7pm. Dress code is black tie for RDPs and participants but for visitors any attire is acceptable, with lounge suits or black tie preferred. Admission is free and there is no need to book. Please take this opportunity to witness this great philatelic institution, now in its 104th year.
That evening will see two dinners, for the Great Britain Philatelic Society and those who are signatories of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, but both are by invitation only.
Saturday, 10 May will be the day of the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain in the NEC Concourse Suite 20 from 11am to 5pm. This will include presentations by the new signatories to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, plus a presentation by the recipient of the Congress Medal for 2025. The names of these new recipients have as yet still to be announced. A further presentation The Kay Goodman Lecture will ask the question ‘So is context philately expending with collectors?’ There is no charge to attend the Congress and all are welcome.
Also on Saturday, 10 May there will be the Palmares dinner and prize giving at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. Tickets will be on sale at £120 each again through the EuoPhilEx website from the end of February.
Sunday, 11 May sees the European Federation of Philatelic Associations (FEPA) Congress starting at 10.30am in NEC Concourse Suite 20 with attendance only by delegates and observers. Additionally, there will be a Cavendish Philatelic Auction in Concourse Suite 19 at 1pm, with viewing on Sunday morning and on their EuroPhilEx stand all week.
19th UPU Competition Class 2024
Back in 2008, at the EFIRO 2008 World Stamp Exhibition in Bucharest, the UPU and FIP developed a competition between postal operators, which presented their contemporary postage stamps in one-frame, 16-page exhibits. The competition has continued ever since, at least once every year, at a major exhibition.
From 2024 onwards, the UPU and FIP have taken a major step forward, increasing their visibility even further. The 19th Competition Class travelled the world and was exhibited in Europe (EFIRO 2024 and PARIS PHILEX 2024), North America (WESTPEX 2024), and Asia (CHINA 2024).
Explore the 2024 exhibits here:
https://www.upu.int/en/universal-postal-union/activities/philately-ircs/upu-competition-class-2024
28 postal operators participated across three categories according to their annual volume of stamp issues. The exhibits were judged by three FIP-accredited jurors. The winners were as follows:
In 2025, the 20th Competition Class will travel to URUGUAY 2025 in February, BERNABA 2025 in Bern, Switzerland, in May, GASS 2025 in Chicago, United States, and PHILAKOREA 2025 in Seoul, in September.
A detailed description of the UPU Competition Class:
https://fepanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UPU-International-Competition-Class.pdf
Follow FEPA on Facebook
Distribution and Delivery of Mail in Spain
New publication by the Royal Hispanic Academy of Philately and Postal History (RAHFeHP): The book titled Distribución y entrega de la correspondencia en España / Desde épocas prefilatélicas a nuestros días / Apartados, Carteros y Lista de Correos is written by Raimundo Almeda Candil.
The author focuses on the Lista de Correos (General Delivery list), P.O. boxes, and postmen, while also examining various other types of postal lists. The study is divided into several chapters, covering major periods in postal history. The Introduction discusses the precursors of postal lists during the extensive rule of the Habsburgs, including lists for both official and parallel postal services.
Chapter One examines postal lists and their organisation, as well as postal regulations up to 1716. Chapter Two analyses the postal ordinances found in the 18th century, from the establishment of the postal service as a public institution in 1716 to the first half of the 19th century, leading up to the introduction of the postage stamp. Chapter Three focuses on the philatelic period, spanning from 1850 to the reign of Alfonso XIII. Finally, Chapter Four explores the period from the Second Republic to the present day.
Special attention is given in this study to the Postmen Corps, as they have been intimately involved in the distribution and delivery of mail. These employees trace their origins to volunteers who, for a small reward, would collect letters from the General Delivery list on behalf of others. This practice eventually led the authorities to recognise the importance of mail distribution in reducing the number of undelivered letters and, consequently, ensuring the collection of postage fees for delivered mail.
The 261-page book is available from the RAHFeHP as volume LIV (54) in the Discursos Académicos series.
Follow FEPA on Facebook
EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 Press Release No. 5
Events linked to EuroPhilEx 2025
Several events will be taking place during EuroPhilEx 2025, being held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from Wednesday. 7 May until Sunday, 11 May.
On Thursday, 8 May there will be a reception by the Royal Philatelic Society London from 7pm at the Arden Hotel. Admission is free and all are welcome.
This will be followed on the same evening by the Four Societies’ Dinner, also at the Arden Hotel, at 8pm. An open invitation is extended to members of the Royal Philatelic Society London, The Collectors Club of New York, Le Club de Monte Carlo, and the European Academy, and their guests. Tickets will be on sale through the EuroPhilEx website from the end of February, price £50 each.
The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists signing ceremony will be held at The Council House, Victoria Square, Central Birmingham, B1 1BB on Friday, 9 May 2025, followed by a free drinks reception. Attendees should arrive from 4.30pm for a 5pm start. Free coach transport will be provided from the Arden Hotel, next to the NEC, at 4pm and 4.15pm, which will return after the ceremony and drinks reception that will run until 7pm. Dress code is black tie for RDPs and participants but for visitors any attire is acceptable, with lounge suits or black tie preferred. Admission is free and there is no need to book. Please take this opportunity to witness this great philatelic institution, now in its 104th year.
That evening will see two dinners, for the Great Britain Philatelic Society and those who are signatories of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, but both are by invitation only.
Saturday, 10 May will be the day of the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain in the NEC Concourse Suite 20 from 11am to 5pm. This will include presentations by the new signatories to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists, plus a presentation by the recipient of the Congress Medal for 2025. The names of these new recipients have as yet still to be announced. A further presentation The Kay Goodman Lecture will ask the question ‘So is context philately expending with collectors?’ There is no charge to attend the Congress and all are welcome.
Also on Saturday, 10 May there will be the Palmares dinner and prize giving at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. Tickets will be on sale at £120 each again through the EuoPhilEx website from the end of February.
Sunday, 11 May sees the European Federation of Philatelic Associations (FEPA) Congress starting at 10.30am in NEC Concourse Suite 20 with attendance only by delegates and observers. Additionally, there will be a Cavendish Philatelic Auction in Concourse Suite 19 at 1pm, with viewing on Sunday morning and on their EuroPhilEx stand all week.
Further information about EuroPhilEx 2025 can be obtained by visiting www.europhilex2025.co.uk.
Follow FEPA on Facebook