Youth Boosts Spring Stampex
There was a noticeable increase in numbers at the UK’s leading stamp show, SPRING STAMPEX 2016 , held at London’s Business Design Centre in February. This included the youngsters who supported the Kids Corner run by the Stamp Active Network. As the dates coincided with half term, children were able to visit on every day of the four day Show. Here they could do a range of activities on the theme of “Flowers”, gathering points to win prizes or take part in the free children’s auction, held regularly on the Saturday of Stampex. Kids bid eagerly for 30 lots and attendance was up by 100% on last year’s Spring event.
Auction in Progress Liam and Hayden Freaks with John Browning
After the auction, a free draw for a Penny Black, sponsored by Mulready Philatelics, was made for all children who attended the auction with WILFRED BAZLEY, Age 10, from London taking away the prize.
There was also a free prize draw for the adults to encourage them to “Bring A Child to Stampex”. The prize winners were: Royal Mail Year Book won by Christopher Barker, Crayford. Guernsey Year Book won by Alec Leabrook of Teddington. Stamp Market Values won by Elaine Wan of Cheltenham.
Commenting on the success, John Davies, Chairman of Stamp Active Network, said “It was great to see so many children throughout the Show. In particular we noticed that some who had come on their own last time returned with the rest of the family as they had had such fun at their previous visit. It makes all the efforts of the volunteers worthwhile. It was also great to see the enthusiasm of some of the dealers who were quite happy to give free gifts and special offers to the kids who were there. My thanks to the Philatelic Traders Society for their ongoing support.”