50th Anniversary of the Regionals Stamps

This is a big anniversary. It’s 50 years since a very young Tony Buckingham went to London to buy the 1958 regional stamps!

In the early days, these stamps were not available from the Post Office. There was no central Philatelic Bureau either so they were difficult to get. When I first started in 1966, I had everything to learn and the regional first day covers were a nightmare.

I knew a dealer in Wales who postmarked my covers at Bethlehem. I found friendly dealers to help in Scotland and Northern Ireland too - then I was on my own. Believe it or not, I phoned hotels in the three Islands asking for help! My 1968 and 1969 covers were done by amateurs. Even worse, the peelable labels didn’t peel. No, that’s not strictly true. They came off and were replaced by what looked like coal dust. We did have a coal fire so that might well have been what was – horrifying! That horrible dust was in the air all the time.

I got my first big break due to those stamps. A far more established dealer than me advertised for agents to produce his covers - but there was a strike so the advertisement came out after the day of issue.

I cunningly wrote to him commiserating and of course offering him some of my covers. He immediately transferred all his order to me which was a massive bonus. He gave up in 1973 and gave me his customers (he was getting married and forgot about them) I sent them an EEC Calais paquebot cds and they loved me forever.

For those who actually read my newsletters (yes, you Mrs Jones in Wick), you will be glad to know I have been to the Old Vic three times since I tried to go to Australia via my face the quick way …. and didn’t fall over. But ironically my Kiwi friend fell backwards on the escalator on the London Underground, breaking two ribs in his back. He always has to out do me!

While mentioning the Old Vic, if you get a chance, go and see the “Norman Conquests”. It’s brilliant. They got 5 stars from The Times which was well deserved, unlike “Rifleman”. That’s another story. My advice: avoid “Rifleman”! Our only regret was we didn’t leave when the actress said “this is rubbish”. It would have been nice to say, “I agree. Goodnight!” But I was too British and instead, suffered 60 hours (well 1 hour 10 minutes) before the first act ended. To get so many expletives in that time must have been a record. At least 400. Kate Blanchet (the first director and spouse of the so called playwright) and John Hannah should be ashamed. Shock is one thing, rubbish another. Pity the good old days are over, they would all be in prison.

Anyway, I'm especially pleased with our set of 3 regional covers, each bearing the 50 year old stamps and the new 2008 stamps. We could only do limited numbers because it was hard to get my hands on the 1958 stamps so if you've got one, you've done well! The signed versions are very special. They all have a fabulous football connection ...

Our signature on the miniature sheet cover has been delayed. It will be Hayley Mills, who, 50 years ago, was filming Tiger Bay in Cardiff (Welsh connection!). She won a special Oscar for her performance.

Next month, I will tell you about my Olympic Collection nightmares. I am up to about 20 out of the 27 autographs now (that’s being optimistic. It might be only 18 but I have promises for 2 at sea ) It’s been a dreadful job trying to find the 27! Hopefully by next time I will almost be there.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Very shortly, a complete Buckingham Covers catalogue will be live on our site www.buckinghamcovers.com. Everything we’ve got at the moment will be there.

If you are not already subscribed to Ellie’s email newsletter, I’d recommend signing up so you’ll be the first to know when it is live.

It’s worth joining anyway so Ellie can tell you about her special website offers each week. She makes such generous offers that most of the time, I can’t bear to look.

And I know a lot of collectors enjoy her little anecdotes about her 2 year old daughter (my granddaughter!), Caitlin.

To join Ellie’s email family, go to www.buckinghamcovers.com/family or give us a call on 01303 278 137.

Going back to the Buckingham Covers catalogue, I hope you will find it useful and my bank manager (the Borneo, Rutland, Oceana, Kakistan and Egypt)* would be grateful if you order from it.

Hope your mattress isn’t too lumpy . . .

All best wishes

Tony Buckingham

*BROKE!