Dear friends,
The year 2016 has just end on a positive assessment for our association.
Effectives continue to slightly decrease, as for many associations in our field. It’s not a fatality! It is up to us to make sure that we go to find new collectors, not necessarily philatelists. All ideas are good to receive!
These few disaffections, mainly due to a high average age of members, further enhance the results of our competitors in France and internationally. It would be fastidious to list here all the medals and prizes received, so I refer you to the news that have reported on our website.
We did not have the opportunity to organize large events in 2016, but we were always welcome with great sympathy at the Tourist Office "Epernay Pays de Champagne" for our annual exhibition in the framework Commemorations of the Great War.
Another reason for satisfaction is the cohesion of your board of directors. Everyone in his place, fulfills his role with great efficiency and discretion. That all, exhibitors, competitors, volunteers, are thanked here for the wealth they bring to the A.P.S.
2017 has just opened its doors. Again the commemorations of the 14-18 war will hold a privileged place in our program. On 22 April, Laurent Albaret will give a lecture on "La Poste during the First World War", the subject of his latest work. In November the Tourist Office will welcome us for the fourth time, for a new part of our exhibitions concerning the Great War.
I hope that many of you will enjoy these activities!
Once again, I join with the members of the Board of Directors in wishing you and your families an excellent 2017 year, health, hope and rich philatelic discoveries
Bruno Melin
