Maltex philatelic exhibition this weekend

The Malta Philatelic Society will be holding its annual philatelic exhibition, Maltex, at Le Meridien Phoenicia Hotel, in Floriana from Friday to Sunday.

The numerous displays will range from First Day Covers and other issues by various EU countries on May 1, to heraldry on stamps and correspondence by a Knight of Malta in the 18th century.

A display of models depicting the Post Office through the ages will be put up by George Dougall.

Well-known foreign and local stamp dealers will be offering professional advice and free valuations to visitors at their stands.

Maltapost will be giving full postal services at a temporary branch post office being set up at the exhibition, where philatelists can have commemorative covers cancelled by the Maltex special cancellations.

On Friday, an Occasion Card will be issued by Maltapost to commemorate the issue of King Edward VII 2 1/2d Definitive (maroon and blue) exactly a century ago on this day.

The Malta Stamp Collection (1964-2004) album will be on display throughout the exhibition.

Alfred Bonnici, president of the Malta Philatelic Society, emphasised the educational value of the hobby of philately, saying that Malta stamps feature a vast array of thematic subjects, among them religion, the Neolithic period, historical events and political advancement.

"We in Malta have been particularly fortunate, because every Malta stamp narrates a story, if we look for it; it is an enormous encyclopaedia," he said, adding that philately is indeed a gateway to culture.

On Friday and Saturday the exhibition will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free. Tokens for young visitors will be on offer.