Saying it with stamps

The life and times of Pope John Paul II and the events leading to the installation of Pope Benedict will be marked by a display of stamps, special covers and postmarks between Friday and Sunday at Le Meridien Phoenicia Ballroom, in Floriana during Maltex, the philatelic exhibition.

Under the slogan Why Not Thematic, the exhibition will cover many more subjects.

Among the numerous collections will be a selection of "star" items from the prolific entries and covers amassed over the years by the Tagliaferro entrepreneurs.

A collection of stamps and covers will depict 100 years of service rendered by Rotarians and a display of Malta revenue stamps issued by the Treasury will cover the period from the reign of Queen Victoria to that of Queen Elizabeth II.

Other exhibits include a collection of Malta mint stamps with a Floriana connection and a selection of hand-painted Gozo covers bearing commemorative special hand stamps.

Prominent philatelists include Anthony Fenech, Tony Camilleri and Alfred Bonnici.

Visitors will be able to view a collection of die-cast models of some of the vehicles used by the Royal Mail over the years.

Organised by The Malta Philatelic Society and supported by Maltapost, the exhibition will feature dealers' tables at the bourse and a Maltapost temporary branch post office where stamps, postal stationery and other postal services will be available.

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

Tokens will be offered to young visitors courtesy of Maltapost, Sliema Stamp Shop, Emanuel Said Stamp Dealers and John Curtin Ltd (International Dealers).

On Saturday, the John Curtin stand will offer free valuation of collections and on Sunday, 2005 stamp designers will sign First Day covers.

The opening hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

www.maltaphilately.org