In September 1999 a couple of aficionados decided to organise a meeting to try to create a club for Gozitans interested in stamp collecting. The response was better than expected and a proposed statute was approved in October. A committee was also elected. A first public activity was held at the Public Library run by the Cathedral parish, on the initiative of one of the members. The official launch of the Gozo Philatelic Society actually took place on February 12, 2000.

Besides middle-aged men, the preliminary meetings also attracted women and youngsters. Although men were the only ones who agreed to give of their time in the first committee, future years saw the participation of everyone.

Moreover, contacts began being made with schools to try to promote this hobby, which can be educational and generate interest in heritage and history and culture. So its membership now covers a strong range of people - from beginners to specialists, from students to pensioners, from locals to foreign residents in various countries.

In March 2000, the society set up an exhibition covering religious philately - the first of many, general or specific exhibitions - often in collaboration with other organisations such as those held at Munxar, Mgarr. Xaghra and Xewkija, as well as others in schools and at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria.

However, the main annual exhibition is held at St Francis Square Halls. This year the exhibition opened on Thursday and closes on November 18. Free entrance daily between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings only.

Each time a different theme is chosen for competing entries - this year's is 'Work and Society'. But many members, including juniors, also exhibit in the open category. There are, moreover, two other sections - Postal History and Social Philately.

The committee is made up of hard-working and enthusiastic individuals.

Support comes from all directions, including financial means from the Gozo Ministry. A couple of sponsors also help. In fact, the best exhibit is awarded the BoV Challenge Trophy.

Although this is obviously the main annual activity of the society, a regular members' meeting is held in the morning of the last Sunday of the month - an essential opportunity for stamp collectors to acquire additions and exchange information.

The Victoria Scout Group put their headquarters at the disposal of the society. One of the aims of the society is to try to have Gozitan events and personalities commemorated on stamps or postmarks. The society has often been successful. Through one of the artistically-gifted members of the society special covers are designed. They are very popular with collectors, not just locally.

The society is often invited to schools to give talks to students and also to create activities or even help found school clubs. For the past two years, committee members have been running classes at a major summer school in Victoria. Literary competitions are also organised, with some entries being published in the society's newsletter.

The newsletter, which is published quarterly, includes some 30 pages featuring articles and slots on a wide range of subjects. Since the society has numerous foreign members, it also promotes Gozo through a long-running series featuring local sites.

The editorial board has been lucky in finding good contributors, not excluding local researchers. In fact, the society has members who are not really interested in stamps but simply want to receive it regularly. The annual charge is €5 (€2 for juniors).

The society hopes that the new website can serve to consolidate its message: philately is fun and educational.