.png)
Media Release 01 September 2022
Permanent Closure of BFPS
It is 10 years since BFPS was formed to take over and operate the then
dormant Forces Philatelic Bureau to reinstate the production of
commemorative covers and special handstamps to mark military events and
anniversaries. After careful consideration the two volunteer directors
of BFPS, Graham Meacher and Darrell Drury, have decided it is time to
retire and have made the decision to dissolve BFPS CIC at the end of the
current financial year.
During its decade of operation, BFPS has collaborated with many
organisations, both civilian and military, to produce philatelic covers
to commemorate over 100 anniversaries and special events. In addition,
we have produced First Day Covers, Smilers® and specials. We have also
issued a large number of bespoke ‘British Forces Postal Service’ special
handstamps, each uniquely numbered and very popular with philatelists.
Apart from resurrecting the Forces Philatelic Bureau, the other main aim
of BFPS has been to fundraise for Service charities and in this we have
been successful with tens of thousands of pounds having been donated to
both the charities related to the covers produced or other worthy
charities such as SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
We are very proud of what we have achieved and we would like to thank
our friends and family, who have supported us and helped make BFPS a
success. We would also like to thank our customers and regular
subscribers for the tremendous support shown by purchasing our covers.
===============
Although not announced in the media release, the disbandment of the Postal & Courier Service (PCS) Reserve element of the British Military being this month with the END of an ERA slogan on the postmark serves also to mark the end of the BFPS.
There will be one final cover coinciding with the issue of Royal Mail's Royal Marines stamps.
After this, according to a statement on the BFPS website, they will hold a closing down sale and the online shop will cease trading by the end of November. Any stock remaining on hand will be donated to good causes.
The shop has 188 Commemorative covers, and 53 sets of British Army Service postcards. There are also Smilers Sheets and Post and Go stamps, and other souvenirs.
BFPS fundraises
for Service charities through philately and is a not-for-profit
Community Interest Company (CIC) limited by guarantee.Registered No
417647. Registered address: British Forces Philatelic Service, The Old
Post Office, Links Place, Elie, Leven, Fife KY9 1AX
BFPS is officially licensed by the MOD and is a not-for-profit company run by volunteer veterans.
I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing Graham and Darrell all the best for a long and happy retirement. I suspect, like many of us still working, they could have stopped years ago but they can be proud of the work that they have done, the covers produced, and the funds that they have raised.
Link to our post which reported the establishment of the BFPS CIC in 2013.
Second only to Royal Mail at alienating collectors and the trade. Not used them since 2016 ....... just need to kick the RM habit ! But they should out of business as well soon..
ReplyDelete