Welcome to our website!
In 1949, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the first French postage stamp, a group of British philatelists set up a pioneering specialist philatelic society devoted to the study of the stamps of France and the then French Empire. From small beginnings, the France and Colonies Philatelic Society now unites over 300 collectors in Britain and overseas in the many and varied delights of the stamps and postal history of la Francophonie.
The Society provides an extensive programme of meetings in several locations, holds an annual Philatelic Weekend, publishes a well regarded and authoritative Journal and series of monographs as well as several more extensive specialist philatelic books, operates a magazine circuit, two thriving exchange packets and three postal Auctions a year. It is a friendly and informal group to which non-members are welcome to attend any of our meetings.
JANUARY AUCTION CATALOGUE AVAILABLE HERE
The January (Winter) Auction catalogue is now available on line. A selection of lots have been uploaded please take a look at them through the Auction's page. Apart from separate sections of railway and military material, other specific interests are mixed into the general postal history sections so do go through them carefully. Stamps are in four groupings. There’s something for everyone. Don’t forget, bid early – tied bids (of which there are some each auction) go to the first bidder.
PHILATELIC WEEKEND * THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SOCIETY'S YEAR *
WHEN: Dinner on Friday 1 March to 13.00 hours on Sunday 3 March 2019
WHERE: The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Charlecote, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV35 9EW
PRICE: Two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast. One person: £160. Two persons sharing: £198.
The mixture of serious philately and postal history together with good company in comfortable surroundings should ensure the success of our 43rd philatelic weekend. As well as enjoying the displays, members may also find much to interest them in the stamp and literature bourse that will operate throughout the weekend. Will Members wishing to attend please complete the application form and send it to Chris Hitchen by 31 January 2019.
Not a member yet but like to attend? Fill in the Membership application and forward your subscription dues to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Its a great way to source some new material and meet likewise collectors.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MEMBER ROBERT ABENSUR 
who signed the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists on 27 July at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle upon Tyne during the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain. He is fascinated by all aspects of tariff applications as demonstrated by his prolific writings. This has recently culminated in his much acclaimed book ‘The Franco-Sardinian route in international relations (1818-1851)’ which was published last year. Robert has been a member of the Académie de Philatélie since 1996 and its president since 2002. His citation states that he had ‘researched widely and fulfilled all the requirements needed for a signatory to the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists’. Bravo! (photo © Dane Garrod)
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE 1st JANUARY 2019
The society provides a wide range of benefits and services to our members to promote and encourage the enjoyment and study of French philately and postal history. The success of the Society depends on support from members and any offers to help would be much appreciated.
Meetings with good quality displays are held throughout the country and it would be good to see more members take advantage of these. This is how one can learn so much to help with one’s own collection. It may not be your own particular subject on show but what is relevant is there is so much to gain from seeing how others do and present material. The social element should not be under estimated either! In case you have mislaid your renewal form - it is here
2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Society will take place at the Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Charlecote (during the Annual Philatelic Weekend) at 9.20 am on Saturday 2 March 2019.
Any member wishing to raise matters or put proposals to the AGM should submit them in writing to the General Secretary, David Hogarth, 12 Moyness Park Drive. Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 6LX or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.at least one month prior to the AGM.
Members who may wish to put themselves forward to serve on the Committee or otherwise assist the Society are encouraged to contact the General Secretary.
FRENCH MAGAZINES FOR SALE
We have a quantity of back issues of Timbres Magazine and L’Echo de la Timbrologie from 2015 to date for sale. These are good used copies from the magazine circuit which are a great source of information on French and World stamps and postal history. They are available in bundles of six at £10 per bundle including postage, UK only. Additional bundles pro rata. Please contact Richard Broadhurst by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CHRISTMAS-NEW YEAR QUIZ 
In the spirit of Entente Cordiale at Christmas Richard Broadhurst has generously organised a little quiz for our members and we've given you one to start you off.
From 1965 to 2015 eight commemorative stamps of France have featured a Union Jack in some form or another. Can you spot them? They are all stamps of mainland France, no colonies, and they are all listed in Yvert & Tellier Tome 1 France catalogue.
Please send your answers which can either be the Y&T catalogue number or the year and name of the issue to Richard Broadhurst by mail (details on the Contacts page) or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The member with the most complete answer drawn on 31 January 2019 will win a copy of the new Marianne l’engagée miniature sheet. The winner and answers will be posted in the next edition of the Journal. Bonne chance!
JOIN OUR PHILATELIC FORUM
You can join our Forum without being a member of the Society - just contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with your name and preferred password and you will be supplied with a username.
2019 Annual General Meeting