The object of the Group is to research into all aspects of philately connected with the Falkland Islands and their former Dependencies, leading to the publications of findings.

HISTORY OF OUR CLUB

The Group was founded in 1970 following a meeting of some 50 collectors gathered together by Malcolm Barton. A one page newsletter was produced and the first formal meeting held in London on 26th September 1970 and elected its first committee.

By September 1971 the newsletter had expanded and developed into a regular quarterly journal, "The Upland Goose". This is distributed to all members and to leading philatelic libraries. The publication has been awarded silver medals at international exhibitions, most recently New York 2016.

Membership grew rapidly, reaching 125 in 1972, 220 in 1976 and we have 300 members in 2024, a strong number in the face of a declining interest in philately generally.

The Group is truly international in its membership structure. The object of the Group is to research into all aspects of philately connected with the Falkland Islands and their former Dependencies. Research is carried out by individual members, collated through a nominated leader for each subject.

 The Study Group weekend meeting takes place annually, normally in March, during which an Annual General Meeting is held. Meetings are also held on a regular basis regionally throughout the UK and occasional meetings have been held in other countries, including USA, Australia, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Falkland Islands.

       Two auctions of members’ material are held each year.  Other material surplus to members’ requirements is available through a popular circulating packet, limited because of insurance constraints to subscribers within the UK.
 
The group is in the forefront of specialist philatelic societies and has belonged to the national Association of British Philatelic Societies since its inception and actively participates in its activities. The Group is also an elected specialist society to the ABPS Council. To commemorate its Silver Jubilee in 1995, the Group was honoured by the Royal Philatelic Society of London by an invitation to display material of the Falkland Islands. The display of 52 frames took place in January 1995 and was outstandingly successful. In August 1975 the Group provided the display in Gibbons gallery, a then popular and regular event, and it was attended by a long-serving former Governor of the Colony. A further display was given at Gibbons in June 1983 to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the continued British Settlement of the Islands.

The 50th Anniversary of the Study Group was celebrated by (often postponed due to Covid) a Study Group weekend with a visit and anniversary lunch on 24th September 2021 at the SS Great Britain in Bristol. She of course was also celebrating;  her 50 years back in Bristol on her return from the Falkland Islands.

In October 2023 the Golden Jubilee was also celebrated with a Covid delayed display to the Royal Philatelic Society of London. This was appropriate under the RPSL Presidency of Michael JY Roberts, who also is a committee member of the Study Group. Some 55 frames of Falklands material was displayed to over 100 members and guests.

 
Membership records are held on computer and unless you express a contrary wish your name and address will be included. The records are used for the preparation of labels for the dispatch of mail to members. The records are not published or made available to non-members.

Below you can download our Constitution, including rules, membership, committees, elections etc.