Latest News
updated March 2008
 
 

Society to give Quentin Keynes Memorial Award in 2009 

The Society will recognize the best St. Helena article published in the South Atlantic Chronicle in 2008 and 2009 with the Quentin Keynes Memorial Award for Excellence in St. Helena Philatelic Literature. 

The award is named in honor of long-time society member Quentin Keynes, who passed away in 2003.  Quentin had a special interest in the Island of St. Helena. 

To qualify for this competition, an article must be original, not a reprint, though it may be a significant expansion of an article previously published in our journal or elsewhere. This competition is open to everyone, inside and outside the society. 

The recipient--who will receive a plaque, a cash award of $100, and a one-year gift membership in the society--will be announced in the October 2009 issue of the South Atlantic Chronicle. 

Quentin Keynes was a member of our society for many years.  He served as a Director-at-Large and supported our organization in various ways.  Quentin visited St. Helena and Ascension and wrote an article about St. Helena that appeared in the National Geographic. 

For further details about the life of "the jaunty Quent...who could charm the weavers out of the acacias" see Michael D. Mueller's article about Quentin in the January 2006 South Atlantic Chronicle.  A revised version of that article appeared in Thirty Years of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philately, edited by Michael D. Mueller and Dr. Peter P. McCann.

Quentin was the great-grandson of Charles Darwin, who visited St. Helena during the Voyage of the Beagle.  The Island of St. Helena has been described as "The Galapagos of the South Atlantic."  Of note, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin will be celebrated in 2009. 

The Quentin Keynes Award Committee will consist of SAC Editor John Coyle, Dr. Peter P. McCann (Chairman of The President's Circle), and others to be named.  For further details, contact the SAC Editor or Michael D. Mueller.

The St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society is producing a monograph for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Tristan da Cunha Island Group.  Dr. Everett L. Parker is the editor of this special publication. 

The Tristan da Cunha Quincentenary Monograph will be released in April 2006 in place of the regular issue of the South Atlantic Chronicle, the society’s quarterly.  Members of the society will receive it free-of-charge.  Non-members may purchase the monograph for $20 plus postage.

The monograph will be 40 to 50 pages in length.  The articles include the beginning pages of a screenplay titled “Island” by Tristan-enthusiast Paul Margolis, a Hollywood screenwriter.  “Island” is based on the experiences of the islanders following the eruption of the volcano in 1961.  Lewis Carroll scholar Edward Wakeling of England is contributing an article about letters sent from Tristan by Rev. Edwin Dodgson to his brother Lewis Carroll and other family members in England.  Some of the letters have never before been shared with the public.

Michael D. Mueller of West Virginia describes his fifteen days on the Tristan in 1999.  During his visit, Mueller stayed on the main island and visited nearby Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island.  There is also an article by Robin Taylor of England, one of the world’s leading experts on Tristan philately, and a biographical article about Rozell Smith of Canada, well known for his writings about the ships of Tristan da Cunha.

Dr. Philip Hicks of Canada is producing a report on the RMS St. Helena Tristan Quincentenary Cruise, now underway.  Society President Ron Burn of England and Director-at-Large Mike Faulds of Scotland are also on the RMS St. Helena and are assisting with a photographic record.  The monograph will include color photographs by Burn, Faulds, Hicks and others. 

The society expects to offer the monograph to collectors at Washington 2006.

For further details, contact Michael D. Mueller at 521 Meridan St., Morgantown, West Virginia 26505. Email: madfody@hotmail.com.

The South Atlantic Chronicle Award was created in 1994 to recognize exceptional articles published in our quarterly during a calendar year. The award went to James E. Kraemer of Canada in 1994, to Robert Richardson of the USA in 1995, to Dr. Russell V. Skavaril of the USA in 1996, to Rozell Smith of Canada in 1997 and to Roland Svensson of Sweden in 1998. Each received a certificate and one-year free membership in the society.

For reasons unknown the award was not given in 1999. It was forgotten about altogether after the death of Russ Skavaril in 2000. Sadly, for several years, many excellent articles were not recognized. In 2005 the Board decided to resurrect the South Atlantic Chronicle Award. President Ron Burn created a committee to select recipients for 2004 and 2005.  The members of the committee are Vice President Ted Cookson (Chairman), Director-at-Large Michael D. Mueller and President Ron Burn, with Publications Editor Dr. Everett L. Parker acting as special consultant to the committee

The committee selected the following members to receive the South Atlantic Chronicle Award. For 2004, Michael Faulds of the UK for 'Tristan and the Battle of the River Plate'. For 2005, the late Robert Richardson of the USA (our dearly missed Yorkshire-Yank) for 'The St. Helena – China Connection.'  Both articles will appear in our 30th anniversary book, Thirty Years of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philately.
 

 Dr. Gale J. Raymond—one the most intriguing figures in American philately and the 2005 recipient of the Dr. Russell V. Skavaril Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to the St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society—has died at the age of 81. 

 “Gale was so strong and so brave,” said his wife Naoma.  “He accomplished almost everything he wanted in his life.  And he thought a lot of his stamp friends.”

 “Gale Raymond stepped forward to serve as president of our society after the death of Russ Skavaril, who was the anchor of our organization,” said Dr. Peter P. McCann, a close friend of both men.  “Sadly, Mrs. Vivian Finne, the founder of our society, passed away while Gale was president.  Gale kept us on an even keel while we adjusted to deep losses.”

 “Dr. Raymond had been advised in August that he was receiving the Skavaril Award and he was delighted,” said Society President Ron Burn of England.

 A five-page article about Dr. Raymond by Michael D. Mueller appears in the October 2005 South Atlantic Chronicle, the society’s quarterly.  Those who knew the eccentric Texan will appreciate the opening lines of the article:  “Writing about Gale Raymond is like catching a will-o’-the-wisp in a bottle.  And that’s after you’ve roped a centaur and cornered the King of the Leprechauns.”

  Raymond was an especially tough subject due to his diverse interests and because most of his work for various intelligence agencies remains classified.  “Time had passed, however, and Gale had begun to reveal bits and pieces of his covert life,” says Mueller.  Mueller’s article also provides details about Raymond’s exploits during WWII, the Korean War and during the “Secret War” in Laos.  Raymond received the Distinguished Flying Cross for an act of valor at 23,000 feet during WWII.  He suffered bullet wounds to his left leg more than once. 

“I’m not accident-prone—I’m adventure prone,” explained Raymond, who was authorized to carry the flag of The Explorers Club during an expedition to New Ireland Island, Papua New Guinea.  Raymond was particularly fond of jungles but once made a trip to the North Pole. 

Raymond, who collected postal history from remote islands and polar regions, served as an officer on several occasions for the South Atlantic society and wrote many articles.  His article titled “Ascension Island British Mail, An Exceptional Cover” was selected for the 20th Anniversary Anthology of the St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society, published in 1996.  He was an enthusiastic supporter of society projects and a major donor to the 30th Anniversary Anthology Fund. 

Gale was lively and upbeat until the end, according to Mike Mueller.  “To hear him talk you’d think he was only hours away from hitching a ride on a military plane to some distant isle.  Somehow, he rose above physical disabilities that would have sent most people to an early grave.  At the end of our last telephone conversation—a week or so before he died—Gale wanted to make sure that he had my new telephone number.  I offered to send it to him on a post card.  He wanted it right then.  I waited patiently while he worked at getting a grip on a pen.  Gale was as rare and remarkable man as the covers he collected.”

 “Gale Raymond was an inspiring presence in the philatelic community,” said Dr. Everett L. Parker, Editor of the South Atlantic Chronicle and other quarterlies to which Gale submitted articles.  “He had wonderful spirit.”

The October 2005 South Atlantic Chronicle also features an article about the quincentenary of the discovery of Gough Island.  Other articles include “Ascension Island Recollections” by Tom Simack, who was posted to Ascension in 1967 while serving in the U.S. Air Force.  Richard Peck of Australia provides an overview of the official cachets of Tristan, Robin Taylor of England explains the circumstances relating to the overprinting of the Tristan’s H.M.S. Galatea postage stamp in 1967 and Trevor Hearl of England discusses the connections between St. Paul’s Rocks, off Brazil, and St. Helena.  Michael D. Mueller presents an 1858 ship cover from St. Helena that was probably carried to the United States on the Bark Dove.

Of note, the society will celebrate its 30th Anniversary in 2006 and will publish a book to mark the milestone. There are multiple benefits for those joining the society at this time.  For further details, contact Michael D. Mueller at 521 Meridan St., Morgantown, WV 26505.  Ph: (304) 598-5809; Email: madfody@hotmail.com
 

 The St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society will celebrate its 30th birthday in 2006 with a 30th Anniversary Anthology, special issues of its quarterly and a table and meeting at Washington 2006.

 The society grew from a letter by Mrs. Vivian Finne published in Linn’s Stamp News.  Mrs. Finne, who passed away three years ago, inquired if there was a study group devoted to the Island of St. Helena.  Dr. Russell V. Skavaril, Dr. Peter P. McCann and a handful of others contacted Mrs. Finne and expressed interest in forming a society.  Later, the organization expanded to include Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

 “A 30th anniversary is a major milestone for a small philatelic society,” said Dr. McCann, Immediate Past President of the American Philatelic Society.  “It is a true achievement, largely due to the dedication of a few enthusiasts who serve as officers and write articles, and who are supported by a loyal core of members.” 

 “We will honor the members of our society in the 30th Anniversary Anthology,” added President Ron Burn of England, the group’s first non-American leader.  “And we will remember those no longer with us, such as Dr. Skavaril, Mrs. Finne, Alec Page, Edward Hibbert, Rozell Smith, Robert Richardson and others.”   Of note, Dr. Skavaril served as editor of the 20th Anniversary Anthology.

 Society members have contributed over $3000 to the 30th Anniversary Anthology Fund.  In addition, the organization has allocated $1000 for the project. 

 The 30th Anniversary Anthology will include a selection of the best articles published in the society’s quarterly since 1996, original contributions and a few articles from the early years.  Michael D. Mueller and Dr. Everett L. Parker are co-editing the book, which will be hardbound, about 200 pages in length, with black-and-white and color illustrations.  Only 200 copies of the book will be produced.  Many have been pre-sold.

 Special issues of the South Atlantic Chronicle are also planned for 2006.  One entire issue will be devoted to Tristan da Cunha in observance of the quincentenary of the discovery of the island group.  This special expanded issue will include color photographs, some taken during a quincentenary cruise to Tristan by the RMS St. Helena. 

 South Atlantic enthusiasts joining the society now will enjoy several benefits, including a complimentary copy of the October 2005 South Atlantic Chronicle, full membership for 2006 and one-third off the cost of the 30th Anniversary Anthology and other special publications.  The Anthology is priced at $30 for members residing in North America and $35 for members residing elsewhere, shipping included.  The cost for non-members is $45 and $50. 

 The society will share a table with the Pitcairn Islands Study Group at Washington 2006. A meeting will be held, with presentations.  Member Bernard du Plessis of South Africa will talk about his exhibit of St. Helena Anglo-Boer War covers.  Michael D. Mueller will talk about his fifteen days on Tristan da Cunha in 1999.  The society is also updating its website (www.atlanticislands.org) and adding several new features. For further details, contact Michael D. Mueller at 521 Meridan St., Morgantown, WV 26505.  Ph: (304) 598-5809; Email: madfody@hotmail.com
 

Robert “Bob” Richardson is the second recipient of the Dr. Russell V. Skavaril Memorial Award for Outstanding Service.  The award is bestowed by the St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society, founded by Dr. Skavaril and seven other South Atlantic enthusiasts in 1976.  Dr. Skavaril died in 2000.

“Bob Richardson is a dedicated researcher and a steady source of interesting articles for our journal,” said Dr. Peter P. McCann, one of the eight founding members of the society. 

Bob Richardson joined the society in 1980.  He is a prolific writer, specializing in St. Helena postal history, and a strong supporter of society projects.  Some of his early articles were co-authored with Dr. Skavaril.  Currently, he is vice president.  An article about Richardson appears in the October 2004 South Atlantic Chronicle, the society’s quarterly. 
 

This year, all members of the society are receiving a free 46-page monograph about the final voyage of the RMS St. Helena to Tristan da Cunha last January.  Society member Ted Cookson, who runs a travel agency in Cairo, Egypt, was on the ship.  Cookson describes his experiences in Cape Town prior to embarkation, daily life onboard the Royal Mail Ship and his rambles on Tristan.  The ship also circumnavigated nearby Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island.  Cookson provides historical facts, discusses life on Tristan today and describes his fellow passengers, including the Governor of St. Helena.  He notes daily navigational details and explains how to visit and stay on Tristan da Cunha.  There are more than 40 photographs, two large maps by Tristanian Andy Repetto and several illustrations of covers and ephemera.  The color photo on the cover presents a view of the harbor. 

The monograph is a gift to members from Cookson and the society and will be sent free-of-charge to those who join this year.  The following special offer is available for a brief time.  For $25, North Americans can join the society now and receive the October 2004 South Atlantic Chronicle, Ted Cookson’s monograph and society membership for all of 2005 (which includes four issues of the quarterly).  For those in the United Kingdom, this special offer is available for $28; for those residing elsewhere in the world, the cost is $30. 

The October South Atlantic Chronicle features articles about Col. Adolf Schiel at St. Helena during the Boer War POW period, the Tristan da Cunha postage due stamps of 1961 that were never issued, books about St. Helena in the Quentin Keynes library and a peculiar experience relating to the Tristan da Cunha “Potato Stamp”.  Ellen Marie Grebinger writes about her father (Bob Richardson) and there is an article about Roger West of Phoenix Auctions in the UK.  In addition, the society kicks off a fundraiser for a 30th Anniversary Anthology planned for 2006.

For further information and to join the society, contact Secretary-Treasurer John Havill, 205 N. Murray Blvd., #221, Colorado Springs, CO 80916.  Checks should be made out to the society. 
 

 Mrs. Vivian W. Finne, the founding member of the St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Philatelic Society, passed away on April 11, 2002. 

“Vivian Finne was a dedicated stamp collector and a real live wire,” recalls Dr. Gale J. Raymond, the Society’s Presidents.  “She was highly respected and cared for by all. You know, there are stamp savers and there are stamp collectors.  Vivian was a true stamp collector.  She loved the hobby.  She loved our islands.  And we owe her a great deal.” 

 “Vivian was a role model for all stamp collectors,” added Secretary-Treasurer John Havill.  “She enjoyed introducing young people to stamp collecting.  She was always ready to give her time and energy to our society.”

In a letter to Linn’s Stamp News -- published in the March 1, 1976 issue – Vivian Finne asked if there was a philatelic society specializing in the study of St. Helena.  There was not.  However, her letter caught the eye of Russell V. Skavaril, Peter McCann, John Havill and others.  They wrote to her.  Subsequently, Mrs. Finne set in motion the first round robin.  In 1977, she launched the St. Helena Study Group, later renamed the St. Helena and Dependencies Philatelic Society.  Some years later, it was renamed again so as to include Ascension and Tristan da Cunha by name.

 Mrs. Finne worked tirelessly to support the society.  In 1976, she produced the first issue of its quarterly publication.  At one time or another, she served as President, Secretary and Treasurer.  She helped write the society’s constitution and by-laws. Over the years, Mrs. Finne answered hundreds of letters and recruited members from all over the world. 

“Clearly, she carried the society in her heart,” says Michael D. Mueller, past president of the society.

 With regard to her collecting interests, Russ Skavaril wrote the following about Mrs. Finne some years ago:  “Although Vivian’s main collection has been friends, she began collecting stamps over 50 years ago …. since 1955, she has been seriously interested in British Commonwealth.  Her main areas are Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, West Indies, and our three islands.  She also collects Switzerland, France, and Austria …. Her first stamps were Newfoundland, Scott Nos. 131-133; and, the next day, her mother took her to the library so Vivian could find information on the pictures on the Newfoundland stamps.  She still enjoys a stamp’s story and design more than its catalog price.” 

 Mrs. Finne had the lowest membership number in our Society.  She was 77-01, the first member of the organization when it was formally launched in 1977.  She was also the first Life Member.  In 1993, Mrs. Finne received the Society’s first Castella Award.  She wrote the history of the Society for our 20th Anniversary Anthology.

 Vivian Finne was a California schoolteacher, born in San Francisco.  She graduated from the University of California just as the Depression was ending and World War II began.  She taught history in high school for 31 years.  Mrs. Finne traveled widely (East Africa, Australia, all 50 states) and taught in England.  She married Hilmer, a fellow teacher, in 1971.  They had known each other since 1943.  Hilmer passed away a few years ago. 

 “If we have traveled far, it is because Vivian Finne led the way when there was no path,” said Michael D. Mueller. 
 

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