The Annual General Meeting held on the Scout Headquarters Training Ship "Lord Amory" based in Docklands, London was well supported.  With two late apologies through work, we still had twelve attending, including our webmaster Randall Frank from the U.S.A. The new constitution which was published in the March/April Bulletin was approved and all the SGSC officers were re-elected for 2009-2010.  As Chairman since 1997, I advised the meeting that I would be retiring at next year's AGM, as by that time I will be 76 year of age and consider it is time to make way for a younger person.

At a recent committee meeting, the question of advertising in the Club's Bulletin was included on the Agenda.  After some discussion it was agreed that every member could have a free quarter page advert in the Bulletin each year for his or her personal use.  This would be subject to the Editor's discretion regarding availability of space and the appropriateness of the content of the advert.  In addition it was also agreed that the Club would accept "commercial" adverts in the Bulletin at the cost of £50 for a full page, £30 for a half page and £20 for a quarter page.  This also would be subject to the Editor's discretion regarding availability of space and the suitability of the advert, which should be relevant to Scouting and/or the Club's objectives.

Tim Reed our membership Secretary reports that he has been selected onto the UK contingent staff for the next World Jamboree being held in Sweden.  There were almost 130 applicants who attended Gilwell Park for the 24 places, so he must be congratulated on the result.

The 14th Midhurst Collectors Fair of Scout, Guide, Baden-Powell and other Scouting Memorabilia meets over the weekend of 29-30 August at the Grange Centre, Midhurst, West Sussex.  I understand that this event is well supported by collectors from the UK and overseas, and this year, due to the success of previous events, a larger hall had to be hired.  I will be taking part and look forward to meeting any of our members who may attend this show, a week before the Gilwell Reunion where we hope to have a stand on the Saturday as usual.

One of the largest Scout stamp collections to come up for sale in recent years was the one belonging to Robert Kan from the USA, which was sold by the Christopher Gartner Auction House in Germany.  Bob has been a member of SOSSI since 1953 and felt it time to sell his extensive collection which included many great items.  With nearly 180 lots, there was something for everybody, although a number were sold in larger lots.  With so many items for sale, some made very high prices while others realized below market value which is the trouble when a very large collection is sold in one sale.  Eight 1937 Netherlands Indies 12V2 Imperf colour proofs made €1300 (£1180) against an estimate of €200.  The very scarce 1947 France World Jamboree 3.5fr Die Proof (instead of the actual issued 5fr value stamp) made €1000 (£910) against an estimate of €150.  A Netherland 1945 Scout Mail service cover with green cachet "Padvinders Postdienst Rotterdam 1945" and posted at Bareda on 18.V.1945 made €800 (£727) against a €100 estimate.  Three of the scarce 1920 Siam postal cards were sold with one addressed to the dealer Ross Shiells & Co in London made €2700 (£2455) against the estimate of €2000.  All the above carried a buyer's premium of 18% plus €2 per lot.  If the buyer lives in the EU, the extra German Tax is 7% so this could add 25% to the purchase price.

Eurothema 2009, a European Thematic Exhibition with Thematic philatelists invited from Belgium, France England, Holland, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and Germany, takes place in Roskilde, Denmark from 6th - 8th November 2009.

The club has been asked to support with some exhibits at the "Stamp Essex Festival of Stamps" which is being held at the new Colchester United Football Club ground on Saturday 5th June 2010.  This is only a few weeks after our own Euro-Scout exhibition at Chelmsford, and as the Association of Essex Philatelic Societies is going to lend us frames for our show, it is hoped that we can support this event in return for their help.