RPG Annual Convention
The RPG Annual Convention (plus AGM) is held in late Spring / early Summer each year. It is open to RPG members, but visitors are also welcome.
Historically the Convention format has alternated from year to year. One year it has been a one-day event, while the next year has been a weekend event, with the venues being chosen from different regions around the country: during the past four years we have met in Perth (2016), Shildon (2017), Solihull (2018) and Welshpool(2019).
The 2020 Convention is in the early stages of planning. Current thinking is that it will be held in the East Midlands area. Details of the venue and the exact dates will appear on this website as soon as they are finalised.
At all Convenstions members give talks and displays on various topics of RPG interest, with plenty of friendly discussion and chat – you always learn something new! There are also display competitions (see below) in various classes, with some rather grand trophies to be won! There is also often a Swap Shop. It is always enjoyable, so why not come along and see?
About RPG Conventions Generally
To read about the 2019 RPG Annual Convention see the Latest News page by CLICKING HERE
CLICK HERE to read about the RPG Annual Convention 2018
| CLICK HERE to read about the RPG Annual Convention 2017 |
Displays
In the months before the Convention, members submit offers to the Convention Coordinator to present railway philatelic displays on topics of their own choosing. There is not usually a set theme and the variety of presentations offered is often one of the attractions of the event. The displays take the conventional multi-page form and ‘tell a story’ about the main topic through philatelic items and a connecting narrative. A data projector and laptop computer are normally available for the use of anyone presenting a talk who wants to use a computer-based series of images (such as a PowerPoint display) to support his/her paper-based presentation.
CLICK HERE to view some displays presented at previous Annual Conventions
Logistics
Attendance at Conventions is usually FREE to RPG members, but we need to know in advance how many people are coming and so ask people to register in advance with the Convention Coordinator.
Mid-morning and afternoon tea and coffee is normally provided for delegates, as well as a buffet style lunch on the Saturday. Attendees will arrange their own accommodation and their own evening meals. However, the Coordinator is usually able to advise on the choices available locally, and frequently a specific hotel is chosen as a recommended base so that members can socialise outside the Convention programme.
Competitions
The RPG will run Competitions annually, subject to there being sufficient entries. Each event has its own magnificent trophy – which the winner will keep for a year (and have his/her name engraved alongside some of the great RPG names of the past!).
Subject Specific Competitions (sixteen A4 pages or equivalent)
Railway Postal History – including TPOs, RSOs, Station marks etc (Doncaster Cup)
Railway Stamps – Parcel, Newspaper, Letter (old-style & modern) (Turner Jackson Cup)
Railway Thematics (Malin Cup)
Open Postal Competition (nine A4 pages or equivalent)
Any railway philatelic subject (Ewen Trophy)
CLICK HERE to view the RPG COMPETITION RULES
CLICK HERE to view GUIDELINES for PREPARING ENTRIES
CLICK HERE to view the JUDGING CRITERIA for COMPETITIONS
For further information about RPG Competitions please contact the 2019 Competition Organiser: Mr Terry Davies, 69 Bruce Road, Kidderminster, DY10 2TY
Non-Philatelic Programme
Convention venues are selected so that there is usually a wide range of attractions within easy reach that may be visited by the partners of attendees while formal activities are taking place. Partners are also most welcome at the dinners and social events within the programme.