Our Annual Conference was held Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Kenilworth. A standing display of Kenilworth postcards was shown throughout the weekend, by PHS Treasurer and Webmaster Mark Bailey FRPSL. Our President Clive Jones formally welcomed all to Conference in our 90th anniversary year. Julian H Jones FRPSL, gave the first display of the weekend, Transatlantic Mails between USA & GB 1775-1875. This was followed by an hour of members displays. The buffet supper preceded a display given by David Curser “ A Victorian Correspondence,” a collection of fascinating letters from 100 years of correspondence including a letter from Edith Cavell the murdered British Nurse of World War I. Day two opened with Morris Buxton FRPSL giving a display of GB registered mail and its associated services with many very rare examples on display. Then the 16 sheet competition for the Society Cup, won by Morris Buxton FRPSL using early aspects of GB registered mail. In the afternoon Richard Farman gave a display “What is postal history- interesting old letters”. The evening finished with a drinks reception and banquet dinner which included a 1 sheet competition for the President’s Prize, won by Claire Scott FRPSL. Other Society prizes; the Gilbert Cup for the best article in the Journal 2026 Ken Snelson – Joseph Ady revisited and the Steve Ellis Medal was given to Dr John Scott FRPSL, our longest serving member and the worthy recipient of a PHD for his Thesis on The development of topographical writing paper 1830 to 1870. At the AGM all Council members were re-elected, with Peter Webb the new President elect & Julian Jones Publications Manager.
