WASC meetings - an introduction

WASC meetings are an important part of the Circle's activities. They centre upon displays: presentations showing philatelic material accompanied by a talk. Displays are the traditional mainstay of philatelic meetings. A display is built around a common thread related to philately. Displays might focus on a stamp issue, but might equally concentrate on an aspect of postal history, or a theme which can be illustrated with philatelic material. Displays lead to discussion, often opening up new angles on the material, and sharing of knowledge. We have put together 'how to' notes to help new-comers to displaying.

Meetings also have an important social dimension, providing balance to what can otherwise be a solitary pastime.

WASC organises three in-person meetings a year and a week-end conference every two years. It also arranges several members' online meetings via Zoom.

The two meetings at the RPSL, London
These run from mid-morning into the late afternoon. They comprise several ‘major’ displays, and as many ‘members displays’ as are offered. Major displays comprise up to 120 sheets and take up to an hour each. Members’ displays are shorter: anything from around 12 sheets upwards, and tend to be on a more specialised theme.

The Salisbury meeting
In a more homely venue, the day-long Salisbury meeting feels less formal than the ones at the RPSL. The other difference is that each year’s meeting is based on two themes, (though other topics are welcome). Displays at Salisbury tend to more akin to members displays than the major ones.

The WASC week-end Conference
Held over two days every two years, Conference is as much a social event as an opportunity for displaying. However, the two days also give the opportunity for a wide range of displays, most but not all of them ‘major’.

WASC online meetings via Zoom
Held online four times a year, the Zoom meetings are probably the most diverse in terms of displays. Each meeting includes five or six ‘presentations’ of up to 20 minutes.

Presentations are based on PowerPoint slides or equivalent, via screen-share. Some are very similar in approach to an in-person display, but others incorporate a wider range of material (for example on philatelic techniques), or are used to ask questions about material.
Much of the advice on in-person displays applies equally to presentations online, and there is specific advice on the WASC site (or from Peter Wingent) on how to use Zoom and on PowerPoint.

Dates of forthcoming meetings are publicised via Newsletters, and on the 'coming up' page of this site.