Stamps of approval for philatelic society

WHEN a serious back injury left Ballarat’s Neil Petrass unable to work he found himself in need of something to occupy his days.

That’s when he remembered his old schoolboy stamp collection.

Mr Petrass recalls how he dug out his old childhood stamp albums, rediscovering as he did so a remarkable collection, not just of postal memorabilia but also of the world as it was and the stories behind the stamps.

“It was so boring sitting inside all day, I had to do something so I dragged the album out of the cupboard. It was what I had collected when I was a kid but it was a bit better than your average collection,” said Mr Petrass, recalling how he got in touch with the Ballarat Philatelic Society, becoming a member in 2001.

“I just thought I’d go and learn and get some more info and and it’s turned into a monster.”

Mr Petrass is now treasurer with the society and was recently made a life member.

“We are one of the oldest philatelic societies or stamp clubs in Australia. Last year we had our 120th birthday,” he said.

“I just love the history behind the stamps. There are some very, very sad stories behind them but also some good stories.”

Under the stamps: Ballarat Philatelic Society’s Neil Petrass with some of his extensive collection ahead of next month’s stamp and coin fair. Photo: EVIE LAMB

With easily over one million stamps in his personal collection, Mr Petrass now trades on e-Bay and has turned an entire room in the house over to his collection.

“There are full-time stamp dealers out there. I am heading there,” he laughed.

Now, as it prepares to host its annual Ballarat Eureka Stamps and Coins Fair next month, the Ballarat Philatelic Society is keen to welcome new members, especially younger collectors.

“You create a whole new network of friends that’s for sure,” Mr Petrass said.

“We offer info about stamps, we have regular guest speakers and we meet on the third Monday of each month.”

Mr Petrass and the society’s president Patrick Tacey are encouraging everyone who’d like to know more to contact the society and also to get along to the upcoming stamp and coin fair taking place on Sunday 12 October at Invermay Hall.

Free to attend, it will run from 9am to 2.30pm and will feature about 35 stamp dealers, club tables and free dealer valuations.