JIM Etherington travelled from Sussex to show his award winning thematic display entitled 1940 - a Desperate Year for Britain for the October meeting of the Hereford and Mid-Wales Philatelic Society.

A huge range of material was used to illustrate the threats faced by our country at this stage of the war, and the national response.

Dated correspondence from German soldiers showed the rapid collapse of France, and overprinted stamps reminded members of the countries that had already been occupied.

At home, morale boosting slogan postmarks adorned envelopes, many of which also bore censor markings; and material from Internment and Prisoner of War camps was balanced by letters concerning evacuees.

Later in the year the Battle of Britain and marine convoys provided rich sources of fascinating history.

Jim also explained how he had used all this material to build up a coherent story required by thematic exhibits, impressing his audience still further.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 6 when society member, Mrs Victoria Archard will be demonstrating there is interest to found in unlikely places as she shows her collection of stamp margins at 7.30pm in St Martin's Parish Hall, Ross Road, Hereford.

Visitors and new members are always made welcome.