The Sasolburg Philatelic Society/Filatelie Vereniging or Oilfilat as it is informally known is holding its annual exhibition at the Sasolburg Public Library from 17 to 21 April.

Nowadays, philately, or stamp collecting, is more than simply collecting postage stamps. Revenue stamps, Christmas or other non-postage stamps used on envelopes, and postal history, ie, envelopes that went through the post are all used to tell a story.

This year, in addition to stamps, there will also be thematic and social philately exhibits of postal material telling the story of bees, chess, birds, and the philately of apartheid amongst other subjects.

All are welcome, especially school groups. Visitors who may have queries about their collections will also be assisted where possible.

In addition, there will be copies available for sale of Prof G. Osthoff’s book on post office murals, a much underrated and forgotten aspect of the cultural art history of the past.

These ceramic tile murals were unique to each post office and reflected aspects of South Africa.

They are now under threat of neglect, weathering, and closure. Many have now disappeared. Parys post office is also featured in the book.

For any general queries, contact Leon Jacobson at  083 389 8647, Trevor Harris at 082 377 8465 or J. van Wyk at 0824473099.