"On Thursday 8^th of April LRGS stamp club adventured to the NEC in Birmingham for this once in a 10-year experience. We were greeted by John Davies and Erene Grieve from Stamp Active, inviting us to the junior section. As soon as we got there, we were given an activity booklet to fill in. We had to collect different variations of British stamps such as the Northern Irish Machin and hinge them into a booklet. The booklet was then marked giving a maximum of 250 points. These points were later used for a mini auction. We then had time to explore some of the two thousand exhibits. We looked at the world’s most expensive stamp, the one cent magenta from British Guiana. Stamp Active gave us £20 in tokens to spend on stamps and coins at the many dealers that were there. Robin Cassell also gave us each a penny red with our initials on. Stamp Active held an auction to finish off the day. There were various items including First day covers and special stamps. At the end one of the boys won a Penny black and a Two pence blue from Stamp Active. We all had a lovely time, and we are thankful to all the staff who help run the junior section to make it such a special day."

This year we also put 10 entries in to the British Thematic Association One Page Competition. Cameron S, Nana O and Leo D won the Age 13-14 category with the theme of Marine Life.  Well done boys!