What was going on at ÖSVLPH, Rosenegg and the ArGe Medizin & Pharmazie in spring 2025
Philatelia Munich – Touchscreen, hustle and bustle & team spirit
There was a lot going on in Munich! We had our new touchscreen with us for the first time and used it to present our three clubs – the screen not only flashed and lit up, but also provided plenty to talk about. It went down really well, we had a lot of fun – and: We also welcomed a new member to the ArGe. Running!
ÖVEBRIA in Hohenems – hospital meets stamp
We were also at the ÖVEBRIA – this time with the ‘Philatelic Hospital’ on the touchscreen. This was another exciting prototype that attracted a lot of attention – we’re looking forward to seeing what happens next. There was also an M3 miniature sheet on the subject of ‘Personalised Medicine’, which we issued together with Austrian Post – available exclusively from us AND there. Unfortunately, our StampArt was not so well received. Perhaps this is not for ‘real’ philatelists after all – I was told that this was a rape of philately! On Sunday there was a show of old fire engines – a real crowd-puller! Unfortunately, there wasn’t quite as much going on overall, but we were still able to win over another new member and the exhibition was of a very high quality – the creative May beetle postcard exhibition was particularly memorable for me.
And not to forget: Sieghard also set up his own stand for the ÖSVLPH next to the one with Helmut from the LVPH and represented the association superbly – a big thank you – also for taking care of our physical well-being!
Exphimo 2025 in Luxembourg – small but nice
Exphimo was rather quiet this year – perhaps because the French Philatelic Championships were taking place in Colmar at the same time. However, we saw beautiful thematic exhibits and met up with many old friends, especially from the ArGe Landwirtschaft. That alone was worth the trip. In the evening it was cosy – a nice end to the day with pleasant conversations. And congratulations to Clemens, who is now 2nd Chairman of ArGe Landwirtschaft! Our conclusion: Luxembourg always works.
Permanent Exhibition at the Bludenz Secondary School
Thanks to Clemens’s commitment, we were able to set up a small but meaningful permanent exhibition at the Gymnasium (secondary school) in Bludenz on behalf of all three associations. Covering around 8 square meters, a so-called “star” of philatelic exhibits has been on display for some time now – a visible sign of the diversity and storytelling power of the world of stamps. Although we haven’t yet received direct feedback from the teaching staff, we hope that will change. One thing is clear: without the active involvement of teachers, it’s difficult to reach the students directly. We see this again and again, including during our participation in the Bludenz Club Weeks – an event we will be part of once more this year. Still, it’s a start. After all, students are now casually exposed to stamps and philately as part of their everyday school life. And who knows – perhaps a few of them will become curious after all. Stamps can tell fascinating stories, and that tends to stick in the mind. Will this benefit philately in the long run? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: we’ll keep at it – and we won’t give up.
