East London Collectors Try to Get Kids Interested in Stamps

UK's Daily Dispatch Online website reports, "The hobby of stamp collecting has lost its sparkle in East London, but two local enthusiasts are out to get it back into full swing."

Reporter Lindile Sifile writes, "The misconception that stamp collecting is for the old or rich who have a lot of time on their hands, has stopped young people from taking up the pastime. The commercialisation of the hobby has also made it expensive to be a collector."

"So far, it hasn’t been easy to break the stereotypical view of stamp collectors among youngsters; at the schools that the collectors have visited, pupils have shown little interest in the hobby," according to Sifile.

According to the article, "Nearly 30 years ago the East London Philatelic Society had a membership of 250; today it has only 28 members, who are mostly well into their middle age."

Charlie Miles,(shown above) is quoted in the piece as saying, “Our aim is to get the black youth involved and to reawaken the white youth (to the benefits of the hobby) as well. It’s the easiest and cheapest way of learning about other countries and you can also collect stamps that are linked to your interests, like cars, presidents, boats and trees. It’s a hobby that stays with you forever."

For his friend Dave McWilliams, who is the president of the association, collecting stamps is therapy pens Stifile.

“It keeps my brain going. I get to forget about all the troubles life throws at me,” says McWilliams.

To read the entire article, click here.