Sepac

Small European Postal Administration Cooperation

http://www.sepacstamps.eu/portal/in...d=1&Itemid=1

They also have joint issues like EUROPA but every 2 years. The theme is normally sceneries. They've had 3 so far (2007, 2009 and 2011).



I was under the impression a new country joined this year but I cannot find it anywhere.

I'm surprised that Andorra is not a member, surely they fulfil the criteria?

Probably not, because their postal services are run by France and Spain.

There are a couple on there that I assumed were handled by Royal Mail?

As far as I know, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Gibraltar and Jersey have all independent post offices. I even receive snail mail brochures from most of them, and they may have gotten my mailing address from Royal Mail.

Indeed, Andorra doesn't have postal services. Correos España and La Poste issue stamps and apparently, the Spanish mailing services are the red mailboxes and the French ones are blue.

Sort of like what is going on in the Netherlands, although I'm not sure they have separate mailboxes, but DHL does regular mail in the Netherlands along with TNT. Gotta love privatization!

Additionally, Greenland and Faroe Islands have a similar situation as the British territories. Support from Danmark Post but fairly independent.

Where does Alderney fit in? Are they covered by Jersey?

Alderney is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

Thats something I really enjoy about stamp collecting...the Geography and History of it all. I always prided myself on my geography general knowledge, but since I took up coollecting, I've been learning more :)

That is very true Maiden. As much geography and history as one might know, stamps can certainly teach you plenty of lessons. It's amazing.

I agree too, Maiden and Andrew. I grew up collecting stamps and still credit it with helping me learn my geography and history. Conversely, I was at the post office today, and the lady behind the counter had never heard of Cyprus before. How embarrassing!

Talking of History and Geography of stamps I took delivery today of 'World History Stamp Atlas' by Rossiter and Flower. only cost me £4 ($6)from Amazon for the hardback.

After just a quick flick through, I can see that this will be a great read: it gives general history of each country and it's postal history loads of info; includes maps, illustrations etc

Really looking forward to reading this book

Hi Maiden,

That's a great book and a great bargain. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

SEPAC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_..._Cooperation