XIV. Meeting of the PPCP

CAFÉ MOZART

Dear philatelists and visitors to the Prestige Philately Club Prague (hereinafter referred to as “PPCP” or “the Club”) website, on December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the 14th PPCP meeting took place at Café Mozart in Old Town Square. The meeting was opened with a brief welcome speech by the Club’s Chairman, JUDr. Tomáš Mádl, who provided an overview of the member meeting’s proceedings and introduced the distinguished guest, Mr. Jan Rihak, owner and director of the graphic and design studio Eternia, as well as the Club’s new secretary, Mr. Ing. Martin Filípek.

The agenda proceeded with discussions on recent and upcoming exhibitions. The first was POPRADFILA 2024, held from October 31 to November 16 in Poprad, Slovakia. The exhibition featured 65 competitive exhibits across all major categories, including three participants from PPCP—Marek Vrba, Roman Šorejs, and Peter Vaňuga—as well as five non-competitive PPCP display frames presented by Marek Vrba, Jaroslav Stuna, Petr Sobotka, Zdeněk Filípek, and Roman Šorejs. Over 1,500 visitors attended the event, a remarkable achievement for a town of this size. However, PPCP members noted that the event’s PR efforts were insufficient, as the Club’s participation lacked visibility. Moving forward, greater attention to promotion is essential to clearly emphasize PPCP’s involvement in such exhibitions.

Another recent exhibition was the autumn “Sběratel 2024”, held from September 6–7, 2024, in Prague Letňany, where PPCP was represented by a two-frame exhibit titled Anthropoid.

Looking ahead to 2025, notable upcoming FIP and FEPA exhibitions include Uruguay, EUROPHILEX BIRMINGHAM, Liberec 2025 (potentially hosting an off-site Club meeting), and PHILAKOREA 2025. Mr. Vít Vaníček offered assistance to members needing expedited qualifications to participate in local European exhibitions. He also noted that the list only includes events involving the Czech Philatelic Federation or those likely to have its participation. Additionally, he expressed hope for the PRAGA 2028 exhibition and the 2026 Biennale, emphasizing the need for suitable exhibits. Both Mr. Marek Vrba and Mr. Vaníček are ready to provide proportional assistance to members.

Feedback from the last Biennale noted excellent organization, particularly during the initial welcome phase with hostesses guiding attendees. However, visitors later found themselves without adequate guidance through the exhibits, highlighting the need for more knowledgeable staff to assist attendees.

It was suggested that Luxor bookstore could serve as a retail channel for catalog sales, given its growing interest in collectibles. The Club agreed to begin with non-special print editions at Luxor and evaluate performance, while Beneš’s shop could sell catalogs with special prints. Mr. Jan Rihak and Mr. Marek Vrba will prepare an advertisement proposal for review.

The December participation of PPCP at Monacophil 2024 in Monte Carlo was another highlight, showcasing a strong Czech presence. PPCP loaned 12 frames for the event. Additionally, photographs of the exhibition were displayed, and JUDr. Tomáš Mádl presented a diploma signed by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. It was emphasized that PPCP did not fund the exhibition, with all expenses covered by the Club de Monte-Carlo. PPCP takes pride in its three members belonging to this prestigious club, reinforcing strong ties between the organizations.

Regarding the Club’s financial health, the preliminary report from PPCP’s auditor on its financial management was discussed. Members agreed that the auditor should annually review the Executive Committee’s activities and provide a report on material transactions or general financial matters. The annual report will be presented each spring or upon request by a member. Members were also reminded to pay their 2025 membership fees promptly to ensure sufficient funds in the Club’s account.

A philatelic lecture by Vít Vaníček on postal history was well-received by members, as was the presentation by Jan Berr of a monograph on provisional post-war stamps from 1945 to 1947. Mr. Berr requested financial or other forms of support for the project, with donor recognition included.

Dr. Tomáš Mádl proposed establishing a PPCP women’s club to organize leisure activities for members’ partners or spouses. However, this proposal was declined by a majority vote.

New membership nominations include Ing. Milan Černík (expert on postal items), Richard Flaška (notable philatelist), Ing. Josef Chudoba, Ph.D. (member of the Czech Philatelic Federation Executive Committee, expert), and Ing. Jiří Sedlák (FIP Juryman). From Slovakia, nominees include Michal Zika and Vojtěch Jankovič. Discussions with these candidates are ongoing.

The next PPCP meeting, the 15th, is planned for March. Martin Němeček committed to exploring the possibility of hosting the meeting at the Czech National Bank, including available dates. The meeting could be complemented by a guided tour of the CNB collections.

Prepared by Mgr. Petr Jezdinský based on notes by Ing. Martin Filípek