A NEW club is launching in Great Bedwyn for people who have a passion for postage stamps.

The Stamp Club will hold its first meeting at The Cross Keys on Monday, April 20 at 7pm and is a chance for people to buy, sell or swap their stamps as well as learn about philately.

There will also be a raffle including prizes donated by Stanley Gibbons, a company which specialises in the retailing of collectable postage stamps, such as albums and books.

Money raised will be split between The Bruce Trust, which provides purpose-built boats for disadvantaged, disabled and elderly people, and Canine Partners, which trains puppies for the blind and disabled.

There will also be a collection point in Great Bedwyn Post Officer for people to leave stamps which will be sold and money raised will be donated to the two charities.

Organiser Valerie Dalgleish said: “I’m a stamp enthusiast. My father was a very, very big collector. He sold some of his collection at auction and that’s how I got into stamps.

“As it’s our first meeting we’ll have to see what comes up but hopefully it will grow.

The group will meet on the third Monday of every month and is free to attend.”

For more information email valeriedalgleish@yahoo.co.uk