Introduction to the Society

The Society was founded in 1947 and was, originally, devoted to the exclusive study of the stamps and postal history of Sarawak. During the 1950's the Society expanded its interests to include the associate territories of Brunei, North Borneo (Sabah), and Labuan. Membership, currently around the 300 mark, is spread over sixteen countries with the main emphasis in the UK, USA, Australia and Malaysia.

The Society's Journal, "The Sarawak Journal", is published in A4 format with about 40 pages per issue and is distributed quarterly as Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter issues. It contains much original research material as well as Society news and has recently won a number of awards at the International level including a "Large Silver" at the London International Stamp Show 2000. All members receive a free copy and an air mail service is available for overseas members at an extra cost. A Society library has been established for many years and contains a wealth of information on the stamps and postal history of all four countries. A list of library holdings can be obtained direct from the Librarian, members may obtain on loan any item on payment of the outward and return postage.

An Annual General Meeting weekend takes place in October, at which members give talks and displays. In addition several one day meetings, often organised around particular themes, are held around the country. Two live auctions are held every year, each with between 600 - 800 lots, mainly devoted to the philately and postal history of the four territories and West Malaysia, but also with much to interest the collector of postcards, maps, books and other items of ephemera from the region. Detailed catalogues are distributed to all members who can also bid by post or FAX. In addition exchange packets are circulated among members resident in Great Britain and in Australasia. Our auctioneer and exchange packet secretaries are happy to consider material for sale from non-members as well as members.

Membership is £10.00 per year, due on 1st August. This includes free postage of the Journal by surface mail, there is an additional charge for Airmail postage of the Journal and Auction catalogue. No matter what your level of knowledge new members, novices as well as "experts" are very welcome. Further information can be obtained from the Secretary:-