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Friends of the BPMA

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Support from the Friends of the BPMA is incredibly important to our work.

The Friends organisation was originally founded in 1985 as the Association of Friends of the National Postal Museum (NPM). When the NPM closed its public galleries in 1998, the Friends continued to support the Heritage unit of Royal Mail Group, and now support the BPMA today. In 2006 they celebrated 21 years of loyalty to British postal heritage.

The Friends have used funds generated by their membership fees to help with preservation projects, including the restoration of postal vehicles from the collection. They enjoy our events programme, and arrange their own trips and activities.

Perhaps even more importantly, our Friends work as ambassadors for the BPMA, helping to raise awaress of our work. The Friends also provide most of the volunteers to help run our events safely and successfully.

Friends benefits

  • The exclusive journal Cross Post containing features on all aspects of postal history;
  • The BPMA quarterly Newsletter for free, plus annual events guide;
  • 15% discount on tickets to BPMA paid events;
  • 15% discount on BPMA Shop products;
  • Special BPMA events arranged exclusively for Friends, including private views of exhibitions;
  • Opportunities to volunteer and see behind the scenes at the BPMA;

Friends activities

The Friends have their own programme of activities in addition to BPMA events. See what they have been up to in 2007:

Calendar of Events 2007


Spring StampexWednesday 28 Feb - 4 March
Private view of Travelling Post Office exhibition
Tuesday 3 April
Visit to BPMA Museum store
Saturday 21 April
Private view of A Timeless Classic: The Evolution of Machin's IconThursday 3 May
Visit to Kim & Arthur Reeder's 'Letter Box Garden' in IoW
Saturday 19 May
Visit to Guernsey Philatelic Bureau
Tuesday 26 June
Private view of Timeless & Classic: Elizabeth Queen & Icon exhibition at Royal College of Art
Wednesday 18 July
Visit to British Philatelic Bureau, Edinburgh
Wednesday 8 August
Visit to British Philatelic Bureau, Edinburgh
Tuesday 21 August

How to join

All you need to do is write to:

  • Avice Harms
  • Membership Secretary
  • Friends of the BPMA
  • 13 Amethyst Avenue, Davis Estate
  • CHATHAM
  • ME5 9TX

Membership currently costs £15 (UK) or £20 (overseas) per year.  Cheques should be made payable to 'The Friends of the BPMA'.

Friends' Annual Accounts

Download the Friends' Annual Accounts 2006-2007 (PDF, 68 KB)