News

The British Empire Study Group is saddened to learn of the loss of Donal Finbarr McCarthy.

Donal was an active member and participant in the British Empire Study Group and a great friend. He would brave his way into New York to share the evening with friends. His diverse interests ran from ornithology to the Boy Scouts.   I could talk with Donal about virtually anything. He was always there to point me in the right direction whether I needed help understanding FEMA or an opinion on a cancellation.   One of my fondest memories of him was when I listened to his talk on the Hong Kong Treaty Ports. His eyes lit up as he explained the strategic importance of China to Western trade. His collection told the story of the Concessionary post offices that existed in Hong Kong. He brought the Opium Wars and the significance of the Treaty of Nanking to life. We will miss seeing him and his wife at our get-togethers and talking about his grandchildren. Our thoughts are with his family. For a full obituary and services, please see click here.  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/donal-mccarthy-obituary?id=38400436

It is with great pleasure that I can inform you that Richard was elected a Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London as announced in the London Philatelist November 2021 issue.

Richard has been active in philately for most of his life as a collector, international exhibitor, author, expertiser, and auction professional. As a member of our group, he has been a continuing supporter as well as a BESG presenter at the Collectors Club.

Please join in congratulating Richard on this career milestone.

Best regards,

BESG