National Philatelic Society

The National, as it is known, was formed in 1899 by Fred Melville and the first meeting is believed to have been at a shop in Clapham, South London.

in its early years has been attributed to the partnership between Melville as propagandist and writer, and Herbert "Johnny" Johnson as businessman and organiser.

(b) To encourage and undertake the preparation and publication of books, catalogues, guides, journals and papers bearing on philately.

(d) To encourage the detection and prevention of philatelic fakes, forgeries and spurious material and to give assistance in the prosecution of offenders.

Today the society is still going strong, and continues to hold regular meetings and to publish its journal Stamp Lover, as it has since 1908.