James Kraemer, FRPSC and chairman of The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) committee for the Geldert Medal, has announced that Ken Lewis of Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom has been awarded the Geldert Medal for 2007. The Geldert Medal is given annually for the best article or series of articles in The Canadian Philatelist, journal of the society.

Lewis was chosen the Geldert winner by the judges for seven articles in the journal last year. The Geldert jury was impressed with Lewis’ output. It is not often that The Canadian Philatelist publishes seven articles by the same author in one given year. Over the years, Lewis has been a very prolific contributor to the RPSC journal.

Even though he was prolific and all his articles of interest, the judges had highest praise for “Graf Spee: The Final Chapter” and “Admiral Dundas” which appeared in September-October and November-December issues respectively. Some of the judges’ comments included “depth, presentation, and variety,” “often strong evidence of research,” and “this diversity of articles is needed for such a periodical (The Canadian Philatelist).”

Ken Lewis, who is a native of the United Kingdom, is a long time stamp collector whose very broad interest surfaces in his eclectic themes. He is a director of The RPSC, and he represented The RPSC at the 2006 convention of the Canadian Philately Society of Great Britain and the Centenary Exhibition of The Royal Philatelic Society London in 2007. He is the only director of The RPSC living outside North America.

The Geldert Medal was established by Phyllis Geldert in memory of her husband Dr. George M. “Mac” Geldert, FRPSC, president (1958-1967) of the RPSC. Mrs. Geldert put up the medal in 1967 shortly after Dr. Geldert’s death. A notable stamp collector herself, Mrs. Geldert was prominent in many facets of RPSC work, including a directorship from 1967 to 1978. She also served as executive director for three years. She was elected as a Fellow (FRPSC) of The Royal in 1968. Mrs. Geldert died on August 23, 2000.

Rick Penko, President of The RPSC said “it is always great to congratulate the Geldert Medal winners. Each is forthright with specific knowledge on philately, each assists the RPSC by making regular contributions to The Canadian Philatelist, and each raises new interests for collectors.” In the case of Ken Lewis, he says “Mr Lewis’ prolific submissions have given our journal much diversity, interest, and scholarship. It is a pleasure to have him among our regular contributors.”

The Geldert Medal selection committee consists of RPSC members James E. Kraemer, Cimon Morin and Michael Nowlan.

Information on The RPSC can be had by e-mail at info@rpsc.org or by visiting the Society's website at www.rpsc.org, or by calling 416-979-8874, toll free 1-888-285-4143.

For more information contact:

Michael O. Nowlan 506-357-2698
Margaret Schulzke 1 888-285-4143