(wm-pcp) This support for interested clubs was already considered three years ago, and has now been reactivated by the BDPh board. According to Walter Bernatek, treasurer of the BDPh and IBRA: “It is important to the entire IBRA team to develop this event into a place of encounter for stamp collectors in Germany with the international exhibition competition, the exciting special shows, the lectures of the IBRA Academy and, last but not least, the trade fair part with a large trade offer as well as the large stand of Deutsche Post as the centre of attention. Together with clubs and their members, we would like to promote our wonderful hobby in Essen and together we will show the social opportunities it offers for young and old alike.”

Bernatek does not leave it at nice words. Thanks to a budget of 10,000 euros from the Foundation for the Promotion of Philately and Postal History, he announced that clubs travelling together by bus or train would receive a maximum subsidy of 100 euros per club for distances up to 250 kilometres, 200 euros for distances over 250 kilometres and even 300 euros for distances over 500 kilometres. This should be a noticeable and welcome reduction in costs for many planning a club trip in 2023.

Several clubs have already registered and for everyone else it is“first come, first served”! Because at some point, even this “club pot” of IBRA 2023 will be exhausted. Interested clubs should therefore register early with Walter Bernatek so that they can take advantage of their membership of the BDPh. Walter Bernatek will then immediately send them the registration forms and further information.