Dear Federation Member, Given that we hope the 9 sheet competitions in all classes will encourage less experienced philatelists to take part to help develop their presentation skills, we have a modified mark scheme to reflect this. Examples are shown on our guidelines paper of three of the shorter format classes’ of how these changes are to help, particularly with the otherwise high mark (20%) for rarity. From now on the inter-society competition will feature 16 sheet entries only, and for this year we invite 3 entries from societies – one traditional, one postal history and one from any of the other classes. These representative entries would also be included in the individual class competitions. We have also decided to re-adopt the awards used nationally for the 9 sheet competitions, as there were comments on confusion caused by changes made in the last two years. We will see how it goes this year. These also are used for the 16 sheet format entries. The closing date for entries to arrive here – 1 Devon Crescent, North Wootton, King’s Lynn. PE30 3QZ – is Saturday, 22nd May 2026. As in previous years judging will be carried out by a panel of neutral judges so that all mark sheets and certificates will be ready for the Convention on Saturday 20th June at Tempsford Village Hall, just off the A1 (SG 19 2AW). If you have any queries, contact the webmaster.