THE new session for the Ayrshire Philatelic Society started on Tuesday, September 3, with the traditional President's Night.

New President Russell Ramsay was in the hot seat, taking his cue from Michael Palin. But instead of Around the World in 80 days, he took the members round in 80 minutes... in stamps.

His display began with stamp issues of GB and the Channel Islands before crossing into France.

Crossing Europe, members were treated to Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Greece, then on to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

They then sailed to India, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Japan before crossing the Pacific to the USA and back to the UK.

The outgoing president, Ian Smith, congratulated Russell on an auspicious start to his year in office.

For details of the society and its meetings please contact Ken Gibb at ayrstamps@yahoo.com.