The annual display competition attracted three entries of a very commendable standard. The competition entries, introduced with a few words from the exhibitors, were, as follows:

'From Dog Tag to Dog Collar.' Graham

The Dog tag in question belonged to Adam Clarke who was the greatest name in Methodism in the generation which succeeded Wesley. Graham described the man and his works and also the use and collection of tags in the modern age.

A tag is a label, especially one for tying on an object to show its address, price etc.

The collecting of such objects comes under the heading of paranumismatica. Examples that Graham showed were:

• Many of us carry out the activity depicted on this engraving on a copper disc - Obv. Lady walking a dog on a lead Rev. A cat
• A typical modern metallic tag in the shape of a bone Obv. PHONE 01865 882144 Rev. Dyson (name of pet)
• Dog tag machine token. Brass 32mm Quick Tag/ NO CASH VALUE. At least two are required to be purchased in order to operate a tag engraving machine at a major chain of pet shops. (Obtained at Pet World 27/5/08)
• Obv. THE TAIL WAGGERS CLUB. PLEASE HELP MY PAL two crossed tails. Rev. 631379 HERMON/GARDNERS COTTAGE/BEGBROKE PLACE OXFORD. around bottom half: THE ROYAL 3083/TAILWAGGERS CLUB LONDON EC3Cupro Nickel 25mm pierced. Fine only. (The most commonly found series of tag.)
• Dog Tag Ar 20mm: ----(with piercing in the middle) Obv. /I BELONG/--TO--/ADAM CLARKE/METHODIST/PREACHER/--*-- Rev. Blank (Antique and unique)

In the last example we can use the tag to find not the dog but the man. And he wore a dog collar....

'A Modern British Rarity' Michael

The second talk was by Michael and he discussed probably the only true rarity of the modern UK decimal series, the misstruck 1983 2p with ‘NEW PENCE’ instead of ‘TWO PENCE’. Michael had examples of both on show. The misstrikes were only issued in sets and opinions differ greatly about how many were struck, from a few 10s to a few hundreds.

(Michael has one available at about £850.)

'British Numismatic Society Medals' Gavin

Gavin's display covered "British Numismatic Society Medals". The club is a member and our member Tony Merson was awarded a medal for service to the Society in 1998 - Honorary Auditor since 1987.

The British Numismatic Society was founded in 1903 by a group who split from the Royal Numismatic Society. The Sanford Saltus Gold Medal is the Society's premier distinction, awarded every three years since 1910 for scholarly contributions to British Numismatics. The Medal for Service is for exceptional service to the Society or to British Numismatics, eg. to Wilfred Slayter (portrait medal) Secretary from 1962-90.

Personalised Membership medals (from 1990) and Centenary Medals (2003) are available in Silver and Bronze.

The Blunt Cash Prize (from 1986) is awarded to numismatic scholars under 35 years of age, with a special Bronze medal celebrating Christopher Evelyn Blunt's 80th birthday being issued in 1984.

Examples of all these, other than the first, were exhibited. All were depicted.

The standard of all three displays was very good and a credit to the entrants. It must have been a difficult decision for members as to where to cast their votes. However, the winner of the M Broome trophy was Graham.

Well done.