This is how it all started…
The Eastbourne Society was founded as a section of the Eastbourne Natural History Society. The inaugural meeting was held on 28th September 1936, chaired by Mr. F.G. Bing, secretary of the parent organisation. He may have been the originator of the idea of a stamp society.
Prior to the start of World War II the Society held fortnightly meetings at the Public (Free) Library. Membership increased gradually and in 1938 a Packet was introduced under the control of Charles F. Williams. The packet circulation was abandoned in 1939 but was re-introduced by popular demand in October 1940. By the outbreak of WW2 membership had increased to 49.
At this time the Eastbourne Corporation Museum was staging weekly philatelic displays with material provided by club members.
A philatelic library began in 1939 when Mr. C. Stibbe donated 60 books and a bookcase.