Macro close-up of a vintage Penny Black postage stamp showing serrated edges and engraving detail

Eastbourne & South Downs Philatelic Society

The Art of
Philately

Collecting, studying, and celebrating the world's postal heritage since 1936.

About the Society

A Legacy of
Discovery

Founded on 28th September 1936 as a section of the Eastbourne Natural History Society, the Eastbourne & South Downs Philatelic Society has grown into one of the largest and most active philatelic societies in the UK.

We hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month at Broadway United Church in Hampden Park. Displays by visiting speakers and on members' evenings are of a very high quality, and our auctions are always well attended.

The society maintains a thriving packet circulation, providing members with a valuable source of material for collections while supporting the club's activities.


1936

Year Founded

88+

Years Active

2×

Monthly Meetings

100+

Active Members


The Saleroom

Auction Catalogues

Download our auction catalogues to browse forthcoming lots

22 Oct 2026

Auction Catalogue T63 — October 2026

Particularly full with postal-history type material compared to the last few auctions. The last auction before Christmas. Includes a number of lots marked 'Not got this' where material is still to arrive.

Download Catalogue
13 Aug 2026

Auction Catalogue T62 — August 2026

A decent mix this time out with representation in most of the usual areas. Issued ahead of usual expectations. Includes a number of lots without description or reserve.

Download Catalogue
23 Apr 2026

Auction Catalogue T61 — April 2026

April 2026 auction catalogue.

Download Catalogue
14 Aug 2025·345 lots

Auction Catalogue T58 — August 2025

This auction looks to have a good balance of material, and more lots than expected. Features Frogs and Censor covers alongside the usual philatelic material.

Download Catalogue
No preview
24 Apr 2025·345 lots

Auction Catalogue — April 2025

345 lots of very assorted volume and content. The Box and postcard/cigarette card sections are rather better represented this time, with a good mix of material throughout.

Download not available
24 Apr 2025·345 lots

Auction Catalogue T57 — April 2025

April 2025 auction catalogue with 345 lots.

Download Catalogue

Our Chronicle

Decades of Heritage

1936

The Founding

Founded as a section of the Eastbourne Natural History Society. The inaugural meeting was held on 28th September, chaired by Mr. F.G. Bing.

1938

First Packet Circulation

A Packet was introduced under the control of Charles F. Williams, providing members with a valuable source of material for their collections.

1948

ASPS Convention

The first convention of the Association of Sussex Philatelic Societies was hosted jointly with South Downs Philatelic Society at the Winter Gardens.

1950

The Amalgamation

Eastbourne Philatelic Society and South Downs Philatelic Society merged to form the Eastbourne & South Downs Philatelic Society.

1963

Weekly Meetings Begin

Meetings expanded to weekly at the Devonshire Baths building. Three competitions were introduced: The Ladies Cup, The Members Cup, and The Classic Cup.

2020

A New Home

The Society relocated to Broadway United Church in Hampden Park, offering improved facilities and parking for members.


The Assembly

Meetings & Events

Our Venue

Broadway United Church

Broadway, Lindfield Road
Eastbourne, BN22 0AS

Doors Open 7:00 PM

Meeting starts at 7:30 PM

2nd & 4th Thursdays

Every month throughout the year


View on Map →

27

Aug

DisplayThursday

A Visit from Tunbridge Wells

7:00 for 7:30 PM

20

Aug

BourseThursday

Afternoon Bourse at Tesco

Afternoon

13

Aug

AuctionThursday

Auction

7:00 for 7:30 PM

23

Jul

AuctionThursday

Auction Viewing

7:00 for 7:30 PM

16

Jul

BourseThursday

Afternoon Bourse at Tesco

Afternoon

9

Jul

DisplayThursday

GVI Commonwealth

Graham Little (egg cup)

7:00 for 7:30 PM

25

Jun

OtherThursday

AGM

Annual General Meeting

7:00 for 7:30 PM

18

Jun

BourseThursday

Afternoon Bourse at Tesco

Afternoon

The Gazette

News & Dispatches

E&SDPS

11 Oct 2026 · E&SDPS

Auction T63 — October 2026 Catalogue Now Available

Our final auction before Christmas features a particularly full offering of postal-history material. Catalogue T63 for 22nd October 2026 is now available to download and preview.

Read More →
E&SDPS

25 Jul 2025 · Andy Moore

Stamp Club Auction — 14th August 2025

This auction looks to have a good balance of material, and more lots than I expected. If you are a collector that likes Frogs and Censor covers, then you should enjoy this auction!

Read More →
E&SDPS

21 Apr 2025 · Andy Moore

Next Auction — 24th April 2025

Here we go again, with another 345 lots of very assorted volume and content. The Box and postcard/cigarette card sections are rather better represented this time.

Read More →
Latest News on the Afternoon Sessions

4 Apr 2025 · E&SDPS

Latest News on the Afternoon Sessions

The first afternoon meeting of the Eastbourne & South Downs Philatelic Society took place at the Tesco Extra supermarket, Lottbridge Drove on the 16th January this year.

Read More →

The Member Ledger

Join the Society

Whether you're a seasoned philatelist or just beginning your collection, the Eastbourne & South Downs Philatelic Society welcomes all who share a passion for stamps and postal history.

Did you know?

The Penny Black, issued in 1840, was the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

E&SDPS — Est. 1936

Eastbourne & South Downs
Philatelic Society

One of the largest and most active philatelic societies in the United Kingdom, fostering the art of stamp collecting for nearly nine decades.

Contact

andy.moorestamps@gmail.com07968 541970
Broadway United Church
Lindfield Road, Eastbourne
BN22 0AS

© 2026 Eastbourne & South Downs Philatelic Society. All rights reserved.

Affiliated with the Association of Sussex Philatelic Societies