The Final Mail Day

It is the final Mail Day and #philately episode! During this video, I explore some beautiful Uruguayan stamps, check out some mail art, and learn about 4 brilliant local posts. I also discuss some news and the final plans for the Exploring Stamps Channel.
Links:
Playlist for Stampex Videos: • Adventures at Stampex
Write to CSAC with your US Stamp suggestions: about.usps.com/who/csac/#process
Graham's favorite Philatelic KZbin channels: wordpress.com/page/explorings...
Follow me on Instagram! exploringst...
Links Related to the viewer mail:
Bazinga? www.huffpost.com/entry/bazing...
Jose G. Artigas: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%...
Gabriel's Blog for Uruguay Philately: circulofilatelicodemontevideo...
Gabriel's Twitter/X: / gphilatelist
Western Tragopan: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western...
Ramayana poem: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramayana
Stamps with Sara: / @stampswithsara1
Great Stamp Adventure: / @greatstampadventure
- Video searching for the Girl of Bora Bora: • My second Tauranga Sta...
Richard Philatelist: / @richardphilatelist
The Digital Philatelist full list of YT channels: thedigitalphilatelist.com/you...
Universal Mail? www.universalmail.co.uk/about/
Boston 2026! boston2026.org/
Portland Stamp Company: theportlandstampcompany.com/
Bermagui Local Post blog: thepigeonblp.substack.com/p/a...
Bermagui Local Post in the news: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-1...
Rattlesnake Island Local Post: www.rilp.org/
'StampCat Stamps' episode on the BlueNose: • The Bluenose: Canada's...

[@hltco920]

Please do a new series in the future. I've been collecting for 25 years, starting age 5. It has been so wonderful to see new life breathed into the hobby - and you've been a big part in it!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much 😊 I hope that the channel has had an impact on the hobby. Make sure to check out the other channels, there are so many wonderful content creators now, thanks for watching!!

[@HenkeV368]

@@ExploringStamps i follow some of other channels but sad many just do some videos and you not see nothing from them anymore but i use to watch them when they doing some new creatives as you do. But your contents are very informative about stamp hobby so you doing all in highest quality i can ask for. I have collect stamps for many years and have big collections from many countries and some more areas too so i know what i talk about so keep in touch

[@DrewM91105]

This has had extraordinarily good commentary about stamps and collecting always. It's the best philatelic channel of them all and without the fustiness stamps often involve but liveliness and color instead. What a great run this has been. I hope you can do another series of these stamp talks. You give a new lively and youthful image to a hobby that often gets tagged with being for elderly people. I've enjoyed every one of the episodes you've done. Now I'll go back and rewatch them.

[@yvescote2808]

A very big thank you Graham for your generosity and your love of philately. A big thank you to your wife Laura for her support and her presence who enhanced many episodes with her charm. I understand your decisions and accept it although I will greatly miss your channel. Your arrival am KZbin has launched a breath of fresh air which has given me back the flame of my hobby. You two have brought my passions as a collector up to date. Thank you so much for introducing us to and experiencing so many beautiful things during your travels. Bravo Graham, you can be very proud of this accomplishment. Grand merci Graham de ka part du vieux Canadien.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome 😊. Thank you for all your support and viewership over the years, it really means a lot to know that viewers like you have enjoyed the content. This community is so awesome. 🫶

[@terencemeikle534]

Easily the best philatelic channel I've come across. You've made heroic efforts, Graham. If I had to pick my favourite episodes, they would be the ones where Bill Barrell appeared. That guy is the Stephen Hawking of stamps! All the best with your important new role. 👍

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you!! Yeah the viewers seem to really enjoy Bill on the channel, and why wouldnt they?! He knows so much and is super enthusiastic 😊. Thanks so much for watching!

[@josesolares7875]

Thank you for your channel, I enjoyed your videos . Also thank you for taking the time to help me a while back with information about stamps I acquired.

[@miloschoonover9129]

Miss ya! Hope you do not delete any of your videoes. Each one has been very important, and i have learned something from each one, and helped get me more interested in the hobby more than you could imagine. Anyhow, as the grandkids are getting older, and my clooection will be slowly passed on to them, and sharing your vids with them makes it so much more fun, and informative. Truly no one out there has even come close to being as fun to watch as you. You are leaving some big shoes to fill. Hopefully someone will be able to step up into them. THANKS TONS!!

[@randymoore4027]

Simply the BEST of all the rest! Your originality, research, and video presentation of diverse philatelic material is unsurpassed. You and Laura have brought great joy and philatelic knowledge to countless thousands around the world! Your Philatelic Legacy is assured and will keep on through each of your amazing Vids! Even so, you and Laura will be missed big time! 😂 Randy from Florida.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for all your support, Randy. And thank you for being a part of the journey, so glad that you have enjoyed the channel 😊

[@ponderanceofagravedigger2564]

Very sad day for stamp collecting. One of the only youtube channels i fully enjoyed. I understand your reasons but what a void this will leave on the community. I collected when i was younger...fell out of it for decades and you where the reason my passion for stamps was reignited. I cant tell you how much i thoroughly enjoyed every single episode. Opening my eyes to new stamps from around the world i probably would have never known about otherwise. Your fun approach and beautiful editing skills where unmatched in my opinion. Yes there are other great channels out there but.... well thanks for all you have done and im not sure if any other content creator could top this one but ill eagerly wait to see. You will be sorely missed and good luck on whatever goals you have in mind. Thanks again for everything Graham.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for such a wonderful comment 😊. It means a lot to know that the channel has had an impact on people's collecting journey, and that viewers like you have enjoyed the content over the years. Thank you so much for all your support and viewership, I'm quite optimistic that we will see go far beyond what I could ever achieve in the near future, and I'm looking forward to watching and enjoying their content. 🫶

[@byronsbrain]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for al the wonderful videos 🙂

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, Karen 😊. One of my original viewers that has been there from the early days, thank you so much for all your support!!

[@byronsbrain]

It was always an absolute pleasure@@ExploringStamps

[@Rangersly]

Congrats on being given a spot on CSAC. I think they made a very astute selection. Amazing, amazing stuff in what is sadly the last mail day episode... Talk about going out with a bang. I understand completely your decision to step away from the channel, but it is still devasting news for us. I'm sure I'm not alone among your viewers to think that you represent a much needed breath of fresh air, a renewal of sorts of the philatelic community. I rejoiced in the birth of a whole new bunch of fun stamp channels since you started your own. I don't think you should remove any of the old videos from your channel.. Everyone of them is a precious source of philatelic knowledge and joy, and represent the evolution of your hard work on this channel. I certainly like to go back and rewatch some of the older videos while I eargerly wait for a new Exploring Stamps episode. Looks like these older episodes will be more needed than ever with the current situation. Thank you (and let's not forget Laura!) for being an inspiration to many, for all the stamp knowledge always presented with generous enthusiasm and creativity, for your contagious curiosity and genuine excitement in exploring stamps. Good luck with all your new projects and ideas. And, as my favorite cowboy used to say: Happy trails to you (and Laura!), until we meet again...

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you!! 😊 Seeing the new channels that have started over the years has been so encouraging. This online community is wonderful, and I look forward to continuing being a part of it, but as an engaged viewer moving forward 😅. So glad that you have enjoyed the content, thank you for all your support over the years - Graham and Laura.

[@zakshakey4686]

OMG 😱.. This notification just popped up as I was walking into town.. Mixed feelings of apprehension and anticipation, as I wait to get back home.. 👀

[@ExploringStamps]

:) I hope you enjoy it!

[@Philatherapist]

Thank you ,Graham.Wish you all the best in your future endeavours especially in your capacity as member of the CSAC. Will continue following you in the IG😊😊

[@ExploringStamps]

Much appreciated! I will see you on the Gram 😊

[@nylemonday8630]

Although I understand, I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss your episodes. You have a great talent for promoting philately by allowing us to explore along with you. I know I (and I know I’m not alone) have even added things to my collection that are outside my areas of collecting simply because you made the background stories so fascinating. I’ve warched all your episodes several times over, and they never grow old. I hope you will consider returning to us from time to time. Please come visit us in California again - perhaps Westpex? Best wishes to you and Laura.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Nyle, and thank you for being a part of this journey. 😊 I will still be visiting stamp shows, I'm sure of it....I'm not sure when but I do eventually want to visit Westpex. Thanks for all your support.

[@CrazyAvocadoProductions]

Thank you so much for all of your videos, you have helped me so much in my stamp collecting journey, stay safe!

[@kelvidaniels9417]

Thank you for everything, Graham. :)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Kelvi 😊

[@siam1883]

"For everything there is a season." You have left us with good memories, lots of smiles, and a library of philatelic knowledge. Don't purge too much as I, and I am sure many others, watch the older episodes. A rainy night, some hot chocolate and Season 1 Exploring Stamps. Ah, bliss! Best of luck in whatever your next adventure might be.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you, Chai. You have been a supporter of the channel since the early days. Thank you so much!!

[@garyholdener2470]

Graham I am truly sad to hear that you're stepping away from your channel; but, I understand. You have done more for current generations of Philatelists, including the encouragement of older generations to resurrect our interest. It's also fair to say that Laura has had an equal impact on this hobby with her videography and support she provided with the creation of your content not to mention the support she gave you as a wife, encouraging your interest. I think everyone in this hobby will miss your impact on stamp collecting. I also want to congratulate you on your appointment to the CSAC. I wish you the very best for whatever your pursuit and future brings. I also think everyone will agree that your Exploring Stamps channel is the best of the best philatelic channels; I haven't seen any that compare. Again, thanks for all you have done for all stamp collectors.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Gary 😊. It is so good to know that the channel has had an impact on people's philatelic journey over the years. Thank you for all your supports, views, comments, encouragement, everything! This community really is wonderful 🫶

[@georgenemacdonald859]

Graham and Laura - you have made philately fun and accessible for so many people. Thank you for your time - you have been an inspiration!

[@ExploringStamps]

Our pleasure! Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel 😊

[@simongardner1835]

Thank you, Graham, you're an inspiration. And thanks to Laura for lending you to us for so long! 😊

[@ExploringStamps]

My pleasure! Thank you so much for your support and for watching the channel 😊

[@philatelovely5748]

Fantastic episode, like always Graham!! Very sad there won’t be another (for a while), and that you are stepping away from the channel. I totally understand why, and don’t blame you, but as someone I look up to, and draw inspiration from, you will be leaving a large void. I’m trying my best with my channel, and it’s steadily getting there. If I get to even half the amount of followers you’ve got I will be a very happy philatelist. Thank you for everything you have done, for me, the hobby and everything else!!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, John 😊. So glad that you have been a part of my journey, thank you for all your support and encouragement over the years!

[@dennyd4848]

This one made me so sad….end of an era. And at the same time, your videos have helped to bring me further ahead too! Thank you and Laura for all you’ve done! 🙏

[@ExploringStamps]

I'm so glad to see that the videos have been a part of your philatelic journey as well. Thanks so much for all your support and for watching the channel 😊

[@jasont659]

You videos posts have been great and sad to hear your series will be ending. I've always thought having a KZbin channel on Philately would be fun, but fear no one would watch. I'm not exactly the best presenter on such topics and can go too detailed. Your videos have always been very entertaining and energetic. I'm sure you have gotten many people into collecting.

[@ExploringStamps]

Do it!! Give it a go and make some videos, I think you will quickly find encouragement and viewers within this community. Thanks so much for your support 😊

[@pennyeap309]

Thanks Graham! I'm a collector since I was 5, but stopped after starting to work. I decided to pick up again during the pandemic when I found my collections while tidying my store room. I started to search online as well as KZbin to check for interesting articles and video on this hobby, then I found your channel. I've learned a lot from your channel and this keeps my passion on this beautiful hobby. Looking forward to seeing your great work again in the future!

[@ExploringStamps]

That is awesome! So glad that you found the channel and have enjoyed the videos, it means a lot to know that the channel has helped or had an impact on viewers' collecting journeys. Thank you so much for your support and viewership 😊🫶

[@TheVideoWolfe]

Thank you so much for all the content you've produced over the years. I remember getting a small selection of stamps from my grandparents when they moved, and that is when I found your storing stamp collections video. After that, I couldn't stop watching. I've slowly got a growing collection of my own now. Thank you very much.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are so welcome! I'm so happy to see that you found the channel and have enjoyed the videos ever since. Thank you so much for watching and for your support. 😊

[@GordonEaston]

March 14, 2024 To Laurie and Graham: Firstly, it with a heavy heart that I found out that you both will not be making many more "Exploring Stamps" episodes on youtube. My colleagues at the North Toronto Stamp Club informed me of this sad news. I ,however, understand the reasons for you both doing this. I have fully enjoyed the professionalism and dedication beyond any call of duty you've both brought to the table in your episodes; my personal favorites are the "Girl from Bora Bora" and " the NFT Crypto" episodes I had the good fortune to meet you both briefly at CAPEX22 for your presentation organized by the North Toronto Stamp club and you both signed a hand drawn cover I made for the show and thank you very much both of you for signing it. I really wish that I could mail you one of these covers but it's not possible and I regret not doing it before. Both of you can be happy that you both have, to a large degree, brought many, many, particularly younger people to this amazing hobby. In closing, I'm delighted Graham that you will be on the U.S. stamp advisory committee where you can add a very needed dimension for younger stamp enthusiests. I wish both of you happiness and good health for the future.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Gordon. It was so nice to meet you and some of the other members of the NTSC at CAPEX, I thoroughly enjoyed giving the presentation. It really means a lot to know that the channel has been enjoyed by collectors around the world, and I'm super happy with how amazing the online philatelic community has grown over the years 🫶. Thank you for your viewership and support over the years - Graham and Laura

[@rfcote]

Hi Graham, another great video. You made my day when you used the turn table to play the music postcard. 😂😂 Cheers! Reg

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Reg! I am on the lookout now for more of those music postcards, sooo coool!!

[@marcalfontiespi5264]

Man. Just let you know that I discovered your channel just few weeks ago and I am addicted. I am an old book seller and I was looking for good inspiring channels when I found that one. That of yours has become one of my main references about freshness, innovation of approach, creativity, rythm and production. I wish you all the best. And I will be waiting just in case you rethink that end. You are amazing and your job here will last a lot. Thanks.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you for the kind words, so glad to see that you have enjoyed the style of the videos, it means a lot! Thank you for your support and viewership!!

[@Melstorm]

All the best going forward, have enjoyed and learned so much from this channel. Will always remember us starting our postcrossing journeys at the same time. :)

[@AfternoonPlay]

Your videos have brought me so much joy and happiness, Graham. I salute you, my friend, and I wish nothing but the best for you, too.

[@miarhymeswithfire9068]

Re Universal Mail - I think quite a few London tourist shops are not making it clear that these cannot be used domestically. On a wander around London ahead of a Sparks concert, I noticed an open postbox and saw quite a few postcards with the Universal Mail stamps on but the addresses were within the UK.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh thats interesting!! so folks are even using them domestically, hmm. Yeah I think they really dont make it clear at all. ThanksMia!

[@Norge_collector_history]

Lovely episode. It is still a shame you are going. We all hope to see you again, maybe.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much 😊. Glad you enjoyed the episode and the channel, thanks for watching!

[@kevinhans189]

A bittersweet moment writing this comment. Another great episode but sad to hear it is coming to an end. I understand your decision as I run my local stamp club’s website and annual stamp show. While rewarding, it is a lot of work. I want to thank you for all the things I have learned from your channel, including this episode’s discussion of the universal mail’s sending UK postcards from the Philippines. I had that happen once and just assumed my card from Belfast was miss directed to the US via the Philippines! My favorite episodes are the two you did with your friend when you built the little printing press and he engraved the stamps. As I commented then I feel like I owe you a beer for that one. If you ever come down to DC for NAPEX the first one is on me. Best wishes for your future endeavors!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Kevin, I'm glad that you enjoyed the episode and the channel. I'm wondering how many other folks are now realizing why their UK Postcard took forever to get to their family/friends... It was a mystery to me for over 6 years until I received Hannah's postcard 😂. Thank you for all your support and viewership!

[@ardcapture3D]

The best philately channel will be dearly missed. Congrats on committee, look forward to hearing more.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed the channel over the years, thank you for watching 😊

[@piratephilately1087]

Thanks for making stamp collecting more accessible and also more relatable for the next generation! Truly have enjoyed each of your episodes. You will be missed on YT. See you on X!

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching and being a part of the journey 😊

[@markusbose7786]

That music postcard is 🔥. I want one!!

[@ExploringStamps]

I want a whole collection 😆, thanks Markus.

[@jaydiesalamat3188]

Very impressive concluding video for your #philately series! Proud member of the Philippine Stamp collector Society here!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much! 🇵🇭😊

[@danstars1]

Thank you so much for this channel, It has opened my eyes to so many new aspects of philately. All the best to you in your future endeavours.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome 😊, glad you enjoyed the channel, and thank you so much for watching!!

[@ralphralf100]

Hi Graham, I am glad you liked the CCLP cover I sent. Always looking forward your next episodes. Your channel is wonderful. Thanks for everything!!

[@ExploringStamps]

Woohoo 🙌 Thank you so much for sending the special cover. I love it 😊

[@roborovskihamsters]

I'm Hannah from Oxford! I'm so thrilled my Red Arrows postcard made it to you (just in time!) - and who knows which route it actually took!? Thank you so much for featuring it and reading my message about these strange Universal Mail stamps. Love that you included your own example of the UM stamp you sent to Germany all those years ago, and I'm glad my card answered that mystery for you. Did you notice in your postcard to Germany that black marker pen was used to write over certain areas of the postcard? I've read that Universal Mail do this to any identifiers of where the postcard came from! You can tell the top left probably said London, or wherever you were! Weird, right! Luckily it seems mine escaped the black pen ;) but it would have been fun to have a Philippines sticker on it! Once again, thank you for all your videos, and best wishes Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

Hannah!!! 🫶 Thank you sooo much for the postcard, I think there are several folks now realizing why their postcards took 3 months to get to their destination thanks to your explanation. I remember first reading your postcard and going "oohhhhhhhhhh THATS what happened with Jerrit's postcard" 😂. Amazing that the black marker pen is also from UM... it makes this whole operation even more shady in my opinion, like a LOT more shady than it already is. Thank you so much for your support and viewership 😊

[@Carterofmars]

It was a GREAT, GREAT series. Congratulations, and I hope we see a drop or two from you in the future. Maybe a monthly show? 🤞🤞🤞🙂

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed the series 😊

[@Carterofmars]

@@ExploringStamps you're like Seinfeld. You quit at the top of your game. 🙂 GL

[@bevviljoen3775]

Congratulations being on CSAC. Please try and get them to stop doing the sticker stamps - infact as far as I am concerned, all those involved in the issuing of stamps, especially the Post Master General should be a stamp collector. This is the only way they will understand the frustration of trying to remove sticker stamps from envelopes without damaging them. I am going to miss your videos, I show them to the children I work with.

[@ExploringStamps]

Bring back the licky stickies!! 😊🙌. I can try but no promises. Thank you so much for your support over the years, so glad you enjoyed the channel and vids.

[@aparajitac6737]

Thank you graham and Laura for this wonderful journey. You guys deserve all the love in the world ❤

[@ExploringStamps]

Our pleasure! Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@joyseng]

I really like the Nova Scotia's map cover with stamps at different location of Nova Scotia pasted on it. What's a great idea to have a map cover!

[@ExploringStamps]

It really is a terrific idea. I can see myself making one, sending it to myself, and then framing it for my wall 😊.

[@joyseng]

@@ExploringStampsYes. I am now thinking on which stamps from my country Singapore that I can paste on which part of the Singapore map cover if I am to make one for myself :)

[@ExploringStamps]

@@joyseng 😲 YES!! that would make for an incredible map... and there are no shortage of interesting Singapore stamps to use. DO IT!!

[@joyseng]

@@ExploringStamps Thanks. Maybe it is easier to do it for a small country like mine. Imagine trying to do that for the entire USA!

[@HenkeV368]

thanks for all this years with all your videos about stamps i great passion and how many details it is within stamp collecting, have followed you for a long time🙂

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome! Thanks so much for watching over the years 😊

[@SnailmailwithSmokey]

A wonderful video as always! You are an inspiration to all of us! Your channel has taught me so much about this wonderful hobby and how it can connect people from all over the world. I am grateful for the time, talent, and resources that you have poured into Exploring Stamps, I have enjoyed every episode. Thank you and best wishes for the future.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you sir 😊. Thank you for your support and encouragement. And of course thank YOU for all your efforts to grow our wonderful community, I love your channel 🙌 Please keeping doing what you are doing!

[@TheEphemeris]

I'm going to miss these episodes :') Back in 2016 this channel reignited my stamp collecting hobby, and since I've looked forward a a good cup of coffee and watching the next episode as they're release in the mornings. I look forward to anything else you share or post in the future, you might be shutting down the channel for now but we will always be here for when, if ever, you return. Cheers mate

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel since the early days!! It really is great to see that you have enjoyed the videos, and that they have been a part of your philatelic journey.

[@Laurent-Philatelie]

Just my luck!! Discovering your great channel today only to realize that this video might be your last one! As a philatelist myself since the age of 10 (46 years ago), your passion is communicative and we need more people like you to inspire curious minds. Very best wishes from Provence.

[@JCPhilately]

Hey Graham, yet another great episode!!👌 You've been a great inspiration to many philatelists to create their own KZbin channel and I am one of them. I'm always impressed by your knowledge and your ability to make the episode so interesting. You always have a fun and engaging way of presenting it and I am sure I am going to miss your videos. Keep up the great work! I wish your future endeavors. Thank you for adding my KZbin channel to your favorite channel list. Appreciate it!!😊😊

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you for your support and viewership. I'm really enjoying your content, so of course I had to add the channel to the favorite list 😊 Please keep it up!!

[@souvik97ckp]

Namaste! Graham. Greetings from India 🇮🇳 I have been watching your video from the very beginning and also on Instagram. Thank you so much for all of your informative videos. A big thank you to Laura as well. My warmest greetings to her. Please convey it to her. Regards, Souvik

[@ptrinch]

Huge congratulations on being part of CSAC. Such an incredible honor. I'd like to point out that so many people, including myself, have submitted requests for a stamp celebrating Postcrossing. It's been done by so many other countries, yet the answer always seems to be try again in a couple years.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. Although I cannot comment on the Postcrossing stamp suggestion, I can say that I love a lot of the stamps that other countries (like Germany, Brazil, Ireland, etc) have issued, and I would LOVE to see more countries doing the same. Thanks so much for watching.

[@stephenswann3979]

Thanks for all the wonderful content you have produced over the years. Always look forward to your videos and the professionalism you put into them.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome!! Thank you for watching the videos over the years, glad you enjoyed them 😊

[@swissphilatelist9553]

Congratulations on CSAC! 👏 Thank you and Laura for all the time and effort you invested in this amazing channel!!! Truly can’t overstate the impact it had on our wonderful hobby. Very sad to see it close, but also happy for you and wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! 😊

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. It means a lot to know that the channel was enjoyed and a part of people's philatelic journey. Thank you for your support and encouragement over the years.

[@LouisGedo]

1:58 😲 💜 Congratulations!!! That's so awesome!!!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you!

[@postcardnstamps]

Thank you Graham for everything, you will be missed. All the best in your future.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much 😊

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Very much appreciated your fun videos and all the work you put into them. Best of luck to you in the future. Also wanted to say how glad I was that you had so many stamp shows in wheelchair accessible buildings. Thank you for that!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, Buzza Wuzza! Your support and viewership has been so appreciated over the years, thanks so much for watching 😊

[@jimhresco1728]

Sad to see it's the last viewer mail episode. Loved the phonograph postcard and the Exploring Stamps stamps. Sure you're not leaving to plan a heist on the 1868 1c Franklin Z-grill before it comes up for auction? 😉 Will be there for your last episode. Stay safe!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks Jim! That postcard is quite something, I hope to find more of them in the future. Hmm maybe I am planning a heist, but I cannot admit to it here 😊. Thanks so much for watching!!

[@MarkASmith48]

Thanks for the fun and education over the past few years. You did something that no one else was doing and made it fun and enjoyable. As I've said before, your channel should have over 100,000 subscribers, not just 34,000. I know you've spent lots of your own money, plus countless hours producing these fine videos. May you find joy in all the next explorations of your life. Thank Laura for us as well.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Mark!! So glad to see that you have enjoyed the journey/channel over the years. Thank you for your support and encouragement - Graham & Laura

[@dickdoyle1]

Nooooooooo! Don't go! You will be greatly missed Graham, what you do is fantastic, look forward to seeing a reincarnation in the near future

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Robin. Well the growing online community is bringing so many new wonderful videos and interesting content for us to enjoy, so I think we are only going to see amazing things from them in the future, and I'm looking forward to watching and partipating as a viewer now 🙌 Thanks so much for all your support.

[@dickdoyle1]

Nobody does it like you Graham, you will be sorely missed, hopefully meet up again soon @@ExploringStamps

[@happybunny1329]

Saying that you're looking forward to seeing a "reincarnation" of Graham makes me think of Graham appearing as a hologram, like Rimmer in Red Dwarf, showing stamps of the 21st century to people living three million years from now. I hope you've seen Red Dawrf, or you will think I'm a nutcase lol. :)

[@iainmalcolm9583]

Many thanks for sharing your philatelic journey with us all over the last few years. I already subscribe to many of the channels you have shared on the way. Good luck for the future to you & Laura.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you Iain 😊

[@tomk821]

You are great. I will miss these episodes greatly.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for all your support and your viewership 😊

[@adamhuffman3354]

Congratulations and thanks for all of your efforts! Wow what a channel! An accomplished promoter of philately!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you very much! 😊. And thank you for watching and supporting the channel over the years!

[@anndorian]

Thank you for your wonderful videos! (watching from Romania)

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you like them! 😊 Thank you so much for watching. 🇷🇴

[@Rexisaacs]

You are very good in fact the best here

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊

[@margersmuzis4929]

Well done ! Hard work pays off> best wishes for your future plans!

[@JohnPeter-wl3re]

THANK YOU

[@ExploringStamps]

😊

[@jameswardell1840]

Congrats Graham on a great series. You deserve a break, that's for sure. You've brought philately to a new generation, I think, and have really helped to boost the hobby. Well done you! Coincidently I've just sent most of my stamp and postal history collection to auction. It should all come up to the auction block within a year. I've not hung up my tongs completely, I kept back a good sized collection of cinderellas to start organizing, as well as my Confederate States collection. So I'm moving on as well. I look forward to what you have for us next. Keep on stampin' friends. There's lots here to enjoy!

[@violetlavender637]

Hi Graham, Mont from Ridgedale here. I just want to say thanks for the many hours of great philatelic content. I wish you and Laura nothing but the best in the future. Congratulations also for being named to the stamp selection advisory board. All the best Mont.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for all your support and encouragement, Mont. So glad that you have been a part of the journey over the years 😊

[@leslieselby5270]

Graham, thank you and Laura for all of your time and hard work making stamp collecting much more interesting and exciting for so many people. I wear my #Philately sweatshirt with pride whenever we have a stamp show at the North Toronto Stamp Club. It was great to meet you both at CAPEX 22 in Toronto, and I hope I will see you again at a stamp show somewhere. I looked forward to every episode of Exploring Stamps, and although I know you still have a few more videos, I will miss your presentations a great deal. Thanks again.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you for your support, Les 😊. It was such a pleasure to present to the NTSC in 2022, and of course meet so many of its members. Thank you for watching and being a part of the journey. - Graham

[@AJSMON]

Time flies really fast! I remember discovering and watching Exploring Stamps for the very first during the lockdown period which made me more interested in exploring philately and other related hobbies. It is amazing to see your journey and progress for the past few years! One of few KZbin channels that I really appreciate! You really did a great job!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much 😊. Its so great to see that you have enjoyed the channel and that it has been a part of your philatelic journey. Thank you for your support and for watching the videos!!

[@dog-so1vj]

It's been a wonderful experience following your channel. Very informative and inspirational. Thanks.

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome, thank you so much for watching 😊

[@pablomagister1644]

Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much 😊

[@trevorlynn7276]

Thank you! You’ve made a significant contribution to the hobby.

[@ExploringStamps]

My pleasure! Thank you for your support 😊

[@Scott-dv3iv]

Hi Graham! Congrats on your appointment to CSAC! Truly a well deserved reward for your contribution to philately. I'm sure I am not the only one proud to see you succeed. Looking forward to your final videos and wishing you all the best in your new endeavors. Should you wish to continue receiving new issues from Bat's Private Post, do drop me a card with an address. It would be my pleasure and not looking for anything in return. You have already freely, literally, given so much through your unrivaled quality philatelic videos. Scott

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much, Scott 😊. I have thoroughly enjoyed receiving Bat's Private post letters over the years, I think you were one of the first local/private posts that reached out to me, and yours may have inspired others to start. Thanks so much for your support and viewership.

[@zsoltdr.bodnar1287]

Dear Graham, it was really shocking to hear that you were stepping down, but I understand your reasons. It is so sad that your wonderful and fundamental job just finishing. The Philatelic World will deeply miss you and your topics. I am proud to be owner of the "inverted Graham" :)), a lifelong lovely memory. Thank you so-so much for everything! And...Happy Collecting! Thanks again for all, Zsolt

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, Zsolt 😊. Your support and viewership has been wonderful over the years, so glad to see that you have enjoyed the channel. Thank you for everything!!

[@MrsBednar]

Best ever. I’m fairly new and am addicted to your show! I now love stamps. This should be picked up as a tv show!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you so much for watching, its great to see that you have enjoyed the videos. It could make for a fun TV show, not sure what channel would pick it up, but I'd watch it!!

[@joyseng]

Graham, thanks for all the work that you have done in the past few years. You have helped so many of us understand more about philately, and injected much interest into this hobby. While this is sad news to me, I understand your decision. I hope Laura and you will have a good break, and hopefully you can consider coming back after a few years :)

[@ExploringStamps]

You are very welcome, thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel over the years. 😊

[@PaulSobon1]

Universal Mail is the reverse mirror image of Swiss Post International’s (SPI) scheme in the 1990s where SPI sold “Cinderella stamps” via drugstores and tobacco shops in Italy and Spain for mailing postcards back to Switzerland. Mail was deposited by the customer into special SPI post boxes, which Swiss Post contractors collected mail from each day. SPI stamps cost a bit more than the true local Italy or Spain post office stamps but the mail arrived back to Switzerland in a day rather than in the three to four weeks that it took via Italy/Spain post. As you’d imagine the Italy and Spain post offices hated it, and eventually put enough pressure on Swiss Post to stop their SPI service in their respective countries. These Swiss Cinderellas are interesting to collect, especially used on non-philatelic covers. From a historical perspective, prior to the UPU it wasn’t totally uncommon for foreign post offices to operate in a country as a parallel service to the local post office.

[@ExploringStamps]

Oh wow that is a reverse mirror image of the UM stamps, how interesting!! I need to look into these Swiss SPI stamps, thank you for bringing them to my attention. 😊

[@LouisGedo]

Looking forward to this final Mail Day video!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊🙌

[@michaelmcewan432]

Good luck in whatever you do next, enjoyed everything you have done

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks so much! 😊 And thank you watching the channel!

[@SharePointFly]

I'm so sorry, I've been a silent fan. You are an inspiration and have renewed my belief that this hobby is alive and well. I wish you would keep going. Your work is fantastic!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Don't be sorry! Thank you so much for watching over the years, every view counts and I'm so grateful to have had a wonderful community. 🙌

[@aaronbock9160]

Loved the series hope you do make some more even if they are simpler types

[@ExploringStamps]

Glad you enjoyed the series, thank you so much for your support 😊

[@keesdewaard206]

Again many thanks to you Graham and Laura for all the wonderful videos these past years, I have watched them all and may well re- watch them😊 Great episode to see how creative so many people are in the postcards and letters they send. I am looking forward to the last few videos still to come and wish there would be more!!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, Kees. 😊 I'm always impressed with the mail that I received over the years, so many wonderful viewers like you. Thanks for your support!!

[@nishadirukshika2212]

Great video I am also collecting postage stamps. I'm from Sri Lanka

[@ExploringStamps]

Very cool! Sri Lanka has some beautiful stamps 🥰🇱🇰 Thanks for watching!

[@umasankarbanerjee3593]

Excellent video

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@StampThis-1963]

congratulations on the CSAC appointment 👍👍👍

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you!! 😊

[@ukujomichael]

Hey!! So happy to have seen a flash of my postcard. Glad it made it!! Happy future and happy collecting!!

[@ExploringStamps]

🙌😊 Glad you saw it! Thanks so much for everything!

[@jackmlynek8817]

Sad to see the end of your amazing channel, Graham. It's been a ride! Hope to see more of you somehow in the future. All the best.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thanks a ton for all your support over the years 😊

[@StampCatStamps]

Graham I'm late to comment as usual! Thank you so much for everything that you've done for the philatelic community! I've learned so much from your videos and you have inspired so many of us not only to collect and engage in philately, but create our own stamp content, too. It's been such a pleasure watching every episode. I understand your reasoning to end the channel and wish you the best with whatever comes next! Also amazing items for your last mail day, that record playing postcard is so cool and I Love that stamp map of Nova Scotia! Bye for now!

[@aka_rook]

And a big thanks to the £10 challenge contestants!

[@ExploringStamps]

Absolutely! They were phenomenal and the highlight of the series 😊 🙌

[@LouisGedo]

45:14 What a great letter from Leah 🫂

[@ExploringStamps]

It really is, so special to receive mail from wonderful viewers like Lia 😊

[@captainz2232]

Man, I will miss this channel so much! I've learned so much from your videos. 😞

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 thank you for watching, Captain Z.

[@mischellemessenger2610]

Definitely will miss your series!

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@suebraun758]

I had never collected a stamp in my life until I stumbled across your channel (and I’m retired) and was immediately captivated by your incredible knowledge, presentation skills and making philately history so fascinating. Your enthusiasm is boundless and I love the whole idea of extreme philately. It would be great if you ever come down to Australia - let us know if you have any plans. Thank you for all the time and effort you and Laura made for the channel and I wish you every success with your future work.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you so much!! Its great to see that you have enjoyed the channel, and that it has been a part of your collecting journey. One day I hope to visit Aus land with Laura, and also see my buddies Gerard (the Punk Philatelist), and James (the Digital Philatelist)... one day!! 😊 Thanks for watching

[@AngelAlcoverroMarco]

Fantásticos parabéns

[@StampswithSara1]

Dear Graham Thank you very much for the effort you put on the philately with your great channel. Also thanks to laura for the support given. This is the best channel which i love very much. Graham is such a inspiration to me. Im really greatfull for the support given to me. Im worrying not to watch new videos. Congratulations to your future. 🎉 ❤️ and thank you for mentioning my channel.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you Sara!! Your support and viewership over the years has been wonderful, and of course I LOVE your channel. Looking forward to watching your future vids. ❤️

[@ThreeStunStamps]

I’m saddened by this announcement Graham. You single-handedly brought the hobby into mainstream social media. A lot us, including myself, have drawn inspiration from your videos and the different perspectives you have shared about stamp collecting… but at the same time, wishing you all the best on your next endeavors. and will look forward to those remaining videos you mentioned. 😭😭😭❤❤❤

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you for your support and encouragement, I'm really enjoying your content, please keep it up!!

[@basilsylvesterpinto10]

Greetings from the coastal state of Goa, in India. Disappointed, but understanding with the decision taken by you to bring down the curtains on this wondrous channel. It taught me a lot more in philately with you exploratory bent, and your absence will be felt. Your contributions to the philatelic community is appreciated manifold and cherished. Wish you the very best to new beginnings, and keep the faith. - Basil

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, Basil 😊. So glad to see that you have enjoyed and appreciated the channel over the years, thank you for all your support!

[@conniejohnson9005]

Thank you so much for all your wonderful videos, I guess it is time to start over at #1 and watch them all again. I'm not sure how you got through the episode, I know I and I'm sure many others were tearing up at least a little. Good luck in everything you do in the future and I hope we get to see you once in awhile.

[@ExploringStamps]

😊 Thank you, Connie!! So glad that you have been a part of the journey and have enjoyed the videos. Thank you for all your support!

[@RichardRamsey-kn3ms]

Graham I want to thank you for all you've done for our great hobby! Shame though, your channel was the one that lead me back into Philately during the pandemic. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS! We know how life goes! Blessings my friend!! ;-{)

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you 😊. So glad to know that this channel has been a part of your philatelic journey in recent years, thanks so much for watching and your support.

[@aussieseekandfind3202]

I’m not a subscriber (I rarely subscribe) , but I frequently watch your videos and give you a thumbs up. Very sorry it’s come to the end of the road. Thank you for all you’ve done to promote the hobby. I hope that your videos will remain on KZbin to watch over again.

[@ExploringStamps]

Thank you, I will definitely be keeping most of the videos up, some of the older stuff can be cleaned up and removed through. Thank you for watching 😊

[@Rointhesundark]

big ups Graham!

[@ExploringStamps]

😊