Friends of the BPMA

Friends of the BPMA Day at the Museum Store

Friends of the BPMA participate in the London Mayor's Show 2010

Originally founded in 1985 as the Association of the Friends of the National Postal Museum (NPM) having the support from the Friends is important to the work that we do.

When the NPM closed its public galleries in 1998, the Friends continued to support the Heritage unit of Royal Mail Group, and now support the BPMA today. In 2010 they celebrated 25 years of loyalty to British postal heritage and continue to grow in number.

Funds from membership fees and their own fundraising campaigns go towards exciting projects - such as the conservation of a postal vehicle and Travelling Post Office, conservation and preservation, the purchase of new publications for the Search Room library, or activities for schools - which would otherwise be impossible.

The Friends are welcomed to BPMA events and activities, some arranged specifically for them, and they also arrange their own activities and trips. Previous trips have included seeing behind the scenes of the BFPO at RAF Northolt.

Not all support is financial and perhaps even more importantly, the Friends work as ambassadors for the BPMA, helping to raise awareness of our work and services and volunteer to work on projects. Such volunteering opportunities might involve giving a talk, helping with mailings and providing assistance at events.

Friends benefits

Receive the exclusive journal Cross Post, which is published in full colour twice a year and contains features on all aspects of postal history and research;
Receive the BPMA Newsletter three times a year, plus events guide;
15% discount on BPMA shop products;
Opportunities to volunteer and see behind the scenes at the BPMA;
Priority booking for BPMA events;
15% discount on tickets to BPMA paid events;
Opportunities to have your own postal or philatelic research published in Cross Post;
Special Friends outings and events.