Another blank space in the European landscape of organized astrophilately has been filled: 15 Italian astrophilatelists have established AS.IT.AF, the Italian Astrophilately Association.Aimed as a reference point for space stamp and cover collectors Italy, it was founded by a group of collectors with a solid experience in astrophilately and related aspects. "It aims at disseminating information on collecting, exchanging materials and sharing knowledge on how to participate to national and international exhibitions", says Umberto Cavallaro, the President of AS.IT.AF. and one of the founding members.
ASITAF will be affiliated with the Federation of the Italian Philatelic Societies. A quarterly newsletter is planned, covering information on astrophilatelic and space events, with a particular focus on Italy.
"We are currently 15 members and we expect to grow a little more in the next few months", Cavallaro adds. Paolo D’Angelo has been elected Vice President, and the Steering Committee consists of Luigi Bussolino, Giovannni Martina and Annibale Rega. Pietro della Maddalena serves as auditor. The annual fee is 30 Euro, and a membership application is available in Italian and English.
Contact:
AS.IT.AF, c/o Umberto Cavallaro – Via dei Platani 6/5 – 10090 Villarbasse (Torino) – Italy.
email ucavallaro@alice.it