Club News..

 

Hi !

I have just published July 2013 Issue of Rainbow Stamp News on Blog. This issue is dedicated to 158 Years old Historical Telegram Service in India which will be discontinued on 15th July. To view this issue Please click following link :

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.in/2013/06/rainbow-july-2013.html

If you find any problem in viewing the issue please also try following links..

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.in/  ( For Indian Readers )

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/  ( For Overseas Readers )

Stamps on Beliefs and Customs…

 

To insure the preservation of the Macau folk belief and associated rituals, and its transmission to future generations, Macau post issued “Na Tcha Beliefs and Customs” stamps.

According to popular legend, Na Tcha was the third son of General Li Jing, born at a pass in Chen Tang, where his father was stationed. His mother was pregnant with him for three years before finally giving birth to a ball of flesh, which his father – convinced it was a demon – attached with a sword. Inside was found the fully-grown boy Na Tcha.

One day, Na Tcha was playing near the Eastern Sea when, during a dispute, he accidentally killed the son of the Dragon King. In order not to involve his parents in this conflict and subject them to the rage of the Dragon King, Na Tcha cut the flesh and bones of the body they had given him and returned it to them.

However, the deity Tai Yi Zhen Ren reincarnated Na Tcha using the roots and leaves of the lotus to reconstruct his body. Na Tcha was thereafter portrayed holding the Fire-tipped Spear and riding on the Wind Fire Wheels, adorned with the Universe Ring about his waist and the Red Armillary and was extremely popular as a deity.

In Macao, the beliefs associated with Na Tcha have a history dating back centuries. They are manifestation of the deep roots of Chinese traditional culture. In the second half of the 19^th century, several epidemics spread through Macao, severely threatening the local population, who did not have the means to avoid contagion. Na Tcha appeared in the villagers’ dreams, instructing people to drink water from the stream atop Mount Hill infused with Chinese herbal medicines. Following the advice, population regained their health. To thank the deity for saving them, and to continue to pray to Na Tcha for his blessing and protection, the local community also built, in 1888, the “Na Tcha Temple” by the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

The belief of Na Tcha in Macao has a history spanning more than 300 years, having developed unique characteristics, based on the fusion of folk stories with local customs and cultures. The Na Tcha is celebrated on the 18^th day of the 5^th month of the lunar calendar, and Macao’s two Na Tcha temples arrange numerous ceremonies in his honour. These include a procession and rituals requesting his divine protection against sickness, as well as happiness and peace for the local population and for the nation.

The Historic Centre of Macao was inscribed on UNESCO’s “World Heritage List” in 2005, serving as an example of the coexistence and mixture between the Eastern and Western cultures, as is well represented by the Na Tcha Temple, which is located within this ensemble, near the St. Paul’s Ruins.

Owls and herbs on new Taiwan stamps…

 

 

Date of Issue : 26 June 2013

Chunghwa Post issued a set of four stamps featuring owls.  The stamps feature following varieties of owl.

Otus lettia (NT$5): About 22-26 centimeters in length, it has a tawny-gray facial disc with random black markings. The edge of its facial disc is black. It has prominent ear tufts. Its body is tawny-grey. Breast and underbelly feathers have arrow-shaped streak. The center of its belly is white. It can be found nesting in old growth forests, orchards and even city parks.

Tyto longimembris (NT$5): About 34 to 42 centimeters in length, it has a heart-shaped facial disc, which is red-brown when birds are young, gradually lightens over time. Its facial disc is edged in black dots that connect to create a dark outline. It lacks ear tufts. The top of its head and its back feathers are dark brown, it breast feathers are tawny, and its underbelly is off white. It lives in grassy areas of the mountains and foothills.

Ketupa flavipes (NT$10): About 55-60 centimeters in length, it is the largest scops owl in Taiwan. It has an orange-yellow facial disk, with yellow-brown ear tufts and head and breast feathers. The feathers on its dark brown back are edged with orange. It is found in broad-leaved forests near creeks, rivers and lakes.

Otus elegans botelensis (NT$25): About 19-22 centimeters in length, it is a subspecies of Otus elegans that is found only on Orchid Island, which is off the East Coast of Taiwan proper. It has a brown facial disc and ear tufts. Its head and upper body feathers are brown with dark brown and tan stripes. Its breast and belly feathers are tawny. It lives mainly in forests.

A pictorial is also released along with the stamps. The pictorial, a brilliant blend of text and images, includes all three sets of “Owls of Taiwan” stamps released between 2011 and 2013, and 12 postcards designed by the stamps’ designer.

 

Herb Plants on Taiwan stamps

 

Date of Issue : 11 June 2013

Planting and the use of herb plants have grown to be a trend in recent years. To showcase the enchanting beauty of these multipurpose plants, Chunghwa Post  issued a set of four stamps on June 11, 2013, featuring Mentha × piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia elegans, andArtemisia indica. The designs follow:

1. Mentha × piperita (NT$5): It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Lamiaceae. The plant has opposite, ovate or oval-shaped leaves. The flowers are either white or pink, and grown in whorls. It is edible, medicinally useful, and a common ingredient in essential oils, pesticides and pest repellants.

2. Rosmarinus officinalis (NT$5): It is a woody, perennial plant of the family Lamiaceae. The leaves are opposite, long and narrow; the colors are rich green, with a pleasant sheen. The flowers are blue, white or pink. The plant is edible and extensively used for medicinal purposes. It is also a common ingredient in essential oils and bath products.

3. Salvia elegans (NT$12): It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Lamiaceae. The leaves are either ovate or heart-shaped; they emit a mild, fruity fragrance when brushed or rubbed. The flowers are red. The plant is edible.

4. Artemisia indica (NT$15): It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae. The leaves are pinnate, green, with dense white tomentose hairs on the underside. When they just bloom, the flowers are light yellow. The plant is edible and a medicinal herb. It is also used in essential oils, scenting, and folk practices.

 

Great Writers–Franz Kafka

 

Date of Issue : 26 June 2013

Czech Post issued a stamp dedicated to Franz Kafka, the famous writer. The stamp’s motto is LAWLESSNES - TIMELESSNESS - METAMORPHOSIS. The composition of the stamp, hand stamp and FDC is based on an austere geometric module which is also reflected in the booklet. The stamp portrays a realistic-looking beetle. As a symbol of relentless metamorphosis, not always for the better, the beetle is set in austere, even unsympathetic modules.

Stamp Booklet

Franz Kafka - a Prague-born, German-language writer of Jewish origin. He is best known for his novels The Trial, The Man Who Disappeared (also known as America), The Castle, and short story The Metamorphosis. The key part of his work was almost unknown and only a few short stories were published during his lifetime. Kafka became famous posthumously, mostly after World War II. Today, he is considered one of the 20th-century classics and a renowned innovator of the prose narrative form.

 

New Pictorial Cancellation from Germany

On July 20th 2013 will be available a new pictorial cancellation in 61239 Obermörlen.

The cancellation is featuring a Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)- Bird of the year 2013 in Germany.

Interested philatelists may please contact : Wolfgang Beyer,Vice Chairman of the German Collector Group ARGE ZOOLOGIE. Mail:

Wolfgang.beyer1@aol.de.
Postage rates: 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL, 2,80 Euro REGISTERED AIRMAIL

From Our Readers…

Letter to India Post…

Mr Pradip Jain requests the Readers to send mail  regarding non issue of following stamps by India Post as per schedule to the authorities concerned .

Thematic series of stamp, not issued in accordance to India Post list announced in January 2013

To,                           

Smt.  P. Gopinath

Secretary (Posts) & Chairman PS Board

Govt. of India

Dak Bhawan, Parliament Street

New Delhi - 110, 001.

secretary-posts@indiapost.gov.in

                                                                                                                                           26^th June 2013

Sub :  Thematic series of stamp, not issued in accordance  to India Post list announced in January 2013.

Respected  Madam ,

I would like to draw  your attention towards India Post stamp issue program list of 2013 announced in Jan. 2013.  From the list out of Twelve thematic series, until June (in Six month time) only two thematic series of stamp so far released. Moreover, 100 years of Indian Cinema stamp series issued released on dated 3^rd May 2013 is not available to India Post Philatelic Bureaus even after 45 days of its issue.

For the rest thematic series stamp issue date kindly be announced, and see all those announced in the program list are issued in 2013 on the given date. Here is the list for India Post Thematic Series stamp  Jan. to Dec. 2013 as per their announcement yet to release :  

Thematic Series

• Headgears of India–                April
• Stepwells of India)-                 April
• Musicians (set of 8 stamp) -    July
• Boats of India -                       August
• Wildlife and flora & fauna-     June
• Means of transport -               August
• Railway workshops at  kanchrapara & jamalpur –       Nov.
• Indian metal crafts –                Nov.
• Tribal dwellings –                   June
• Traditional embroideries –    Dec.

You will kindly see Four Thematic Series issue  between April to June not released, nor even communicated further through India Post website. These are the serious lapses to your own announced list which brings a bad name to our India Post in overseas market.

Thematic series of stamps are part of the culture and tradition of India and are very well received   in India and abroad. It should be well planned a year before and its publicity is highly important to attract a large number of collectors. India Post Philatelic division needs to be efficiently equipped with technology and human resource to handle such thematic series. It is the lack of planning with last minute decision-making that causes the products non-availability to the public who wish to buy thematic stamps but condition remain always chaotic.

Madam, I shall request you kindly look into the matter for the sake of Philately, and addressed the same on priority.

I shall be glad to hear from you soon.

With kind regards,

( Pradip Jain )

Chairman communication : Bihar Chamber of Commerce

Ex Member :  Philatelic Advisory Committee, Govt. of India

Mob : 093341 32162,  Email : philapradip@gmail.com

• Copy to  Smt. Meera Handa, DDG Philately, India Post for kind information and necessary action.
• Copy to Smt. Rashi Sharma, Director Philately, India Post for kind information and necessary action. : rashiadg@gmail.com
• Copy to Shri Kamleshwar jee,  Member HRD, India Post for kind information and necessary action. : memberhrd@indiapost.gov.in

New stamps on Energy Conservation..

 

 

Korea Post issued a set of four stamps on Energy Conservation. The stamps are so beautiful and nice collectible item for environment theme.

To remind us of the importance of energy conservation at a time when the entire world is facing an unprecedented energy crisis, Korea Post held an International Postage Stamp Design Contest under the theme of Energy Conservation and issued special stamps featuring the 4 works that won the grand and gold prizes in the youth and general category. “Green industry” by Ng Hio Wai (Macao, China), the grand prize winner in the general category, expresses, through the image of green leaves, not pollutants, rising from the factory chimneys, the message of: “through energy conservation, let’s reduce pollutant emissions”. “Riding a bicycle” by Kim Eun-jeong (Korea) is the gold prize winner in the general category.

Employing the images of the green earth and a wreath made of sprouts, this work expresses the message that the use of bicycles instead of cars can turn the earth we live on into a beautiful environment surrounded with green forests and flowers, which will in turn keep us healthy. “Keeping icebergs alive” by Yu Jae-gyeol (Korea), the grand prize winner in the youth category, conveys a message on the vicious cycle of the air conditioners and electric fans we use to avoid the heat spewing out another heat, which leads to the meltdown of the icebergs in the polar region. “Unplugging” by Kim A-ram (Korea), the gold prize winner in the youth category expresses the message that we can put energy conservation into practice by the mere act of unplugging, in a funny way that employs the images of a socket shape, smiling face and the shape of “ⓔ” which symbolizes electricity.

Now is the time for the global village to put energy conservation into practice for its very survival. For the Korean people in particular, whose country is the world’s no.9 energy consumer and which depends on imports for 96% of its energy needs, energy conservation is no longer an option but a must.

 

New Special cover

To mark the golden jubilee of St. Xavier's College, Mapusa since its establishment in 1963, a Special Cover and Cancellation release function was held in collaboration with the Department of Posts on 20th June 2013. The release of the Special Cover was graced by the chief guest archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Ferrao, guest of honour, Michael Lobo, MLA, Calangute constituency and others.

St. Xavier's College located in the North Goan town of Mapusa. It is the largest and oldest college north of the Mandovi River in Goa, a state along the west coast of India. The college is accredited by the NAAC with a grade of A and as a college with the "potential for excellence". This college was set up in 1963, soon after the end of Portuguese rule in Goa, when the new administration undertook an expansion of higher education in the region. It was affiliated to the University of Bombay during 1963. Since 1986, St Xavier's College has been attached to Goa University, which was set up in the State of Goa.

Courtesy : Indian Philately Digest

My recent covers..

 

Thanks to Mr Wolfgang Beyer, Germany

Pre – stamped Post card with Rainbow

Thanks to Mr Zeljko Vasilik, Croatia

New Pictorial cancellations from Germany

A new pictorial cancellation was be issued on June 24th at 38364 Schöningen and is featuring a prehistoric man holding a spear.

A new pictorial cancellation will be issued on July 1st at 26382 Wilhelmshaven and is featuring a Horsehead Seal.
Postage rates: 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL, 2,80 Euro Registered AIRMAIL.

A new FDI-cancellation will be issued on July 1st at 53113 at Bonn and is featuring a Golden Eagle.

A new FDI-cancellation will be issued on July 1st at 10117 at Berlin and is featuring a Gull.

Interested philatelists may please contact:
Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Philatelic Collector Group ARGE ZOOLOGIE,
E Mail:  Wolfgang.beyer1@aol.de

Destroyed Post offices of Uttarakhand….

 

Uttrakhand suffered severe destruction from flash flood  on 17th June causing thousands of death and paralyzing the  life  for a long time. It is the worst destruction ever caused by torrential rains in this area. Distinguished philatelist from Dehradun Mr Abhai Mishra  writes about some of the  post offices and postmarks of  the worst affected areas.

Uttarakhand Post Offices affected by the Flash Floods

- Abhai Mishra

Registered Cover from the Kedarnath seasonal post office

KEDARNATH – The seasonal S.O. with Pin code 246445, under Gopeshwar H.O. in the Rudraprayag District was totally wiped away with no traces left.

 

Kedarnath Post Office – Photo courtesy : www.anjuvelu.blogspot.com

                 

Kedarnath Post mark

GAURIKUND – This B.O. with Pin code 246471, with sub-office at Phata and Head-Office at Gopeshwar in Rudraprayag District was completely destroyed.

 

Gaurikund P.O. Postmark

The Postmark still shows “CHAMOLI” before reorganization of the districts.

 

Guarikund post office at the right before devastation

 

Post card from the Gaurikund Post Office

 

Post mark of the Gangotri Post Office

GANGOTRI – This B.O. with Pin code 249135, under Tehri H.O. in Uttarkashi District was badly affected.

Cover from the Gangotri Post Office

BADRINATH – The seasonal S.O. with Pin code 246422, under Gopeshwar H.O. in Chamoli District was saved.

Badrinath Postmark

Badrinath Post Office

 

Cover from the Badrinath Post Office

MANA – This is the last post office on the Indian soil after Badrinath with the same Pincode and was saved.

 

Post card from Mana

Mana Postmark

: Abhai Mishra – Dehradun : email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking…

 

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

 

 

Theme for 2013 : Make health your 'new high' in life, not drugs

 

“ New High in Life ”

Today, there is an alarming new drug problem; demand has soared for substances not under international control. Therefore, the 2013 UNODC global awareness campaign "Make health your 'new high' in life, not drugs" aims to inform the public, and particularly young people, about the harmful effects of new psychoactive substances (NPS). Sold openly, including through the internet, these substances, which have not been tested for safety in humans, can be far more dangerous than traditional drugs.

Marine Fauna from Polynasia..

 

 

Here are new stamps from Polynasia, Hungary and Azerbaijan which cover the themes , Marine Fauna, Joint issue, culture and Tourism.

Polynasian Marine Fauna

Through this new series of postage stamps on French Polynesia’s “Marine fauna”, the Polynesian Post and Telecommunications Office celebrates the World Oceans Day 2013. This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the Ocean and to raise awareness of the preservation of these underwater marvels.

French Polynesian waters are famous for their abundant and diversified fauna. The magic of Polynesian turquoise lagoons unveils the wonders of the sea realm, full of small often colourful varieties that are fond of coral gardens. In these shallow waters, the clownfish lives in symbiosis with the anemone, surrounded by angelfishes, blue damselfishes, banner fishes or magnificent long snout butterfly fishes. Most of them seldom venture far from the coral reef which is like a shelter for them. In the same habitat, one can find “Tridacna maxima”, a widespread species of clams which is common in Polynesian waters, especially in the Tuamotu archipelago. Their size is usually around twenty centimeters and they can be found in a wide array of shimmering colours. One can also see the starfish, which can be recognised because of its five-pointed star-like shape. It generally feeds on motionless or slow-moving preys. Young turtles then fly across this gorgeous marine setting. In French Polynesia, five turtle species are present and are a matter for special attention.

Hungary – Azerbaijan Joint Issue

DAte of Issue : 15 June 2013

Magyar Posta and Azermarka are presenting the peacock motif often used in the applied folk art of both countries on a joint miniature sheet. Cross stitch embroidery from Transdanubia is featured on a light background on one of the stamps of the miniature sheet, and a detail from a horse blanket from the Caucasus is shown on the other.

The pillow cover made of light hessian embroidered in oblique cross stitch from 1891 is decorated with peacocks, floral patterns and stars. The original of the stamp design is an exceptionally beautiful example from the textile collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Similar motifs were very common in Transdanubia. Peacocks frequently featured in embroidery, mainly in home textiles. Embroidered articles such as pillows and ornamental covers played an important role in special events in family life such as births, marriages and deaths.

The Azeri peacock motif originates from a horse blanket made at the end of the 19^th century. The wool blanket from the Museum of Applied Arts was woven in two pieces and sewn together. The blanket covered a horse’s body and two long straps were tied at the front of the animal’s breast. Horizontal lines of peacocks with other birds and the “S” motif representing life-giving water are a common pattern of south Caucasian woven horse blankets. A richly patterned blanket increased the value of the horse and indicated the owner’s wealth. The horses carrying the bride’s dowry at a wedding were covered with these highly decorative blankets.

New stamp from India

 

 

Date of Issue : 25 June 2013

India Post released today a commemorative stamp on renowned Kashmiri Poet Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Mahjoor.

: Mansoor B. – Mangalore -  http://mbstamps.blogspot.in/

Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad  3 September 1885 − 9 April 1952), better known by the pen name Mahjoor was a renowned poet of the J&K Kashmir Valley,  He is especially noted for introducing a new style into Kashmiri poetry and for expanding Kashmiri poetry into previously unexplored thematic realms. In addition to his poems in Kashmiri, Mahjoor is also noted for his poetic compositions in Persian and Urdu.

Many of the themes of the poetry of Mahjoor involved freedom and progress in Kashmir, and his poems awakened latent nationalism among Kashmiris. His popular verses engaged such topics as love, communal harmony, social reform, and the plight of the Kashmiris. He also wrote on such timeless themes as youth, the flowers of Nishat Garden, peasant girls, gardeners, and the golden oriole. At that time, such songs were unknown in formal Kashmiri poetry.Mahjoor is also recognized as a poet who revolutionized the traditional forms of nazm and ghazal.

 

New stamps from Nepal

Nepal Post issued following stamps on 10th June 2013.

 

  

1. Salpa Pokhari , Bhojpur 2. Lomanathang Durbar, Mustang 3. Malwa Devi (Singer)

 

  

1. Lok Nayak Raja Salhes 2. Sahashra Dhara Jatra

 

: Pradip Jain – Patna : email : philapradip@gmail.com

Stamp on Mehjoor, famous poet from Kashmir….

 

 

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh To Release Postage Stamp On ‘Mehjoor' today..

SRINAGAR, Kashmir -- Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh will release Postage Stamp on Mehjoor at SKICC, Srinagar on 25th June, 2013 in presence of Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K said in a press release that the Department of Posts is pleased to bring out the Postage Stamp on Mehjoor, a poet of great excellence and doyen of secularism. This is the second occasion that a Postage Stamp on Kashmir is being released at Srinagar. In 2006, the then President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam released a Postage Stamp on J&K High Court on its 150th anniversary at the same venue. Samuel said that the stamp is of Rs. 5 denomination, and the Stamp will be available at Srinagar GPO after the Stamp is formally released.  First Day Cover and Information Brochure will also be released on the occasion.

John Samuel, said that release of the Postage Stamp on Mehjoor is a historic event for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Stamps represent the cultural and historical importance of the society. The demand for the stamp on Mehjoor is expected to be very high due to the fact that Mehjoor is a well known and very popular poet. After many years, a Postage Stamp on a well known poet from Kashmir is being released by Department of Posts. He was unarguably a propounder of communal harmony and universal brotherhood. Eminent personalities and poets like Tagore and Iqbal who were his contemporaries acknowledged the aesthetic, linguistic, nationalistic and universal dimensions of his poetry.

Special Cover on May Day from Nagpur

 

In addition to Mumbai, Pune & Panaji Special Cover on International Labour Day was also issued at Nagpur on 1st May 2013.

- Ankit Agrawal , Pune

Email : 3dankit@gmail.com

New stamps on Music

 

     

Date of Issue : 27 May 2013

Danish Rock

Rock festivals have been an integral part of Danish popular culture for decades. Every year, Danes and foreigners alike flock to the many outdoor festivals to sea and hear both world-famous and less well-known bands. They go to enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere, but the social side of the festival is also a huge attraction.

As a tribute to Danish rock music, Post Denmark has  issued two stamps drawn by the musician and visual artist Kasper Istrup. One of them features the iconic guitar plays as the frontman of Kashmir. The colourful fields in the background graphically evoke the music that flows out of the instrument. The second stamp portrays the atmosphere at a gig, with the enthusiastic shouts of the audience represented by the brightly coloured background.

Roskilde Festival
With more than 100.000 visitors, the Roskilde Festival is by far the biggest in Northern Europe. This year is the 43rd edition of the festival, which is staged at the Roskilde Show Grounds in late June/ early July every year. All sorts of styles and genres are represented, but rock music dominates.

The annual publication of the festival programme is an event in itself. Unlike many other festivals, Roskilde doesn't advertise the full programme all at once, but drip-feeds the public with a name here, a name there. About 200 bands from Denmark and abroad perform at the festival - some from the underground scene, others well-established international stars.

Every year, the aim is to provide the audience with an extraordinary experience. Some 30,000 highly dedicated volunteers set up the site, provide the unique festival service, guarantee its quality and help generate the amazing atmosphere. All profits from the festival go to charitable or cultural purpose in Denmark and abroad. Faithful Roskilde aficionados will recognise the guitar on the stamp. Kasper Eistrup and Kashmir have appeared at the festival several times.

Stamp on world renowned Sculpture

Date of Issue : 27 May 2013

 

Centenary of the Little Mermaid

On 23 August 2013, it will be exactly 100 years to the day since the statue of the Little Mermaid first graced the rocks at Langelinie in Copenhagen. Ever since then, she has looked out over the city, wistfully gazing at the human world she dreams of joining.

Just before the actual centenary, Post Denmark is issuing a stamp featuring the world-renowned sculpture, which welcomes thousands upon thousands of tourists to Copenhagen Harbour every year. the stamp, which is based on a photograph, was drawn and engraved by Martin Morck.

Lost her Head twice

The Little Mermaid was sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, whose beautiful wife Eline posed as his model. It was cast by the Carl N.G Rasmussen, bronze caster by appointment to the Royal Danish Court, in Copenhagen, and then mounted on its rock on Langelinie - all at the expense of the founder of the Carlsberg brewery, Carl Jacobsen, who gave the statue to the capital as a gift.

During her long life, the statue of the Little Mermaid has been vandalised several times. She has lost her head twice - once it never reappeared, the other time it was reattached after it was found in a car park.

New stamps on Blood donation

 

PostNL ( Nederland Post)  issued special stamps in honour of 400,000 blood donors in the Netherlands. This stamp sheetlet shows the relationship between blood donor and patient.

The World Blood Donor Day stamp sheetlet comprises ten stamps, with two different designs. Designer Suzanne Rosier from The Hague looked for the essence of the relationship between patient and donor, and how to best depict this. She decided upon a concept based on playing cards. The red-and-white stamps are designed as a King of Hearts, which has a white background, and a Queen of Hearts, which has a red background. Like the real playing cards, the images are mirrored.

World Blood Donor Day celebrated on 14 June every year  is an initiative by the World Health Organisation, WHO, which is a part of the United Nations. By means of this day, the WHO wants to draw world-wide attention to the importance of blood donations.

 

From our Readers…

My stamp on Red Cross

The Red Cross Society celebrated its "150 years of Humanitarian Services" on the Red Cross Day in Srinagar. The District Red Cross Society had organized the Red Cross Mela. To mark this occasion, Mr John Samuel, CPMG, J&K Circle released a My Stamp on Red Cross.                                                                                                                                                               -Raj Kumar Choudhary,Jamshedpur - email : coinrajkumar@gmail.com

 

Same Covers with different cancellations

      

 

I received the Special cover issued at Bhubneswar on 26-03-13 of White Tiger of Nandan Kanan Zoological Park.Both the cover have different cancellation.

- Sandeep Chaurasia – Gorakhpur - email : sandeepchaurasiagkp@gmail.com