Finland - 1994 Dog Hill kids in the post office miniature sheet

A miniature sheet was issued on 07.10.1994 depicting Mauri Kunnas's Dog Hill Kids on Stamp Day and International Letter Writing Day. One of the stamps in the block of four 2,80 values depicts one of the dogs posting a letter in a box, which is affixed to a fence.

At present Mauri Kunnas is undoubtedly Finland's most successful author of children's books. To date, way over forty books of his have been published, in thirty languages in thirty-two countries – including Finnish and Finland –, for a total of almost 7 million copies. His books for children have aroused enormous interest around the world. The best-known internationally is Santa Claus. It has already beentranslated into twenty-six languages, and it has sold more than a million copies. The sales of all Kunnas translations already exceed 2,5 million copies. Mauri Kunnas offers the reader an unparalleled joy of discovery: His brilliantly coloured illustrations are filled with rich and humorous details. He has an unrivalled gift for taking history and casting it in a new and hilarious way, as well as for giving old stories and legends his own delightful twist. And his books always exude an atmosphere which is contagiously warm and happy. Mauri Kunnas offers the reader an unparalleled joy of discovery: His brilliantly coloured illustrations are filled with rich and humorous details. He has an unrivalled gift for taking history and casting it in a new and hilarious way, as well as for giving old stories and legends his own delightful twist. And his books always exude an atmosphere which is contagiously warm and happy. Pia gave this wonderful FDC to me.

UK 4.8.1980 – The Queen Mother

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (4 August 1900 – 30 March 2002) was the Queen consort of King George VI from 1936 until her husband's death in 1952, after which she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, to avoid confusion with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. She was the last Queen consort of Ireland and Empress consort of India. Born into a family of Scottish nobility as The Honourable Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, she became Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon when her father inherited the Earldom of Strathmore and Kinghorne in 1904. She came to prominence in 1923 when she married Albert, Duke of York, the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. As Duchess of York, she – along with her husband and their two daughters Elizabeth and Margaret – embodied traditional ideas of family and public service. She undertook a variety of public engagements, and became known as the "Smiling Duchess" because of her consistent public expression. In 1936, her husband unexpectedly became King when her brother-in-law, Edward VIII, abdicated in order to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson. As Queen consort, Elizabeth accompanied her husband on diplomatic tours to France and the United States in the run-up to World War II. During the war, her seemingly indomitable spirit provided moral support to the British public. In recognition of her role as an asset to British morale, Adolf Hitler described her as "the most dangerous woman in Europe". After the war, her husband's health deteriorated and she was widowed at the age of 51. On the death of her mother-in-law Queen Mary in 1953, with her brother-in-law living abroad and her elder daughter Queen at the age of 25, Elizabeth became the senior member of the royal family and assumed a position as family matriarch. In her later years, she was a consistently popular member of the family, when other members were suffering from low levels of public approval. She continued an active public life until just a few months before her death at the age of 101, seven weeks after the death of her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret. Throughout her remarkable life, she remained, both at home and abroad, a much loved and respected figure.
One lovely 12p stamp marked the 80th Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1980. The woman destined to become Queen of Great Britain and the last Empress of India. This stamp and the First Day Cover were issued on 4^th August 1980. Maria sent me this FDC.

Joint issue Monaco-France - Centenary Of The Institute Of Human Palaeontology 1.6.2010

The theme of the joint issue of Monaco and France is dedicated to the Institute of Human Palaeontology (IPH). The Multicoloured Twin issue feature Identical stamps, namely, the Portrait of Prince Albert 1st of Monaco and the Abbé Breuil, building, caves (Grimaldi cave) and early humanoids. The first scientific establishment of this type in the world, the IPH, situated in Paris, came into being in 1910 under the patronage of Prince Albert 1st, as a result of his meeting two of the most famous founders of contemporary prehistoric archaeology, Professor Marcellin Boule and Abbe Henri Breuil. Currently directed by Professor Henry de Lumley, the IPH takes on several missions: to manage extensive prehistoric excavation sites, to carry out field and laboratory research, to preserve a rich prehistoric heritage, to diffuse and develop scientific culture, and to provide facilities for students and researchers. Maria sent me this nice cover.

It is worth mentioning that stamps commemorating the IHP both from Monaco and From France as well as the special first day cancellations from the two countries are also on this nice First Day Cover. It is significant, as it was authorised in both countries.

Åland – Hammarland church5.10.1992

Hammarland’s stone church is consecrated to St. Catherine. It was built at the end of the 13th century, and is oblong in shape, the sturdy tower during the following century and the new kordel in 1400. The church is situated on the mail route based on Eckerö and it is located in an area that in ancient times consisted of pagan buildings. On the church's west side is about thirty old burial mounds, among them also barrows. It was destroyed by fire in the beginning of the 15th century. The wall paintings are from 15th century, and the pulpit was placed in 1650. The church has been reconstructed in the 1830s, and the alterpiece was painted by R.W. Ekman in 1869. Pia sent me this lovely cover.

Cyprus – Mahatma Gandhi 26.1.1970

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) was the pre-eminent political and ideological leader of India during the Indian independence movement. A pioneer of satyagraha, or resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience—a philosophy firmly founded upon ahimsa, or total nonviolence—Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Gandhi is often referred to as Mahatma or "Great Soul," an honorific first applied to him by Rabindranath Tagore). In India, he is also called Bapu or "Father" and officially honoured as the Father of the Nation. His birthday, 2nd October, is commemorated in India as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday, and worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The whole world acknowledged this Great Man as The Man of Peace. However, due to some unknown kind of amnesia the Nobel Committee members failed to recognise this simple man for what he was, and overlooked him for the Peace Prize. Just imagine, the only man of Peace during his lifetime was not recognised by these puny egotists who danced to the tune of the wealthy and powerful nations. But, I personally feel, that in hindsight, the award if it had been given To Bapu, would only have sullied his image. One doesn’t award or present decorations to a holy man.

Cyprus issued these two stamps shown on the First Day Cover on 26^th January 1970, which incidentally was the 20^th anniversary of India’s Republic Day. Thank you Merja for this wonderful cover.

Cyprus – Railways

The Cyprus Government Railway was a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge railway network that operated in Cyprus from October 1905 to December 1951. With a total length of 76 miles (122 km), there were 39 stations, stops and halts, the most prominent of which served Famagusta, Prastio Mesaoria, Angastina, Trachoni, Nicosia, Kokkinotrimithia, Morphou, Kalo Chorio and Evrychou. The CGR was closed down due to financial reasons. An extension of the railway which was built to serve the Cyprus Mines Corporation operated until 1974. By the time the total 76 miles (122 km) of the CGR had been completed, running costs had spiralled to £199,367, which remained constant throughout the operation period of the line. During the 46 years of its operation, the CGR witnessed various interesting events that marked the modern history of Cyprus, among which were:

• During the Enosis riots in October 1931, 120 yards (110 m) of line were torn up, as the railway was regarded as a symbol of British colonial rule.
• the transportation of Allied troops to and from Famagusta, Nicosia Airport and Xeros during both World Wars.
• It was targeted by the Axis powers during World War II.

The railway was used for the transportation of a large number of the 50,000 Jewish refugees to Karaolos internment camps, between 1946-1949. The Cyprus Government Railway was used in a number of ways and served both the colonial authorities and the local population. Principle operations were as follows:

• It served the port of Famagusta, as a freight transfer system.
• It transferred timber from the Troodos Mountains to towns and cities across Cyprus.
• It carried freight, ore and minerals on behalf of the Cyprus Mines Corporation.
• The local railway stations functioned as a place of exchange of goods and services, while some also operated as telephone centres, telegram offices and/or postal offices.
• CGR trains carried mail, which arrived in Famagusta via the Khedivial Mail Line (1912–1939).

The existence of a railway in Cyprus brought many benefits to the population of Cyprus. However, during the first years of its operation, many viewed the Railway more like a spectacle, instead of a means of transportation, which is why they crowded under the bridges to admire it. Overall, the CGR carried 3,199,934 tons of commercial goods and freight and 7,348,643 passengers. The various stations were designated by large trilingual (Greek, Turkish and English) white signs, while the CGR owned a total of 12 locomotives, 17 coaches and about 100 multi-purpose wagons, 50 of which were purchased from Egypt and Palestine. The CGR employed around 200 people in total. Thank you Merja for these lovely covers.

The Christmas Story

Maria sent me this cover with the special Christmas stamps of 1996 issued by Guernsey. The aim is to popularize the story and the importance of Christmas.

Sweden – Philatelic Society

This is a Special Cover issued to commemorate the 25^th Anniversary of the Nössjö Philatelic Society in Sweden on 3^rd November 1963. Making it 73 years old now. I am sorry, I have not been able to get much gen on the Nössjö Philatelic Society in Sweden. However, I am certain some interested reader of this blog is bound to come up with some info and send it to me, in which case, I shall update this post accordingly.

The stamp on the Cover is really interesting. It was issued on 29^th July 1962. It features A wooden statue of St. George slaying the mythical Dragon. It guards the portals of ‘Storkyrkan’ which literally means ‘The Great church”. It is situated in Stockholm. For those not very familiar with St George or the Dragon he is supposed to have slayed, the following narrative might be of interest. The episode of Saint George and the Dragon appended to the hagiography of Saint George was Eastern in origin, brought back with the Crusaders and retold with the courtly appurtenances belonging to the genre of Romance. The earliest known depictions of the motif are from tenth- or eleventh-century Cappadocia and eleventh-century Georgia; previously, in the iconography of Eastern Orthodoxy, George had been depicted as a soldier since at least the seventh century. The earliest known surviving narrative of the dragon episode is an eleventh-century Georgian text.

The dragon motif was first combined with the already standardised Passio Georgii in Vincent of Beauvais' encyclopedic Speculum Historiale, and then Jacobus de Voragine's Golden Legend (ca 1260) guaranteed its popularity in the later Middle Ages as a literary and pictorial subject. The legend gradually became part of the Christian traditions relating to Saint George and was used in many festivals thereafter. This card was sent to me by Kjell

Macau – Bank of China

The year 2010 was the 60th anniversary of Bank of China Macau Branch, which was established on 21 June 1950. Throughout those 60 years, Bank of China Macau Branch has kept faith with its operating principle “Rooted in Macau, Steadfast in Serving” and has matured into the main scale bank and the largest financial institution in Macao.

With the passage of time over the past 60 years, this bank has evolved from the old look to a new look and, after the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the development of stability in society and the rapid growth of the economy, this bank has taken an active part in supporting the legal administration of the Macao SAR Government, and it has striven its utmost to provide quality banking services to the economic and society growth of Macao, the commercial and industrial development and Macao citizens who work and live in peace and harmony. This bank has followed “customer-centered” operating principles, developed all modern financial products such as: The bank’s 60Ih anniversary also indicates that Bank of China’s history in serving Macao has entered another dimension. Looking to the future, with the leadership of the Macao SAR Government and the consideration of the Central Government, Macao has stepped into a period of stable and healthy development. People hope the prospect for development of Macao will become better, and also will create a greater opportunity for the financial industry. Bank of China Macau Branch will take this important historical opportunity to continue to insist on the principle “Rooted in Macau, Steadfast in Serving”, to make a new great achievement on the road ahead in inheriting the past and opening up its future.

In this set of commemorative stamps, the design has woven together the emblem of Bank of China, the Lotus, Macao Heritage sites, modem architecture and also the true love knot, ribbon and number 60 etc. It implies the growth of the past 60 years of Bank of China Macau Branch as well as in the future, the desire to give back to Macao through good quality financial services.

Moldova – Dumitru Caraciobanu

Dumitru Caraciobanu who is featured on this Moldavian FDC was a famous Moldavian comedy actor. He acted in about 60 movies. This cover was sent to me by Lissea.

Royal Wedding 29.7.1981

Lady Diana Spencer married Charles Philip Arthur George (or to cut a long story short, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales) at St Paul's Cathedral on July 29, 1981. New Zealand Post commemorated the occasion with these two stamps and the First Day Cover. And the rest as they say is history now. Maria sent me this cover.

Cyprus - Tall Ships

Tall ships have a particular place in the history of shipbuilding that is vessels with sails that hang from the mast or from the spars of the mast and which capture the force of the wind so that these vessels move along. The ancient Egyptians were the first to build sailing vessels. The first sails manufactured were from animal hides or reeds and woven linen sails were manufactured subsequently. Sails come in various shapes and have different names (for example topsail, topgallant, etc). The Arabs were the first to introduce triangular sails, known as "latini" which were suitably adjusted on the masts and gave the vessel the ability to "cruise" even against the direction of the wind. By the 16th century when shipbuilding developed, a second deck was added to sailing vessels and the variety of sail formations and naval architecture created countless varieties of vessels (caravels, frigates, brigs, brigantines, barques, galleys, etc).

The invention of the steam engine at the end of the 18th century and its introduction into shipbuilding at the beginning of the 19th century led to an abandonment of sail and the domination of steam engines on the seas. Today, tall ships are powered by sails and engines and sailboats are used for pleasure purposes or to take part in sailing competitions.
Cyprus issued three stamps on 8^th June 2011 to commemorate the Tall Ships – Galleon, Caravel and the Brig. Merja sent me this nice cover.

Saint Lucia – Contact with the New Worlds

On Aug. 4, 1992, the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia issued a set of four stamps (Scott # 993-86) on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of Ameica. They tried to make the set as relevant to St. Lucia as possible, since Columbus didn’t actually land, but possibly MIGHT have seen the island when he sailed near it in 1502. The stamps were designed by Robert Devaux, with artwork by Derek Miller. They were printed by lithography by SN Cartor SA of Australia. The designs depict:

· 15¢ – American Indians (Amerinds), who settled in coastal villages.
· 40¢ – First sighting of the island by Juan de la Cosa’s fleet in 1499. · 50¢ – Columbus’s flagship, which sailed south of Martinique in 1502 and might have seen St. Lucia in the distance.
· $5.00 – Explorer Gimie, who was ship-wrecked and rescued (on the feast of Saint Lucia, Dec. 13). Morne Gimie mountain is named after him.
Maria sent this pretty FDC.

EUROPA - Cyprus – Cyprus Handicrafts 3.5.1976

The geographical position between three continents made the island of Cyprus the crossroad of eastern and western civilization. Through the passage of time it has created its own history and culture. Craftsmen through the ages created a wealth of traditions in folk art. The Cypriot artisan through his work expresses his inside world and feelings. His knowledge and inspiration as well as the experiences and ideas survived through the ages as they were passed on from one generation to the other.

In 1975 the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism undertook the responsibility for the preservation of Cyprus Folk Art, its development and encouragement into modern cottage industry and handicrafts. Specialized members of the staff made studies and started projects which were initially funded by the High Commission for Refugees with the main target of offering employment to refugees and other affected persons and in parallel to this, the long term development of cottage industry and handicrafts. Today the Cyprus Handicraft Service development programme covers a wide range of activities, actions and services. Merja sent me this cover with the pretty stamps issued on 3.5.1976.

Cyprus – Nobel Prize Winner 8.11.2011

A British-Cypriot and two Americans, including one nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama to the Federal Reserve board, won the 2010 economics Nobel on Monday for work helping explain unemployment and job markets. The men's work on search markets helped explain how it was possible so many people could be unemployed at a time when a large number of jobs were on offer.

The Cyprus Post issued a stamp (on this FDC) commemorating Christopher Pissarides, the Cypriot Nobel Prize winner 2010.Christopher Antoniou Pissarides (born 20 February 1948) is a British-Cypriot economist. He currently holds the Norman Sosnow Chair in Economics at the London School of Economics. His research interests focus on several topics of macroeconomics, notably labor, economic growth, and economic policy. In 2010, he was awarded the Nobel Prize worth 10 million crown ($1.5 million in economics, jointly with Peter A. Diamond and Dale Mortensen, for his contributions to the theory of search frictions and macroeconomics. Merja gave me this FDC.

Saint Lucia – Christopher Columbus

This FDC commemorates the 500^th Anniversary of the Discovery of Saint Lucia by the famous Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus. This cover was given to me by Maria. Saint Lucia is an island country in the eastern Caribbean Sea on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean Part of the Lesser Antilles, it is located north/northeast of the island of Saint Vincent, northwest of Barbados and south of Martinique. It covers a land area of 620 km² (238 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 173,765 (2009 census). Its capital is Castries. The island nation has been the home of two Nobel laureates, Arthur Lewis and Derek Walcott. It is the nation with the second most such honorees per capita after the Faroe Islands.
St. Lucia was first settled by Arawak Indians around 200 A.D., though by 800 their culture had been superceded by that of the Caribs. These early Amerindian cultures called the island "Iouanalao" and "Hewanorra," meaning "Island of the Iguanas." The history of the island's European discovery is a bit hazy. It was long believed that Christopher Columbus had discovered St. Lucia in 1502, but recent evidence suggests that he merely sailed close by. Many Islanders still believe that it was Columbus who discovered the Island, and hence, this FDC to mark the 500^th Anniversary of that momentous occasion. An alternative discoverer is Juan de la Cosa, a lesser-known explorer who had served at one time as Christopher Columbus' navigator. There are some indications that de la Cosa may have discovered the island in 1499, although there is also evidence suggesting that he didn't find the island until 1504. In any case, there was no European presence established on the island until its settlement in the 1550s by the notorious buccaneer Francois le Clerc, a.k.a. Jambe de Bois, or Wooden Leg. Peg-Leg le Clerc set up a fine little base on Pigeon Island, from whence he issued forth to prey upon unwitting and treasure-laden Spanish galleons. Around 1600, the Dutch arrived, establishing a fortified base at Vieux Fort.

Finland – Farmhouses 15.11.1979

This FDC with ten pretty stamps featuring Faermhouses were issued on 15.10.1979 and sent to me by My Dear Friend Ella. Tourists visiting Finland must stay on Finland farmhouses to get an authentic feel of rural Finland. Staying on the various farmhouses in Finland provides a vivid picture of the lifestyle and living of village people in Finland. Finland has extensive stretches of farms on which, several farmhouses are built for providing accommodation facilities to the guests. The farmhouses of Finland are located amidst immense natural beauty and are also set up on the banks of rivers or lakes, which enhances the beauty of the farmhouse.

Finland farmhouses are almost 500 in number. There are wide options to choose from in the farmhouses of Finland. Guests can book the farmhouse on full board, bed and breakfast, half board and self-catering basis. The farmhouses are graded as per the facilities and amenities provided. There are one star to five star farmhouses in Finland. Rates of these farmhouses vary with the season. In the peak season, the prices are comparatively high. The duration of stay in these farmhouses of Finland depends on the whims of the visitor.

The farmhouses in Finland may not have all the modern and sophisticated facilities and amenities, but the rooms are well maintained and clean. The rooms usually have an attached bathroom. Full care is taken so that proper hygiene is maintained. Most of the farmhouses in Finland are concentrated in the eastern and central part of the country.

Macau - St. Augustine’s Church

Established by Spanish Augustinians in 1591, this Church initially featured simple architecture. Locally, it is known as “Long Soi Miu” (“Temple of the Long-Whiskered Dragon”), a name inspired by the wind-blown fan palm leaves on the rooftop. The Church, renovated in 1874, has a simple façade and a Classical architectural design inspired by the European Renaissance. Every year, the Church organizes a two-day procession for Our Lord of the Passion - an important religious event that has been practiced by Macao’s Catholics since time immemorial. St. Augustine's Square gathers various classified buildings, such as St. Augustine's Church, Dom Pedro V Theatre, St. Joseph's Seminary and Sir Robert Ho Tung Library. The cobblestone pavement unifies the area and reflects a traditionally Portuguese streetscape.

Year of the Dog 5.2.1994

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Whilst talking of the Year of the Rabbit this year, it is worthwile looking at FDC issued by the USA commemorating the Year of the Dog in 1994. Legend has it that, when the great Buddha found enlightenment under the old ‘Bodhi Tree’, he invited all the animals to his kingdom to celebrate. Only 12 animals arrived, and Buddha promptly rewarded them by naming each New Year in honour of them. The order in which the animal arrived at Buddha’s side is significant, for he gave each a special characteristic. The Dog was the eleventh animal to reach Buddha and he was given the motto ‘I am loyal’ and stands for loyalty and justice. People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other peoples confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth; yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit. The next Year of the Dog is in 2018. The USA celebrated the Year of the Dog in 1994, by issuing the displayed stamp and the Cover.

1979 Engravings

These stamps and the FDC were issued in 1979.
6c - Pitcairn’s Island – sketched from HMS Amphitrite
9c - Bounty Bay & Village of Pitcairn.
20c - Lookout Ridge.
70c – Church and School House.

Thank you Maria for this lovely cover.

Singapore – Blazing the Trail - Youth Games 2010

The 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, officially known as the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), were an international multi-sport event for youths that took place in the city-state of Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010, in the XXIX Olympiad. They were the inaugural Summer Youth Olympics, a major sports and cultural festival celebrated in the tradition of the Olympic Games. A total of 3,531 athletes between 14 and 18 years of age from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 201 events in 26 sports. The decision for Singapore to host the Games was announced on 21 February 2008 after mail voting by 105 International Olympic Committee (IOC) members. My friend Wang Lee sent me this FDC.

Martta Wendelin 14.6.1993

My Dear friend Pia sent me this fabulous FDC issued on 14.06.1993 commemorating Martta Wendelin, who was one of the most influential Finnish illustrators. Through several decades, her drawings, idealizing the Finnish rural landscape and harmonious family life, offered a model for the good life and a set of values including modesty, industriousness and love for her home country. Among others, Martta Wendelin illustrated children's books, textbooks, magazine covers and book covers. She designed posters and drew some one thousand postcards that today have become popular collector's items. She also worked in oil and pastel. The Martta Wendelin Society has catalogued some 400 original paintings of hers.

In 1993, marking the centennial of Martta Wendelin's birth, Finland Post issued a stamp booklet comprising five stamps illustrated with her art from the 1930s. Wendelin was born in 1893. She was educated artist, taught by well-known Finnish artists Eero Järnefelt and Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Wendelin is particularly known for her illustrations for postcards, children´s books, schoolbooks and Kotiliesi-magazine covers. She died in 1986, but her illustrations are still impressed on calendars, postcards and other products, and she is one of the most loved Finnish illustrators.

Life Insurance First Day Cover 3.3.1973

What is an insurance business doing with its own stamps? A philosophy held by New Zealand Governments until the late 20th Century was that it was a good idea for government to be involved in many fields of commerce - so as to keep the others honest. Insurance was one of those fields. The Government started a Government Life Insurance Department in 1869. It did not restrict itself to life insurance and late in its existence sold other sorts of policies. A lighthouse was used as its corporate symbol. When sea travel was the only way New Zealand was linked to the rest of the world and a common experience of many, the symbolism of safety aligned with a lighthouse must have been more powerful than perhaps it is today. As a government insurance business, it gained the right to use its own stamps after disagreements with the Post Office about how much postage it owed. Of course it chose to use lighthouses on its stamps. The stamps were available to collectors through the post office but were never authorised for general use. First day covers were available to general purchasers. Only the business could use them for general postage though there was an exception applying only on the first day of issue of the 1947 series.

The words New Zealand do not appear on any of the stamps - only the common abbreviation, N.Z. Nor did the monarch's portrait ever appear in the series. These are both indications of how the series was kept separate from the normal issues of the Post Office.
Customers and agents of the business who were also philatelists then collected a small bonus in postally used stamps. Postally used stamps of the 1947 onwards issues are not that common and some catalogues even show them at a premium over mint. Few were used internationally. The name of the business changed from "Department" to "Office" and this shows on the later stamps.In reality the insurance operation which went under the Government's name was a mutual insurance company with a relatively light Government involvement. In 1989 the Government stepped back from any involvement leaving it entirely in the hands of the policy holders. Consistent with this the "government" part of the name was dropped and it became Tower Insurance. It de-mutualised in 1999 and is now Tower Corporation. The use of the name Tower and the ongoing use of a lighthouse as a corporate symbol reflects its history. Inflation was rampant in the 70's and new values were needed. Two new values were issued (1976). They were John Berry's last stamp designs. The 2½c was also overprinted as a 25c stamp (1978). 08 March 1978 New Zealand Life Insurance First Day Cover, 25c on 2½c Puysegur Point Lighthouse, with Government Life Insurance Office cover. Postmarked at Wanganui. Maria sent me this cover.

UK - The 170th Anniversary of the Box Tunnel

When Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the Great Western Railway he wanted to make it the straightest and flattest line as possible. A majority of the 118 mile line has gradients no steeper tan 1 in 1000. The buidling of the line was relatively straight forward until the final 24-mile section near Box in Wiltshire. The Box Tunnel was the largest and last major engineering work on the Great Western Railway and was a formidable obstacle in the railway's completion. One of the main factors for this apart from the rather steep 1 in 100 gradient was the fact that the lower levels of Box Hill comprise of an Oolithic limestone otherwise known as Bath Stone.

Work on the tunnel started in 1836, completely carried out by candlelight using only men and horses and took five years to complete. During that time 1500 men toiled day and night using a ton of gunpowder and candles a week! Tunneling began from both directions; George Burge of HErne Bay dug the western 2 kilometers with the eastern, more difficult section being dug by Brewer of Box and Lewis of Bath. When the ends of the two tunnels were joined by the accuracy of the design and work such that there was only a 5cm error in their alignment. the dramatic western portal near Box was designed in the classical style with the eastern portal being left as plain brick. At the time of its completion, it was the longest railway tunnel in existence at almost 2.9km long. It remains in use 170 years later. Box Tunnel is one of Brunel's masterpieces on the Great Western Railway, and despite its age still plays an important part in today's modern railway. My friend Stan sent me this commemorative cover.

Fishes of Cyprus

A set of four stamps were issued by Cyprus Post on 6.9.1993 to showcase the fishes abundant in the seas around the Island. I am displaying here two of these fish species on Maxicards sent to me by Merja. The two fish species are the Red Scorpion shown on the top card, and the Painted Comber on the card below.
The Red Scorpion grows to about 60cm in length. It lives on the sea bed, sitting motionless on the bottom, well camouflaged. It feeds mainly on molluscs, small fish and other crustaceans. Dorsal spines on the gill are poisonous. Cases of poisoning can be treated with hot water or compresses. These fish are edible and are used in fish soup.
The Painted Comber grows to only 35cm in length, and lives in shallow rocky areas. It is a hermaphrodite which reproduces in summer (mainly). It is an active predator feeding on small fish, molluscs and crustacea. It is also edible. Merja sent me these two cards.

Italy - Ship Building

The First Day Cover of 23^rd Sep 1977 honors Italian naval construction and features a stamp depicting the military SPARVIERO class hydrofoil SWORDFISH (P-420) designed and built by Alinavi.. The four stamps feature Paddle-steamer "Ferdinando I", Corvette "Caracciolo", Liner "Saturnia" and last but not the least the Hydrofoil "Sparviero". Maria sent this cover to me.

Italy - 2010 Christmas Stamps

On October 29, 2010, the Italian Post issued two new Christmas stamps. The stamp on the cover above 0.60 eurocents depicts Botticelli's famous painting "The Adoration of the Magi". "The Adoration of the Magi" is the name traditionally given to the Christian subject in the Nativity of Jesus in art in which the three Magi, represented as kings, having found Jesus by following a star, lay before him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and worship him. In the church calendar, this event is commemorated in Western Christianity as the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6). The Orthodox Church commemorates the Adoration of the Magi on the Feast of the Nativity (December 25). The stamp on the cover below 0.65 eurocent has a cartoon train running through a forest in a winter landscape, with the word 'Natale' (Christmas) written on the carriage.

Tourism 1.5.1993

Further to my post on 01.07.2011 on Finnish Tourism, this FDC too is titled ‘Matkailu Suomessa’, issued in 1993. It was also a joint Nordic stamp. The theme was the same in 1993 and in 1995. I’ll tell you something about this FDC too. The stamp on the left depicts Naantali. The town was founded in 1443, so it celebrated 550 years in 1993. It is the fourth oldest town of Finland. It is one of the most important tourist centres of Finland. The most interesting tourist attraction for families with children is of course the Moomin World theme park. Naantali Spa Hotel is the largest spa in Scandinavia. Naantali’s medieval stone church is interesting too. The official summer residence of the President of Finland, the Kultaranta (Golden beach) estate, is also located in Naantali. Naantali hosts the traditional Sleepyhead Day carnival, in July every year. What is the National Sleepy Head Day? Well, National Sleepy Head Day (Finnish: unikeonpäivä) is celebrated in Finland on July 27 every year. Traditionally on this day, the last person in the house (also dubbed as the 'laziest') to wake up is woken up using water, either by being thrown into a lake or the sea, or by having water thrown on them. It is based on the story of the Saints of Ephesus who slept in a cave for some 200 years during the Middle Ages whilst hiding from persecution by Decius, the Roman Emperor at the time. In the city of Naantali, a Finnish celebrity is chosen every year to be thrown in the sea from the city's port at 7 a.m. The identity of the sleeper is kept secret until the event. People who are chosen have usually done something to the benefit of the city. Every city mayor has thus far been thrown to the sea at least once, but other sleepers have included the president Tarja Halonen's husband, Dr Pentti Arajärvi, the CEO of Neste Oil Risto Rinne, along with many writers, artists and politicians.

The stamp on the right depicts town Imatra. It is situated very near the eastern border. On the stamp you can see the Dam of Imatra and an Art Nouveau or Jugend style castle, currently known as Imatran Valtionhotelli, was built near the rapids in 1903 as a hotel for tourists from the Russian Imperial capital Saint Petersburg. The Borough of Imatra was founded in 1948 around three industrial settlements. In the course of the last 50 years, this amorphous group of settlements has grown into a modern industrial town dominated by Lake Saimaa, the River Vuoksi and the Finnish-Russian border. Imatra is situated in the southeast of Finland where it rubs shoulders with the Russian border. On the other side of the border - only 7 kilometres away from the centre of Imatra - lies the town of Svetogorsk. St Petersburg is situated 210 km to the southeast, Finland's capital Helsinki is 230 km away and Lappeenranta, the nearest town to Imatra in Finland, is 40 km away.

The River Vuoksi runs through Imatra and has resumed its rightful place as the recreational oasis for the inhabitants of the town. The river offers excellent opportunities for fishing throughout the year: in winter it is possible to go ice fishing as well as practise open water fishing since the Vuoksi never freezes completely, even in winter. Some of Finland's most beautiful jogging and cycle tracks hug the contours of the Vuoksi, and from the banks of the river bird watchers can observe dozens of bird species. The river is also suitable for swimmers. Additionally, visitors can explore the delightful nature around the Vuoksi following an electronic nature trail. The Imatrankoski Rapids are Imatra's most famous attraction, and travellers have been drawn to the rapids for hundreds of years. Imatra is also a border town which shares a frontier with Russia. The former industrial settlement of Enso (now the Russian town of Svetogorsk) lies just on the other side of the border, which means that Imatra and Svetogorsk are in the unique position as the only twin towns which gaze over the border between the European Union and Russia. Today, the concept of 'twin towns' is used to market the joint advantages offered by the two towns, especially to businesses which can operate on both sides of the border. Thank you My dear friend Ella for this pretty FDC.

To honor Finnish national defense 50th anniversary 4.6.1968

This impressive First Day Cover sent to me by My Dear Friend Pia and the stamps on it were issued on 04.06.1968, to honor Finnish national defense 50th anniversary. The stamps on it feature the Jaeger monument, Vaasa, The War memorial cross, Hietaniemi Cemetery, Helsinki., and finally The Soldier.

Soon after Finland gained independence in December 1917, a nationalistic, middle-class militia known as the White Guards, which had been secretly established in 1904 and 1905 and which had remained underground since then disguised as athletic clubs and other groups, was officially proclaimed the army of the Finnish government under General Mannerheim. This so-called White Army was strengthened and trained by 1,100 officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who had traveled clandestinely to Germany during World War I and had formed the Twenty-seventh Royal Prussian Jaeger Battalion. Returning to Finland, they brought back with them urgently needed small arms captured from the Russians. The White forces were swelled by new conscripts, officers of the former Finnish armed forces, Swedish volunteers, and Finnish officers who had served in the Swedish and in the Russian armies, in addition to the jaegers. After three months of bitter civil conflict, the White Army of about 70,000 troops defeated the Red Guards from the radical wing of the Finnish Social Democratic Party, in May 1918. Both sides suffered thousands of casualties. In four months, the White Guards had evolved from a strongly motivated, but ill-trained, militia into a battle-hardened, disciplined national armed force. Although numerically superior and reinforced by the Russian garrisons in Finland, the Red Guards were deficient in equipment, training, and leadership.
The Finnish Defence Forces are under the command of the Chief of Defence (currently General Ari Puheloinen), who is directly subordinate to the President of the Republic in matters related to the military command. Apart from the General Staff, the military branches are the Finnish Army (Maavoimat), the Finnish Navy (Merivoimat) and the Finnish Air Force (Ilmavoimat). The Border Guard (Rajavartiolaitos) (including the coast guard) is under the Ministry of the Interior but can be incorporated fully or in part into the defence forces when required by defence readiness.

Macau - 10th Anniversary of Macau Food Festival

The food culture of Macao has a long history and perfectly combines the Eastern and Western style, with strong local features and cultural connotations and fully representing the diversity, tolerance, harmony and international characteristics of Macao. It's a precious cultural resource.

The Macau Food Festival is a brand activity established after the reunification of Macao with the Motherland. The 1st Food Festival was held on Leal Senado Square in the summer holiday of 2000, with the purpose to resist impact from the Asian Financial Crisis, promote consumption and attract tourists.

The Macau Food Festival is a carnival of delicacy, happiness and excitement. With delicious foods as the main role, supported by the entertainment programs such as amusement rides and booth games the activity seems more lively and diversified. Both the old and the young can find delicacy and fun here, indulging in pleasures without stop. When they visit here today, they want to come here again tomorrow. A to the delicacies, dozens of local famous restaurants gather here, bringing over one hundred pitches of featured snacks from different countries and the Great China to this platform. The favourable interaction and gathering effect are thus generated to broaden the view of people in the food industry as well as to promote the progress, communication and enhancement of such people, 0 that the entire industry can keep learning, get united, help each other and strive to be stronger.

In November 2010, the 10th Macau "Food Festival is held as scheduled. To celebrate the 10th Macau Food Festival, Macao Post bas issued the stamp with the theme "10th Anniversary of Macau Food Festival". The stamps showed the five famous snacks which were the most popular in all past events are illustrated, including Wanton moodles, Xiao Long Bao (small steamed buns), Sushi, Portuguese Egg Tart and a famous local dish, Portuguese Chicken. Besides, the design of the souvenir sheet even better reflect the excitement and happiness on the site of the event set against the splendid fireworks.

Finland - Tourism 12.5.1995

The FDC displayed today is titled ‘Matkailu Suomessa’ which translated in English means ‘Tourism in Finland’. Tourism was the theme in 1995 for joint Nordic stamps.

Both stamps on the Cover depict popular tourist attractions. The stamp on the left depicts Linnanmäki. Linnanmäki is an amusement park in Helsinki, Finland. It was opened on May 27, 1950 and is owned by non-profit organisation called Lasten Päivän Säätiö (Children's Day Foundation). Linnanmäki has 44 different rides of different sizes. It also has other attractions, such as arcades, games, kiosks, restaurants and an outdoor stage on which different performers appear in the summer. In 2007 Linnanmäki had 1.2 million visitors. Probably the most notable ride in the park is the Wooden Roller Coaster or Vuoristorata in Finnish. On the stamp you can see at least the Roller Coaster, Ferris wheel, Panoraama tower, a clown and a carousel.

The stamp on the right depicts Mäntyharju, 400 years in 1995. Mäntyharju, ("Pine Ridge") is a municipality of Finland. It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the Southern Savonia region. There are many lakes (around 300) in Mäntyharju. Because of the many summer houses, population of Mäntyharju more than doubles during the most popular summer holiday times. Mäntyharju wooden church (on the stamp) was completed in 1822. It is the second largest wood church in Finland and the largest log building with horizontally laid, comer-notched log construction. My Dear Friend Ella sent this lovely cover to me.