Sunday 25 January 2015

MumbaiPEX - 2015 District Level Philatelic Exhibution

MUMBAIPEX 2015
MUMBAIPEX 2015 was INAUGURATED  today 23rd January 2015 at 10.00 hrs by Shri Mahesh Zagade, Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra at the Auditorium, 2nd Floor, Annex Building, Mumbai GPO, Mumbai.
Shri Raghunath Medge, President, Mumbai Dabbawala Association was the Guest of Honor. Dr.N.Vinod Kumar, DPS (HQ) O/o Chief Post Master General, Maharsstra Circle were present at the event.
A special cover on Mumbai’s Dabbawala was released on this occasion.
Photos and Report by Viswas Menon.
Photos Mumbaipex 2015
Mumbaipex 2015 Photos
Mumbai Photos
Photos
Photos

Trichy District Philatelic Exhibition at Tiruchi - 30th - 31st January 2015.

The Department of Posts, in association with the Tiruchi District Philatelists Association, will host a district non-competitive philatelic exhibition at Tiruchi on 30th and 31st January 2015. Students and stamp collectors from Tiruchi district and Ariyalur, Senthurai, and Udayarpalayam taluks of Tiruchi Post Divisional would participate in the exhibition.
Entry forms for submission of entries are available at the Philatelic Bureau at the Head Post Office, Tiruchi. The last date for submission of filled-in applications is 21st January 2015. A quiz and painting competitions for school students are planned as part of the event.
For more information Contact: The Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Tiruchi Division. Phone: +91-431-2466249, 2466260 and 2414149.

HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY!!!!

This commemorative postage stamp that shows rejoicing people was issued in 1950 to mark the inauguration of the Republic of India on the same day. The stamp valued two annas.
Courtesy: indiapost.gov.in
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Saturday 24 January 2015

Rajpex - 2015, Rajasthan State Level Philatelic Exhibition at Jaipur - 24th - 27th January 2015.

Rajpex-2015, 14th Rajasthan State Level Philatelic Exhibition will be organized by Rajasthan Postal Circle at Mahaveer Public School, Vardhman Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur from 24th to 27th January 2015.
For more information visit http://rajpex2015.blogspot.in/
Programme:
24th Jan. 2015 : Inauguration : 11.00 am : Release of Special Cover on 'XVII' Vintage Car Rally, Jaipur, Release of Swachh Bharat Mission, Stamp Design Competition
25th Jan. 2015 : Release of Special Cover on 'Maharaja Bhawani Singh Cup' and Picture Postcards & Stamp Cards
26th Jan. 2015 : Release of Special Cover on 'National Flag, Central Park, Jaipur'
27th Jan. 2015 Release of Special Cover on 'Bharat Ka Mangal Abhiyaan', Closing Ceremony and Prize Distribution.
Rajpex-2015

Friday 23 January 2015

Jakarta Postcrossing meetup!

Jakarta Postcrossing meetup! 

AWESOME UPCOMING POSTCROSSING MEETUP.CLICK ABOVE LINK TO SEE COMPLETE INFO AND WONDERFUL PHOTOS OF JAKARTA MEETUP MARCH8-2015
******************HAPPY POSTCROSSING**********************************

Postcrossing Meetup - 25th Jan 2015 - Mumbai

Hello to all Postcrossing members.

COUNTRY: India
CITY/REGION: Mumbai (Maharashtra)
DATE: 25 Jan 2015
TIME: 10.30AM
LOCATION: MUMBAI GPO CONFERENCE ROOM, MUMBAI

GOOGLE MAP : https://goo.gl/maps/0beSy


Further details: Postcrossing Meetup - 25th Jan 2015 - Mumbai

Special Stamp Issue – “Year of the Ram” on 24 January 2015

The long-established Chinese zodiac, represented by twelve animals, is an integral part of Chinese traditional culture. Their profound significance to Chinese folk arts and crafts can be illustrated by the wide adoption of zodiac signs in a large number of artworks since ancient times. 2015 is the Year of the Ram. Hongkong Post presents the fourth Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the fourth series, featuring a set of four stamps portraying rams in different art forms to highlight the theme of the Year of the Ram.
$1.70 – Pastel celadon, which originated in the Qing dynasty, is a type of porcelain with overglaze colours. After being fired, the porcelain is first decorated with patterns and then coated with a layer of “glass white” powder. Enamelled with an opaque glaze, it is again placed in the kiln to be fired at a low temperature. The stamp displays a pastel celadon lamb painted in delicate brushwork with subtle and elegant colouring. The motif of three golden rams is depicted at the top right, connoting an auspicious beginning of the New Year.
$2.90 – Enjoying a long history, Chinese ceramics have earned an unrivalled reputation worldwide. Ceramics refer to any container or ornament made of pottery clay or porcelain clay through various steps such as shaping, drying and firing. Portraying a jade ruyi and Beijing persimmon tree on the left, the stamp shows a graceful gold glazed ceramic ram to denote a promising year ahead.
$3.70 – Clay sculpting is a form of traditional Chinese folk art. Using clay as the raw material, a sculpture is created by firing a clay body modelled by hand at a low temperature. The stamp features a gold coloured clay ram sculpture adorned with red and green patterns, highlighting its nobility and elegance. The golden tangerine and the ram’s head in the background herald a blissful Year of the Ram.
$5 – The workmanship of jade carving in China enjoys worldwide acclaim. Jade carving has long been recognised as an artistic treasure and a symbol of good fortune. The jade ram delineated in the stamp is vividly carved with excellent craftsmanship, according to the natural shape, colour and markings of the jade. The golden motifs of a magpie and plum branches in the background suggest joyfulness in a Chinese idiom.
Mint Stamps (A set of 4 stamps) Mint Stamps (A set of 4 stamps)
Price: HK$13.3
Sales Quota: 125 nos./each denomination
Descriptions: A set of 4 stamps which have not been cancelled by datestamp.

Stamp Sheets Stamp Sheets
Price: HK$332.5
Sales Quota: 5 sheets/each denomination
Descriptions: A set of 4 sheets, each sheet contains the same denomination of stamps.  Each pane is in a total of 25 stamps (5 stamps x 5 rows).

Stamp Sheetlet Stamp Sheetlet
Price: HK$10
Sales Quota: 10 sheets
Descriptions: Containing a $10 stamp.

Silk Stamp Sheetlet Silk Stamp Sheetlet
Price: HK$50
Sales Quota: 10 sheets
Descriptions: A silk stamp $50 is enclosed on the stamp sheetlet.

Presentation Pack Presentation Pack
Price: HK$37
Sales Quota: 5 packs
Descriptions: A prestigious folder contains a set of 4 stamps and a stamp sheetlet.  The folder bears a special design matching the specific theme of the enclosed stamp products, making it a good addition to stamp collection.

Postage prepaid Lunar New Year Greeting Cards (Air Mail) Postage prepaid Lunar New Year Greeting Cards (Air Mail)
Price: HK$40
Sales Quota: 5 sets (available at the philatelic offices from 24 January 2015)
Descriptions: Its postage is airmail prepaid and its design bears the same theme of the special stamp.

"Heartwarming Stamps"  Mini-pane (Local Mail Postage) "Heartwarming Stamps" Mini-pane (Local Mail Postage)
Price: HK$42
Sales Quota: 2 panes (available at the philatelic offices from 24 January 2015)
Descriptions: Containing 12 Heartwarming stamps in Local Mail Postage, with special designs on stamp tabs.

"Heartwarming Stamps" Mini-pane (Air Mail Postage) "Heartwarming Stamps" Mini-pane (Air Mail Postage)
Price: HK$70
Sales Quota: 2 panes (available at the philatelic offices from 24 January 2015)
Descriptions: Containing 12 Heartwarming stamps in Air Mail Postage, with special designs on stamp tabs.

First Day Cover First Day Cover
Price: HK$1.2
Sales Period: Available at all Post Offices from 10 to 24 January 2015

First Day Cover (Prestige) First Day Cover (Prestige)
Price: HK$8
Sales Period: Available at the Philatelic Offices from 10 to 24 January 2015

Datestamped First Day Cover affixed with a Set of 4 Stamps Datestamped First Day Cover affixed with a Set of 4 Stamps
Price: HK$17
Sales Quota: 5 covers (available at the philatelic offices on 24 January 2015 only)
Descriptions: Serviced First Day Cover affixed with 1 set of 4 stamps and datestamped with the special postmark.

Datestamped First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Set of 4 Stamps Datestamped First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Set of 4 Stamps
Price: HK$23.8
Sales Quota: 5 covers (available at the philatelic offices on 24 January 2015 only)
Descriptions: Serviced First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with 1 set of 4 stamps and datestamped with the special postmark.

Datestamped First Day Cover affixed with a Stamp Sheet Datestamped First Day Cover affixed with a Stamp Sheetlet
Price: HK$13.7
Sales Quota: 5 covers (available at the philatelic offices on 24 January 2015 only)
Descriptions: Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a stamp sheetlet and datestamped with the special postmark.

Datestamped First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Stamp Sheet Datestamped First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Stamp Sheetlet
Price: HK$20.5
Sales Quota: 5 covers (available at the philatelic offices on 24 January 2015 only)
Descriptions: Serviced First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a stamp sheetlet and datestamped with the special postmark.

Datestamped First Day Cover affixed with a Silk Stamp Sheetlet Datestamped First Day Cover affixed with a Silk Stamp Sheetlet
Price: HK$53.7
Sales Quota: 5 covers (available at the philatelic offices on 24 January 2015 only)
Descriptions: Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a Silk Stamp Sheetlet and datestamped with the special postmark.

Datestamped First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Silk Stamp Sheetlet Datestamped First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Silk Stamp Sheetlet
Price: HK$60.5
Sales Quota: 5 covers (available at the philatelic offices on 24 January 2015 only)
Descriptions: Serviced First Day Cover (Prestige) affixed with a Silk Stamp Sheetlet and datestamped with the  special postmark.
Special Postmark Special Postmark Of YEAR OF THE RAM-HK-JAN24-15

Portugal releases ‘Madeira Self-adhesive II’

Madeira Island Quintas
Quinta Monte Palace is located in a high area of the Funchal bay. In 1773, British Consul Charles Murray acquired these lands where he built a home. In 1897 it was bought by Alfredo Rodrigues who turned it into a luxury hotel inspired by the romantic palaces of the banks of the Reno River. This hotel was part of the itinerary of elegant people and cosmopolitan tourism of the early 20th century. In 1987, businessman Joe Berardo bought the farm where he set up the headquarters of the Fundação (Foundation). With this purchase, the farmhouse became exclusively used for private purposes and the gardens open to the public. These spaces have been renovated with exotic plants, endemic to several countries, and with plants that are typical of the Madeira forests. (read more)
THANKS WOPA STAMPS

The Life of Winston Churchill published by the Guernsey Post

We are delighted to celebrate the life of politician, celebrated orator, painter and respected author Winston Churchill, 50 years following his death.
Few would argue that Churchill enjoyed a most fascinating life.  From his birth at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on November 30th, 1874, to his death at Hyde Park Gate in London on January 24, 1965, his life was one of action, controversy, setback and achievement.
Churchill’s ability to inspire was perhaps best displayed in the opening days of World War II. He had a ‘can-do’ attitude, and would not contemplate discussions of reasonable terms with Adolf Hitler.
During the War the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to be invaded and occupied by German forces. Then, after five long years, on 8 May 1945 at 10 o’clock, the people of Guernsey were informed by the German authorities that the war was over. Churchill made a radio broadcast at 3pm and announced that:
‘Hostilities will end officially at one minute after midnight tonight (Tuesday, May 8)……..and our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today.’
Source: WOPA Stamps.THANKS@WOPA STAMPS

-PRAKASH RAJ G-CHENNAI.

“Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Competition”

Department of India Posts is holding a “Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Competition”. The
theme of the competition is Women Empowerment.
Notification for “Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Competition” 



Crest of Jersey – its brightest national symbol

Ten new Definitive stamps depict the Crest of Jersey in a palette of colours chosen to reflect a contemporary representation for the Islanders will be issued on the 18th of February. The names of all twelve Island parishes are printed in micro text in the background waves on the stamps.
The ten stamps are accompanied by a £5 stamp issued as a hologram incorporating three different holographic effects. This new £5 Definitive stamp is the first stamp in the world to feature the effect of a hologram which has been embossed.
The coat of arms of Jersey is a red shield with three gold leopards passant guardant (les trois léopards in French). It derives from the seal granted to the island’s bailiff by Edward I in 1279. In 1907, Edward VII sanctioned the claimed usage by the island of the arms.
It is very similar to the arms of Normandy, Guernsey and England. Since 1981, the arms have been included in the flag of Jersey.

Crest of Jersey – its brightest national symbol





-PRAKASH RAJ G-CHENNAI.THANKS @STAMPSNEWS

Wednesday 21 January 2015

POSTCROSSING STAMP OF RUSSIA-JANUARY27,2015

This stamp issue is most expecting issue in postcrossing.Next to FINLAND,BELARUS AND GUERNSEY,RUSSIA issue postcrossing stamp at january27,2015.
And Good news, everyone! We're happy to announce that Russia, the country with the largest number of Postcrossing members(61,974), is releasing a themed stamp to commemorate the project on January 27th!
Users: 61,974 
Sent: 2,827,660 postcards
Received: 2,660,616 postcards
Ranking: 3rd (by sent postcard)

The 23 ruble stamp was designed by O. Shushlebina, measures 37x37 mm and comes in sheets of 9 stamps. Here's what it will look like:
I <3 Postcrossing!

ISSUE PROGRAMMING OF HONGKONG-2015

http://www.hongkongpoststamps.hk/eng/stamps/stamps_issuing_programme/2015/index.htm

Europa 2015 "Old toys" - Issues Calendar

02.01.2015 Denmark - 2 stamps (10.- & 14.50 DKK) 
16.01.2015 Russia - 1 stamp (23.- RUB)
02.03.2015 Liechtenstein - 2 stamps
24.03.2015 Jersey 
26.03.2015 Sweden - 1 souvenir-sheet (2x 24.- SEK)
05.04.2015 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croat post) - 2 stamps 
17.04.2015 Romania - 2 stamps  
??.04.2015 Belarus - 2 stamps
??.04.2015 Moldova - 2 stamps 
??.04.2015 Bulgaria - 2 stamps & 1 souvenir-sheet 
??.04-06.2015 Armenia - 1 stamp
??.04-06.2015 Gibraltar
10.04.2015 Latvia - 2 stamps (0.78 & 1.71 €)
13.04.2015 Belgium - 1 souvenir-sheet (2x Europe 3rd class value)
17.04.2015 Romania - 2 stamps
24.04.2015 Faroe Is. - 2 stamps (17.- & 22.- DKK) 
28.04.2015 the Netherlands
30.04.2015 Iceland - 2 stamps (50g to EU and 50g outside EU value = 180.- & 240.- ISK) 
30.04.2015 Czech Rep. - 1 stamp (25.- CZK)
01.05.2015 Guernsey
04.05.2015 Finland - 2 stamps (2x 1kl value) 
05.05.2015 Slovakia - 1 stamp
06.05.2015 Estonia - 2 stamps
07.05.2015 Switzerland - 2 stamps (2x 1.- CHF)
07.05.2015 Croatia - 2 stamps
07.05.2015 Germany - 1 stamp (0.62 €)
08.05.2015 Ã…land - 1 stamp (Europa value) 
08.05.2015 Hungary - 1 souvenir-sheet of 4 stamps
09.05.2015 Lithuania - 2 stamps
09.05.2015 Italy - 2 stamps (0.80 & 0.95 €)
09.05.2015 Turkey
13.05.2015 Greenland - 2 stamps (12.50 & 14.- DKK)
14.05.2015 Ireland - 2 stamps
29.05.2015 Slovenia - 2 stamps
??.05.2015 Austria - 1 stamp
??.05.2015 Poland - 1 stamp
05.06.2015 Norway - 2 stamps
16.06.2015 Cyprus (Turkish post) - 2 stamps (0.80 & 2.- TRY)
-Post by PRAKASH RAJ G-CHEENAI.@europa stamps
 

Love Hearts Forever Stamps -January22-2015

These two new Love stamps are intended depict the ancient association between eternal love and the heart. Lacy lettering in the shape of a heart spells out the word 'Forever' on two stamps. Artist Jessica Hische created the lettering that forms the heart, first drawing her designs by hand and then finishing the stamp art digitally.


LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMPS OF GOAT 2015

Find Year of RAM 2015 stamps here http//:www.stampnews.com/tags/lunar-new-year-stamps

Vanuatu issues ‘Vanuatu Cocktails’

Your plane has landed, you have checked in to one of the stunning resorts – time to let the holiday begin! The white sand of the beautiful beaches or the turquoise pool beckons. The warmth of the sun is only surpassed by the cocktail you have ordered. This work of art tastes as good as it looks.
Vanuatu is a land of diversity and amazing contrasting beauty – from clear coral seas and picturesque islands to rain forests and fiery volcanoes, the scenery of Vanuatu defies description. Picture the gentle swaying coconut palms framing the stunning sunsets. Imagine the rugged forests of the interior trying to hide the immense cascading waterfalls. Dream of the flora and fauna panoramas with colourful birds and flowers matching another world of tropical fish and coral underwater.

Vanuatu Cocktails 

-PRAKASH RAJ G-CHENNAI. BUY AT http://www.vanuatupost.vu/index.php/en/philately/stamps/vanuatu-cocktails/1-59

Tuesday 20 January 2015

Royal Mail introduced its new Smilers stamps

Royal Mail is ready to release a new series of stamps under the name “Smilers”. The issue consists of eight items that are to be put into circulation on the 20th of January.
In announcing the new Smilers stamps, Royal Mail said, “The range of stamps that customers can choose is refreshed from time to time to give them greater choice and to allow them to celebrate a wider variety of life events”.
The press release from Royal Mail also noted that the last time the Smiler designs were updated was in 2010).
Three of the new designs celebrate events, another three are intended for specific family members, and the other two represent a job well done and love, respectively.
The three events are a new baby, a birthday and a wedding. The designs depict a baby with an envelope for a diaper, three candles with faces in the flames, and a wedding cake topped by hearts.
Mothers, fathers and grandparents each receive their own stamp. Royal Mail said that these stamps can be used for multiple occasions, including birthdays and thank-you notes. The Mum and Dad stamps also are for use on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards, respectively.
Jenny Bowers of the design collective Peepshow designed the stamps. Royal Mail reports that she starts her artwork with a paint brush and a tube of black gouache paint.
-PRAKASH RAJ G-CHENNAI,THANKS @stampsnews

Royal Mail introduced its new Smilers stamps

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 anticipated by New Zealand Post with a new issue

We  hurries to inform that New Zealand Post is ready to release a series of special stamps celebrated ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. The series consists of 14 stamps that have a round form. The issue has been already designed and is scheduled to be put into circulation on the 4th of February.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is one of the world’s biggest international sporting events. In 2015 the tournament will be jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia, and is expected to attract cricket fans from around the world.
New Zealand and Australia previously hosted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1992. 23 years on, the 2015 tournament will attract a new generation of cricket lovers. The tournament will see 49 matches played over 44 days during the summer months of February and March, with the final held on 29 March at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Contested in a 50-over format, fourteen teams from across the globe will battle it out to be awarded the title of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 champions.
To commemorate this thrilling sporting event, New Zealand Post is issuing official ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 memorabilia, consisting of a unique dome-shaped commemorative coin, a sheet of stamps and a set of first day covers that represent the fourteen contesting teams.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 anticipated by New Zealand Post with a new issue
x

20 January 2015: Medicinal Plants Series 3(Malaysia)

The Medicinal Plants Series 3 will be issued on 20 January 2015. It will consist of the following:
1. 60 sen stamp – Misai Kucing
2. 70 sen stamp – Roselle
3. 80 sen stamp – Hempedu Bumi
4. RM 3.00 Miniature Sheet – Belalai Gajah
5. RM 6.00 empty folder
Thus matching cancellations that you can consider are:
60 sen stamp – Kuching GPO (Philatelic Bureau cancellation) or Jalan Kuching (circular metal cancellation)
RM 3.00 MS – Alor Gajah or Batu Gajah
I wonder if there will be any launching event cancellation like many years ago in PJ Library.
This issue is rather pretty with plants growing out of images of pots on the blank cover. Sorry images are not available for release yet. Just image 3 pots on the blank cover. You then stick the plants on the pot to make a complete picture of a grown plant! Great idea!!!
I bet you will be excited when the image is officially released.
Anyway I need to save money as there are more expensive issues coming our way.
So anyone interested please advise early on quantities, I cannot guarantee quantities but will try and plan out. I do not plan to stock up anymore with a long list of issues this year.
Do drop by much later next week for the official images.
Here is the poster:
wpid-img-20150114-wa0000.jpg
Updated 16 January 2015:
There might be a surprise on the day of issue. Drop by your post office to see if this surprise issue comes out.
Updated 20 January 2015:
Wow, another slow day at GPO. Looks very empty with only the regulars. Slow start to the year.
Yes the surprise materialised! The unannounced imperforate MS is released this morning!
IMG_2830
Pos Malaysia even arranged to bring out the actual plants:
Medicinal Plants
From the right of the photo is: Belalai Gajah, Misai Kuching and Hempedu Bumi. The left most pot is not identified.
BPTK is: Bahagian Perubatan Traditional dan Komplementari (under the Ministry of Health)
Jalan Kuching Post Office
Jalan Kuching Post Office is a typical community post office of the by-gone days. It is set up inside a ground floor lot of a block of flat along Jalan Kuching. Here is the cover.
20150120 Jln Kuching KL Medicinal Plants 3
Errors:
Meanwhile did you spot the errors on the stamps and envelope?
The official image shows the stamps in a row of 60 sen, 70 sen and 80 sen.
In reality the rim of the pots for 70 sen and 80 sen are reversed. Notice the white patch and the crack on the pot? Compare that with the image of the pot on the envelope.


Meanwhile the Misai Kucing (note the leaves) on the envelope grew up to become a Roselle (70 sen stamp).

-PRAKASH RAJ G,CHENNAI.THANKS myfdc.me