We Are All In This Together

Help Stop the spread of COVID-19

A six-stamp semi-postal mini-sheet to be issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on July 24 will raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund organized by WHO.

Dehradun July 2020 Vol. XIII Issue No. 151

Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write-ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications, and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to the editor: j.jyoti9@gmail.com

Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city/country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW

This stamp set issued on 1^st July 2020, celebrates classic baked treats - favourites found in the little local cake shop or  lovingly made at home. Each stamp features a different item, presented as a work of art in the bakery window.

Dear Reader,

I am pleased to present July 2020 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. The year 2020 is badly affected by the Pandemic COVID 19. The situation does not seem to be normal in the coming few months. It is a hard time for everyone. We have to learn how to live with this highly infectious disease. It is advisable to restrict our movement and concentrate on what can do at home. At this time many people have returned to their old-time hobby and philately is one of them. Recently Bangladesh National Philatelic Association has announced an online national philatelic exhibition with international participation. This is definitely a great idea to revive philatelic activity when all the exhibitions to be held this year have been postponed. Such activities must be encouraged worldwide and online philatelic exhibitions could be organized at the national and international levels. This will be a good step to keep the philatelic activity going on.

This is all for this month. More in next issue.

Happy Collecting !

Contents

§ From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal

§ Recent Indian Issues

§ In The News

§ Book Review

§ Thematic Watch

§ Editor’s Mail Box

§ Philately Promoter of the Month

§ Beginners’ Section

§ Specialized Section

§ New Issues from Other Countries

§ Philatelic Library

§ Philatelic Clubs and Society

§ Blogs & Websites on Philately

§ Current Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters

HONOURING PHILATELIC GURUS

Philately is not mere collection of stamps but actually the study of stamps which includes its production till its final usage. The study starts from design concepts of stamps and stationery to their production and distribution to postal outlets. And then from letter writing to the final delivery of mail piece which includes all its movement, carriage, operation and handling. Further, stamp collecting and exhibiting are the two pillars of philately. Stamp collection is not just accumulation of stamps, it is collection of stamps and other postal and philatelic related material and the study and knowledge of the subject on which the collection is being done. Exhibiting is the outcome of one’s collection, search, research, study and related knowledge.

Over the last few decades, various hardcore philatelists spent their precious time or even whole life in study of particular class and type of stamps or field of philately and accumulated huge knowledge based on their research, search and study. They then delivered their knowledge to the philatelic field in different ways. In fact, delivery of that knowledge has given a beautiful shape to philately and has put forward several ways of going ahead with and in philately. There are stamp collectors with huge accumulation of philatelic material, editors of philatelic magazines and journals, presidents of various renowned philatelic societies, stamp designers, exhibitors with excellent collections, philatelic writers, rich buyers, stamp dealers, catalogue analysts etc.. All these have certainly contributed tremendously to the development and promotion of this educational hobby worldwide attracting people of all ages.

Well, according to me, these all are essential for the development of philately but if we think deeply, the backbone of philately are the philatelic writers who study any subject very deep and put before the collectors and exhibitors the information they need. Postal historian looks after various aspects of the postal history and searches very unknown/ un-thought of components of the history. The other writers put before us literature, article, paper, thesis and various other parts of the philately. In fact, without their work, information and search, it would genuinely be very difficult to prepare good collections and so good exhibits. Yes, philatelist himself has to work hard but it is the written information in one form or the other which actually helps. Philatelic writers are in fact teachers, guides or to say GURUS.

We all see that there are exhibitions at all levels throughout the world where several philatelists participate and win awards also. Yes, there is a literature class also for those who write regularly. But there are certain norms which decides the standard, quality and level of literature exhibited which are normally dictated by the printing fonts, color, size, style, paper on which printing done, size of the paper, nature of binding and the presentation. But the contents probably are not given that much time or importance. But somehow the participating writers are noticed and appreciated too but to a very little extent. But what about those who do not participate in exhibitions? They practically remain unnoticed. Their efforts are hardly appreciated. In other words to get noticed or to get award for appreciation, the writer has to participate in an exhibition. But what about those who do not participate? How to recognize them? What about those who write beyond the criteria set for exhibiting? What about those who only are concerned with the matter but not the presentation? What about those who write for the development and promotion of philately only and not for participation?

In fact, philatelic writers are those who write for philatelists, who write for the promotion of philately and those who want to give something to philately. There are philatelic journalists which truly enthuse philately. Such philatelic writers or say gurus may be categorized as under :

Philatelic Journalists: Who report on the philatelic happenings observe and help the same reach philatelists

Postal Historian : Who writes research articles on this class of philately and enlighten philatelists with their massive hard work and guide them

Writers (Articles/books) : Who write for different subjects of philately such as thematic, Postal History etc.

Writers (Promoters) : who are always concerned with the promotion and development of philately. They in fact are observers, thinkers, and guides.

Dealers and Auctioneers: Philatelic dealers and auctioneer are the one who possess sufficient knowledge and delivers/ provide philatelic stuffs with immense knowledge

Catalogue makers : They are also gurus who put forward philatelic knowledge in proper and sequential manner and update the value of philatelic stuffs which is essential component of philately

In India, there are many such philatelists who are regularly writing on different aspects of philately, there are journals that are being issued regularly for years but alas! no one cares to recognize or honor those writers. There is good readership and followers but no platform has come forward to give them place, to felicitate them , to honor them, to recognize their work, dedication, skill and devotion. Some of them are truly philatelic gurus and deserve to be honored.

This is our duty to preserve their work so that the generations to come are benefitted. Those who motivate and guide through their writings should also be honored and their contribution towards promotion of philately needs to be recognized. There are some veteran philatelists/ philatelic writers who deserve to be honored. They may be honored with Life Time Achievement Award for their writings, journalism and research work in the field of philately. Philatelic societies and clubs quite often give this award to some of the dedicated philatelists but here my concern is their recognition by civil authorities or DOP or by PCI, the apex body of philatelists in India. There is a need to recognize such persons and felicitate them in appropriate manner at an appropriate platform.

If we look at the history of the roll in other countries there are some philatelic writers/ promoters who have been recognized / honored from time to time along with others. In Britain on 30 October 1919, Percy C. Bishop, a member of the London Stamp Club, proposed the institution of a "Philatelic Order of Merit" to honor philatelic writers. This order would be given more importance than existing philatelic prizes and would have an international importance. In late 1919, F. H. Vallencey, President of the Club, presented the idea to the readers of his Stamp Collecting paper. In March 1920, a jury of five published a list of twenty-five names who the jury selected from the ninety-one names sent by the readers and British associations.

The Roll of Distinguished Philatelists (RDP), a philatelic award of international scale, had been created by the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain in 1921. The said Roll consisted of three pieces of parchment to which the signatories add their names. But if we go through history in general, we will hardly find a good number of names of philatelic writers in the history of Roll of honor in philately. Most of those are Stamp collectors having specialized collections, Presidents of societies, Rich Buyer, Stamp dealer, Catalogue analysts etc.. Hence, there is a great need to honor philatelic writers and promoters which will not only inculcate pleasure amongst philatelists but help in growth, promotion and development of philately.

We must not forget, philatelic writers are the true promoters of philately. Gurus need to be honored. It is their writings and write-ups which educate philatelists, guides stamp collectors and put before philatelists, the hidden and interesting well searched social, scientific, political, spiritual, and various other aspects of philately. I thank all the writers for what they have given to philately. I bow before these gurus who help us to grow in philately, to understand philately, to develop philately.

Naresh Agrawal : email - nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Recent Indian Issues

25 June 2020 : Musical Instruments of Wandering Minstrels : Surando, Ravanhatha, , Kamaicha, Ektara, Burrakathab Dakki, Algoza - Rs 5 x 12 (In se-tenant of two format)

New special Covers

KTK-55-2020 1000 India Post ATMs

Under IT modernization project, Department of Posts, Government of India commissioned it's first ATM at Thyagaraya Nagar, Chennai on 25.02.2014. The National ATM unit which is responsible for monitoring operations and maintenance of India Post ATMs allover India is located in Bengaluru GPO. India PostATMs became inter-operable on 30.12.2016. The 1000th ATM was commissioned at Lunglei, Mizoram (NE) on 17.06.2020. This special cover is released to commemorate the milestone of 1000ATMs of India Post.

Special Charity Cover from Ahmedabad

.In The News

Six-stamp mini-sheet by UNPA, raising money for WHO COVID-19 fund

A six-stamp semi-postal mini-sheet to be issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) on July 24 will raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Entitled, “We are all in this together – COVID-19,” the issue includes six stamps, each with a 50 cent surcharge. The stamps’ themes and denominations, excluding the 50-cent surcharge, are “personal hygiene” (55 cents); “myth-busting” ($1.20); “physical distance” (one Swiss franc); “spread kindness” (1.50 Swiss francs); “know the symptoms” (85 euro cents); and “solidarity” (one euro). They represent six key public health messages presented by the United Nations and WHO to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Three pictorial cancellations will also be used at their respective UNPA post offices, including United Nations headquarters in New York City, the Palais des Nations in Geneva and the Vienna International Centre in Vienna.

Special postal cover unveiled as part of Kerala's Break the Chain campaign

In a bid to create awareness against the spread of Covid-19, the health department and postal department of Kerala jointly unveiled a special postal cover in Thiruvananthapuram on 16 June 2020.

The launch was part of the state's aggressive 'Break the Chain' campaign, which was launched by the Kerala government on 16 March to educate the people about the importance of public and personal hygiene. Health minister of the state KK Shailaja officially unveiled the cover.

"The fight against coronavirus can be strengthened only with the support of the public. A special post cover has been launched as part of this objective," Shailaja said. The initiative aims at reaching out to the maximum number of people with the 'Break the Chain' campaign.

The special cover is printed with the campaign logo and its slogan – SMS, which stands for soap, mask and social distancing. The slogan highlights the need to wash hands using soap or sanitiser, wear masks and maintain social distancing. Another slogan in the cover states, "Let us continue this care." Top health and postal department officials attended the launch event.

Under the campaign, the Kerala government has installed water taps at public spots such as at the entry and exit gates of the railway stations with bottles of hand-washes. In May, the minister also launched a cartoon campaign in association with Kerala Cartoon Academy as part of the 'Break the Chain' campaign.

New Schedule of Exhibitions - COVID 19/ CORONA

Due to the state of emergency everywhere, the following news may be noted :
News for Exhibitions as on 9th May 2020.

1. London 2020 - Postponed to 19 - 26 February 2022
2. Taipei 2020 ( now Taipei 2021) - Postponed to 4 to 8 June, 2021
3. Indonesia 2020 - Postponed to 05-10 November 2020
4. Bulgaria 2020 - Cancelled
5. New Zealand 2020 - Cancelled
6. UAE 2020, Dubai - Cancelled

7. The PHILANIPPON 2021, a FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition with about 2,000 frames, is scheduled to be held in Yokohama, Japan during 25 to 30 August 2021. It will include the FIP World Stamp Championship Class, Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Thematic, Youth, Modern (1980 to date), One Frame, Open and Literature Classes. It will not include Astrophilatly, Maximaphily and Revenue Classes.

IBRA 2021

International Stamp exhibition and stamp Fair IBRA 2021 will be held in Essen, Germany from 6-9 May 2021. For details visit: www.Ibra2021.de

Commissioner for IBRA 2021 Philatelic Exhibition

Mr. Madhukar Jhingan has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the IBRA 2021, World Stamp Exhibition to be held at Messe Essen, Germany from 6 to 9 May, 2021.

Contact information:
Madhukar Jhingan
49-D/BG-5 Paschim Vihar,NEW DELHI – 110063 : Email: mj@stampsofindia.com (M) +91-9811160965

Commissioner for PHILANIPPON 2021, FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition

Mr. Surendra Kotadia has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the PHILANIPPON 2021, FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition to be held in Japan from 25th to 30th August 2021.

Philanippon 2021 will have the following competitive classes: Championship Class, Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Thematic, Modern, Open, Youth, One Frame, Literature.

Contact information:
Mr. Surendra A. Kotadia
M/s. Dimple Drums & Barrels Ltd.,1119, Maker Chamber No. V,221, Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Nariman Point,MUMBAI - 400 021
Email: surendrakotadia@gmail.com Phone: + 91 22 2202 4130 / 2202 4131/ 2284 3244 Mob : + 91 98199 03789

Commissioner for CAPE TOWN 2021 Philatelic Exhibition

Mr. Shakil Ahmed has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Cape Town 2021, FIP Specialized World Stamp Exhibition to be held at Cape Town, South Africa from 17 to 20 March, 2021.

Exhibition Classes: Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Postal Stationery, Revenue, Thematic, Open, Modern Philately, One Frame, Philatelic Literature and Picture Postcards only)

Contact information:
Shakil Ahmed
Dargah Bazar, Balakrishna Road,P. O. Buxi Bazar,CUTTACK-753001, ODISHA
Email: ahmedshakil99@gmail.com M): +91-9437225760 / +91-7008025663

Commissioner for TAIPEI 2021 Philatelic Exhibition

Mr. Rajan Jayakar has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Taipei 2021, 38th FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Taipei, Chinese Taipei to be held from 4 to 8 June, 2021.

Contact information:
Rajan Motiram Jayakar
Flat No.2, Court View,126, Maharshi Karve Road,Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020

Email: rajanjayakar1948@gmail.com Phone: +91-22-22820570, +91-22-22820572,(M) +919821072417

Commissioner for INDONESIA 2020 Philatelic Exhibition

Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Indonesia 2020 World Stamp Championship, Jakarta, Indonesia to be held from 5 to 10 November, 2020. Last Date for applications : 31st December, 2019

Contact information:
Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo
D 3, Saswat,B. J. B. Nagar,Bhubaneswar 751 014

Email: sahadevasahoo@gmail.com Phone: (M) +91 9337103542

News from Philatelic Societies n Whatsapp Groups

Obituary

Very active Philatelist Mr. Anil Kumar Pujara taken last breath on 8th June 2020 night at his residence at Gurgaon after a severe heart attack. He was 62 years of age. He was retired from the services of Union Bank of India after serving at so many places including Rewa, Patna, Chandigarh, Gurgaon etc. His specialized collections were Joint issues, FDC of M/sheets, Great Britain etc. He was also a Philatelic writer and was regularly contributing his articles in different blogs.He was associated with many Philatelic Societies including Central India Philatelic Society .May God rest his soul in peace.

- Sudhir Jain, Satna (MP)

Commodore Anil Kumar Dhir, passed away on 8th June in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He was about eighty years of age. Commodore Dhir was an Electrical Officer from Submarines and was part of the commissioning crew of INS Vela and INS Kursura. He was an avid philatelist and had designed the stamp on the occasion of 250th Anniversary of Naval Dockyard Bombay in 1986.

His article A Facet of Naval Philately and Naval Submarines is available on following link :

https://www.istampgallery.com/presidents-review-of-the-fleet-2/

An article was also published in Rainbow Stamp Club on Naval Philatelic Society of India giving a reference about his philatelic exhibit on ships.

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2009/12/naval-philatelic-society-of-india.html?m=1

The Desi Philatelic Club

The group is only for young philatelists. The aim of the group is to:

1) Promote philately in youngsters.

2) Promote exchange & swapping of materials.

3) Arrangement of special covers for interested members.

4) Encourage interaction amongst our members, general discussion on philately and related commemorations and also exhibiting & exhibit making.

5) We also do fun activities and stuff on trial/random basis.

We did a small webinar recently, to promote public speaking for philately.

- - Aditya Singh, Allahabad : Prayag Philatelic Society

BHARAT PHILA Whatsapp Group

On 26.6.2020, we celebrated five years of our success as a pioneer in whatsapp groups under the banner name *BHARAT PHILA* Groups.

- What started as a small group of 100 members, now we have 20 groups under our banner with more that 600-700 members from all over Bharat.

- Ours was the first well organised systematic group, in which we formulated different types of buying and selling options.

- As a result, many collectors were benefited who fill their missing stamps, and many dealers small and big used these platforms to sell their stocks.

Now, I introduce all of you, to our new venture www.bharatexotics.com

We have launched this exclusive website last year on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji.

- - Atish Kumar Jain, Kottayam ( Kerala)

Book Review

My Dashavatar Collection by Sushil Mehra

My Dashavatar Collection Philatelic and Non Philatelic with Special emphasis on Rama and Krishna by Sushil Mehra : ISBN 978-93-5407-485-1 : Publisher - Sushil Mehra : Pages : 144 : Paperback : Price : Rs 1200 Available at : Amazon .in : Contact email – gaureshmehra@gmail.com

The Dashavatara refers to the ten primary incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation which has Rigvedic origins are Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Vishnu is said to descend in the form of an avatar to restore cosmic order. The word Dashavatara derives from daśa, meaning 'ten', and avatar (avatāra), roughly equivalent to 'incarnation'.

The book explores the Dashavatars i.e the 10 Avatars (incarnations) of Vishnu through the eyes of Philately. The book showcases stamps, covers, bazaar cards, picture postcards, matchbox labels on this subject. It has both philatelic and non philatelic material. It is a wonderful book opening a window to the Indian mythology through various philatelic items collected by the author over the years. The best part of the book is that author has explained ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu in a very simple and interesting way through designs, cancellations, postmarks and other illustrations on stamps, First Day Covers, Special covers, Maxim Cards, Postal Stationery, Bazaar Cards, and other philatelic items presented in his philatelic exhibit ‘Jaydeva’s Dashavtara with special emphasis on Rama and Krishna’.

The second part of the book gives details of mythological characters featured on matchbox labels. This is also an interesting part of this book as matchbox label collection has been a hobby of many collectors. The printing quality, design, and layout of the book is excellent. This colorful book is an asset for a Thematic Philatelist, book lover, and for all those who have a special interest in Indian mythology. In fact, the book inculcates a person’s interest in Indian mythology especially the young generation who is unaware of it. The book is very interesting featuring a variety of philatelic items on this theme with the detail. I recommend this book to all philatelists, book lovers, stamp collectors. The school and college libraries must have this book for the students to let them know more about Indian culture and mythology. It is also a very good Coffee Table book for everyone!

About the author

Sushil Mehra is a noted philatelist and numismatist of Bangalore and writes regularly on stamps . His FB philatelic posts on Pan India Pictorial Place cancellation Group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/panindiapostal/) are very popular among philatelists with interesting stories of everyday life and its association with stamps. He is a member of Karnataka Numismatic Society and Karnataka Philatelic Society. Karnataka Postal Circle has released Postcards on his collection and two books on special Covers of Karnataka to which he has contributed. The Economic Times has published an article on his collection. He recently authored and published a book on Glimpses of Vintage Bengaluru Collection of Picture Post Cards. Mr Sushil Mehra may be contacted at email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com

Thematic Watch

Observations / Experiences / Facts

- Jeevan Jyoti

In this Pandemic of Corona Virus a new theme has emerged “Covid-19”.Stamps and special Cancellation and covers are being issued all over the world. This is a new theme for Thematic Collectors. It can be part of theme related to health, diseases as well as could be developed as a single theme. Some countries have issued charity stamps on this theme. All in all there is a variety of philatelic items on this theme with a wide scope on this topic. Now continuing the article by Vojtech Jankovič from the last issue.

Current Trends in Thematic Philately

Vojtech Jankovič, Slovakia (accredited FIP juror for thematic philately)

Some Basic Concepts

The collecting of thematic philately and the assembly of thematic philatelic displays has survived an ongoing (and sometimes stormy) evolution over the last 100 years. It is not easy for collectors and exhibitors to follow the constant evolution of the thematic philately so, first of all, let's define some basic concepts.

1. Thematic (philatelic) collecting is collecting an arbitrarily ordered set of (philatelic) materials related to any theme chosen by the collector.

2. A Thematic (philatelic) exhibit/display is a logically organized thematic (philatelic) collection accompanied by textual descriptions prepared in a form suitable for a display at (philatelic) exhibitions.

3. A Competitive Thematic (philatelic) exhibit/display is a thematic philatelic display (as above) which meets the criteria laid down in the rules of the World Philatelic Federation (FIP). At a national level, these rules are interpreted by the National Philatelic Federations of each country.

These definitions do not explicitly say what a logically organized collection is. Nor do they describe the nature of any textual descriptions. These concepts and views about them have constantly evolved over the years. The development of thematic collections and displays can be divided into several development stages (which we shall call ‘generations’) which are closely related to the gradual - and since the 1980s very rapid - development of thematic philately and the changing views of its content and capabilities.

The main objective of introducing these ‘generations’ of thematic collections and displays in not an attempt to introduce some formal categorization, but rather to show the typical characteristics which distinguish these different stages of development.

The Development and Generations of Thematic Exhibits

We can loosely define four main stages or ‘Generations’ in the development of Thematic Philately (which we refer to as Generations 1, 2, 3 and 4). There are also a couple of intermediate or ‘half stages’ (which we refer as Generations 2.5 and 3.5).

Thematic Collecting & Displays - Generation 1: Stamps only (fill in the gaps)

Generation 1 of thematic collecting started in the 1920s, when the thematic philately first became popular. Its main feature was the assembling of postage stamps in pre-printed albums which covered general themes (and at that time the most popular themes) such as animals, history, personalities, etc.

Page from a typical Generation 1 Thematic Collection (items in date order, no text on page at all)

Looking back, the central driving role in Generation 1 thematic collecting lay with the author of a pre-printed album, who was usually a commercial publisher rather than a collector. This pre-printed album was designed by the publisher and invited collectors to find any missing thematic stamps to fill the pre-defined empty boxes. It was therefore the publishers who chose what themes might be collected.

Generation 1 of thematic collecting is still with us today. Some collectors still produce (or get produced) their own proprietary album pages with printed titles and windows for specific postage stamps of their chosen topics. This is their preferred way of collecting and storing their collections, so they have no reason to change their collecting procedures - and why should they? Basically, it is a kind of customised collection for personal enjoyment, but not for general public display.

In the early days such collections were sometimes displayed and evaluated. However, today they can only be seen as a form of collection in which complete series of stamps and miniature sheets (but seldom entire envelopes or other philatelic material) are laid together side by side.

These collections lack any creative input from the collector … such as the choice of theme, the specific approach to the theme, a coherent logical structure, etc. In addition, those Generation 1 thematic collections lack of any philatelic knowledge such as thematic descriptions, philatelic specialties etc.

Thematic Collecting & Displays - Generation 2: Stamps only (fill in the gaps, plus basic text labels)

By the 1950s, thematic philately had started to appear at international philatelic exhibitions … Generation 2 of thematic exhibits was now with us. It was still characterized by general themes, but exhibitors were already preparing their own proprietary exhibition page layouts, and the postage stamps were accompanied by brief textual descriptions.

The most important feature of this generation, which moved thematic philately significantly ahead, was the connection between material and its accompanying text description. This has gradually led to the on-page grouping of postage stamps into smaller units based on their sub-topics. As a result, thematic exhibits were no longer presented on standard pre-printed album pages; instead, they were presented on album pages produced by exhibitors according to their needs. This is the first spark of a creative approach from the author - something that could be evaluated at competitive exhibitions. However, texts were still quite brief, and really no more than short titles or slogans. Furthermore, Generation 2 of thematic exhibits were still almost exclusively limited to postage stamps.

Page from a typical Generation 2 Thematic Collection (items in date order, basic labels on page)

Thematic Collecting & Displays - Generation 2.5: Stamps & other items (still minimal text)

Thematic philately made a huge step forward in the 1970s when thematic exhibitors started to include more diverse philatelic materials in their thematic exhibits. At first, things like First Day Covers (FDCs) and commemorative cancelations were included, but soon other things were added such as various types of postmarks, postal stationery, stamp booklets and entire envelopes etc.

This resulted in a better documentation of thematic material. Exhibits of this type are classified as an intermediate Generation 2.5 of thematic exhibits.

Thematic Collecting & Displays - Generation 3: Stamps & other items (some explanatory text)

We describe the above step only as an intermediate step because it wasn’t until the 1980s that any significant detailed accompanying text was added. Collectors began to include text which had a closer relation to specific philatelic materials. This method of presentation is often called a "philatelic dialogue". Thematic exhibits had entered the new truly ground breaking Generation 3, which now had all the features of what is now considered a modern philatelic thematic exhibit.

Page from a typical Generation 3 Thematic Collection (more than just stamps, more descriptive text)

To be contd….

How to improve a Thematic Exhibit…..

Sharing slides of a seminar held on Thematic Philately during CHINA 2019 World Philatelic Exhibition.

To be contd….

Guidelines for the evaluation of the Exhibits of Thematic Philately

Contd. From the last issue…..

3.2 THEMATIC TREATMENT

3.3 The exhibit shall show a clear concept of the subject treated, developed according to the characteristics of

the respective competitive class, as defined by the SREV for that class.

The treatment of a thematic exhibit comprises the structure of the work (title and plan) and the elaboration of

each point of that structure (development).

In thematic philately the concept defined by the GREV is represented by the plan.

The plan and the development represent the two aspects of an interlaced process, based on

personal study and research by the collector on both the theme and the material. A deeper

knowledge of the theme enables one to increase the number of facts and details and to look for

additional items to illustrate them. A better knowledge of the material allows one to identify new

pieces, which often must be justified through further study of the theme, which could result in a

more elaborate plan.

3.2.1 Title and Plan

(3.3) The title must describe the contents of the exhibit.

The title with any subtitle defines the scope of the exhibit.

The title and the plan represent a meaningful entity and reflect the specific characteristics of the chosen theme. Hence, different titles originate different plans.

If an exhibitor decides to show a self-contained section of his/her collection, the plan and the

title of the exhibit must be consistent with that section.

The title represents the synthesis of the work. Therefore the title and the contents of the pages have to match and the sequence of the philatelic items mounted on the pages should give the full details of the story stated in the title. Boosting titles to make the exhibit more attractive can be misleading if they deviate from the concept developed in the pages.

The plan defines the structure of the exhibit and its subdivisions and covers all major aspects relevant to the title. It should be entirely structured according to thematic criteria. The order of the main chapters and their subdivisions should demonstrate the development of the plan rather than list its main aspects.

The plan provides a clear and intelligible insight into all major aspects of the theme. It may:

be freely chosen in order to make the synthesis of a theme or an idea, or derive naturally from the theme.

The structure may follow a time-related classification (historical, evolutionary), or subject-related criteria (scientific, systematic, organisational, economic, etc.), or other criteria. For instance,themes related to Organisations and Institutions (e.g. Red Cross, League of Nations, Council of Europe), repetitive events (e.g. Stamp Days, Olympic Games), etc. can be subdivided according to their structure, type of organisation, and individual events following thematically time- or place-related classifications.

Themes developed within an organisational or chronological framework should clearly show the historical background, the aims, tasks, results and effects of the activities of such organisations or events. The plan consists only of thematic divisions and subdivisions, with no generic chapters (e.g. "Miscellaneous", "Appendix"). Subdivisions by date of issue, issuing country, type of material (e.g. "Meters", "Postal stationery"), or purpose of issue (e.g. "Anniversaries") are to be avoided. Such items are best used according to their thematic information. The same applies to special philatelic studies (ref.: 3.2.3).

The plan is supposed to present a logical order allowing the study of the entire exhibit without disturbing breaks between the different chapters. Ideally the beginning of the following chapter has a logical link with that preceding. This helps to create an interesting story instead of an unconnected “list of contents".

An effective plan covers the largest scope compatible with the title. In this respect, unless

specifically stated in the title, the plan should not be limited by time or by geography, as far as the chosen theme allows it.

The different chapters should have a good balance, according to their relative thematic weight within the scope of the theme as defined by the title rather than by the quantity of material available.

The construction of an innovative plan is considered a prerequisite for an innovative

development.

The Plan Page

(3.3) The concept shall be laid out in an introductory statement, which must be written in one of the FIP official languages.

The title and the plan must be presented on a page at the beginning of the exhibit, written in one of the official FIP languages.

The plan page comprises all major subdivisions of the plan; finer and more detailed subdivisions are presented, in principle, only on the individual pages. The plan cannot be replaced by a literary description or by a generic introductory statement.

An adequate plan page will ensure that the public and the jurors do not have to "reconstruct" the plan by browsing through the pages of the exhibit. The obvious difficulties caused by having to do so might be reflected in the understanding and the evaluation of the exhibit.

A numerical classification (e.g. decimal, legal systems) may be used if it helps to make the

exhibit easier to understand. It should be limited to major divisions of the plan. Experience has shown that a two/three digits/letters system is sufficient.

In addition to the plan page, an introductory title page may highlight the theme.

The official FIP languages in which the title, the plan and any other introductory statement have to be presented are English, French, German, Russian, and Spanish.

3.2.2 Development

The development means the elaboration of the theme in depth, aiming to achieve an arrangement of the

material fully compliant with the plan.

The elaboration utilises only the thematic information, postally authorised, available from:

? the purpose of issue or use of the item

? the primary and secondary elements of the design of the item

? other postal characteristics.

Such elaboration requires:

? a thorough knowledge of the chosen theme

? a high degree of philatelic knowledge

The analysis of both the theme and the appropriate material, based on a thorough thematic and philatelic knowledge, is a prerequisite for the best possible thematic development. This enables the skilful selection of each item and its correct positioning and sequence, as well as a connecting description. This is necessary to ensure a proper understanding of the relationship between the item and the theme.

This is shown by:

the selection of the most suitable items for each thematic detail described.

the balanced utilisation of the items according to the significance of the thematic detail they

support. The number of philatelic items available for the same detail should not be the basis

for their inclusion.

the accurate thematic arrangement of the items shown on the same page according to the

sequence of the “story”. The correct sequence takes priority over the best appearance of

the page.

Therefore, the simple classification of the philatelic pieces related to a subject is necessary but not sufficient to achieve an advanced degree of elaboration.

The Thematic Text

(3.3) The text of the exhibit should also be written in one of the FIP official languages.

? a thematic text, to ensure the necessary thematic links and to provide thematic details, whenever needed.

The thematic text:

illustrates the logical sequence of the development, by connecting the items shown. A good

connection is effective and concise, without unnecessary information. This requires that the

text be fluid enough to demonstrate the thread of the development.

explains the thematic qualification of an item, if required (Ref. 3.3 below)

gives appropriate information of the thematic details of stamps and documents.

Any thematic explanation has to be closely related to the material shown, and any given

statement must be covered by thematically appropriate philatelic items, otherwise it weakens the thematic development.

Even if FIP languages are not compulsory for thematic and philatelic text, exhibitors who intend to show frequently at international exhibitions are strongly advised to present their exhibit in one of those languages, to help in the understanding of their work (Ref. GREV 3.3).

3.2.3 Innovation

Innovation is shown by the

? introduction of new themes, or

? new aspects of an established or known theme, or

page 19

? new approaches for known themes, or

? new application of material.

Innovation may refer to all components of Treatment.

The exhibit is supposed to show the personal work of the exhibitor, highlighting the results of

his/her ability to innovate. This requires personal effort by study, research and imagination and

cannot result from the simple mechanical duplication of existing works. Exhibitors can take

advantage of all sources available on the subject (e.g. thematic and philatelic literature as well

as other collections) to push their research forward.

To be contd….

Editor’s Mail Box

I wish entire team of Rainbow Stamp News Heartiest congratulations for the 150th issue.

Period of 12 years is really a big with dedicated services.

I wish Rainbow news will always be there in service of Philateliy.

With due regards,

-Ajay Mathur

Secretary,Jaipur Philatelic society

7742167939

Congratulations on the 150th Issue.Thank you for your excellent services.

With best wishes and kind regards.

-Prakash Mody, Toronto, Canada

Respected Jyotiji

Many many congratulations for bringing 150th issue of Rainbow stamp news. You are spreading knowledge with your selfless efforts. You are an inspiration for many philatelists like me.

May God bless you with happiness and success.

Thank you very much.

-Prof Chirag Mehta

Congratulations, Ms Jyoti!

Another mile stone has been reached ! And many many thanks to you from all of us for all the colour and fun you have put into our lives, these past 150 months! Wishing you every success in the times ahead. Thanks also to the contributors to Rainbow Stamp News.

We are grateful to all of you many time over.

With best wishes to all you good people.

--Kenneth Dmonte

Dear Mrs Jyothi,

Heartiest congratulations and Extremely Happy to note that You have completed the journey of 150 issues of Rainbow stamp news. Each issue was very informative and educative, with articles from various philatelists.

God Bless You to continue your great serevice to philatelists.

Regards

G.Sriramarao, Vishakhapatnam

Dear Jeevan Jyoti ji,

First of all heartiest congratulations for achieving landmark of 150th issue of Rainbow magazine. It's remarkable achievement and is not possible without complete dedication. This magazine is a silver line in the time when philately was going down.

Thank you once again for publishing my article which has become part of the 150th issue of magazine which I will remember for life time. I have started getting feedback for the article and I am looking forward to write more articles in near future.

Thank you once again.

Regards.

Dharmesh K

Dear Jyoti,

Fantastic work with the newsletter. We look forward to reading it, and I print and archive it.

Best wishes

Neil

(Dr. Indraneil Das, Malaysia)

Thanks a lot. And many congratulations to you for your sincere efforts and hard work .

congratulations once again for your success. May you continue to have many more.

Thank you

With warm wishes

-Eeshita Basu, Kolkata

Dear Jyoti Madam

My heartiest congratulations to you and your team on the occasion of completing 150th issue of Jeevan Jyoti emagazine on philately.

May God Bless You to great success in future.

Regards.

Amul Vyas

Dear Jeevan Jyoti mam,

My heartiest congratulations on bringing out the 150th Issue of RSN (Rainbow Stamp News). I guess I am one of the very few readers who read it from the 1st Issue. It was during those times, I too started blogging on my watercraft on stamps theme.

The RSN every month keeps us philatelists tied with philately, even when someone is tired of philately and moving away from it.

Keep the good work and wish you and RSN to achieve many milestones.

With Regards,
Kasinath R.

Thanjavur, Tamilnadu

Philately Promoter of the Month

This column is dedicated to great philatelists who are promoting selflessly the hobby of stamp collecting in their own way and making a bridge between philately and our daily life

Pratap Aditya

Pratap Aditya, philatelist from Bihar writes regularly on stamps and covers related to events, personalities and everyday life. He collects on Buddham India and Indian culture Themes. He has also participated in Jharkhand Stat level stamp exhibition and Bhagalpur Philatelic Exhibition and won awards. I am pleased to share his two posts appeared on Pan India Postal Pictorial Place Cancellation Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/groups/panindiapostal/ He may be contacted at email : pratapgaya@gmail.com

Pratap Aditya with Shri Dipok Dey, the grand old man of Philately

On 1 July 1879 , Post Card of one paisa was started in India by the Post and Telegraph Department.

Floating Post Office – Dal Lake, Srinagar

India has one of the largest postal networks on the planet; including a floating post office. The country boasts of having the largest postal network with more than 155,015 post offices spread across the country. That means, there’s one single post office for every 7,175 people. And because we didn’t think we had enough post offices, we even inaugurated a floating one. On the Nehru Park , Dal Lake in Srinagar.

# Spacial Cover On Floating Post Office and Museum, Nehru Park, Dal Lake, Srinagar 22.08.2011. Issued by India Post COG Jammu & Kashmir Circle , Srinagar.

Beginners’ Section

Famous Disney Stamp Collector – Donald Duck !

Photo of old Donald Duck comic featuring Donald Duck with stamp album

In Fall 1952, the Donald Duck comic “The Gilded Man” was published. It was a 32-page Disney story written and drawn by Carl Barks. The story starred expert stamp collector, Donald Duck, and his three nephews. It tells the tale of how he travels to British Guiana in search of the famous (and valuable) 1¢ Magenta. Through a series of daring events, the four ducks manage the find the long-lost stamp and bring it home with them.

This comic established Donald Duck as a stamp collector, making him one of only a handful of cartoon characters to enjoy the hobby. 9 June is National Donald Duck Day in US. His first title, The Wise Little Hen, was released June 9, 1934 – 86 years ago today! Since today is his birthday, here are some stamps from around the world that have honored him over the years…

Courtesy – The Mystic Stamp Co.

Specialized Section

DISINFECTION OF MAIL

- Naresh Agrawal

Contd. from the last issue…

MARKINGS ON DISINFECTED LETTERS :

The mail quarantined or disinfected at different places at different times does have some sort of markings or marks, seals and hand stamps on them informing about the treatment done or any information related to disinfection of that mail. These markings have wide range mainly consisting of official stamp or seal of the certifying body, with or without location. Examples are : “Provisores Salutis Venetiae” ( Overseers of Health, Venice ), “Deputazione Sanitaria” ( Sanitary Commission Sicily), “ Koeniglich Bayerisches Sanitats Siegel” (Royal Beverian Hygiene Seal).

Various cachets from 19th-century envelopes

Other marks specifically referred to disinfection. Perforated mail from Italy claimed full and complete disinfection. “Netta Dentro efuori” ( Clean inside and out). Fumigated letters claimed only external treatment: “ Profumatro solution al di fuori” ( Fumigated only from outside). The word disinfected or its equivalent appeared of its own or with its location. ; Gerienigt:Lichtenfels Disinfettata; Bologna; Disinfektiert; Purifee a La Coitat’. Specific treatment appeared in a hand stamp from Chile in 1887 “ Disinfecteada Por Calor” ( Disinfected by Heat).

Stampless folded letter, with contents, manuscript rate marking. Postmarked with WIEN/FRANCO two-line handstamp, addressed to PARMA, ITALY, with two DISINFECTED oval markings on back and red wax seal applied over the markings

The town of Reggio provided a paste on printed unperforated stamp – not unlike a postage stamp–bearing the legend “ Uffizio di Disinfezione in Reggio” ( Office of Disinfection, Reggio)

ITALY 1855 Disinfected Cover REGGION to MONTECCHIO during Cholera outbreak with disinfection markings and slits

Disinfected letter dated 09.08.1835 from Athens to Geneva with marking on back flaps reads flaps SANITA' IN ANCONA / NETTA FUORI E DENTRO and disinfection slits

With the advent of the terrible plague of the mid-17th century, Mediterranean ports smoked or scorched mail from suspect vessels, sometimes after dousing it with vinegar. But wafers or seals, legitimizing the opening of covers to treat the contents, are not seldom seen before the 1720s. The earliest cachets to certify treatment appeared in the 1780's

French Colonies Algeria 1836 Disinfected Mail Envelope to France routed via Toulon with boxed French entry PAYS D'OUTREMER in black hand struck PURIFIE A TOULON in red with disinfection slits and French receiving back stamp.

Malta 1847 entire letter from Constantinople to Livorno, Italy, showing French P.O. in Constantinople date stamp "CONSTANTINOPLE/ TURQUIE", "LIVORNO/ C/ VIA DI MARE" maritime cancel, and fine "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/ MALTE" disinfection cancel.

1848 part outer letter sheet from ALAXANDRIA in Egypt to Bath, U.K., showing British P.O. Alexandria c.d.s. and poor "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/ MALTE" disinfection cancel

Efforts for health controls through disinfection spanned over 300 years. Precautions largely centered on control of the movement of persons or cattle, but general goods, mail and packages were a constant concern. Even imports of rags of paper making were suspect.

In the early 8th century, British officers demanded health declarations on oath from masters of incoming ships. A bible, kept for the purpose was handed from shore to ship at the end of a boathook for the declaration. It was afterwards dragged through sea water to purify it.

1838 folded letter from Calcutta to Bordeaux "Via Bombay & Suez" with a circular Malta "Purifie Aux Lazaret" h.s., two neat disinfection slits

Turkey 1884 Disinfected mail envelope from Smyrne cancelled by bilingual Office Sanitaire Smyrne in Blue addressed to constantinople.

Turkey 1824 Disinfected Letter to France, via Austria written from Constantinople cancelled by handstruck Tur. Charged 20 in manuscript, with disinfection cachet and punch holes, routed via Austria with AT. And Boxed Autriche par Huningue transit

Entire letter dated Feb.23,1844 from Smirne to Treviso, Italy struck with fine strike of "Smirna" straight line hand stamp in black (Tchilinghirian), "Sanitas Sigillum" Disinfection cachet in black (and red wax seals) applied at Semlin.

Entire letter dated 20.10.1845 from Alexandria ,Egypt addressed to Grenoble with ALEXANDRIE (EGYPTE) cds of despatch, slitted for disinfection and with MARSEILLE arrival (Oct 28) and two line hand stamp on reverse PURIFIÉ LAZARET / MARSEILLE

1844 (19 Oct.). Cover from the Austrian Consulate in Serbia, addressed to the Military Magistrate in PANCSOVA (Pancevo) showing rate first type 19 OCT/BELGRAD hand stamp in black of Austrian P. O. Red wax seal for disinfection on reverse SIGILLUM SANITATIS SEMLINIENSIS and circular NETTO DI FUORI E DI DENTRO applied at the LAZARET in SEMLIN. A fine and rare cover especially with two such fine disinfection markings.

To be contd…..

: Naresh Agrawal - email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

BRIDGE

- ILYAS PATEL

Crimea Bridge, Russia

Our general perception regarding a bridge is a civil structure built to span physical obstacles without closing the way underneath such as a body of water, valley, or road. The primary purpose of bridge is to provide safe, secured and quick passage. As per the Oxford English Dictionary the word “bridge” is derived from an Old English word “brycg”, of the same meaning. In the present article the author do not wish to discuss about bridges, their builders, structural types or any other technical details. While doing his research work on this topic, he has come across Bridge with several other meaning used in different fields. The primary meaning of bridge is to connect and in different areas it is used to connect but with different interpretations. In this context, the author have come across few villages/towns that are named as BRIDGE/Pont/Ponte/ Brugg / Brucke (all these words have same meaning in French, Italian, Spanish, German and Dutch languages) in various European countries. The author is able to trace out few such village/town that have Post Office and postmark named as “Bridge”. They are still existing and functioning. The author is not fortunate enough to find photographs of those original bridges that became instrumental in name fixing. Several towns and cities are now having large number of bridges built to cope up with modern day traffic as they flourished due to their commercially important location and therefore original landscape of the town is changed significantly.

BRIDGE, Kent, UK

1915 GB registered censored letter to Netherland posted from Village Bridge, Canterbury

Bridge, an important village has its origin in an ancient Roman Stone bridge stands on Walting Street, on the river Little Stour. Walting Street, a paved Roman road was built in AD 46 during Roman occupation of England to connect Kentish port Dubris (Dover) and their bridge over Thames at Londinium (London). Today, Bridge is a village and civil parish near Canterbury in Kent, South East England in the Nailbourne valley. The village itself is centered 2.5 miles south-east of the City of Canterbury.

Bridge is a small ward in the City of London and is named from its closeness to London Bridge. Since boundary changes in 2003, Bridge is bounded by the River Thames to the south; Swan Lane and Grace church Street to the west; Fenchurch Street to the north; and Rood Lane and Lovat Lane to the east. The ward includes Fishmongers' Hall, St. Magnus-the-Martyr church, the Monument to the Great Fire of London, and the full span of London Bridge.

Bridge Within and Bridge Without

The present day ward of Bridge was historically (1550-1978) known as Bridge Within — a separate ward called Bridge Without existed south of the Thames in Southwark with its own Alderman between 1550 and 1978. In 1550 the new ward of Bridge Without was created to cover the City's area of control of three manors in Southwark (the newly acquired King's Manor and Great Liberty added to the Guildable Manor which it had controlled since 1327), the Court of Aldermen appointing its alderman; there were never any members of the Court of Common Council elected there as the three Courts Leet of the Manors fulfilled that representative role. The existing ward north of the river became Bridge Within.

London Bridge viewed from Southwark: the Great Stone Gateway at the very southern end of the bridge formed the boundary between Within and Without.

However, the City's administrative responsibility for the Without ward had in practice disappeared by the mid-Victorian era as various aspects of metropolitan government were extended into the neighbouring areas. Despite the fact that the area of Bridge Without had been removed completely from the City's boundaries in 1899, the ward continued to de jure exist and the Court of Aldermen continued to appoint an alderman for the ward by co-option, usually the senior late Lord Mayor (or father of the City) until as late as 1978 — Bridge Without was then merged with Bridge Within, to become the present day Bridge ward. This is, in a sense, a return to the situation prior to 1550. However the ward is still officially referred to as "Bridge and Bridge Without" as a result of the 1978 amalgamation. This had no practical effect in terms of representation on the Court of Common Council because Without had never had Councilmen.

"Without" and "Within" denote whether a ward, or a division of one, fell outside or within the London Wall — this is still the case for the wards of Farringdon Within and Farringdon Without — though in this instance Bridge Without fell beyond the gates on London Bridge, rather than London Wall itself. The full span of London Bridge was for many centuries lined with buildings, including many houses, and they formed part of the ward of Bridge Within. Indeed, so numerous were the dwellings on the bridge that at one time it constituted three of the 14 precincts (a former sub-division of the wards) of Bridge Within. The area of the former Bridge Without ward today forms part of the London Borough of Southwark.

Politics: Bridge is one of 25 wards in the City of London, each electing an alderman to the Court of Aldermen and commoners (the City equivalent of a councillor) to the Court of Common Council of the City of London Corporation. Only electors who are Freemen of the City of London are eligible to stand. Bridge and Bridge Without currently elect two commoners to the Court of Common Council.

Ponte (Ponte Tresa), Switzerland

Ponte - 1855 Switzerland pre stamp folded letter posted from Ponte

Ponte (Ponte Tresa) is a municipality in the district of Lugano in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. Ponte Tresa is first mentioned in 818 as ad Tresiae Pontem, though this comes from a 12th Century copy of the earlier document. In 875 it was mentioned as Ponte Tretia. In German it was known as Treisbruck, though this name is no longer used. The history of the town is closely tied to the Tresa river crossing. it was first mentioned in 590 by Gregory of Tours. The name of the municipality, and the neighbouring, Italian town of Lavena Ponte Tresa, both come from the river. From the Middle Ages until the opening of the Melide dam in 1847, the municipality provided strategically important connections to Italy. Even in the Roman era there was probably a bridge or a ford across the river near the modern village. During the Middle Ages and into the early modern era, the bridge was a wooden bridge with stone pillars. Below the bridge there were fish ponds, which were mostly stocked with eels that belonged to the Bishop of Milan. In the 16th Century the bridge was in the possession of local noble families. Until 1828, it remained the property of the de Stoppani family, and then it was purchased by the Canton. The Canton built a new stone bridge in 1846. The current bridge dates from 1962.

Ponte, Campania, Italy

Ponte is the name of a town and commune in the Province of Benevento, Campania Region, Italy. It is a member of the Titerno "Local Action Group" (GAL) and its name means bridge in Italian language.

Ponte - 1832 Italy pre stamp folded letter to Ponte with red boxed arrival postmark (a) back and (b) front posted from Como.

Ponte has its origins in an ancient Roman stone bridge which was the passage of the Via Latina over the Alento River. The first settlements can be traced back to Roman Empire times, in fact it was here that the roadway Via Latina, connecting Benevento with Rome through the Telesia Valley, passed. The bridge that the passed over the Alento River is today known as the St. Anastasia Bridge. The town was very important even during the Lombard domination. The old town is of medieval origin, although little is left of the castle of Norman origin built in the eleventh century CE.

BRUGG/BRUGGEN, Switzerland

Brugg is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Aargau and is the seat of the district of the same name. The city is located at the confluence of the Reuss, Aare, and Limmat, with the Aare flowing through the city's old town. It is located approximately 16 kilometres from the cantonal capital of Aarau; 28 kilometres from Zürich; and about 45 kilometres from Basel.

Brugg – 1933 Switzerland postal stationery and Bruggen – 1926 Switzerland registered letter (part shown)

Brugg is the Swiss German word for bridge (Brücke in High German). This is an allusion to the purpose of the city's establishment under the Habsburgs, as the city is located at the narrowest point on the Aare in the Swiss midlands. The Habsburgs’ oldest known residence is located in the neighbourhood of Altenburg, which had previously been an independent community. Prior to their relocation to Austria, Brugg was the centre of the Habsburgs' territory. Between 1415 and Napoleon’s invasion in 1798, Brugg was a subject territory of Bern. Since then it has belonged to the Canton of Aargau.

The Aare, which flows through the centre of the old town, divides the municipality into two separate, distinct landscapes – the Swiss plateau on the southern bank and the beginnings of the Jura on the northern side.

The Romans constructed a military post at Vindonissa around 15 BC, which they expanded into an encampment of the Roman Legion. At this time the first wooden bridge over the Aare was built as part of a Roman road to Augusta Raurica (known today as Augst). It was the only position along the Aare between Lake Thun and the Rhine at which the river could be crossed with a single log. Remains of around 350 Roman graves have since been discovered within Brugg, where two large Roman burial grounds were located, and archaeologists estimate that a total of 7,000 graves exist.

The earliest documented use of Bruggo has been dated to the year 1064, when Count Werner I attested to the possession of goods on the part of Muri Abbey in area. The exact date, however, is contentious, as the Acta Murensia was first drawn up in 1160 and included a number of various older documents. Between 1164 and 1174 it was mentioned as Brucca and between 1227 and 1234 as Brukke. At the end of the 12th century the Black Tower, or Schwarze Turm, was constructed at the behest of Count Albrecht III, Werner II's son. The Black Tower is the oldest standing structure remaining in Brugg's old town today.

Bruges, Belgium

The place is first mentioned in records as Bruggas, Brvggas, Brvccia in 840–875, then as Bruciam, Bruociam (in 892), Brutgis uico (toward end of the 9th century), in portu Bruggensi (c. 1010), Bruggis (1012), Bricge (1037, in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle), Brugensis (1046), Brycge (1049–1052, again in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle), Brugias (1072), Bruges (1080–1085), Bruggas (c. 1084), Brugis(1089), and Brugge (1116).

The name probably derives from the Old Dutch for "bridge": brugga. Also compare Middle Dutch brucge, brugge (or brugghe, brigghe, bregghe, brogghe), and modern Dutch bruggehoofd ("bridgehead") and brug ("bridge"). The form brugghe would be a southern Dutch variant. The Dutch word and the English "bridge" both derive from Proto-Germanic *brugjō-.

Bruges/Brugge – 1749 Belgium postmark on pre stamp folded letter to Gent

Brugge, French Bruges, is a city in Flanders Region, north-western Belgium, about 16 km south of Zeebrugge, its port on the North Sea. Originally a landing place on the Zwijn estuary, into which the Reie River flowed. It was mentioned in the 7th century as the Municipium Brugense (a name derived from a Roman bridge over the Reie). Brugge’s intricate network of canals has led many to describe the city as the Venice of the North. After it was evangelized by St. Eloi, bishop of Noyon-Tournai, the first counts of Flanders built their castle there (9th century) against Norman invaders. By the 13th century the town held a monopoly on English wool, was a leading emporium for the Hanseatic League, and, with the other “members from Flanders” (Ghent and Ypres), virtually governed the entire province. After maintaining its independence despite an attack by France in 1302, it reached its commercial zenith in the 14th century. At that time it was one of the largest and most important cities in northern Europe.

Bruges was a location of coastal settlement during prehistory. This Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement is unrelated to medieval city development. In the Bruges area, the first fortifications were built after Julius Caesar's conquest of the Menapii in the first century BC, to protect the coastal area against pirates. The Franks took over the whole region from the Gallo-Romans around the 4th century and administered it as the Pagus Flandrensis. The Viking incursions of the ninth century prompted Count Baldwin I of Flanders to reinforce the Roman fortifications; trade soon resumed with England and Scandinavia. Early medieval habitation starts in the 9th and 10th century on the Burgh terrain, probably with a fortified settlement and church.

To be contd…..

- Ilyas Patel : email : iap.patel@gmail.com

New issues from other Countries

New Zealand

1 July 2020 : Kiwi Cakes and Bakes

Treats like afghans, custard squares and pavlova are all familiar to New Zealanders. The stamps in this issue represent some local or regional favourites, some recipes from abroad, and others that were locally invented. Wherever their origins, the best recipes can be the ones passed down the generations or from friend to friend. 

The baking tradition in Aotearoa New Zealand is alive and well - here we offer an issue that evokes flavourful memories. We invite you to simply feast your eyes or maybe satisfy your appetite with a little home baking of your own

Sultanate of Oman

22 June 2020 : Oman faces Corona

Romania

24 June 2020 : Folk Wedding Clothing

In this set of stamps Folk wedding clothing are presented, in pairs, from the areas of Bucovina, Oas, Vlasca and Banat.

The traditional garment is primarily an element of material culture, and its variety is also influenced by other general factors, for all regions, such as: occupation, season, occasions, age, and sex. The care for the richest, most beautiful and unique ornamentation of the shirts, with various embroideries, was great. New motifs were sought everywhere, they were stolen, worked in secret.

The ornaments differentiate the shirts from one village to another, from one area to another, through their particularities of shape, colour, and technical execution. The variety of the design, the fantasy of the assembly, gives a special harmony to the whole composition. In this sense, the decorative composition of the shirts is, at the same time, wide, relaxed, full of allegory in the choice of symbols for the motifs, but at the same time sober and almost canonical, in their organization.

Wedding, bridal shirts were kept by women until death, they were buried with these shirts, considering them to have a ritual character.

The groom’s clothing consists of a straight linen shirt with monochrome embroidery on the poale and sleeves. The pants are simple, made of cotton and linen, tailored from a single width of fabric.

10 June 2020 : Squirrels

Spain

3 July 2020 : International LGBTQ Pride Day

For the first time ever, a stamp starring the LGBTQ Pride flag is issued.

The famous rainbow flag originated in San Francisco. It was designed by Gilbert Baker, an artist and gay rights activist at the end of the 1970s.

The original design had eight colours: pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue and purple.

There are various ideas about the meaning of the colours in the flag. Some people associate each one with a sexual orientation, but Baker thought otherwise: pink - sexuality; red - life; orange - health; yellow - sunlight; green - nature; turquoise - magic and art; blue - serenity; and purple - spirit.

Philatelic Library

Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office a Philatelic Tribute

The book Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office by Shri Dipok Dey. The book gives details of stamps and other philatelic items issued on Tagore all over the world.

Acknowledgement

- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin July 2020 issue edited by Mohanchandran Nair

- Judaica Thematic Society (UK) July 2020 Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman email - judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
-The Hyderabad Philatelist June 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal

-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine June 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal

- The Journal of TAPS edited by Col Jayanta Dutta

- Vadophil Jan-Ap 2020 issue edited by Prashant Pandya n Timir Shah

Bogs & Websites

Philatelic Congress of India

Indian Philately Digest

Stamps of India

Rainbow Stamp News

Se-tenant Stamps of India

Flags & Stamps

Europa stamps

Phila Mirror

International Stamp News

Welcome to Indian Philately

Philatelic Clubs & Societies

Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram

Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/

Chandigarh Philatelic Club

Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra

Eastern India Philatelists’ Association -http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/

The Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society

India Study Circle - http://www.indiastudycircle.org/

Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/

Ludhiana Philatelic Club

Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort

http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm

Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com

Rainbow Stamp Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/

Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat

Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad

South India Philatelists Association -http://www.sipa.org.in/

The Army Philatelic Society, Pune

Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

-VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya &TimirShah and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/

-ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/

-Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram

-Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta

-India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.

-Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Society, Pune. edited by Col Jayanta Dutta

-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor – Prakash Agrawal

-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue R Suresh –Bangalore; EIPA & Philately Promoters Whatsapp Group ; Wolfgang Beyer, Germany; Timir Shah- Vadodara, Dr Hemant Kulkarni – Milwaukee, USA; Pradip Jain, Patna; Jagannath Mani, Bangalore

Address for communication :

Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India

E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com

A Request to Readers & Contributors –

· Please do not send the text in scan form or PDF. Send your write ups in MS Word only.

· Last date for receiving articles/ News /write ups – 25th of every month.

· For articles : Kindly send images in jpg compressed form and text in MS Word only Please do not use any formatting and text wrapping in the article. Simply put the images under text where required.

· If you like this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

· Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

Attention – Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF.

Any material from this newsletter may be reproduced only with the written permission from the editor.

Happy Collecting ……….

Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun (Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.

Rainbow Stamp News

Monday, July 6, 2020

Rainbow July 2020