GC_GB_0403

SUBSCRIPTION MAGAZINE FOR COLLECTORS OF GREENLAND STAMPS • VOL. 9 • NO. 3 • SEPTEMBER 2004

STAMP PROGRAMME 2005 P. 3

SEAWEED IN GREENLAND P. 4

NAVIGATION IN GREENLAND P. 6

»EUROPA« STAMP - HOLIDAYS P. 7

ROYAL VISIT P. 8

CHRISTMAS STAMPS P. 13

READER

DEAR

On 21 June we celebrated the establishment of the Greenland Home Rule 25 years ago. The Flag Day was held with great festivities on both 21 and 22 May. Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik, accompanied

by Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary visited Greenland for the occasion and then continued their journey around Greenland. Take a look at the festivities by reading the article inside the magazine.

On 1 July TELE-POST received a new managing director, Brian Buus Pedersen.

Brian Buus Pedersen is 44 years old and has an MA Political Science degree from the University of Aarhus, Denmark, 1988 as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Ottowa, Canada, 2001.

Brian Buus Pedersen moved to Greenland in 1989; where he began his career as head

of section in the research department of the Finance Directorate and, later on, achieving the position as chief of section in the Politico-economical Office of the governmental secretariat.

In 1995 Brian Buus Pedersen was employed at TELE Greenland and during the period 1998 to 2002 he was in Canada, where he acquired his MBA. We warmly welcome Brian Buus Pedersen to his position as our new managing director.

During this year’s »Frimærker i Forum« exhibition POST Greenland will introduce an actual part of Greenland – a piece of the ice cap, from which the artist Oline Binzer will carve a mythological design during the course of the exhibition. So it is with great joy that I welcome you to POST Greenland’s exciting and always service-minded stand.

In Greenland there are four slot machines

from which you can obtain stamp machine booklets – these booklets are only issued in connection to changes in postal rates. In accordance to our conservative stamp issue policy we regularly adapt our stamp issue programme of products in relation to postal needs. In view of this, in addition to the very low sales of stamp machine booklets through the slot machines in recent years, POST Greenland has decided to discontinue the stamp machine booklet as a postal product. This will commence with our final sale on 30 November 2004.

Enjoy reading the magazine !

Sincerely,

Søren Rose Philatelic Manager

Publisher: POST Greenland Service: POST Greenland, Filatelia, P.O. Box 121 3913 Tasiilaq, Greenland Phone +45 70 26 05 50, +299 98 11 55 Telefax +299 98 14 32 Email: stamps@tele.gl Website: www.stamps.gl Editors: Søren Rose, Chief Editor, Lene Skov Meyhoff Anja Panduro Pedersen, Pertti Frandsen Layout & production: TELE-POST, Malene Burghardt Printing: Datagraf Auning AS ISSN: 1397-8632 Cover photo: Knud Josefsen

Stamp programme 2005 It is with great pleasure that I present an exciting stamp programme for 2005 introducing a couple of new series and the final part of our series on ships.

On 17 January 2005 POST Greenland will issue 7<Ingen> stamps. The first three constitute the beginning of a new series of, in all, six stamps featuring designs of edible Greenlandic fungi. They are very detailed and beautifully drawn by artist and engraver Nina Spore Kreutzmann. The fungi stamps, printed in offset, will also form part of a souvenir folder complete with descriptions and recipes using the selected edible fungi.

It has been some years since Miki Jacobsen has illustrated stamps for us, however, he now returns as the artist for our additional value stamp of 2005, also printed in offset. In 2005 »Save the Children« in Greenland will receive the additional value.

We also mark the 100th anniversary of the Greenlandic Church Law in 2005 and, for this occasion POST Greenland will issue a stamp printed in offset beautifully and elegantly illustrated in Aka Høegh’s always simple and artistic style.

The »Europa« stamp issued by POST Greenland in 2005 carries the theme »Gastronomy« and is designed in collaboration with a local cuisine in Greenland. We have chosen to feature the very popular musk ox meat combined with local vegetables on a stamp printed in offset.

The famous ice fiord near Ilulissat (Jabobshavn) has been added to the UNESCO »World Heritage« list of natural monuments worth preserving. To mark this POST Greenland is issuing a commemorative on 17th January 2005.

On 20 June 2005 we are completing our series on ships with the last 4 of a total of 16 stamps printed in combined offset/steel engraving. The four stamps, drawn and engraved by Martin Mörck will, together with the four ship stamps issued in 2004, form part of the second and final volume of the book »Ships in Greenlandic Waters over 1000 years«. The second volume is a splendid conclusion on both the stamp series of ships and the detailed historical narration of navigation in Greenland by Ole Ventegodt, MA. At the same time that the ship series is completed I would like to welcome you to a very interesting and scientific world – the science series. Throughout this new series we shall introduce the most unique scientific discoveries in Greenland. The first three stamps in the series illustrate the geological mapping of Greenland, the Ikka columns in South Greenland and »Kæbedyret« (the Jaw Animal) at Disko Bay; the two latter topics being quite unique to Greenland. The stamps are printed in a combination of offset/steel engraving and engraved by Lars Sjööblom from Sweden.

On 31 October 2005 our expedition series continues. This time we are focusing our attention on the American Robert E. Peary, who anxiously tried to conquer the North Pole through bases during a longer stay in Greenland. The stamp is printed in a combination of offset/steel engraving and

engraved by Martin Mörck.

The last three stamps of the plant series by Ina Rosing, printed in offset, form the penultimate part of our last issue of 2005. The stamps can also be obtained housed in the very beautifully designed souvenir folder complete with recipes and descriptions of the plants.

Miki Jacobsen, who illustrates his joy of and tribute to Christmas here in Greenland, will draw the Christmas stamps 2005.

I hope postal users of our Greenland stamps and collectors alike will continue to appreciate our small, works of art depicting the beautiful arctic conditions here in Greenland.

The programme is provisional and subject to possible alterations.

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Sincerely,

Per Svendsen General Manager

Did you know ... that Robert E. Peary’s motto was: »Inveniam viam; aut faciam«1 Source: Jean Malaurie Thule - det yderste land

1 »I must find my way or make one myself«

Seaweed along the coast of Greenland

TEXT BY POUL MØLLER PEDERSEN

PHOTO: POUL MØLLER PEDERSEN & TELE-POST

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There are approximately 200 species of marine, sedentary seaweeds in Greenland. Some of the species are large, perennial brown algae found in the tidal zone (the littoral zone) or in the always submerged zone (the sublittoral zone). Large brown algae and some red algae may be used commercially and this article provides an overview of the most essential

aspects playing an important part in the development of a society of a high biomass, a little information about the specific species and their utilisation viability as well as potentialities in Greenland.

The occurrence of well-developed vegetation by perennial brown algae in the tidal zone along the west coast of Greenland is strongly dependent on the external conditions. A society consisting of bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) at the top - with its characteristic bladders situated in pairs on either side of the midrib may be found in most places if the coast is not in danger of strong exposure by the waves or if it is protected against the wearing of the field ice. Then comes knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) with its band-shaped thallus with individual bladders followed by arctic wrack (Fucus evanescens) in the low-water line; the latter resembling bladder wrack, however, lacking the bladders and having rather swollen shoot ends containing the reproduction organs. As mentioned, the plants

Arctic kelp (Laminaria solidungula) attaches itself using a disc contrary to other species of sea tangle, which affixes itself using a root-like structure.

in of this society are perennial and especially knotted wrack is able to reach a considerable age – more than 10 years. The age of the plants can be determined by counting the number of bladders on the main shoot and adding one year, since the young plants develop the first bladder at the end of their second year of growth and then one bladder each following season of growth. The large plants require a more stable substratum like cliff or rock to be fixed upon as well as limited exposure and erosion and not too much sediment from large river mouths. The sediment covers the rock as a membrane preventing the attachment of the unfertilised eggs and thereby their development into new plants. Whirled up sediment further reduces the penetrability of the light in the water and the fresh river water reduces the salinity.

Therefore it is not a good idea to go looking for large seaweed in fiords with large river mouths.

The effect of the field ice in South West

Sieve kelp (Agarum clathratum), a characteristic plant with a root-like structure (hapterons), stem passing into the blade and thallus with holes.

Greenland is very varying. Where the field ice is pressed against the coast the above-mentioned plants still occur sporadically, but clearly as worn samples. In more markedly affected areas, the plants are only found in crevices and scars or they have totally disappeared as is the case along the outer coast of Cape Farewell.

In the always submerged zone (the sublittoral zone) the vegetation dominated by annual plants or species with an even shorter lifespan are found.

At a depth of a couple of metres, where the erosive effect of the field ice is not present, some very typical perennial brown algae are beginning to occur. Most of them belonging to the sea tangle order (Laminariales) and they are all characterised by a root-like structure attaching them to the substratum as well as a stem passing into a leaflike blade. Between the stem and the blade there is a zone of growth providing for the formation of the blade and the length and diameter increment of the stem.

One of the species in this zone can grow up to 10 metres long; the hollow stemmed kelp (Laminaria longicruris) of which the stem can form more than half of this length. Other important species at depths of 2 to 3 metres and as deep as approximately 15 metres is the sugar kelp (Laminaria saccharina) having an undivided blade without a midrib; and also sieve kelp (Agarum clathratum), which has a midrib and a blade with holes. The arctic kelp (Laminaria solidungula) is more rarely found; it differs from the other species of Laminariaceae by affixing itself using a disc - not a root-like structure.

Especially in the areas with water-flow, large growths of edible kelp (Alaria esculenta) are found. This kelp is characterised by forming the reproduction organs from the special blades growing from the stem. These blades can look very different and have given rise to much discussion of how many species of edible kelp are present at the coast of Greenland. This society of large brown algae is found at a depth where only 1% of the light from the surface is still present. If many sea urchins are present the algae may be completely eaten.

Why is this vegetation commercially interesting?

There are two main reasons; partly due to the wall substances and partly to the remaining contents. The walls in brown algae consist of cellulose fibril embedded in a matrix of alginic acid. The alginic acid can form salts consisting of different ions; e.g. calcium ions and sodium ions.

These different kinds of salt can be used as a thickener.

Calcium alginate (E 404) forms a very strong gel whereas sodium alginate (E 401) is more light fluid. The substances are used as emulsifiers for making non-mixable fluids mixable, as stabilizers for maintaining the physical/chemical condition of a food product, e.g. preventing precipitation in milk chocolate and as a thickener or gel providing thicker food products. These substances know no deleterious effects and there is no limit to the accepted daily doses except excessive use in large quantities like in slimming powder.

There are several other interesting possible uses of which we will only mention the alginates which are used to immobilize cells e.g. in the production of insulin. Another important aspect for use of the marine macro-algae is their remaining constituents. Brown alga does not contain as much protein as red alga; it does, however, contain several minerals and vitamins as well as relatively large quantities of iodine. It makes the algae suitable as nourishment for both people and

animals. In our part of the world there are no traditions for eating seaweed, even if initiatives are taken from time to time to change this fact.

In Asia, however, a tradition of eating seaweed has existed for thousands of years and today extensive bodies of shallow water are laid out as fields for cultivation of the red alga purple laver (»Nori«).

In light of the Greenlandic conditions, it is of greater interest that the plants can be used as animal fodder and they are particularly suitable to feed sheep. Seaweed flour is dried and ground knotted wrack, which contains 10% - 20% of water. Norwegian studies show that this product can replace up to 25% of the winter feed, without the market weight, wool production or the fertility of the sheep having to suffer.

In the next three years a project called »Nordtang« (Northern Seaweed), of which the scientific aspect is sponsored by the Villum-KannRasmussen Foundation, will try to prove the potential of a commercially sustainable use of the seaweed plants found in the ocean.

The large brown algae often have growths (epiphytes) of smaller algae on the stem and older blades. The picture shows the brown alga (Hincksia ovata). The cell’s components are clearly seen through the microscope, which are dominated by the disc shaped chloroplasts - equivalent to the chlorophyll granule of higher plants; however, the colour is dominated by a brown pigment (fucoxanthin), which covers the green colour. In addition, a carrotlike structure is seen, which is divided into small cells. At maturity, opening the top of the »carrot« disengages the movable cells. The movable cells serve the asexual reproduction; they affix themselves and sprout into new plants that are identical to the mother plant.

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On 18 October 2004 POST Greenland is issuing the next four stamps in our popular series on ships in Greenlandic waters over 1000 years.

The ships in question are »Constance«, »Disko«, »Julius Thomsen« and »Misigssût«. As regards periods, the four ships represent the historic transition from sailing ships to motor vessels in Greenland navigation, from the middle of the 19th to the middle of the 20th century.

Below you can read a description of the four ships, written by Ole Ventegodt, M.A., author of our ships book.

N AV I G AT I O N

6

IN GREENLAND

»CONSTANCE«

»DISKO«

»JULIUS THOMSEN«

»MISIGSSÛT«

01100331 »Constance« DKK 6.50 Date of Issue: 18.10.2004 40 stamps per sheet Format: G-horizontal Printing Method: Combination Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Engraving: Martin Mörck Outside Measurements: 39.52 x 28.84 mm

01100332 »Disko« DKK 8.75 40 stamps per sheet Format: G-horizontal Printing Method: Combination Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Engraving: Martin Mörck Outside Measurements: 39.52 x 28.84 mm

01100333 »Julius Thomsen« DKK 14.00 Date of Issue: 18.10.2004 40 stamps per sheet Format: G-horizontal Printing Method: Combination Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Engraving: Martin Mörck Outside Measurements: 39.52 x 28.84 mm

01100334 »Misigssût« DKK 21.75 Date of Issue: 18.10.2004 40 stamps per sheet Format: G-horizontal Printing Method: Combination Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Engraving: Martin Mörck Outside Measurements: 39.52 x 28.84 mm

The brig Constance was built by M.J. Nielsen in Flensburg in 1857 for The Royal Greenland Trade Department. During her 46 years in the service of The Royal Greenland Trade Department Constance, which measured 217 gross tons, managed 48 transatlantic voyages. She was not a large ship, but many regarded this as an advantage in Greenland navigation because it is easier to manoeuvre small ships in ice-covered waters and narrow fiords. In 1903 the ship was laid up, and in 1908 she was sold. Subsequently Constance was for some years used

by Dansk Dampskibsrederiforening (the Danish Steam Ship Owners Association) as a stationary training ship for ship’s cooks, then laid up again. In 1937 the by now 80-year old ship was scrapped in Sweden.

Far into the 20th century The Royal Greenland Trade Department was still using sailing ships, though often with a steam engine. In 19261927 The Royal Greenland Trade Department finally took the plunge and built a »modern« passenger ship, Disko, measuring 1496 gross tons. The ship was built at the Strandgade Shipyard in Copenhagen and radically departed from the hitherto prevailing ideas of how ships for polar navigation ought to be, for she was built of steel. Finally Disko was, as something quite new in Greenland navigation, equipped with a diesel engine of 1050 hp from B&W, which could give the ship a speed of 10.25 knots. When Disko was laid up at Aasiaat (Egedesminde) in 1963, she had undertaken 157 voyages between Copenhagen and Greenland and, in addition, sailed for a couple of years on coastal navigation.

Julius Thomsen was built at the Frederikshavn Shipyard and Floating Dock Ltd in 1927 at the same time as The Royal Greenland Trade Department was building Disko, and, together with this ship, set a new standard for polar ships.

Most conspicuous was the fact that the sails were gone, so Jutho, as the ship was soon known, and Disko both looked like ordinary small passenger ships; only the crow’s nest in the foremast gave them away as being polar ships. Jutho was rather a small ship, measuring only 1156 gross tons. After the occupation of Denmark in April 1940, Jutho was deployed on regular service carrying supplies between the USA and the Greenlandic west coast. Julius Thomsen also ended her days on coastal navigation along the west coast, which already happened in the 1950’s.

After the 2nd World War tuberculosis was rather widespread in Greenland. In 1955 the Ministry of Greenland therefore had a ship of 200 tons, Misigssût, built. The vessel was fitted out with modern x-ray equipment, had a doctor, a nurse and a laboratory technician on board, who sailed from settlement to settlement along the inhabited part of the Greenlandic coast and examined the population on every station. This mass survey proved extremely effective; the infected people were found and received treatment. Ten years later pulmonary tuberculosis had been reduced by 90%, and in 1975 the disease had been brought so much under control that Misigssût had been rendered superfluous and could be disposed of.

Theme for the »Europa« stamp

PHOTO: ASGER FREDSLUND & TELE-POST

TEXT BY SØREN ROSE

In Greenland, the largest island in the world with the world’s most deserted territories, but with a population and a culture every bit as exotic as many other places in the world, the climate can offer extremely cold, but also surprisingly warm weather.

Greenland is so vast that in comparison it would stretch from the North Cape in Norway all the way to the middle of the Sahara Desert on the African continent. However, Greenland has more than its size to offer it can also offer a wealth of activities and adventures. Greenland is traditionally known for polar bears, sledge dogs and the ice cap – which indeed are our main trademarks.

Concurrently with the world getting smaller and smaller, people seeking more and more exotic and extreme experiences, Greenland can today offer its tourist the realisation of many of these desires. You can plunge into the more traditional Greenlandic activities such as sharing your lunch with a sledge dog from a dog team, hike across several thousands of years old ice and row in one of the finest sailing structures in the world: the kayak.

Who, however, thinks about swimming in the warm springs in South Greenland, where it is also possible to experience a small arctic

agriculture, where among other things potatoes, carrots, onions, broccoli and much more are grown? – They also keep chickens, sheep, horses and cows. View the pictures on this link: www.arktiskebilleder.dk/siulleq/album/sted_116 4873_1.html What about a dive into the Arctic Ocean, where it is possible to pull out halibuts by the tail fin and to look at lithodes, sea anemones and Arctic corals. Read more about this on www.arctic-dive.com How about a paragliding flight, gliding with the coastal winds high up in the air or joining the Nuuk Snow Festival (www.snow.gl) making your own polar bear as an ice sculpture.

Arctic orchids, butterflies, white-tailed eagles, whales and musk oxen also contribute to giving exciting nature experiences for the entire family along with the rest of the wildlife in Greenland.

It is easy to gather mushrooms like boletus and cortinarius, as well as several types of berries, such as bilberries, cowberries and crowberries during the summer. There are adventures and activities for everyone in the family.

To experience a delicate pinkish Arctic midsummer sunset in the Greenlandic Arctic Ocean with the clear and clean air can make you happy in your heart of hearts. To experience Greenland is an experience of a lifetime. Send a greeting from up here

with our latest »Europa« stamp with the theme »holidays«!

Visit Greenland or read more about coming to Greenland on www.greenland.com

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01100330 »Europa« stamp 2004 - Holidays Issue date: 18.10.2004 DKK: 6.50 40 stamps per sheet Format: F-vertical Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Photo: John Rasmussen Typography: Dorit Olsen Outside measurements: 33.44 x 28.84 mm

Did you know: that a polar bear always strikes first using its left front paw?

Source: www.greenland.com

Links: www.arktiskebilleder.dk/siulleq/album/sted_1164873_1.html www.arctic-dive.com www.snow.gl www.greenland.com

Royal Visit to Greenland – a marvellous fairytale In honour of the 25th anniversary of the Greenland Home Rule members of the Danish royal family paid an official visit to Greenland during late June and early July General Manager Per Svendsen said in his speech to the royal couple that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess do not merely appear as faces on stamp designs.

However, they are two individuals of strong character, acting as role models for us all.

TEXT BY M. BURGHARDT

FOTO: POLFOTO

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The royal family’s summer cruise to Greenland onboard the royal yacht was extraordinarily appealing to the entire Greenlandic population.

The many people, who did not have the opportunity of paying tribute to the Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary at their wedding in Denmark on 14 May 2004, seized the opportunity of meeting and cheering the newly-married couple. Everywhere the royal family appeared it was applauded and met by smiling people with waving flags. It was an extraordinarily joyful occasion, and not one eye remained dry, when Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik arrived in their beautiful

Greenlandic national costumes, a gift from the municipality of Nuuk, capital of Greenland.

On 22 June the royal couple were presented with the People’s Wedding Present from Greenland. As we go to press the amount was 150,000 Danish Kroner, which the couple promptly donated to the »Save the Children Fund« in Qaanaaq (Thule). On the same occasion General Manager Per Svendsen presented the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess with the royal wedding commemoratives. Later on Crown Prince Frederik took the opportunity of demonstrating his abilities as a dogsledge driver, arousing

Crown Princess Mary’s charming enthusiasm. »Fantastic« was a frequently used word during the royal couple’s press conference in Qaanaaq on 1 July. »It has been like an immense glimpse of brightness. The weather has been superb, and it has been extremely enjoyable to accompany my wife to Greenland for the first time. It is a fantastic experience to meet all the well-known faces from my last visit – so many memories start emerging«, Crown Prince Frederik told the press. Crown Princess Mary expressed her enthusiasm about her first encounter with Greenland. »I have received so many impressions. The Greenlandic population is exceptionally friendly and warm-hearted. And the nature is so fantastic.« After the visit to Qaanaaq the royal family was airborne to »Daneborg« through Mestersvig, East Greenland. There they visited the SIRIUS Sledge Patrol. Afterwards, the royal family was flown to the flagship »Thetis«, which sailed the royalty to Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund), the last locality during this royal Greenland expedition.

The long journey is over. The Crown Prince showed his wife glimpses of what Greenland has to offer, and the Greenlandic population received our new Crown Princess with warmth and immense joy.

Affix post stamp here Stamp of the Year 2003

Vote for the 2004 stamp of the Year

www.stamps.gl

stamps@tele.gl

GREENLAND

3913 TASIILAQ

Source: www.leksikon.org

P.O.Box 121

that geologically Greenland is one of the oldest territories and dates back more than 3.8 billion years?

FILATELIA

Did you know ...

a draw for 10 »consolation prizes« in the form of beautiful Greenlandic philatelic gifts. As always, we will make the draw from all the ballots received.

Take part in the vote for the »2004 Greenland Stamp of the Year«. Fill in this coupon and mail it to POST Greenland, Filatelia in Tasiilaq or visit www.stamps.gl and vote on-line.

Deadline for forwarding your ballot is Monday 1 November 2004.

The winner of the first prize and the winning stamp will be announced in the Greenland Collector, December 2004.

POST GREENLAND

Repeating the success for the sixth consecutive year we ask our collectors, readers and others interested to vote for the most beautiful Greenland stamp of this year.

Each of the 18 stamps POST Greenland is issuing during 2004 is eligible for a vote. See the reproductions of the stamps on the back of this coupon. Only one vote per person is allowed.

Once again we will have a draw for a beautiful first prize. This year the prize will be two wooden figures carved by an artist from Tasiilaq. In addition, we will hold

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FORWARD THIS PART

Town:

Address:

Name:

Customer no.

Only one vote pr. person

Country:

Postal code:

Telephone no.:

Email address:

10

G

My favourite is no.:

G-319 G-325 G-331

G-320 G-326 G-332

6

G-321 G-327 G-333

G-322 G-328 G-334

G-323 G-329 G-335

G-324 G-330 G-336

KEEP THIS PART

The 2004 Christmas Seal

Visit Copenhagen exhibition

»Frimærker i Forum« 5 to 7 November 2004 TEXT BY LARS ANKER-MØLLER

Another exciting philatelic year has gone by with issues of several beautiful stamps, not forgetting the special issue in connection to the royal wedding, which took place on 14 May.

The Christmas seals will only be on sale until 31 December 2004.

This year a sheet contains 30 Christmas Seals, at DKK 40.00.

In accordance with a joint agreement, POST Greenland is handling the distribution and sale of the Greenland Christmas Seal again this year. Juullip Nipitittagaa, the Greenland Christmas Seal Committee, will issue the Seal.

Orders, changes of address or questions concerning your Christmas Seal subscription should be directed to: Juullip Nipitittagaa The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee Phone: (+299) 98 18 33 Fax: (+299) 98 18 34

All of these beautiful stamps can be seen at our stand at »Frimærker i Forum 2004« as well as presentations and cultural features. This year the main activities taking place at POST Greenland’s stand are: • • • • •

Arctic animals Exhibiting the theme »Greenlandic Mythology« Carving of a large ice block Creation of handicraft Presentations on: mythology – arctic ice and its secrets – arctic animals • Samples of food cooked using Greenlandic plants As always at the stand it will be possible to purchase the philatelic items on our sales list, not forgetting the newest issue on 18 October 2004.

We will bring along the day cancellation from Tasiilaq and the exhibition cancellation produced for »Forum 2004«.

The Christmas mailbox will also be brought along this year, via which you may send yourself – and others – a Christmas greeting from the native land of Santa Claus, Greenland.

We look forward to welcoming old as well as new customers at »Frimærker i Forum« from 5 to 7 November!

Practical information: Place: »Forum«in Copenhagen Julius Thomsens Plads 1 1925 Frederiksberg C

True to tradition, The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee would like to keep the design as well as the artist a secret until the actual issue date of the Christmas Seal. This year the Christmas Seal will be announced on 27 October and will go on sale on 28 October 2004.

Use the back of this order form to make your order.

REMEMBER: If you already subscribe to Greenland Christmas Seals you do not need to send in this order form. In this case you will receive your subscription shortly after the issue date.

Methods of Payment – The Christmas Seal Committee Payments to The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee must be made to: The Bank of Greenland, P.O. Box 1033, 3900 Nuuk, GREENLAND. Account No.: 6471 – 1406970. IBAN: DK2564710001406970, BIC: GRENGLGX or to: BG Bank A/S, Girostrøget 1, 0800 Høje Taastrup, DENMARK. Account No.: 1199 – 6 0072868.

IBAN: DK8630000060072868, BIC: DABADKKK.

Entrance fee:

DKK 20.00 Opening hours: Friday 5 November 2004 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday 6 November 2004 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday 7 November 2004 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Continued on the next page

Affix post stamp here

Naturally, payments may still be made in cash, by cheque, credit card or by international reply coupons made out to:

You may pay for your 2005 Christmas Seals in advance, provided you enclose an explanatory letter.

The Greenland Christimas Seal Commitee P.O.Box 19 3913 Tasiilaq GREENLAND

It is not possible to use POST Greenland’s giro account numbers in Denmark and abroad, since the Greenland Christmas Seal Committee and POST Greenland are two separate companies.

PHOTO: PER SVENDSEN

sheets of normal Christmas Seals at DKK 40.00

Christmas spirit outside Our Savior’s Church, Nuuk New Souvenir Folder on

N AV I G AT I O N I N G R E E N L A N D The four ships stamps presented on page 6 are also available in this beautiful folder, which includes a short description dealing with the four vessels »Constance«, »Disko«, »Julius Thomsen« and »Misigssût««. This is the third of four souvenir folders issued in connection with our popular series reflecting a thousand years of navigation in Greenlandic waters.

Country:

Town: Postcode:

Address:

Name:

I would like to order

YES please,

NB: If you already subscribe to the Greenland Christmas Seal, you do not need to send in this order form.

Juullip Nipitittagaa

The Greenland Christmas Seal Committee, P.O. Box 19, 3913 Tasiilaq, GREENLAND.

01303020 Souvenir Folder »Navigation in Greenland III« 18.10.2004 DKK 51.00

Juullimi pilluaritsi

Glædelig jul

The Christmas Stamps 2004

Kalaallit Nunaat Grønland NINA SPORE KREUTZMANN del.

TEXT BY NINA SPORE KREUTZMANN

The two designs I have chosen to illustrate on this year’s Christmas stamps arose from pure curiosity. Curiosity to learn how you were dressed in the 1920’s to 1940’s. What was usually eaten at festive events such as Christmas? Which traditions were kept and what has sprung from them? Also to chat pleasantly with the senior citizens, who remember these times and from whom you always learn something by listening.

Clearly the exterior influences and Danish traditions have been studied and the fact that Greenlanders have adopted a great part of these.

The illustration of »orpiliaq« (orpiliaq = an artificial tree), made from juniper twigs, is one of the »inventions«. Who was the originator of the idea we will probably never know, but it must have made an impression – the large green tree with candles and coloured paper cones!

The illustration on the other Christmas stamp is the colourful »naneruarfik« (naneruarfik = lantern with candle), which must also have made a great impression. Children, walking from house to house carol singing and carrying lanterns sending out a broad spectre of warm light into the winter night, is irresistible to many people. Coloured paper was saved for making the lanterns, which were mainly made by the children themselves.

Particularly the clothes were exciting to illustrate during the designing of the stamps. Since the designs originate from before colour photos were common, the choice of colours has mainly been guesswork on my part.

www.stamps.gl Following our Final Sale on 31 March 2004 we can now publish the following sales figures: Item No.

Title

DKK

Issue Date

Sales

01100261

The wild reindeer hunt

5.50

21.02.2000

196,359

01100275

Farewell to the land

5.00

05.02.2001

275,244

01100280

»Europa« 2001

15.00

09.05.2001

139,987

01100290

Drum. Cultural heritage III

4.50

05.03.2002

272,029

01100291

Mask. Cultural heritage III

4.75

05.03.2002

239,028

ANNIVERSARY COIN SOLD OUT On 30 July 2004 the anniversary coin in the A6 card was sold out. The coin was issued on 14 May 2004 on the occasion of the royal wedding. The stock figure amounts to 736 pcs.

2004

01100335 Christmas Stamp 1/04 Issue date: 18.10.2004 DKK: 5.00 50 stamps per sheet Format: B-horizontal Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Artist: Nina Spore Kreutzmann Outside measurements: 31.08 mm x 23.60 mm

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01100336 Christmas Stamp 2/04 Issue date: 18.10.2004 DKK: 5.50 50 stamps per sheet Format: B-horizontal Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent Artist: Nina Spore Kreutzmann Outside measurements: 31.08 mm x 23.60 mm

01301109 Christmas Stamp Booklet No. 9 Issue date: 18.10.2004 DKK: 63.00 Printing method: Offset Paper: TR4 yellow fluorescent The booklet contains self-adhesive stamps

Final sale on 30 november 2004 The following stamps will be withdrawn from our sales list on 30 November 2004, provided they are not sold out prior to this date. Any remaining stocks will be shredded.

01100283. 16.10.2001 »Stamps never issued« – Northern Lights DKK 5.75 01100299. 21.10.2002 ICES 100 years – Greenland Shark DKK 7.00

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01100300. 21.10.2002 ICES 100 years – Redfish DKK 19.00 01100303. 12.03.2003 Sledge dog puppies DKK 4.50 01100304. 12.03.2003 Portrait of a sledge dog DKK 4.75

www.stamps.gl

01100317. 20.10.2003 Christmas Stamp 1/03 DKK 5.00 01100318. 20.10.2003 Christmas Stamp 2/03 DKK 5.50 01302001. 14.01.1997 Stamp machine booklet No. 1 DKK 20.00 01302002. 20.10.2003 Stamp machine booklet No. 2 DKK 20.00 01301108. 20.10.2003 Christmas Stamp Booklet No. 8 DKK 63.00

News from POST Greenland On Monday 18 October 2004 the regular day cancellations at the post offices in 3961 Uummannaq and the settlement Atammik at 3912 Maniitsoq respectively will be replaced. The replacements are required due to wear and tear. Envelopes to be cancelled with the last and first day cancellations must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia no later than Friday 15 October 2004.

Exhibition cancellations: POST Greenland will participate in the following stamp exhibitions: »Tag der Briefmarke« 04, »Sindelfingen«, 29 to 31 October 2004 »Frimærker i Forum 2004«, Copenhagen, 5 to 7 November 2004 Special Greenland cancellations will be produced for the two above-mentioned exhibitions.

Envelopes to be cancelled with these two special cancellations must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia no later than the day before the opening of the respective exhibitions.

POST Greenland will also participate in the following exhibitions up until the end of 2004: »Nordposta 2004«, Hamburg, Germany, 25 to 26 September 2004 – »Aalborg Philatelist Klubs 80-års Jubilæumsudstilling«, Aalborg, Denmark, 9 to 10 October 2004 – »Frimærksmessan«, Helsinki, Finland, 29 to 31 October 2004 - »Randers Juleudstilling«, Randers, Denmark, 4 to 5 December 2004.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no special cancellations for the four above-mentioned exhibitions.

The cancellation advertisement »2412 Santa Claus Greenland« will be used on all outgoing mail from POST Greenland, Filatelia in 3913 Tasiilaq during the period from 18 October to 30 December 2004.

The advertisement cancellation »Send juleposten i god tid« (Post Early For Christmas) will be used in the stamp cancellation machines during the period from 8 October to 4 December 2004 at the following 8 Greenland post offices: 3900 Nuuk (Godthåb) 3910 Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) 3911 Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg) 3912 Maniitsoq (Sukkertoppen) 3920 Qaqortoq (Julianehåb) 3950 Aasiaat (Egedesminde) 3952 Ilulissat (Jakobshavn) 3970 Pituffik (Thule Air Base) In addition the advertisement will be used in the stamp cancellation machines during the period at POST Greenland, Filatelia in Tasiilaq.

Franked and addressed letters to be day cancelled with this advertisement are to be sent directly to the post offices in the towns mentioned above.

During the period 1 - 25 December the post office in 3910 Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) will also use the advertisement cancellation »Christmas Greetings from Greenland« in the stamp cancellation machine.

Franked and addressed letters to be day cancelled with this cancellation are to be sent directly to: POST Greenland Blok L 3910 Kangerlussuaq GREENLAND During the period 1 - 24 December 2004 Santa Claus will use his very own special cancellation on all outgoing mail. Franked and addressed letters to be cancelled with Santa Claus's cancellation are to be sent to POST Greenland, Filatelia no later than 23 December 2004.

WORTH Please send your orders/amendments to: POST Greenland, Filatelia P.O. Box 121, 3913 Tasiilaq, GREENLAND Phone: (+45) 7026 0550 and (+299) 98 11 55 Fax: (+299) 98 14 32 Email: stamps@tele.gl

KNOWING… Finland: SAMPO BANK, UNIONINKATU 22, 00075, SAMPO. Account No.: 800016-70617928.

IBAN: Fi2580001670617928, BIC: PSPBFiHH

Any changes in name, address and/or subscription must be received by POST Greenland, Filatelia no later than 5 weeks prior to an issue.

When exchanging stamps worth more than DKK 100.00, POST Greenland, Filatelia charges a fee of 45% of the face value. No more than 3 exchanges per customer per year are allowed. The maximum annual value of exchanged stamps per customer cannot exceed DKK 50.000 in nominal value. The old stamps (stamps that are no longer on our sales list) are always exchanged into new stamps (stamps on our sales list) of the customer’s choice.

The fee of 45% must always be paid in cash and is, therefore, not payable using other stamps. For further information please contact POST Greenland, Filatelia.

The Netherlands: Postbank NV, Account No.: 3487172.

IBAN: NL92 PSTB 0003 4871 72, BIC: PSTBNL21 Switzerland: Postscheckamt, Office de cheques postaux, Ufficio dei conti correnti postali, 4040 Basel. Account No.: 40-6773-5.

IBAN: CH37 0900 0000 4000 6773 5, BIC: POFiCHBE Germany: Postbank, Niederlassung Hamburg, – berseering 26, 22297 Hamburg.

Account No.: 541414200 BLZ 200 100 20.

IBAN: DE03 2001 0020 0541 414200, BIC: PBNKDEFF United Kingdom: Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank plc., Bridle Road, Bootle, Merseyside, Liverpool GIR 0AA. Account No.: 358 7118.

IBAN: GB69GIRB72000003587118

NOTE: Please do not write your order on a giro transfer form as computers process these automatically.

Luxembourg: Postes et Telecommunications, Division des Postes, Service des Cheques Postaux, Secretariat, 38 Place de la Gare, 1090 Luxembourg.

Account No.: 26606-28.

IBAN: LU18 1111 0266 0628 0000, BIC: CCPLLULL

How to pay: By giro: Denmark: BG Bank A/S, Girostr_get 1, 0800 Høje Taastrup, Account No.: 1199-940 4120 IBAN: DK98 30000009404120, BIC: DABADKKK

France: La Poste, Centre Régional Des Services Financiers, de la Poste en ile-de-France, 16 rue de Favorites, 75900 Paris. Account No.: 250.01 F020.

IBAN: FR51 3004 1000 0100 2500 1 F02 022, BIC: PSSTFRPPPAR

Sweden: Postgirot Bank AB (publ) Vasagatan 7, 105 06 Stockholm. Account No.: 41 45-9.

IBAN: SE9795000099602600041459, BIC: NDEASESS

If you transfer an amount from outside Denmark through our giro account 1199-940 4120 in Copenhagen, Euro Giro will charge you a fee for each transaction.

Norway: Postbanken, Kunderegister Bedrift, 0021 Oslo. Account No.: 7878.06.55312.

IBAN: NO44 78780655312, BIC: DNBANOKK

Cheque: - in your own currency.

Cash: - to be sent by registered mail.

Postal order IRC (IBRS) - International reply coupons: value DKK 6.00 each.

One year deadline for claims Any claims concerning stamps and philatelic items purchased from POST Greenland must reach POST Greenland, Filatelia, no later than one year dated from the last day of the month in which the items were dispatched. The date of the postmark or the invoice is valid as the date of dispatch.

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Fees for registered letters and parcels dispatched from Greenland Fees for registered letters in Greenland or to Denmark and the Faroes are DKK 35.00. E.g.: Postage for a registered letter stamped with DKK 5.50 (max. 20 g) comes to a total of DKK 40.50. For postage on letters to Scandinavia, Europe and other countries, see: www.post.gl Payment within 30 days Payment of our invoices is to be made within 30 days from the date of the invoice.

We kindly ask you to note that the registration of your payment will take approximately 2 weeks or more. Therefore, you may receive an invoice with a balance, which does not include your recent payment.

All information on prices, fees etc. are subject to printer’s errors.

Credit cards: Access, Eurocard, Maestro, JCB, MasterCard, VISA, VISA Election.

We are your service team We are the people you reach whenever you write, fax, email, or telephone POST Greenland.

Some of us have been here for several years whilst others are fairly new. We look forward to being of service to you regarding your philatelic inquiries.

Anja Panduro Pedersen, Sales Assistant Danish, English, German

Lene Skov Meyhoff Correspondent Danish, Enlish, German

Helene Tukula Trainee Danish, English

Kristian »Karé« Pivat Assistant Clerk Greenlandic, Danish

Holger Amelung Sales assistant Danish, English, German

Lars Anker-Møller Head of Sales Danish, English, German

Pertti Frandsen Head of Production Danish, English, German

The 2004 Year Pack

REMEMBER OUR YEARLY DRAW

KALAALLIT NUNAAT • FRIMÆRKIT GRØNLAND • FRIMÆRKER G R E E N L A N D • S TA M P S GRÖNLAND • BRIEFMARKEN

PHOTO: MB

In the beginning of November we will draw for a walrus tooth with Greenlandic carvings at a value of DKK 8,000 among all our subscribers.

If you have already taken out a subscription to POST Greenland’s stamps and/or philatelic items you will automatically participate in the draw.

A general draw will be arranged among all subscribers.

In addition to the main prize a draw for 10 »consolation prizes«, in the shape of beautiful Greenland philatelic gifts, will take place.

The winner of the main prize will be announced in the last edition of the Greenland Collector, which is issued in mid December.

The 2004 Year Pack contains the 18 stamps and the 4 souvenir sheets issued by POST Greenland during 2004.

The main event in 2004 for the Danish Commonwealth was the royal wedding on 14 May. A fantastic stage was set when Crown Prince Frederik got his Mary in »Vor Frue Kirke« (the cathedral) in Copenhagen; I think half of the kingdom dropped a tear at this incredibly romantic royal wedding.

Santa Claus

Way, way up north, far from civilisation and close to the nature.

The story of Santa Claus is founded on an old Greenlandic legend. A polar bear wandering about meets a strange shining figure, who bestows a special assignment upon the polar bear: to protect a woman, who is to give birth to an exceptional boy child.

To solve the assignment the polar bear receives a wishing spirit, a magical stone and a human form. Two children, Eqaluk and Appa, and a former troll accompany Santa Claus on his

POST Greenland, Postverk Forøya and Post Danmark also celebrated it as a great philatelic event with a joint issue within the Danish Commonwealth issuing two stamps and a souvenir sheet with the newly wed Crown Prince couple, Frederik and Mary shown in a beautiful profile portrait.

The 2004 Year Pack may be pre-ordered now!

In the next issue, read about quest and all three of them become the good helpers of Santa Claus.

High spirited Santa Claus solves his assignments and more and more evidently steps into the character as the Santa Claus we know today, with the red suit and the characteristic Greenland sealskin top boots, the reindeer sledge and the royal estate.

Every year Santa Clause receives several thousands of letters from children worldwide.

Send your letters to Santa Claus: SANTA CLAUS 2412 NUUK GREENLAND Website: www.santa.gl

• Christmas in Greenland • Edible Greenlandic fungi • »Save the Children« in Greenland • 100th anniversary of the Greenlandic Church Law • »Europa« theme – Gastronomy • The winner of the »Greenland Stamp of the Year 2004« competition • The winner of the annual draw among subscribers • Report from the »Frimærker i Forum 2004« exhibition • Final sale on 31 March 2005 • The Glacier of Ilulissat • And much more ...

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Write to

TEXT BY LARS ANKER-MØLLER

If you have not taken out a subscription yet, there is still time! The deadline for the reception of your subscription and participation in the draw is 18 October 2004.