7th Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition (with photo)
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    The exhibition for winning entries of the 7th Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition will be held at the Exhibition Gallery 4-5, Hong Kong Central Library, from April 12 to 16, 2006, the Postmaster General, Mr Allan Chiang, announced today (March 27).

     This annual exhibition has drawn interest from the community and proved popular with many young people who eagerly participated in the competition. It is organised by Hongkong Post with support from the Education and Manpower Bureau as co-organiser. By taking part in the competition, students from different schools are encouraged to develop their understanding of stamp themes while at the same time sharing an enthusiasm for philately and increasing their knowledge of stamp collecting.

     "We are always pleased with both the number and the quality of entries for this particular competition, which aims to bring philately to the interest of Hong Kong youngsters," Mr Chiang said. "Every stamp has its own fascinating story to tell, and, by entering this competition, children become further involved in the research, writing and presentation of their exhibits.  These are important skills which will help these children in their education.Ħħ

     The Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition has been enthusiastically received over the years and brings together participating students, their teachers, friends and families, and also broadens their horizons as they meet competitors from different schools. The best entries will be presented in a display with other stamp exhibits at the exhibition venue.

     The exhibition is open to the public and admission is free. As well as displaying the exhibits from students, the exhibition will provide an interesting array of activities including philatelic workshops and guided tours, all specifically designed to foster a broader interest in stamps. A Hongkong Post sales booth will be available at the venue, where customers will be able to redeem 10 cancelled Alphabet Stamps for every purchase of $50, together with one serviced cover affixed with Heartwarming Stamps imprinted with the 7th Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition logo for every purchase of $100.  Both of these items will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.  Customers should note that the sales booth will not accept mail for delivery.

     This year the exhibition is to be held during the Easter holidays, which means families can visit the venue and view the exhibits together as an enjoyable family outing.

     The opening hours of the exhibition are from 12.30pm to 6pm on April 12, 2006, from 11am to 6pm on April 13-15, 2006, and 11am to 4pm on April 16, 2006, making it an ideal opportunity for a pleasant yet educational family activity during the Easter holidays.

     "This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for families to join together in celebration of the abilities of Hong Kong youngsters. It has grown to be welcomed by schools, teachers, students and parents alike,ĦħMr Chiang said. "It is always gratifying to see how much effort the students put in to ensure that the quality of their stamp exhibits is high and it is equally satisfying to see the number of participating schools and entries growing each year."'

     To commemorate the event this year, Hongkong Post will issue a souvenir cover and make available a special postmark on April 12, 2006. A commemorative cachet for stamping covers will also be available between April 12 and 16.  Souvenir covers will be available for sale for $2 each at 39 philatelic offices from March 29 to April 12. Serviced souvenir covers, at $5.90 each, (affixed with a $1.40 definitive stamp, applied with the cachet and cancelled with the special postmark of 12 April 2006) will be available for sale at 39 Philatelic Offices and at the exhibition venue on April 12. A hand-back datestamping service for official and privately-made covers bearing an indication of the event and a local address will also be provided at 39 philatelic offices and at the exhibition venue on April 12.

     More information is available from Hongkong Post online at  www.hongkongpost.com or by phone at 2921 2222.

Ends/Monday, March 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:50

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