COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

Hans Christian Andersen

Issue Date: 28th October 2005







The Stanley Infant & Junior School is proud to share an anniversary with Hans Christian Andersen, one of the world's greatest story tellers. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Andersen's birth in Odense, Denmark as well as the 50th anniversary of the building of Stanley Infant & Junior School.

The School was built in 1955 and officially opened on June 11th of that year. Since that time periodic extensions have been added, culminating in the wonderful new extension completed in 2003 and opened by HRH Prince Andrew. The Islands have a Primary School which provides excellent facilities to meet the needs of children, staff and parents. The centre piece of the School is the spacious Library providing a focus for literacy. Listening to, sharing and enjoying stories has, is and always will be a central facet of Primary Education in The Islands.

Hans Christian Andersen's stories have, since they were published, played an important role in school life throughout the world. In this the Falkland Islands are no exception. Generation upon generation of Falkland children have been brought up enjoying, amongst others, stories such as The Tinder Box, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling. The stories have stood the test of time and are a tribute to the genius of a master story teller.

Andersen came from a very poor background, but had a father who valued books. He learned old folk tales from women in the Odense Workhouse which he used as a framework for some of his later writing. Despite initial setbacks after moving to Copenhagen he became increasingly successful, writing more than one-hundred and fifty fairytales that have been translated into over 100 languages.

Because of his wonderful tales, Andersen became known as the greatest writer in Denmark, and one of the world's most beloved children's authors. One of the greatest gifts that can be given to a child, apart from the love of a parent, safe keeping from danger and a full stomach, is the gift of literacy.

The King of Denmark has declared that this, the Anniversary year, should be an opportunity for international encouragement of children to learn to read. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) supports and indeed has published his work in their collection. There is a Hans Christian Andersen Foundation based in Denmark which has spread to twelve other countries so far which is run purely and simply to promote the concept of general international literacy. Ambassadors have been appointed in no less than forty five countries with such luminaries as Sir Roger Moore, Sir David Frost, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Crown Princess Elizabeth of Denmark and Geoffrey Rush. His stories are clear and to a great extent educational although not every one (eg. The Little Match Girl) ends happily.

Andersen stands as an example of someone who, through determination and application, has from small beginnings made a success of his life.

Andersen's legacy to children is therefore twofold. Firstly, the magical stories he has given the world. Secondly, that with commitment it is possible to succeed no matter what our background.

Four designs have been produced and each, whilst staying true to the spirit of the original story, incorporates images and wildlife from the Falkland Islands themselves to create a very unusual blend of local influence which will be recognised at home and abroad.

18p - The Little Mermaid - this design shows a group of children sitting outside listening avidly as their teacher reads from the works of Hans Christian Andersen. In the background, The Little Mermaid is seen watching the ship bearing her beloved Prince sail away whilst in the sea can be seen a local Redfish and Moonfish.

30p - The Snowman stands outside a typical Falklands House with the yard-dog, represented by a Collie used for sheep herding. Both can see the reflection of the stove and long to be close to it. "You must never go in there," said the yard-dog, "for if you approach the stove, you'll melt away, away."

45p - The Ugly Duckling is being laughed at by a group of local birds, whilst his reflection in the pond prophetically shows the graceful and beautiful Black Necked Swan that he will become.

£1 - After escaping marriage to a toad and a mole, Thumbelina is shown sitting with her tiny prince on the leaves of a Pimpernel Flower. Her saviour, a Chilean Swallow, sings the wedding song, from whence our story comes.

Each stamp carries a Logo based on the school badge, which is repeated on the first day cover envelope. An amusing cancellation, based on the winning design for a school logo shows an adult Penguin teaching arithmetic to a class of youngsters.

Technical details:-

Designer: Julian Vasarhelyi
Printer: BDT Security Printing Ltd
Process: Lithography
Perforation: 14 per 2cms
Stamp size: 28.45 x 42.58mm
Sheet Layout: 50 (2 x 25)
Release date: 28th October 2005
Production Co-ordination: Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

The Philatelic Bureau would also like to acknowledge the contribution of John Farrow, a former Headteacher of the Stanley Infant Junior School for his assistance in compiling the liner detail.



Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited