The Melavöllur Stadium 100th Anniversary
On 4th May 2011 Iceland Post issued 5 different stamps on famous stadium parks,Concert hall and University of Iceland.
The Melavöllur Stadium was a sports stadium constructed in 1911 by the The Reykjavík Sports Federation in an area called Melar in the western part of Reykjavík. The first tournament which was held there was sponsored by the Iceland Youth Organization (UMFÍ) on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of President Jón Sigurðsson. Originally the stadium had a 400m race track, a gravel soccer field and facilities for track and field.
Austurvöllur is a park in the center of Reykjavík. A statue of Jón Sigurðsson, hero of Icelandic independence is in the center of the park. Around Austurvöllur there are many of the more remarkable buildings of the city, among them the Parliament building, Hotel Borg, the building of the National Telegraph and the Reykjavik Cathedral. Austurvöllur is a popular destination among city people on sunny days.
The Parliament park is the oldest and best preserved park adjoining an official building in Iceland. The preparation for the park started with discussions in Parliament in August 1893. In just one day this venerable institution changed into something akin to a speech club on garden organisation. A committee of parliamentarians suggested that a small amusement park be constructed south of the parliament building where “parliamentarians can sit and walk for their own enjoyment.
Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Concert Centre
A striking addition to the Icelandic and European cultural scene, Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre opened its doors to the public on May 4th 2011. Harpa will offer a diverse range of performances, from classical to contemporary, and it will be home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera. A stamp sheet has been issued by Iceland Post to commemorate the opening of Harpa.
The University of Iceland – 100th Anniversary
The University of Iceland was founded in 1911, uniting three former Icelandic schools of Theology, Medicine and Law. In addition there was a faculty of humanities. During its first year of operation 45 students were enrolled. The first Rector of the university was Björn M. Ólsen, a professor in the faculty of humanities. The current Rector of the University of Iceland is Dr. Kristín Ingólfsdóttir, the first woman to hold this position. The University was originally housed in the Icelandic Parliament building but in 1940 it moved into the University’s main building.
The University offers diverse fields of study along with continuing education. In recent years there has been some major restructuring. In 2008 the university was divided into five different schools with 25 faculties. Simultaneously, Iceland University of Education was merged with the University of Iceland to become its School of Education.
: Iceland Post – Nordic Stamps
Club News
National Numismatic Exhibition
May 6-8: Bangalore, Timings: 10am to 7 pm
Organizers: Marudhar Arts
Venue: The Bell Hotel, Adjacent to City Railway Station & Opposite Majestic Bus Station
Website: www.marudhararts.com/exhi.php
Mudhar Arts is organising its first National Numismatic Exhibition from May 6 to May 8. The exhibition will give Bangaloreans a sneak peek into the rich heritage of our country and other countries and the opportunity to discover interesting stories behind the various coins, stamps and notes.
The exhibition will showcase coins, stamps and bank notes from all over the world. The first postage stamp to be printed will also be put on display apart from coins and notes from the various kingdoms like the Mughals, Persians, British and others. Visitors can get to see different coins and bank notes from India and other parts of the world. One can also see the different materials used to mint coins and make notes. Coins were minted and stamps are printed for various occasions and festivals. One can also observe the occasions that were celebrated by the various kings and rulers of the past at the exhibition.
