It's Almost Our Anniversary!

Reminder: Just three days to go until our official 15th Anniversary and next stamp issue! Along with our celebratory stamp, we will be issuing FDCs and Maxi Cards, plus we will be offering some discounted deals on Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK!

Time for Collecting!

 As October's nights draw-in quicker each evening as we enter the Autumn (Fall) in the Northern Hemisphere, it's time to dust-off stamp collections and stock books, including Local Posts and Cinderella stamps!

Off course, CILP stamps should be represented in your collection, so visit our philatelic agent Alpha Thematics, and grab yourself an issue or two. 

Our next stamp issue will be on 10 November 2025, marking our 15th anniversary and I hope you will join us in celebrating our birthday. We also plan to offer some discounted special deals to collectors to mark the event.

Postmaster

"Victory 1945" Commemorative Cover

CILP has released a limited edition Commemorative Cover (CPC7) on 15 August 2025 to celebrate the Allied victory in 1945 and the end of the Second World War. It Bears both our VE Day and VJ Day 80th Anniversary stamps with their respective First Day Issue cancellations of 8th May 2025 and 15 August 2025, this cover is a unique collectible that will never be repeated. Only ten covers have been produced.

Obtain your unique cover (without red proof lines) from  Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

New Issue: VJ Day 80th Anniversary 1945-2025

The CILP is delighted to announce the release of its VJ Day 80th Anniversary stamp issue on 15 August 2025.

CP073

The stamp shows celebrating ground crews of No.365 Squadron RAF based on the Cocos Keeling Islands in the Pacific on 14th August 1945, on hearing the news of the imminent surrender of Imperial Japanese forces on the 15th August. An American built B-24 Liberator bomber can be seen in the background.

FDP15 Maxi Card

The stamp issue is accompanied by the release of a First Day Cover (FDC25) and Maxi Card (FDP17). The Maxi Card has a stamp affixed on the obverse and reverse, both with First Day Issue cancellation. 

FDC25 FDC

In addition, a Commemorative Cover (CPC7) entitled 'Victory 1945', bearing both the VE Day and VJ Day 80th Anniversary stamps with their respective First Day Issue cancellations, has been produced.

CILP stamps and covers (without red proof lines) are available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

Update: CILP Cinderella Stamps Catalogue

CILP's forthcoming comprehensive catalogue is at the final stages of preparation and due to enter its proof reading stage next month. 

We are excited about publishing it as soon as possible, but our original publication date of 10 November 2025 to coincide with our fifteen anniversary, has been pushed back to 8 December 2025. This is due to the additional stamps scheduled to be released in the last quarter of the year, and we wanted to include all the details of these extra issues in the catalogue.

It will make an ideal addition to any Cinderella stamps collector's library and an easy gift for family or friends to buy as it will be available on Amazon for Christmas!

Postmaster

Women's European Champions 2025 Cover

It is with great pleasure that we announce the release of a commemorative cover to celebrate the England Women's football team winning back-to-back UEFA European Championship! This is an addition to our published schedule but CILP could not let this outstanding achievement in women's sport go past without marking the event.

CPC6

CILP stamps and covers are available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

New: Travelling Local Post Cancellation

The Travelling Local Post c.d.s. was introduced on 24 July 2025 to accompany the Postmaster or authorised volunteer postal staff, when delivery of large or heavy mail, or standard contract mail is required, and travelling to the mainland UK is necessary.

This also includes any requirement for motorised delivery for priority items which is occasionally required for large packets and heavy parcels that normally would take too long to reach their destination via local standard or express services, or by normal onward transit through mainland postal services. 

Its inaugural use was on mail and postcards posted on the mainland by the new Travelling Local Post Mobile Service on 25 July 2025.

Postmaster

New Issue: Heritage Series - Laundry Delivery c.1930

CILP is pleased to announce the release on 25 July 2025 of our latest stamp issue from our Heritage Series, Laundry Delivery c.1930. This issue features the Postmaster's maternal grandmother and great-grandfather delivering clean laundry on their horse-drawn cart c.1930.

Laundry Delivery c.1930 (CP072)

A First Day Cover and a Maxi Card have also been produced to accompany this stamp issue. 

Laundry Delivery c.1930 Maxi Card (FDP16)

CILP stamps are available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

Cover Service Extended to FDCs

CILP is pleased to announce that our Cover Service has now been extended to include a new option for pre-ordering First Day Covers and First Day Issue Postcards and Maxi Cards (when issued).

Service Option 'C' (see Cover Service page) enables collectors in the UK, Europe, North America and Oceania, to pre-order our new issue covers direct from CILP.

All orders will be despatched under separate cover bearing CILP stamps (and onward transit by Royal Mail UK 2nd Class or International Standard). A tracked shipping option is also available on request.

This service enables collectors to get covers sent to them directly on issue, and helps us to meet the demand for FDCs prior to their production and avoid leaving some collectors disappointed when cover stock is sold out quickly. 

The Cover Service now offers a full range of options for personalised covers bearing c.d.s. cancellations and Pictorial Postmarks, and pre-orders for FDCs and FDI Postcards.

Postmaster

Additional Stamp Issues for 2025

 Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) is pleased to announce that our stamp schedule has been extended with three new additions for 2025 and announcing our first issue for 2026. All these issues have elements of AI assisted design and our first foray into this new and exciting tool for stamp production. As usual, images of the stamps will be released on their respective issue dates.

River Thames Sailing Barge Definitives (20 November 2025)

This is our first stamp issue to be produced using AI assisted design. It features a central image of a River Thames sailing barge which were the most common commercial river transport for over two hundred years, reaching their peak in the mid-nineteenth century. The border and supporting legend are in a engraved style typical of the Edwardian period. The set of four stamps are non-value indicated (NVI) but are service indicated featuring Standard, Express, Priority, and Official services.

Cornelius Vermuyden (1 December 2025)

Released as part of our Heritage Series, this stamp depicts a portrait of Cornelius Vermuyden rising from the sea, with the Dutch Cottage landmark in the background. The design is a metaphor for the reclamation of large parts of Canvey Island from the River Thames by this Dutch Engineer and around 300 Dutchmen between 1621-23. It is an NVI stamp but has an Express service indicated, the whole design is in a photogravure style.

1960s Nostalgia Christmas (8 December 2025)

Recalling childhood days of Christmas in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this pair of stamps are produced in a colourful cartoon or poster style reminiscent of the period. They are NVI and no service is indicated either, having a nominal service allocated for the holiday season. A single stamp will be used for Standard delivery, and two stamps for Express or bicycle delivery.

 World Local Post Day (5 January 2026)

In anticipation of World Local Post Day in January 2026, we have produced a generic poster style stamp featuring a globe promoting the event. This is an NVI stamp with no service indicated and is intended to be used on all mail during the month of January.

First Day Covers

The issue of accompanying FDCs, First Day Issue Postcards and other philatelic material for these new releases has yet to be decided.

 

Postmaster 

Additions to 2025 Schedule

Following a review of possible future stamp designs for 2026 and beyond, and the adoption of some AI aided design features which makes detailed designs quicker to produce, it has been decided to add at least two further stamp issues to this year's releases. Once confirmed with our printer, these additional issues will be formally announced. Watch this space!

Postmaster

Music Notes Pictorial Postmark

 A new pictorial postmark was introduced on 14 June 2025. The Music Notes postmark will be applied to all outgoing mail bearing a Music Series stamp or suitable themed cover. 

Our first example of official use shows the Dr Feelgood stamp (CP069) on mail bound for the mainland to Wickford, Essex, England. 

Postmaster

New Issue: VE Day 80th Anniversary

CILP is pleased to announce the release on 8th May of our latest stamp issue for the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day 1945. This day marked the end of hostilities in Europe for the Second World War. A First Day Cover and a Maxi Card have also been produced to accompany this stamp issue. 

Victory in Europe Day 80th Anniversary (CP071)

CILP stamps are available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster 

Withdrawal of Online Stamp Catalogues

The CILP has reluctantly decided to withdraw from the public domain our illustrated  Online Catalogues covering 2010-2021.

Due to abuses of our Creative Commons licence by some bad agents and AI 'bot' stripping of our images without credit or permission, it has become necessary to remove the illustrated catalogues from our website. 

This is a double-edged sword as visitors will be unable to view the wide range of stamps we produce and available to collect, and we lose an important advertising medium. However, our 'Collector Checklist' page will be retained and the format has been updated to include thumbnail images for all issues.

For collectors who want an in-depth and fully illustrated catalogue of CILP issues and cinderella philatelic material, including full design details and background stories, a catalogue is being prepared for print release for our 15th Anniversary in November 2025. It will be available worldwide from Amazon and published by Flag House Press.

Postmaster

New Issue: Aviators No.3 - No.121 'Eagle' Squadron RAF

CILP is delighted to announce its second issue for 2025 and the third stamp in the Aviators Series. This is the first stamp in the series to salute a group of aviators rather than an individual, and it commemorates the American volunteers that served and flew in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WWII in the three famous ‘Eagle’ Squadrons. 

In particular CILP honours the men of No.121 Sqn. RAF, the second squadron formed from American volunteers in May 1941 who flew from various airfields in Essex including RAF Rochford (now London-Southend Airport), around twelve miles from Canvey Island. The squadron was formed on 14 May 1941 and originally flew Hawker Hurricanes then converted to Supermarine Spitfires, shooting down their first enemy aircraft on 15 November 1941. The squadron flew offensive missions over the English Channel and operated as bomber escorts.

CP070 - No.121 'Eagle' Sqn RAF

The design shows RAF Rochford in 1942 with staff watching a returning flight of Supermarine Spitfire MK VBs (cannon armed) of  No.121 'Eagle' Sqn. Alongside the period image (photo credit: IWM D 9509), is the official badge of the 'Eagle' squadrons.

Technically it was illegal under US law for them to serve in a foreign air force at war, but the contribution made by these American volunteers was greatly appreciated. In September 1942 the squadron was transferred from the RAF to the USAAF (along with No.71 and No.133 'Eagle' Sqns RAF), No.121 Sqn becoming the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, Eighth Airforce, USAAF. The No.121 RAF 'Eagle' Squadron was officially disbanded on 29 September 1942.  

A First Day Cover has been created for this issue and can be obtained along with mint stamps at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

New Cover Service!

The Canvey Island Local Post is delighted to introduce its new Cover Service. Following a successful trial, this service is now being introduced for all collectors in the United Kingdom.

The service is aimed at collectors who wish to obtain cancelled CILP stamps, including First Day Issue events, on personally addressed covers previously sent to the CILP.

All fees charged for the service will be used to finance the Canvey Island Local Post, stamp production, its website and associated services, to ensure its viability for the future.

Visit our Cover Service page for details.

Postmaster

Stamp Schedule for 2025!

Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) is pleased to confirm its stamp schedule for 2025. This year has significant WWII anniversaries so our offering this year does lean towards that era and a monochrome photographic theme – but not entirely! As usual, illustrations will be published nearer their scheduled release dates to maintain surprise and excitement!

Music Series: Dr Feelgood (6 January 2025)

Already issued. This stamp applauds Dr. Feelgood, an English pub rock band formed in 1971 on Canvey Island. It is the first stamp in our new Music Series, featuring local and international musicians with links to Canvey Island and the surrounding area.

(CP069) Dr Feelgood

Aviators Series: No.3 - ‘Eagle’ Sqn RAF (21 March 2025)

The third stamp in the series, and the first to salute a group of aviators rather than an individual, it commemorates the American volunteers that served and flew in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WWII in the famous ‘Eagle’ Squadrons.

In particular CILP honours the men of No. 121 Sqn. RAF who flew from airfields in Essex including RAF Rochford (now London-Southend Airport), around twelve miles from Canvey Island. A bonus for aviation fans is that the Supermarine Spitfire MKV features in the design!

VE Day (8 May 2025)

Celebrating the 80^th Anniversary of the guns falling silent in Western Europe in 1945, this issue is a colourful commemoration of the day. It features flag bunting of the major Allied nations and anniversary legend. A sobering reminder of what unified and determined allies can achieve together.

Heritage Series: Laundry Delivery (25 July 2025)

This issue has been planned for some time but was set aside due to other date critical commemorations. This issue is more special than most to me, as it features my maternal grandmother and great-grandfather delivering clean laundry on their horse-drawn cart c.1930.

 

VJ Day (15 August)

The second significant 80^th Anniversary of the year is Victory over Japan Day. The stamp features celebrating RAF personnel on the Cocos Islands on 14 August 1945, the day before the official declaration, with a USA made B-24 bomber in the background.

CILP 15^th Anniversary (10 November 2025)

To wrap-up the year CILP marks the fifteenth anniversary of its first stamp issue on 10 November 2010, with a multicoloured celebration of stamps on a stamp. Where has the time gone?

As usual all available CILP stamps can be obtained online from Alpha Thematics on ebid.net/uk.

 

Postmaster 

New Issue: Dr Feelgood 1971

Dr. Feelgood are an English pub rock band formed in 1971. Hailing from Canvey Island, Essex, they are best known for their original and distinctively British R&B sound that was centred on "Wilko" Johnson's choppy guitar style.

Dr. Feelgood 1971 (CP069)

Along with Johnson, the initial band line-up included singer Lee Brilleaux and the rhythm section of John B. Sparks, known as "Sparko", on bass guitar, and John Martin, known as "The Big Figure", on drums. Their most commercially productive years were the mid to late-1970s, with singles such as "She Does It Right", "Back in the Night", and "Milk and Alcohol".

This stamp has a print run of 140, and features a large mural by Liam Heatherson, painted on Canvey Island sea wall. It is the first stamp in a series featuring local and international musicians with links to Canvey Island and the surrounding area.

Dr. Feelgood stamp FDI Postcard (reverse)

A limited number of First Day Issue postcards have also been released.

CILP stamps are available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster