Spring Heralds New Stamps!

Spring is finally here! That means new stamp issues are being prepared for release to the wild in the coming months! I cannot "spill the beans" as to what our stamp schedule for 2024 looks like just yet, but it will include some great topical themes and local history. 

Our Aviation Series continues with a new stamp of an aircraft from 1962 that will be instantly recognisable. Plus the 80th Anniversary of D-Day 1944 will be commemorated, and historical transport and maritime history will feature in two other issues.

Rejected D-Day 80th Anniversary stamp design

The full 2024 schedule will be published as soon as the finished stamps have been received from our printer. Whilst we wait, designs for 2025 are well under way, including a new commemorative series featuring famous musicians that were born, lived, or sadly died on Canvey Island. We also plan a definitive series of notable Islanders throughout history, and there are some surprises!

Until next time...

Postmaster

Online and Printed Catalogues Update

 Updates of our illustrated Online Catalogue pages will be suspended from 20 February 2024. Current data in the public domain will remain available online but new issues will not be added to the catalogue listings until further notice. 

CILP has taken this decision due to possible misuse by some individuals, breaching our generous Creative Commons Licence.

Also, our website format and hosting limitations may restrict our ability to expand and accommodate the catalogue in its current format in future. A slimmed-down or 'light' version of the catalogue is being evaluated.

However, our Collector Checklist will be updated for new stamp issues and released as normal under our existing Creative Commons Licence.

A new illustrated and comprehensive printed catalogue covering all cinderella material relating to CILP since its foundation, is being prepared for publication. The First Edition of the CILPDEX catalogue will be available later this year and will be for sale worldwide online from our agent, Alpha Thematics. 

Visit the Canvey Island Local Post Category in the Alpha Thematics shop!

Postmaster 

New: Aviation History Series

 Aviation History Series: No.1 (1st November 2023)

On 1st November we issued our first stamp in a series concentrating on aircraft and local aviation history that occurred on, over, and around Canvey Island and the Thames Estuary.

The first stamp of the Aviation History Series shows the British United Air Ferries Bristol Superfreighter “Valiant” from 1966. These operated from several UK airports including Southend Airport (previously RAF Rochford and now London Southend Airport), approximately twelve miles from Canvey Island. 

BUAF Bristol Superfreighter

(CLP011123S / CP062)

These aircraft were a common sight flying over Canvey Island to Europe prior to the Channel Tunnel and the introduction of large capacity Ro-Ro ship car ferries to the continent. They are a vivid childhood memory for me (Postmaster).

This series runs concurrently with our Aviators Series. The first stamp of which was released on 27th September featuring Geoffrey R. de Havilland and the DH-108 Swallow. 

Aviation History Series and Aviators Series stamps can be obtained at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

CILP

CILP 2023 Stamp Issues Confirmed

After more than a year since our last stamp issue in February 2022, the CILP has produced seven new stamp issues for 2023 and early 2024. Images of our new stamps will be published after their respective issue dates.

Stamp print runs have been reduced by half for issues this year, as production costs have increased beyond which the CILP can operate as a self-financing organisation. Collector's are advised to obtain their stamps as soon as issued to avoid disappointment.

 

King Charles III Coronation (6 May 2023)

The first scheduled CILP stamp release for 2023 is for HM King Charles III’s Coronation Day on 6 May. This features a photo portrait of the new king seated in uniform. The stamp measures 39 x 42 mm and 200 have been printed on 20 sheets.

 

King Charles III CILP stamp (CP058)

 UK Armed Forces Day (24 June 2023)

Unlike many other countries, the United Kingdom (UK) does not have a long tradition of formally celebrating its armed forces with a special day. However, as a consequence of the Iraq and Afghanistan actions, it is now firmly an official commemoration in many communities in the UK.

To mark this year’s Armed Forces Day on 24 June, the CILP is releasing a stamp featuring a drawing of a British soldier advancing uphill. This is  taken from a WWII pamphlet circulated on Canvey Island c1943 to raise funds for the war effort.

 

National Health Service 75^th Anniversary (6 July 2023)

Using stocks of our previously issued 70^th NHS Anniversary stamp from 2018 (CP034), we are issuing a limited run of only 34 hand overprinted stamps to mark the NHS 75^th Anniversary. It is likely these stamps will only be used for local Island mail due to their limited number. 

 

Aviators Series: No.1 (27 September 2023)

Initial issue of an open stamp series featuring famous international aviators. The first stamp is dedicated to Geoffrey R. de Havilland and a DH 108 “Swallow” tail-less jet, which broke up in the air over the Thames Estuary near Canvey Island, killing the famous test pilot on 27 September 1946.

The stamp shows a period photo of the aircraft and an inset portrait of the pilot Geoffrey Raoul de Havilland OBE, the son of the famous aircraft designer and manufacturer.

 

Aviation History Series: No.1 (1 November 2023)

Initial issue of an open stamp series concentrating on aircraft and local aviation history that occurred on, over, and around Canvey Island and the Thames Estuary.

This stamp shows the British United Air Ferries Bristol Superfreighter “Valiant” from 1966, operating from Southend Airport, twelve miles from Canvey Island. These aircraft were a common sight flying over Canvey Island to Europe prior to the Channel Tunnel and Ro-Ro ship car ferries.

 

Aviation History Series: No.2 (1 December 2023)

The second stamp in the series also features an aircraft from the British Air Ferries fleet c1972. A total of 21 aircraft were converted to Carvair configuration by Air Traders (Engineering) Ltd.

The four engine ATL-98 Carvair transported motorists to Europe until it became uneconomic due to their limited payload. This aircraft is named “Fat Albert” and once operated from Southend Airport. Often seen flying over Canvey Island until 1979. An ATL-98 Carvair (registration G-ASDC) featured in the 1964 James Bond movie “Goldfinger.”

 

Aviators Series: No.2 (5 January 2024)

The famous pre-WWII aviator and long-distance record setter Amy Johnson CBE is the subject of the second stamp in this series. The stamp shows an Oxford Airspeed AS.10 and an inset portrait of Amy in leather flying helmet.

Johnson was ferrying the aircraft to an airfield in Kent in January 1941. Due to extremely poor weather, she flew off course and failed to reach her destination. The exact reason for her crash is unknown but it is assumed she was forced to bail-out over the Thames Estuary when her aircraft ran out of fuel. Her body was never recovered.

 

Collect CILP Stamps

Obtain new and past issues via our agent Alpha Philatelics on Ebid UK.

  

CILP Postmaster 

Stamp Schedule for 2023

Our stamp schedule for the coming year has not yet been finalised. However, we can confirm some aspects of our future stamps for 2023. 

Following the announcement of the coronation date of 6 May for HM King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, we are designing a stamp to commemorate the event for release in late April or early May 2023.

In addition, an overprint of our National Health Service stamp of 2018 will mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS in July. This will be a very limited issue.

To continue our commemoration of local history we are also proposing a set of stamps depicting significant aviation events that occurred on Canvey Island or nearby over the River Thames. This set may include the untimely deaths of Amy Johnson and Geoffrey R. de Havilland Jr., plus local aviation links involving an Avro 504 and other aircraft.

Once designs are confirmed further updates will be made. As stated at the end of last year, the print runs for stamps this year will be reduced from previous issues. You are advised to obtain your copies as soon as they are issued to avoid disappointment.

Postmaster 

CILP

New Year Greeting 2023

I would like to thank all regular visitors to the CILP website and collectors of Canvey Island Local Post stamps, for your support throughout 2022.

May I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year in 2023!

Postmaster

CILP

CILP Queen Elizabeth II Stamps to be Withdrawn

From 31 January 2023, all CILP stamps bearing the image or effigy of our late and beloved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, will be withdrawn from postal use.

In line with the UK Royal Mail's deadline to void non-barcoded definitive stamps bearing HM Queen Elizabeth's effigy from 31 January 2023, the CILP also considers this to be a suitable and respectful date to cease using our QEII local post stamps.

Unused stamps will still be available to collectors via our agent, Alpha Philatelics, but will no longer be applied to any local or international mail despatched or carried by CILP. 

God Save the King!

Postmaster

CILP

Final Days of Covid-19 Handstamp!

Further to our previous announcements in November 2021 and February 2022, regarding the withdrawal of our Covid-19 handstamp / cachet. The CILP has finally decided to withdraw the handstamp from 30 May, 2022.  

Although the virus war continues, CILP considers the use of the handstamp / cachet to have run its course in raising awareness.

Thank you to all collectors and supporters who have supported our campaign through stamp and cover sales.

Keep safe, keep well!

Postmaster

New Issue: UK Flags Stamp

The Forward United! stamp has been issued today, 25 January, on the occasion of Robert Burns birthday, the famous Scottish poet. 

The stamp, which shows the flags of all the UK nations alongside the Union flag, is intended to promote the continuation of the United Kingdom. It also in response to  collector's requests for a flag stamp.

CLP250122S (CP055)

A small number of our Heritage Series postcards bearing this stamp with FDI cancellations have also been issued.

Missed an Issue?

Forward United! will be made available to collectors from 1 February. We also have good stocks of previous stamp issues available for purchase from our agent Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK. 

Postmaster

CILP 

LPCS 50th Anniversary Stamps Issued!

Two stamps celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Local Post Collector's Society and World Local Post Day, are released today, 10 January, 2022. The release dates may differ for other local posts involved.

Detail of LPCS 50th Anniversary stamps with FDI cds on mail

Examples of these stamps will be available for collectors from 1 February from our usual agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

CILP

Local Post Collector's Society 50th Anniversary Stamps

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Local Post Collector's Society (LPCS) and World Local Post Day in late January, two independently designed and printed stamps bearing the LPCS logo will be issued on 10 January 2022.

The designs form an omnibus series by leading local posts associated with the LPCS. The first stamp (Type A) is designed and printed by Scott Abbot of the Purgatory Post, Milford, New Hampshire, USA. 

Type A

The second stamp (Type B) is designed and printed by Kevin Blackstone of the Philosateleian Post, San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Type B

At the time of writing, it has been confirmed that four local posts have participated in this omnibus issue using the Abbot (Type A) stamp design. Their stamp release dates will differ from the CILP. 

I thank Scott and Kevin for their generosity in supplying the CILP with bespoke stamps, their dedication to promoting local posts, and their service to members of the Local Post Collector's Society.

The Local Post Collectors Society has been in operation since 1972, when it was founded to promote the study and collection of stamps issued by modern local posts, and to support members in establishing and operating their own private local posts. New members are welcome!

Postmaster

CILP

Flags Stamp Rescheduled for 2022

 Forward United! 

The Forward Together! stamp (originally scheduled for release 11 October, 2021) has been renamed and issue rescheduled. The stamp, which shows the flags of all the UK home nations alongside the Union flag, will be re-scheduled for issue on 25th January, 2022. It is now entitled, Forward United!

Pre-release illustration - stamp may differ

Missed an Issue?

We still have good stocks of all 2021 and most older stamp issues available for purchase from our agent Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK. 

Postmaster

CILP 

UPDATE: Forward Together!

 Forward Together! 

The release of the Forward Together! stamp (scheduled 11 October, 2021) has been postponed. The stamp, which shows the flags of all the UK home nations alongside the Union flag, will be re-scheduled for issue at a later date in 2021. 

Missed an Issue?

We still have good stocks of all 2021 and most older stamp issues available for purchase from our agent Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK. 

Postmaster

CILP 

Coming Soon: Forward Together stamp!

 Forward Together! 

Following Brexit, the battle is now on to Save the Union. The Forward Together! stamp is due for release on 11 October, 2021. It shows the flags of all the UK home nations alongside the Union flag with the legend "Forward Together!" (Image will be published on stamp release).

Missed an Issue?

We still have good stocks of all 2021 and most older stamp issues available for purchase from our agent Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK. 

Postmaster

CILP 

Does CILP Actually Carry Mail?

I was having a virtual conversation with a fellow philatelist recently and a question about the Canvey Post was posed, "do you actually carry mail"? Of course my reply was a robust "yes"! 

It later occurred to me that apart from first day covers and philatelic items posted to collectors, plus post despatched containing stamp orders from our agent Alpha Thematics (carried by CILP and bearing our stamps), there was no evidence of mail actually carried by the CILP in the public domain!

To remedy this evidence gap, I will regularly publish examples of mail carried by us on a separate page; Examples of Mail Carried.

In fact hundreds of items have left the CILP Post Office Mailroom over the years, being 'walked' or 'bicycled' to a number of local Royal Mail Post Offices, or delivered by us direct to recipients living on the Island. This I believe establishes our bona fides of being an active local private post by definition.

Keep well, keep safe! 

Postmaster

CILP 

New Resource for Collectors - Online Catalogue!

We have had a Collector's Checklist available online for sometime, enabling new and existing collectors to check their Canvey Post stamps. But this has the limitation of not being illustrated, and short of searching our website archives for images of our stamps, there was no way to tie in checklist with a particular stamp issue unless you already had it in your collection.

Now there is a new resource that solves the problem, a fully illustrated Online Stamp Catalogue covering the entire stamp output of the Canvey Island Local Post, from its first stamp in November 2010, to our latest stamp issued in April 2020!

Despite being web optimised the size of the current catalogue file may take a couple of minutes to load due to the number of images. Future stamps will be catalogued in a separate catalogue part on a new page.

The catalogue also uses new stamp reference numbers which are shorter and easier to remember! They are similar to the basic Stanley Gibbons catalogues. My original references, which include a CLP prefix and the date of release, will be retained solely as production identifiers rather than collector references. 

The current online catalogue only covers stamp issues but we are preparing a comprehensive physical catalogue for publication in 2022. This will include first day covers, commemorative covers, postal stationery, Heritage Postcards, first day issue postcards, maxi cards and anything else postal or philatelic issued by the CILP.

I was surprised how much material there is to classify for this next project, but over ten years many designs have been produced and a lot of post has left this office! 

Keep safe, keep well...

Postmaster

CILP

Our 10th Anniversary and more!

It seems such a long time since we released our first stamp on 26 November, 2010. A simple 1 inch square Dutch Cottage landmark from 1618. As our Collector Checklist now testifies, we have come a long way since then!

But our tenth anniversary came and went without any celebration, mainly due to real life getting in the way of hobby time. However, to make amends for this gross omission, the CILP will be releasing a celebratory stamp in March.

Once production details are finalised sometime in the next few weeks, the CILP will also be announcing its stamp programme for 2021! The programme is larger than in previous years and this is largely due to the fact that we only released one stamp issue in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

Keep safe, keep well!

Postmaster

CILP

Covid-19 Emergency Local Post Stamp - Update

Collector's of CILP stamps will be pleased to hear that our sales agent Alpha Thematics on eBid UK, are trading once again. Our Covid-19 Emergency stamp issue (23 April 2020) is available for purchase from 22nd December, 2020. 

CLP010716S

Limited First Day Covers and First Day Issue Postcards will be available subject to stock. 

CLPFDC18

All previous CILP stamp issues (subject to stock) and FDCs are also available. 

My thanks to all CILP local post stamp collectors for your support and I wish you good health for you and your families over Christmas and in the New Year!

CILP Postmaster

Emergency Mail Service Stamp Issued

On 23 April, 2020, the CILP will officially issue an 'Emergency Mail Service' stamp.  

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 crises and its impact on UK Royal Mail services, the CILP decided it should schedule additional services for Canvey Island. These deliveries will be made within the restrictions of the UK government's social distancing guidance. Deliveries will be made by bicycle and on foot during permitted daily exercise periods.

The 'Emergency Mail Service' stamp (CLP010716S) was originally designed and printed in July 2016 in preparation for use during postal service disruption or civil emergency. Only 90 copies have been printed and of these only 79 remain for postal use and sale to collectors. Only 10 copies of this stamp have been previously made available to collectors as a 'Specimen' overprint in November 2016 (CLP181116S).

CLP010716S

Stamps will be available on eBay UK and from our agent Alpha Stamps on eBid UK.
Mainland and international mail originating from the CILP or Alpha Stamps, will also bear the stamp until stocks are exhausted.

Keep safe, keep well, support the NHS! 

Postmaster
CILP

Postmaster's Spring Update 2020

Normally, I would have published our programme of stamp issues for 2020. However, day-to-day life has interrupted our intended stamp design schedule, and for that I apologise to our regular collector's of the Canvey Island Local Post. 

I intend to publish a stamp to commemorate the end of World War II with a suitable local theme. Details of this will be published as soon as possible.

Beyond this I currently have no plan to issue any further stamps for spring 2020. A possible house move is in the air so normal service may not be resumed for a while.

This site will also be commercial advert free from 25 February, 2020, in order to speed loading times and remove unrelated clutter. Only stamps and local post services will be advertised.

Current CILP stamps and past issues are available from Alpha Thematics on eBid UK 

UPDATE 17 May 2020: 
Sadly, due to Covid-19 and circumstances beyond our control, CILP will not be issuing a stamp for V.E. Day 75th Anniversary.