Showing posts with label Canvey Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canvey Island. Show all posts

8 January 2024

New Issue: Aviators Series - Amy Johnson

 Aviators Series: No.2 (5 January 2024)

The 5th January saw the first issue of 2024 and the second stamp in our Aviators Series on the anniversary of Amy Johnson's death.

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 similar to the aircraft Johnson was flying that evening with an inset portrait of Amy in leather flying helmet.

Amy Johnson CBE on Canvey local Post Stamp

Ref: CLP050124S / Cat: CP064

Johnson was ferrying the aircraft to an airfield in Kent in on 5th 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 near Canvey Island, when her aircraft ran out of fuel. Her body was never recovered.

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


Postmaster

3 December 2023

Aviation History No2. Carvair ATL-98

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

The second stamp in the Aviation History Series was issued on 1st December. As for our first stamp in this series, it also features an aircraft from the British Air Ferries fleet but this time from c1972. 

BAF Carvair c.1972 Canvey Local Post stamp

British Air Ferries ATL-98 Carvair

CLP011223S / CP063

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 and was often seen flying over Canvey Island until 1979. A total of 21 aircraft were converted to Carvair configuration by Air Traders (Engineering) Ltd.

A small item of trivia for classic movie fans is that an ATL-98 Carvair (registration G-ASDC), featured in the 1964 James Bond movie “Goldfinger”.

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


Postmaster

29 September 2023

New: Aviators Stamp Series

 Aviators Series: No.1 (27 September 2023)

September 27th saw the release of CILP's first stamp in our occasional famous Aviators Series. The series will feature aviators that have local historic links or events that occurred on or near Canvey Island.

Our initial stamp issue 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. Much of the aircraft debris fell to earth in Egypt Bay, Kent.

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.


CLP270923S / CP061

We also have a concurrent Aviation Series planned that will feature both historic and contemporary aircraft with local associations. The first stamp issue will be released on 1st November 2023.

Aviators Series No.1 stamp can be obtained at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.


Postmaster

CILP


2 May 2023

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)
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 75th Anniversary (6 July 2023)

Using stocks of our previously issued 70th NHS Anniversary stamp from 2018 (CP034), we are issuing a limited run of only 34 hand overprinted stamps to mark the NHS 75th 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.

  

Postmaster 


1 February 2022

QEII Platinum Jubilee Stamps!

 To celebrate and commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, the Canvey Island Local Post is proud to announce the release of two stamps sharing the same design.

The design features a contemporary photo portrait of HM The Queen, who accession to the throne was on 6 February, 1952, and the official Platinum Jubilee (70 years) logo.

QEII Platinum Jubilee large format stamp

CLP060222L (CP056)

For Cycle Express mail a horizontal large format stamp (catalogue no. CP056) will be issued, and for standard foot mail, a smaller stamp (CP057) will be released bearing the same design.

QEII Platinum Jubilee standard format stamp

CLP060222S (CP057)

Both stamps will be used until exhausted from stock. Collector's can obtain copies from our normal philatelic agent, Alpha Thematic on Ebid UK.


Postmaster

CILP

25 January 2022

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.

Canvey Island Local Post UK Flags 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 


16 October 2021

1953 Flood Stamps at Watersnood Museum

 "The Great Tide" Stamps to be Exhibited

During the Covid-19 lockdown in the UK in June 2021, the CILP donated a set of our 2013 "Great Tide" 60th Anniversary stamps to the Watersnood Museum in the Netherlands.

CILP "Great Tide" stamp set 2013

"The Great Tide" 60th Anniversary Set (2013)


This museum is all about the extraordinary stories of ordinary people and their experiences with water.
Stories about the disaster in 1953, about rebuilding, and  about the Delta Works, told by the people who experienced it.

The Dutch experience of January 31, 1953, mirrored that of Canvey Island where 58 residents died in the freezing weather and flooding of that terrible night. Over 300 souls perished in the Netherlands. The collective experience of the East of England and Netherlands is reflected in one image in the stamp set, showing the sea breaching the coastal defences on the Dutch coast.

Detail "The Great Tide" stamp set 2013
In memory of all who perished in the flooding of 1953

Due to the pandemic, the Watersnood Museum was closed until the 6th June, 2021. The CILP have received communication from the museum acknowledging receipt of the stamps, and confirmation that they will be used in a future exhibition at the Watersnood Museum.

If you missed this stamp issue it is still available from our philatelic agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.


Postmaster

CILP

12 July 2021

New: Empire Windrush Stamp

Empire Windrush: 22 June 2021 

A new stamp commemorating the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, Essex, UK in 1948, was issued on 22 June 2021. The Empire Windrush marked the start of the post-war immigration boom which was to change British society. Windrush carried 492 black migrants who were coming to a country promising prosperity and employment.

CILP Empire Windrush stamp
CLP220621S

Their influence and contribution have been overlooked far too long and this is an effort to redress the historical balance. This design is a period photo of the stern of the ship docked at Tilbury with passengers crowding the rails waving at the camera. 

A variant was also be released that was a result of a simple commercial printer's error (same error as Earth Day stamp issued earlier in the year), but were too good to scrap. The information line at the bottom of the stamp has been omitted on 11 sheets. These will be used as normal alongside the 'correct' design.

No first day covers or cards issued for this stamp.

Available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.



3 January 2021

Covid-19 'Virus' Handstamp (Cachet)

Alongside the issue of CILP Emergency Mail Service stamp on 23 April 2020, a new hand applied cachet came into use on all mail using CILP services. It will be used until trusted sources declare the emergency over and we all have had a vaccine shot!

The design is a stylised Covid-19 ‘Virus’ which has become so familiar in many forms to us on television, news programmes, health notices and social media. It measures approximately 21mm in diameter and will be applied to all mail in addition to normal date cancellations. Keep an eye open for an example!

CILP - Covid-19 'Virus' Handstamp
CILP - Covid-19 'Virus' Handstamp

The production of the handstamp was a rough and ready process to get it prepared in time for simultaneous release with our Emergency Mail Service stamp. It was hand carved from a champagne cork and, I believe, conveys the right impression (pun intended) in these dire circumstances.

Although I have produced clean sharp cachets using digital means in the past, I prefer the manual application and involvement of producing handstamps that have a nostalgic ‘authentic’ look to them. It’s all part of the fun of running a local post!

Keep safe, keep well!


CILP
Postmaster

2 April 2019

Armorial Definitive Stamps Set Now Available!

Our new Coat of Arms definitive stamps set was released on 1st April, 2019. 

The set consists of two postal rates; 'Standard' (foot) and 'Express' (cycle) mail stamps, plus an 'Official' stamp intended for Postmaster mail. However, the 'Official' stamp is also authorised for use for all post as required, i.e rate addition or exhaustion of normal stamp stock.


© Canveypost.org
Canvey Island Coat of Arms Definitive Set (CLP010419-3)
© 2019 Canveypost.org
The design shows the island's historic armorial prior to the 1972 England local government reorganisation, when Canvey Island lost it's Urban District Council and was forced into amalgamation with mainland local government.

A total of 300 'Standard' and 'Express' stamps have been produced plus 150 'Official' stamps. A very limited edition of five First Day Covers have been hand produced for our dedicated LP cover collectors.

The stamps are available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on eBid UK and on eBay UK. 

Note: Our mint stamps are generally cheaper to purchase via our agent on eBid UK than on other auction sites due to their higher fees.

Postmaster
CILP

12 March 2019

Coat of Arms Stamps for Spring!

Our new Coat of Arms stamps depicting the old Canvey Island arms, will be issued on 1st April, 2019. Design proofs are shown below for illustrative purposes only and production stamps may differ slightly.

      © Canvey Island Local Post - pre-production proof image© Canvey Island Local Post - pre-production proof image
© Canvey Island Local Post - pre-production proof image


The set consists of three stamps; a 'Standard Rate' or foot mail stamp, an 'EXPRESS' or cycle mail stamp, and an 'OFFICIAL' Postmaster mail stamp. All bear the superseded arms of the pre-1971 Canvey Island Urban District Council with appropriate red lettering.

As usual the stamps will be available from our agent, Alpha Thematics on eBid UK from 2nd April, 2019, and at the Postmaster's discretion on eBay UK.


17 February 2019

Great Flood Exhibition

On 30th January, local history enthusiasts and Canvey Island residents commemorated the 66th anniversary of the 'Great Flood' of 1953, with an exhibition organised by the Canvey Community Archive.


Great Tide Stamp Set 2013 - © canveypost.org
'Great Tide' Stamp Set 2013 - © canveypost.org
It included slide shows and films, newspapers, period maps and photographs documenting the plight of Canvey Island residents during the fateful January night of 1953 when 58 residents died.

Exhibits also included contributions from the Watersnood Flood Museum at Ouwerkerk, Netherlands. The Dutch coastline was severely flooded during the same storm and 1800 people lost their lives to the power of the tide and bitter-cold winter night.

The event was well attended and I was delighted to see many younger people taking an interest in their local history. It was also an honour to talk to several residents who experienced the flood first-hand. From these conversations I gained further insight into that terrible night, talking over the photographs of long lost Islanders and landmark buildings.

The Canvey Island Local Post issued a four stamp set to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 'Great Tide' on 31 January, 2013. We still hold stocks of this issue and any collector interested in obtaining a set can buy it online from our agent, Alpha Thematics.  

3 October 2018

400th Anniversary Dutch Cottage Overprint Stamp

The first CILP stamp was issued in November 2010 and featured the historic Dutch Cottage on Canvey Island. Built in 1618, the cottage celebrates its 400th Anniversary this month.

The event almost passed CILP by and I have to admit I took my eye off the ball and forgot all about it! But I could not let the occasion pass by without celebrating the birthday in some way.

© Canveypost.org

As I do not have a dedicated stamp prepared for the occasion, I have overprinted 25 copies of the original 2010 Dutch Cottage stamp with 1618 and 2018 in red ink. 

Crude as the overprint is, the stamp will be available for direct sale to collectors from Alpha Thematics from 4 October, and also used by the Postmaster on official CILP mail until stock is exhausted.


CILP Postmaster

28 August 2018

Last of the Summer: Update

Goodbye Summer


There is a hint of autumn in the air and the nights are drawing-in fast. The garden has passed its glory and the swallows have already migrated back to Africa. All signs of a hard winter to come? 
Swallows by AdinaVoicu - pixabay.com


But with the last of the summer wine and coming of dark nights, the time for stamp collections will be with us again - and boy do my collections need some work!


Postmaster's Update


The summer months are usually quiet in relation to stamp sales. There is still the odd collector sitting at his computer buying the odd stamp or two to fill gaps in their collection,  but nothing to get excited about. 

But in the past week something curious has happened. I've had multiple large orders for CILP stamps. Some have been from collectors I recognise, but satisfyingly most are new names and I'm all the grateful for that.

Not only does it make my efforts worthwhile, the revenue has provided enough resources to put the next stamp designs into production.

Planned Stamp Issues


I have three stamp designs in their final draft stages. I had planned to have at least one of them 'on the street' by now, but time and tide waits for no man...etc. Normal life sometimes has to take priority! Here are the three designs planned for release in November:

National Health Service 70th Anniversary 1948

Having missed the official anniversary date of this fine and invaluable national institution, it is currently planned to include this stamp release with the two other national event stamps mentioned below.

Women's Suffrage Centenary 1918

The story of women's suffrage in the United Kingdom is an inspiring yet shameful episode in Britain's history. 

The courage and determination of many unsung women who campaigned for the right to vote is an inspiring story, and one young women should not forget when they decide not to vote today. 

Shameful in the establishment's contempt, violence and torture brought down upon women (and men supporters) of  the Suffragette and Suffragist movements. 

First World War Armistice Centenary 1918

The slaughter came to an end in November 1918, at least in western Europe, but the dying and suffering continued. 

Not only the suffering of those men who struggled with their mental health for the rest of their lives, but also the physical hurt that many had to bear. And let us not forget the families everywhere who struggled to understand.

New(ish) Domain Name


From 28 August 2018, Canvey Island Local Post will again be found on the Internet under our old domain name www.canveypost.org.

There will be no need to change your computer bookmarks as you will be redirected to our new domain automatically - clever isn't it?

Until next time, happy collecting!

17 May 2018

CILP "Missing Colour" Variant Found

The "Chapman Lighthouse & Yacht" stamp released in April 2015, has been found to exist in two versions. The new "missing Yellow" variant of this stamp was discovered this month.
The CILP did not discover this printing omission until a recent franking of mail revealed the two versions side by side.

A check of remaining stock indicates that the last three sheets received from the printer were affected by the "missing yellow" colour. It is estimated that around 75 copies probably exist, and around half have already been issued as mint stamps to collectors or used on local and international mail.

For full details see our article Chapman Lighthouse "Missing Yellow" Variant

28 March 2018

Royal Air Force Centenary


To commemorate the centenary of the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1st April, 1918, the CILP has issued a single stamp on 1st April, 2018.


CLP271110S(A)
© CILP 2018

The stamp showing a WWII veteran Hurricane was originally issued in 2010 to commemorate the Battle of Britain. It is being re-issued bearing a handstamped red overprint legend “R.A.F 1918-2018”. Only 22 overprinted stamps have been issued, each stamp is approximately 30x40mm. A limited edition of 5 Commemorative Covers has also been produced. 

 
CLPCC3
© CILP 2018

Stamps and covers available (subject to stock) from Alpha Thematics on eBid UK

UPDATE: All available covers have been sold (18 Sep 2018)

6 February 2018

New Issue: QEII Life & Service

To commemorate HM Queen Elizabeth II accession to the throne on 6 February 1952, and to recognise The Queen's dedication to the service of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, the CILP has issued a set of five se-tenant stamps on 6 February 2018.



CLP060218-5
© CILP 2018

Entitled, "Queen Elizabeth II - Life & Service", the stamps show four portraits from HM The Queen's life from 1928 to 2013. A fifth stamp bears her Armorial Banner, often referred to as the Royal Standard. Across the base of the stamps is a quote from HM The Queen's accession oath; "The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep."

Only 84 sets have been produced as a se-tenant strip with full perforations and gum. Each stamp measures approximately 31x31mm. A very limited edition of First Day Covers and FDI postcards have been produced (due to technical and aesthetic reasons the se-tenant strip has been broken to accommodate hand applied FDI cancellations). 


This issue (subject to availability) can be obtained from Alpha Thematics on eBid UK

29 August 2017

CILP Stamp Collector's Checklist



Whether you are a new or established collector of Canvey Island Local Post stamps, you will find our new page, Stamp Collector's Checklist, most invaluable. Find at a glance what issues are missing from your collection, how many were issued, forthcoming issues, and how scarce the stamps in your collection are!

Postmaster
CILP