CILP Re-Opens!

 We are back!

After closing for relocation for three months it is a relief that we can finally reopen our local post portal on 1 September, 2026. Our philatelic agent Alpha Thematics will also be re opening on the same day to offer CILP stamps and covers to collectors in the UK.

As we are no longer located on Canvey Island the nature of our service must change. We can no longer operate as a fully functioning private local post and all that entails, but we will continue as a local post stamp producer with the occasional cover being carried to, and mailed from, Canvey Island. The alternative option of closure was too harsh to consider seriously after recently celebrating our fifteenth anniversary and the release of our catalogue!

I look forward to continuing to serve CILP's long-standing supporters and new local post collectors in the coming years. If you have contacted the CILP regarding stamps or related matter during our relocation period, you query will be answered in the next week or so. 

A Sour Note - International Orders Suspended

Unfortunately, we must introduce a sour note about international shipping from our agent Alpha Thematics. Following the withdrawal of 'de minimis' limits and imposition of punitive import duties on virtually any item sent from the UK to Europe (3 Euros for items under 45 Euros value in the EU), and to the USA (a base 10% duty surcharge on the value of any item from February 2026), Alpha Thematics have been  forced to suspend all international orders. 

The withdrawal of 'de minimis' limits, which enabled individual philatelists and small part-time dealers to buy and sell their stamps worldwide to build collections, have been indirectly punished. Although small individual stamp exchanges between collectors are unaffected, international micro-scale or hobby trading is practically impossible with the current duty situation for the present time. We can only hope sanity prevails and 'de minimis' limits return.

However, members of the Local Post Collectors Society can still obtain CILP items direct from CILP by contacting me at canveypost@gmail.com quoting their membership number.

Ebid orders from within the UK are unaffected.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Postmaster

New Issue: World Local Post Day

The CILP is pleased to announce the first stamp issue of the New Year on the 5 January, 2026. It marks World Local Post Day, sponsored by the Local Post Collectors Society (LPCS). This AI assisted design is accompanied by a limited edition First Day Cover (FDC30).

(CP082) World Local Post Day 2026

World Local Post Day is marked annually by the LPCS, usually on the last Monday of January. However, the CILP has officially allocated the 31 January for its WLPD issue date.

Note: As our stamp issuing schedule for 2025 was extended late in the year to include some additional stamp issues, there are no current plans to release any further issues during the Spring of 2026, and this moratorium may be extended into the early Summer.

All available stamp issues are available from our agent Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

CILP Catalogue Now Available!

The CILP is pleased to announce the release of the Canvey Island Local Post: Specialised Cinderella Stamps Catalogue 2010-2025, published on the 5 December by Flag House Press.

This comprehensive 206 page catalogue details every stamp, cover and postcard issued by the Canvey Island Local Post (CILP), with full colour illustrations, descriptions, history notes and statistics for each item issued. From CILP’s first stamp issued in November 2010, through its 15th Anniversary issue in November 2025, to its first stamp of 2026, celebrating World Local Post Day. 

The catalogue also includes a fully illustrated section on the Local Post Collectors Society 50th Anniversary and World Local Post Day 2022 Omnibus issue. Plus, a full background article on the 'Missing Yellow' Chapman Lighthouse stamp, an illustrated Collector Checklist and Thematic List, and a Resources section for new collectors and aspiring local posters!

It is available for purchase from Amazon.co.uk and regions.

Postmaster

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