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!

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

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 

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 Stamp Issues: 2024 Schedule

 Spring has officially started but the weather for Canvey Island in S.E. England has mostly been laughing at us, with rain and unseasonal cool breezes. But there is light! Crisp sheets of new stamps have been received this week from our reliable and friendly printer at Yourstamps, based in Berlin, Germany.

Our stamp schedule for 2024 includes topicals that will appeal to a wide range of collectors and introduces a new occasional series, River Thames Wrecks. To maintain a sense of anticipation, images of stamps due for release post-May will be released on their actual issue date.

River Thames Wrecks: SS “Benmohr” 1902 

Issue Date: 10 May 2024

On 6 February 1902, the SS Benmohr bound for India, collided with the SS Banffshire, a refrigerated cargo steamer, in thick fog in the River Thames Estuary off the Canvey Island coast.

CP065

The SS Benmohr settled by the stern and sank off Thorney Bay, Canvey Island. There are no reports of any casualties. In June 1902, she was raised and taken to a River Tyne shipyard for repairs. Her cargo of cement barrels had solidified due to their immersion, but Canvey developer Frederick Hester purchased them to build a jetty and also used them as foundations for several new buildings.

The SS Banffshire was repaired and sailed for Australia in May 1902. After repairs the SS Benmohr continued maritime duties, being sold to a Japanese company in 1911, until wrecked off the coast of Japan in 1927.

SS Benmohr c.1902 

Our initial stamp in this series features the SS Benmohr from a 1902 contemporary sketch by Tom Merry. A total of 160 stamps have been produced.

 

D-Day 1944 - 80^th Anniversary

Issue Date: 6 June 2024

The 80^th Anniversary of the D-Day landings by Allied forces in 1944 is commemorated this year. We have produced a stamp featuring a dynamic statue at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer in France. It features British infantry moving up the beach under fire.

The British Normandy Memorial commemorates 22,422 people from 30 countries, under British command, who lost their lives during the operation. A limited run of 160 stamps have been printed.

 

Aviation Series No.3: Avro Vulcan XL426

Issue Date: 12 August 2024

The third offering in our extremely popular Aviation Series is the delta wing Avro Vulcan. Our stamp features Avro Vulcan XL426, one of only three remaining taxiable Avro Vulcan strategic bombers.

Since 1993, it has been owned and maintained by the Vulcan Restoration Trust, based at Southend London Airport, approximately 15 miles from Canvey Island. This historic aircraft served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1962 to 1986. A total of 105 stamps have been produced.

 

Local History Series: Hester’s Mono-Rail 1902

Issue Date: 18 November 2024

Property developer Frederick Hester established the first Mono-Rail in Essex, England, on Canvey Island in 1902. It was intended to transport prospective bungalow buyers, holiday makers and day trippers from London, from the mainland railway station to the River Thames Estuary coast via his Winter Gardens and other business interests.

However, lack of funds prevented electrification and expansion and the service was brief, perhaps running for around two years. Our stamp features a period photograph of the horse-drawn Mono-Rail complete with visitors and local photogenic dog! This issue has a print run of 160 stamps.

CILP stamps are shipped worldwide from Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK. 

Postmaster

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

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.

  

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

Autumn Pondering: Stamp Issues for 2023?

Greetings!

As the summer heatwave wains and the rain returns to green-up faded grass and thirsty gardens, my thoughts are pondering philately for the colder months, and ultimately new Canvey Island Local Post stamp issues for 2023.

The second half of this year has seen a downturn in the sales of CILP stamps. We appear not to be alone. With a few exceptions, the production of stamp issues from many local posts around the world has declined. More seriously in the current economic and political climate, a significant number of local posts have ceased operating for the present or disappeared altogether.

Having said that, local posts and cinderella stamp collecting is an expanding field of alternative philately. If you are interested in the history of local posts and current local posts, or wish to explore, collect, or even produce stamps for your own local post, visit the Local Post Collector's Society or visit their group on Facebook.

With less money in collector's pockets and stamp production costs increasing, it is understandable some adjustment was inevitable, but I'm sure this is temporary. With this in mind the CILP has decided to streamline costs and shorten our stamp issue production runs for 2023, whilst maintaining the frequency of issues.

We now need to plan our future stamp issue schedule and decide what subjects to celebrate, commemorate, or depict on CILP stamps for 2023. This is where your opinion would be appreciated.

Email us at Stamps2023 listing your top three suggestions for subjects to appear on our stamps. 

Postmaster

CILP

Stamp Release Schedule 2021

Despite production delays and pandemic restrictions, Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) are pleased to announce our stamp schedule for 2021. 

Technical and production details will be published in our online catalogue as soon as possible, as well as an updated online Collector's Checklist.

CILP 10th Anniversary: 15 April 2021

This is our first triangular stamp, and it celebrates ten years in operation as a local post as of November 2020. We have produced 700 of the little beauties as we are  proud of hitting our 10th year! It was planned to release this in November last year, but better late than never!

CLP150421S

 

Fight Covid-19: 19 April 2021 

This issue was also delayed from March 2021 due to unforeseen pandemic issues. It is intended as more of a public information poster stamp rather than a fixed postal rate for local mail. It will be used alongside other CILP stamps until exhausted.

                                                                        CLP190421S

Earth Day - 'Restore Our Earth': 22 April 2021

Slowing climate change and reversing environmental degradation is the theme for this year's Earth Day. Our stylised stamp is optimistic in the outcome but calls on everyone to 'do their bit'. 

CLP220421S

A variant has also been released that was a result of a simple commercial printer's error, but were too good to scrap. The information line at the bottom of the stamp has been omitted on 10 sheets. These will be used as normal alongside the 'correct' design, so keep an eye on your mail!

Endangered Fauna & Flora - Orchids: 03 May 2021 

The second series in our Endangered Fauna and Flora theme is a set of four rare orchids found in a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on Canvey Island. Our first series released on 21 August 2017 illustrated endangered insects also found at our local SSSI. (Images to follow on release).

International Nurses Day: 12 May 2021

Celebrating nurses worldwide on their annual international day. Features Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, a black contemporary of Florence and of equal or greater influence on nursing who has gone unsung for too many years. (Image to follow on release).

Salute Frontline Workers: 31 May 2021

Honouring all frontline workers wherever or whatever they do to keep society, communities, and families, warm, fed, connected, clean, safe, and healthy. They know who they are - thank you! (Image to follow on release). 

Empire Windrush: 22 June 2021

Commemorating the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, Essex, UK in 1948. It 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. 

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. (Image to follow on release).

A variant will also be released that was a result of a simple commercial printer's error (same contract as Earth Day stamp above), 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.

Forward Together! : 11 October 2021

Following Brexit the battle is now on to Save the Union, even if most people in the UK have not yet realised it or do not care. This stamp shows the flags of all the home nations alongside the Union flag with the legend "Forward Together!" (Image to follow on stamp release).

Postmaster

CILP

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? 

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!

Royal Air Force Centenary

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

New Issues for 2017

Local Post stamp collectors will be pleased to hear of the imminent release of several new single stamps and multiple stamp sets for the second half of 2017.

Final designs have been submitted to our printers and release dates have now been set for August, September, October and November 2017. In total ten new stamps will be released in 2017 within our planned issue programme:


21st August: The first stamp set of 2017 is part of a four set series covering "Endangered Fauna and Flora of Canvey Island", starting with a four stamp featuring Insects to be issued on 21 August, 2017.  Future stamp sets will feature Rare Orchids, Birds and Wildlife.

4th September: Due to increasing interest in CILP stamps from overseas, a vintage postcard scene featuring seaplanes will be released as our first Air Mail 'Priority' stamp. Release date has been set for 4 September, 2017.

23rd October: A four stamp set featuring Famous Public Houses of Canvey Island which  have been been central to island community life, will be released on 14 October, 2017. (The original release date was 14th October but was re-scheduled for technical reasons).

27th November: To round off the postal year, we have secured an original Christmas drawing from cartoonist Paul Munro to adorn an Xmas 2017 reduced rate seasonal stamp. This will be available from 27 November, 2017.


Thank you for your support and please visit us again soon. Happy collecting!

Postmaster
Canvey Island Local Post