Latest Stamps Used on Outgoing Mail 23 April

The lucky recipient of this outgoing mail from the Canvey Island Local Post Office will receive our three latest stamps on their cover!

The cover bears the CILP 10th Anniversary triangle stamp (15 April), the Fight Covid-19 stamp (19 April), and Earth Day stamp (22 April). Postmarked with standard cds and 'Virus' cachet.

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

'Express' Bicycle Rate Cachet Introduced

Express bicycle mail carried by the Canvey Island Local Post from 12 April, 2021, will now bear an additional and distinctive rectangular bordered cachet. An example of mail bearing the new cachet is shown below and this is also the first recorded use of the cachet. 

The cachet is 25 x 39mm and states; "Canvey Island Private Local Post EXPRESS". It is intended to highlight the urgency of an item of mail. It can also be used on its own to frank mail in place of CILP stamps if required.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

      

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.

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

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.  

Coat of Arms Stamps Confirmed for 2019

The CILP will be releasing a set of three definitive stamps in the Spring of 2019.

The stamps all bear the original Arms of Canvey Island and have been received back from our printers.

There is a 'Standard Rate' or foot mail stamp, an 'EXPRESS' or cycle mail stamp, and an 'OFFICIAL' postmaster mail version. 

Images of the new stamps will be published in the New Year once an issue date has been decided.

CILP
Postmaster 

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

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)

Happy Puddingmas Penguins!

On the 27th November the CILP released its first dedicated Christmas themed stamp. We have secured the use of an original cartoon, "Happy Puddingmas Penguins" by cartoonist Paul Munro, for our stamp.

CLP271117
© Munro/CILP 2017

The design shows four penguins all looking forward to their Christmas pudding. However,  one greedy fat penguin has beaten them to it! This cartoon is featured on Paul Munro's personal Xmas cards for 2017 and he has kindly allowed CILP royalty free use of the design

Only 75 stamps have been produced in horizontal format with full perforations and gum, each stamp measuring 44x25mm. No covers or FDI postcards have been produced for this stamp release.

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

Famous Public Houses Stamp Set

Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) released it's Famous Public Houses stamp issue on the 23rd October, 2017. It is a four horizontal stamp set featuring Canvey Island 'pubs' that have played a defining role in community life for many decades and in one case, centuries.

The 'pubs' featured in a stylised pencil sketch style are; the Haystack, the Admiral Jellicoe, the King Canute (prior to the 1953 flood known as the Red Cow), and the Lobster Smack. The latter was used by Charles Dickens as the Ship Inn in his 1861 novel Great Expectations. All the other pubs have their own stories and history, both good and bad. 

 CLP231017-4

© 2017 CILP

With the imminent demolition and re-development of the Admiral Jellicoe and the closure of the King Canute (formerly Red Cow), it is poignant and timely that the CILP should release this long planned stamp set now.

CLPFDC12

© 2017 CILP

Unfortunately, it was necessary to omit equally famous or well known pubs and drinking clubs from this issue, such as the old Oysterfleet, the Canvey Club (featured on a vinyl LP cover by R&B band Dr Feelgood), and younger establishments such as the Windjammer of the 1980s, and the Silver Jubilee from 1977. We hope to include these in a future stamp issue.

A total of 45 sets and six First Day Covers have been produced. Stamps and covers (subject to availability) available from Alpha Thematics on eBid UK

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