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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 

Covid-19 Handstamp Withdrawal

(See Update 30 November 2021)

Alongside the issue of CILP Emergency Mail Service stamp issued on 23 April 2020, a new hand applied cachet came into use on all mail using CILP services. 

The design featured a stylised Covid-19 ‘Virus’ which has become so familiar in various designs on all media formats. 

The CILP has decided to withdraw the handstamp with effect from 30 November, 2021. It has been in constant use on all mail despatched from the CILP and on all orders purchased from our philatelic agent.

Collectors who have not obtained an example of this design are encouraged to do so before the end of November, by purchasing any CILP stamps form Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

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 

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.

"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.

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

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 

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.

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.

New: Salute to Frontline Workers Stamp

 Salute Frontline Workers: 31 May 2021

May 31st saw the release of our 'Express' Salute to Frontline Workers stamp. This honours all workers who have helped us all over the last fourteen months, and continue to work during the Covid-19 pandemic. The stamp features multiple awards and medals which so many people deserve. 

CLP310521S

No first day covers or postcards issued for this stamp.

Stamps will be available to collectors from our usual agent at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK, and periodically on eBay UK.

Postmaster

CILP 

New: International Nurses Day Stamp

 International Nurses Day: 12 May 2021

May 12th saw the release of a new 'Express' rate stamp celebrating nurses worldwide on their annual international day. This celebration is even more poignant this year with the current Covid-19 pandemic. The stamp features Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. 

CLP120521S

Mary was a black contemporary of Florence and arguably of greater influence on establishing and promoting professional nursing in the UK. She has gone unsung for too many years and this stamp is a small attempt to redress the historical balance. 

No first day covers or postcards issued for this stamp.

Stamps will be available to collectors from our usual agent at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK, and periodically on eBay UK.

Postmaster

CILP

New: Endangered Orchids Stamps

 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 F&F series was released on 21 August 2017 and illustrated endangered insects also found at our local SSSI.

This issue includes the Common Spotted Orchid (Letter rate), Bee Orchid (Large Letter rate), Pyramid Orchid (Express rate), and the Southern Marsh Orchid (Packet rate). 

No first day covers or postcards have been produced for this issue.

Stamps will be available to collectors as four stamp block sets from our usual agent at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK, and periodically on eBay UK.

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

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