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

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