1 April 2024
Spring Heralds New Stamps!
8 January 2024
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.
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
3 December 2023
Aviation History No2. Carvair ATL-98
Aviation History Series: No.2 (1 December 2023)
The second stamp in the Aviation History Series was issued on 1st December. As for our first stamp in this series, it also features an aircraft from the British Air Ferries fleet but this time from c1972.
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 and was often seen flying over Canvey Island until 1979. A total of 21 aircraft were converted to Carvair configuration by Air Traders (Engineering) Ltd.
A small item of trivia for classic movie fans is that an ATL-98 Carvair (registration G-ASDC), featured in the 1964 James Bond movie “Goldfinger”.
Aviation History Series stamps can be obtained at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.
2 November 2023
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.
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
29 September 2023
New: Aviators Stamp Series
Aviators Series: No.1 (27 September 2023)
September 27th saw the release of CILP's first stamp in our occasional famous Aviators Series. The series will feature aviators that have local historic links or events that occurred on or near Canvey Island.
Our initial stamp issue 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. Much of the aircraft debris fell to earth in Egypt Bay, Kent.
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.
We also have a concurrent Aviation Series planned that will feature both historic and contemporary aircraft with local associations. The first stamp issue will be released on 1st November 2023.
Aviators Series No.1 stamp can be obtained at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.
Postmaster
CILP
25 June 2023
UK Armed Forces Day Stamp Issued
Canvey Island Local Post are proud to announce the issue of our United Kingdom Armed Forces Day 2023 commemorative stamp, on 24th June.
14 June 2023
NEWS: Armed Forces Day 2023 Stamp
Just a reminder to all our valued collector's and cinderella enthusiasts, that our Armed Forces Day stamp will be released on June 24th 2023, (catalogue number CP059).
This is the first time the CILP has marked this growing event with a stamp. The design features a drawing of a World War II British infantryman advancing uphill. It is taken from a WWII war fund raising leaflet from Canvey Island c.1943.
2 May 2023
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.
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 75th Anniversary (6 July 2023)
Using stocks of our previously issued 70th NHS Anniversary stamp from 2018 (CP034), we are issuing a limited run of only 34 hand overprinted stamps to mark the NHS 75th 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
9 February 2023
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
26 December 2022
New Year Greeting 2023
I would like to thank all regular visitors to the CILP website and collectors of Canvey Island Local Post stamps, for your support throughout 2022.
May I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year in 2023!
Postmaster
CILP
4 November 2022
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
20 May 2022
Final Days of Covid-19 Handstamp!
Further to our previous announcements in November 2021 and February 2022, regarding the withdrawal of our Covid-19 handstamp / cachet. The CILP has finally decided to withdraw the handstamp from 30 May, 2022.
Although the virus war continues, CILP considers the use of the handstamp / cachet to have run its course in raising awareness.
Thank you to all collectors and supporters who have supported our campaign through stamp and cover sales.
Keep safe, keep well!
Postmaster
1 February 2022
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.
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.
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
25 January 2022
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.
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
10 January 2022
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.
7 January 2022
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.
The second stamp (Type B) is designed and printed by Kevin Blackstone of the Philosateleian Post, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
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
15 October 2021
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
14 September 2021
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
12 July 2021
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.
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.
4 June 2021
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.
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