Our Very Own Fashionista!

Posted on January 17, 2013 by iomstampsnews

Michael Starkey And Mirella

Designer of our Christmas 2012 stamps, Michael Starkey dropped in to see us today and revealed that he has branched out into fashion by designing a ‘Summerfruits’ fabric.

The original design was produced on board, digitally scanned and transferred to cotton print. Two dresses were then made by a lovely lady called Barbara.
One of the dresses has been auctioned for charity. Michael is hoping to interest designers or retailers in taking the fabric design into production.

The almost-unique dress is modelled by our very own IOM Stamps in-house model Mirella!

A Celebration of Coronation Commemoratives

Posted on January 14, 2013 by iomstampsnews

Alex Downie OBE MLC

A new set of stamps to mark the sixtieth anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s coronation will be issued next month.

For generations, commemorative souvenirs to mark the coronations of British monarchs ranging from medals, china or pottery drinking mugs, badges etc have been produced as treasured keep-sakes of these landmark occasions in British history. No doubt grand celebrations are sure to be repeated in 2013, the year that marks the sovereign’s diamond anniversary of her crowning country and will also be celebrated with new commemorative items. Pictured above is Alex Downie OBE MLC who has been a collector of coronation items for over 40 years and whose memorabilia features in some of the artwork within the overall stamp issue.

Commemorative souvenirs date back from the coronation of Queen Victoria through to our present monarch. They were and remain, remembrances of times when procession, pageants, firework displays, street parties and sports celebrated the coronation of a new King or Queen. Some could be bought while others were ‘awarded’ to young people, to be kept as a reminder of events that were high points in their lives.

Probably the shortest-lived royal souvenir in the Isle of Man was a replica of the St Edward’s coronation crown. It was made of 1200 lbs of confectionery rock and was eaten by schoolchildren on the day it had been made to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Known as the ‘Crown of Sugar’, it was exhibited for a short time in the front window of its maker, Johnson and Co. Then on Jubilee Day it was smashed into easily sucked pieces. Tickets were issued to children and they exchanged these at the shop for five-ounce bags of pieces.

There have been many other notable souvenirs including coloured souvenir postcards in 1902 to mark the coronation of King Edward VII, medals and flags. By the time of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II there were scores of commercial souvenirs. These ranged from men’s tie pins to royal-crested handbags. Virtually anything was packed decoratively, even pencils and paint boxes for children and tinned biscuits and chocolates. Only time will tell what this year’s coronation souvenirs will be!

Please visit our website at www.iomstamps.com to find out more about The Coronation of HM Queen 1953- 2013 collection of stamps and products and to pre-order.

First stamp issue of 2013

Posted on January 8, 2013 by iomstampsnews

Lewis Chessmen Stamps

Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to present this beautiful set of stamps, in collaboration with Manx National Heritage, to mark another return to the Island of the manuscript of the Chronicles of the Kings of Man and the Isles and the loan of six magnificent Lewis Chessmen showcased in the flagship exhibition ‘The Forgotten Kingdom?’ in an outstanding display at the Manx Museum.

The Chronicles are the earliest written accounts of the Island and document many of the most significant events of the medieval age. The Manx nation is fortunate enough to be able to witness the temporary return of these legendry, medieval manuscripts and the loan of a selection of the wonderful Lewis Chessmen in an outstanding display at the Manx Museum. The chronicles were written by monks at Rushen Abbey and have been in the collections of the British Library for over two hundred years.

Dot Tilbury, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “When we heard the Lewis Chessmen and more significantly the Chronicles of Man were coming to the Island, we relished the opportunity to feature them in our stamp programme for 2013 and the results are stunning. The stamps will be officially launched on 11th January next year. The Chronicles teach us about early life in the Isle of Man, a time when the Island was the seat of power in a dominant sea kingdom that reached from the Irish Sea to the North Atlantic Ocean.”

The earliest and most important manuscript from the Isle of Man is The Chronicles of Kings of Man and the Isles, which is on loan from the British Library. The Lewis Chessmen were discovered on the west cost of the Isle of Lewis and were made around 1200AD probably in the city of Trondheim in Norway. Most of them are carved from pieces of Walrus tusk, though three are made from the tooth of a sperm whale. Six pieces from the iconic collection of the Lewis Chessmen on loan from the British Museum will illustrate the stories told in the exhibition and of course feature on the forthcoming new stamps.

The exhibition is at the Manx Museum – admission is free and is open from 10am –5pm Monday to Saturday until it comes to a close in March.

The stamps are available to pre-order now. To view them please click here or alternatively visit www.iomstamps.com

Enduro star David Knight MBE features on new 50p coin

Posted on November 15, 2012 by iomstampsnews

David Knight & Dot Tilbury

Four times World Enduro Motorcycle Champion and Manx motorcyclist David Knight MBE features on a new Isle of Man 50p coin.

Click here to watch our exclusive video with David Knight talking about the coin to Dot Tilbury.

The coin was launched at Postal Headquarters with a visit from David Knight and his Enduro motorcycle. The legal tender 50p coin is presented in a fantastic special pack featuring a genuine piece of ‘knobbly’ tyre supplied to Isle of Man Post Office by David himself – both items are safely encapsulated in a clear vacuum.

David, who was born and bred in the Isle of Man, has been World Enduro Champion four times and the coin shows him on his Enduro Motorcycle. The main objective of the sport is to arrive at different check points at a designated time over courses that are, typically, over thick wooded terrain including large obstacles such as logs, ditches and perilous sudden drops – to be World Champion requires instinctive bike handling skills, courage and years of dedication.

Click The Image To Order

Commenting on the coin David Knight said: “I feel very proud to be on a Manx coin and have my motorcycle achievements recognised, it’s a big honour. I will be carrying a few of these coins in my pocket to the rounds next year in the hope they will bring me some luck!

The collectable coin pack contains the story of David’s career to date along with images of the motorcycling star. It is priced just £15 and will make a perfect present for any sporting fan this Christmas. You can buy it online at www.iomstamps.com or visit Regent Street Post Shop, Douglas.

First stamp issue of 2013 unveiled at the Manx Museum ahead of exhibition opening

Posted on November 12, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Chronicles of Mann Exhibition & Lewis Chessman Stamps

Click Image To Pre – Order The Lewis Chessmen Stamps

Following on from “The Forgotten Kingdom” exhibition which opened to the public at the Manx Museum on November 10th 2012, Isle of Man Post Office has revealed its collaborated stamp issue – the first one to be issued in 2013. The Chronicles of Man and the Lewis Chessmen will feature on a set of six stamps from January 11 to coincide with Manx National Heritage‘s exhibition which runs until March 9 next year. The stamps were revealed on November 9th 2012 at a photo launch at the Manx Museum.

Dot Tilbury, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “When we heard the Lewis Chessmen and more significantly the Chronicles of Man were coming to the Island, we relished the opportunity to feature them in our stamp programme for 2013 and the results are stunning. The stamps will be officially launched on 13th January next year. The Chronicles teach us about early life in the Isle of Man, a time when the Island was the seat of power in a dominant sea kingdom that reached from the Irish Sea to the North Atlantic Ocean.”

The exhibition is now on at the Manx Museum – admission is free and is open from 10am –5pm Monday to Saturday.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Isle of Man Post Office Event

Posted on October 11, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Following on from our last blog regarding the recent Isle of Man Post Office Sir Ranulph Fiennes talk evening at The Villa Gaiety in Douglas, IOM, we are pleased to announce that a film of the event, recording by Your Web Video, is available to view on our Youtube page. Please click the image to be directed to the film.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes Talk – An Overwhelming Success!

Posted on October 5, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Sir Ranulph Signing FDC

An evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE held on Tuesday, 2nd October 2012 was sponsored by Isle of Man Post Office was an overwhelming success. Organised by the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club, a packed audience at the Gaiety Theatre listened to the intrepid explorer’s autobiographical talk about the highs and lows of his career which has seen him undertake some awe-inspiring adventures.

Sir Ranulph does not shy away from a challenge and has parachuted onto Europe’s highest glacier, forced his way up 4,000 miles of the mightiest rivers of Canada and Alaska, trekked on foot and unsupported to the North Pole and undertaken the great Transglobe expedition in which Fiennes and his companion Charles Burton became the first men in history to reach both poles.

His fascinating talk was illustrated by photographs from his various expeditions along with facts and some astonishing tales. All delivered in an articulate, genial and entertaining manner.

The event also coincided with Isle of Man Stamps & Coins issuing a new set of stamps to commemorate the Centenary of Scott’s South Pole Expedition and the stamps were on sale for the very first time at the event. This is an expedition which Sir Ranulph is very passionate about and the stamp issue commemorates Captain Scott’s heroic expedition to the South Pole. Sir Ranulph, who is also a well established author having published 12 books, provided the commentary text to accompany the photographs which feature on the stamps.

Dot Tilbury, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “We are grateful for the uniquely qualified contribution of Sir Ranulph Fiennes and to the Scott Polar Research Institute for permission to feature the extraordinary photographs of Herbert Ponting which, in Sir Ranulph’s words, powerfully serve ‘to remind us all of the stark reality of the conditions faced by Scott and his men, the very first human beings to penetrate and learn about Antarctica on behalf of the whole of mankind.”

Talking about the stamp issue Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “I am very pleased to be associated with this Isle of Man Post Office stamp issue dedicated to Captain Scott’s South Pole Expedition and the wonderful photography of Herbert Ponting. Ten years ago Scott’s reputation was not as it should be so I decided to set the record straight by writing a biography. I am delighted that my book is now followed by this stamp issue in this centenary year.”

The Coldest Journey

At the beginning of December, Sir Ranulph will embark on a six-month expedition ‘The Coldest Journey on Earth’ in which he and five colleagues will attempt to cross Antarctica in winter with the aim of raising $10 million for the charity Seeing Is Believing.

Seeing Is Believing

Sir Ranulph Fiennes MT TV Interview

Posted on October 3, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Sir Ranulph Fiennes MT TV Interview

Following Sir Ranulph Fiennes sold out Isle of Man Post Office show last night at the Gaiety theatre in Douglas, Isle of Man , here is a Paul Moulton Manx Telecom TV interview with the legend. Please click on the image to view!

Gold medallist Peter Kennaugh Exclusive Signing 23/09/2012, Sea Terminal, Douglas, Isle of Man,11.00am – 12.00pm

Posted on September 20, 2012 by iomstampsnews

London 2012 Olympic Games Gold medallist Peter Kennaugh will be exclusively signing limited edition Gold Medal Winners Stamp Sheets, which will be on sale at the Sea Terminal, this Sunday (September 23) between 11.00am and 12.00pm through the Isle of Man Post Office.

Fans of the Manx-born Olympic cyclist will have a unique opportunity to meet their sporting hero and get a piece of history signed as in celebration of the success of Peter and his team mates Steven Burke, Edward Clancy and Geraint Thomas in the Men’s Team Pursuit last month, Isle of Man Post Office has produced a Gold Medal Winners Sheet in a limited edition of 2012 only.

The sheet features the cycling stamps of Isle of Man Post Office’s London 2012 Olympic Games stamp issue, designed by world-renowned fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, along with images of Peter and his team mates taking part in the dramatic race which saw the Great Britain team set a new world record time of 03:51.659.

Peter became the first Manx-born Olympic Champion to win an Olympic gold medal since Sidney Swann, who was part of Great Britain’s rowing eights team at the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

Dot Tilbury, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “We are delighted Peter is able to do an exclusive signing of Gold Medal Winners Stamp Sheets for us this Sunday. It’s the ideal opportunity for people to meet our Manx cycling hero and get his autograph at the same time. Peter will be available for just one hour only from 11am till midday in the Sea Terminal, Douglas, so don’t miss out. The Isle of Man is immensely proud of Peter’s achievement and I’m sure crowds of people will come along to congratulate him especially as the event coincides with Shoprite’s Cycle for Life charity event which is based at the Sea Terminal on Sunday and is always a marvellous event.”

*The signing will go ahead even if the Cycle for Life should be cancelled due to bad weather.

Limited edition Gold Medal Winners Sheets, just 2012 copies, can be purchased at the Sea Terminal on Sunday morning priced £10 each or in advance from Regent Street Post Office, Douglas or online at www.iomstamps.com

Men’s Team Pursuit Gold Medal Winners Sheet

Posted on September 18, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Men’s Team Pursuit Gold Medal Winners Sheet

Isle of Man Post Office is delighted to issue a Gold Medal Winners Sheet in celebration of the success of the Men’s Team Pursuit in the London 2012 Olympic Games, which saw Manx-born Peter Kennaugh as part of the team. Just 2012 numbered sheets will be printed.

Peter Kenanugh, along with team mates Steven Burke, Edward Clancy and Geraint Thomas won the gold medal in a dramatic race in which they set a new world record time of 03:51.659. Team GB were tipped as the favorites and confirmed this position in qualifying.

Peter is the first Manx-born Olympic Champion since Sidney Swann, who was part of Great Britain’s rowing eights team at the 1912 Games in Stockholm.

The Gold Medal Winners Sheet features the cycling stamps of Isle of Man Post Office’s London 2012 Olympic Games stamp issue, designed by world-renowned fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, along with images of Peter and his team mates taking part in the race.

Less than 24 hours after he rode to victory in the team pursuit, Peter arrived back on the Isle of Man to a hero’s welcome. A huge crowd cheered as he walked through the arrivals area of the Isle of Man Airport holding his gold medal. Peter also joined in with an impromptu rendition of the Island’s national anthem followed by an emotional speech in which he expressed his thanks for the reception. He held his gold medal aloft which prompted an enormous cheer from the crowd that included fans of all ages. He spent an hour signing autographs and having his photograph taken and passed his gold medal to fans – much to the delight of the many children who turned up to meet their hero.

The Winners Sheet priced £10.00 including free world-wide delivery, can be ordered now for delivery from www.iomstamps.com