Robin Gibb Stamps – a ‘deeply moving’ tribute

Posted on April 25, 2013 by iomstampsnews

: Robin’s wife Dwina and son, Robin-John

Robin Gibb stamps – A ‘deeply moving’ tribute

The Isle of Man has paid a poignant tribute to one of its most famous Manxmen Robin Gibb CBE yesterday (Wednesday 24th April 2013).

A special launch was held at the childhood home of Robin Gibb and his Bee Gees brothers at 50 St Catherine’s Drive, Douglas in the Isle of Man.

Robin’s wife Dwina and son Robin-John travelled to the Island to celebrate the legendary singer and songwriter by unveiling an emotional postal tribute in which Robin features on a new set of stamps issued by Isle of Man Post Office. While the poignant tribute was unfurled among family, special guests and fans of Robin, the choir of BallakDwinermeen High School sang Ellan Vannin – the alternative Isle of Man national anthem which Robin had deep affection for.

Robin was born in the Isle of Man and was proud to call it his home despite also having lived in Manchester and Australia while growing up. On unveiling the stamps, his wife Dwina described the moment as “deeply moving and fantastic – I love the stamps’, indeed everyone present felt the family’s overwhelming emotion.

She said:

“It was very emotional seeing the enormous picture of Robin but I loved seeing it. Robin was so proud to be from the Isle of Man, he loved its ambience and its people and was always proud to be an ambassador for the Island. If he were here today he’d be immensely honoured to be recognised in this very special way.”

Robin Gibb Stamps – a blue plaque

During the launch, a blue plaque situated above the front door of 50 St Catherine’s Drive, organised by Douglas Borough Council, was also unveiled to officially mark the property as the childhood home of the Bee Gees who became world famous for their hits including ‘Night Fever’, Jive Talkin’, ‘How Deep is Your Love’ and ‘I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You’ to name just a few.

ROBIN GIBBS STAMPS - MT-TV INTERVIEW

Click the above picture to watch the Manx Telecom TV Interview with Dwina and Robin-John

Robin Gibb Stamps – Dot Tilbury interview

Dot Tilbury, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said:

“Today has been immensely special for the Isle of Man. We are proud to say that Robin and his brothers were from the Island and indeed they have been great ambassadors ever since. The postal tribute has been our way of celebrating the life of Robin and his solo career which ties in with the posthumous release of his album entitled ‘50 St Catherine’s Drive’ due for release in the Autumn. In addition, royalties from the special charity stamp product are being donated by the Gibb family to Rebecca House, the Isle of Man children’s hospice which Robin and Dwina opened in 2008. Robin never forgot the Isle of Man and indeed the Isle of Man will never forget him and today has truly shown how deep the Island’s love for Robin is.”

60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign

Posted on April 10, 2013 by iomstampsnews

Coronation of HM Queen Miniature Sheet

60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign

Marking her 60 years as Queen, Isle of Man Post Office is delighted to present this miniature sheet of one stamp to compliment the set of stamps recently issued.

Heralded as the dawn of a new Elizabeth era, the Queen’s Coronation was held on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London. Representatives of the peers, the Commons and all the great public interests in Britain, the Prime Ministers and leading citizens of the other Commonwealth countries and representatives of foreign states were present.

Television in the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign

For the first time, television coverage played a major role in bringing the royal spectacle into people’s homes. Over twenty million gathered some million television sets and the neighbours came in as well. Now it was possible to witness the actual crowning ceremony and the ritual anointment with holy oil and royal occasions have been broadcast ever since.

To mark the coronation, a vast range of weird and wonderful commemorative souvenirs were produced from mugs, decorated tins, jigsaw puzzles, embroidered tea towels, pictorial toilet soaps, aluminium tea pots to hair pin sets. But no historic occasion in history would be the same if we didn’t have such mementoes which when we look at them, take us back to that special time and bring the memories alive once again.

Significant changes in the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign

Throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth II there have been some very significant changes with developments in technology bringing huge advances in science, medicine and computer and digital capabilities coming to fruition. There’s also been the introduction of package holidays through jet travel and the self-service supermarket offering frozen foods to microwave ready meals. Meanwhile, royal souvenirs continue to flourish with royal weddings and with silver, golden and diamond jubilees.

This miniature sheet compliments the set of stamps in this collection of the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation issued in February – the perfect collectable for any fan of the Royal Family. Please visit our website at www.iomstamps.com to find out more.

MAXINE CANNON TO TAKE OVER THE REINS FROM DOT TILBURY

Posted on April 2, 2013 by iomstampsnews

Maxine Cannon

Isle of Man Post Office is delighted to announce the appointment of Maxine Cannon as General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins from April 2. Maxine will take over from Dot Tilbury who retires from the role in May.

Maxine joined Isle of Man Post Office in 1981 and has worked in Stamps & Coins throughout this time, latterly as Sales and Marketing Manager. She has extensive expertise in the Stamps & Coins business and will bring enormous enthusiasm to her new role. Maxine’s intention is to build on the achievements of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, gained over the past 15 years through Dot Tilbury’s leadership.

On her forthcoming appointment Maxine said: “I’m grateful to my colleagues past and present in all areas of the business and at every level for their help, advice and good humour over the years, which has enabled me to reach this stage in my career and for making it possible to follow on from Dot.”
She added: “As we move past our 40th anniversary milestone, knowing that Isle of Man Stamps and Coins has the support of a worldwide customer base and an extensive network of top ranking suppliers, researchers and contributors, both on and off Island, gives me great confidence for the future.”
Dot Tilbury has headed up the division for the last 15 years and has been instrumental in producing creative and topical stamp issues which have been seen around the world. Dot has been with the business since 1975, giving 38 years of loyal and dedicated service to Isle of Man Post Office. She will retire in May, allowing for a smooth transition of responsibilities to Maxine.

Dot Tilbury & Sir Paul Smith

Dot Tilbury said: “I can honestly say that I have had the best job in the world as Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins. However, none of that would have been possible without Maxine’s invaluable knowledge and assistance. I am so delighted she is to take over the reins and that with the support of the wonderful team in the Department, she will ensure that Isle of Man Stamps and Coins will continue to be successful.”

Mike Kelly

Mike Kelly, Chief Executive, Isle of Man Post Office described Dot’s retirement as an end of an era and Maxine’s appointment as a new chapter for Isle of Man Stamps & Coins.

He said: “We are enormously grateful for the all that Dot has contributed towards the success of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins over the years and we are confident that Maxine is the best person to take the business forward to build on those successes.”

We Have A Guest!

Posted on March 12, 2013 by iomstampsnews

We are happy to have a guest worker here in IOM Stamps for the next two weeks! Iris Green, Post Mistress of Tristan da Cunha (a remote volcanic group of islands in the south Atlantic Ocean), is working with us to build on her experience and learn new skills!

Miniature sheet reflects modern day Fire and Rescue Service

Posted on January 17, 2013 by iomstampsnews

IoM Fire & Rescue Service

Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service will be showcased in a miniature stamp sheet produced by Isle of Man Post Office early 2013.

Source: gov.im via Isle of Man on Pinterest

While fire fighting has traditionally been at the forefront of their work, the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service’s role has expanded considerably since its establishment in April 1965. Techniques, skills, equipment have been developed to enable an effective and professional response to a wide range of non-fire related incidents.

A miniature sheet to showcase their varying roles has been produced by Isle of Man Post Office and will be officially issued on the 20th February next year. The images on the sheet depict the service’s roles in the community from fire fighting, dealing with chemical incidents, road traffic collisions, mountain rescue, community safety and much more. The service’s three core objectives are preventing, protecting and responding with much of their work now focusing on how accidents and emergencies can be prevented from happening in the first place and if they do occur, how people can best protect themselves and others from the possible impact of such events.

Source: gov.im via Isle of Man on Pinterest

Brian Draper, Chief Fire Officer said: “The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service is delighted that the Post Office has chosen to commission a stamp issue depicting the varied and extensive remit of a modern, 21st Century Fire and Rescue Service. Here on the Island our Emergency Services deliver on a daily basis a wide range of prevention, protection and response activities and the Fire and Rescue Service is at the very forefront of such delivery. I hope this issue will appeal to both collectors and the general public alike as it provides just a little insight into the many ways we try to keep our Island a safe place in which to live, work and visit.”

Source: gov.im via Isle of Man on Pinterest

Dot Tilbury, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps & Coins said: “We are especially pleased to recognise the sterling work our Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service provides on a daily basis. We are immensely proud to have such a reliable, multi- skilled and experienced fire service and it’s fitting to mark their status with a miniature sheet.”

Please visit our website at www.iomstamps.com to find out more about the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service miniature sheet and products and to pre-order.

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.

Isle of Man Stamps & Coins – London 2012 Olympic Games Collectables

Posted on December 12, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Our London 2012 Olympic Games Paul Smith Designed Merchandise. Please click the image to see our product video.

To order please click here:

http://www.iompostoffice.com/stamps/Issue.aspx?productid=1003&categoryid=211

Isle of Man Stamps & Coins – London 2012 Olympic Games – Men’s Team Pursuit

Posted on December 11, 2012 by iomstampsnews

A limited edition framed and signed Gold Medal Winners Sheet to celebrate the achievements of the Men’s Team Pursuit who won gold in the London 2012 Olympic Games, issued by Isle of Man Post Office.
Just 100 copies available, all of which are signed by the four-man squad – Steven Burke, Ed Clancy,Geraint Thomas and Manxman Peter Kennaugh.

For more information visit http://www.iompostoffice.com/stamps/Issue.aspx?productid=1141&categoryid=211

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Lovely Words!

Posted on November 13, 2012 by iomstampsnews

Click Image To Order

Wow, lovely words about our Lewis Chessman Stamps from Robert M E Paterson, The Bishop of Sodor and Man! How kind of him, we are very proud!

“I am delighted to see the 80p stamp with the figure of one of my predecessors on it – a Bishop of Sodor and Man from the twelfth century ‘Lewis Chessmen’. The Isle of Man Post should be congratulated on commissioning such an interesting, evocative and attractive set of stamps.

Robert Sodor as Mannin.

The Rt Revd Robert M E Paterson, Bishop of Sodor and Man”

Click HERE to order the stamps

www.iomstamps.com

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.

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