Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"The ISLE of MAN"

Society Treasurer, Ian MacPherson showed "Isle of Man" to members at our latest meeting.

The Post Office produced the first stamps for the Isle of Man in 1958 with the Regional Issues. It was not until 1973 that it started issuing its own stamps. Ian showed a series of stamps issued for Europa, Christmas, Shipping, Lifeboats and Victorian Themes. He then showed some Victorian mail bearing early postal markings, telegrams, and a selection of slogan cancels for the 20th Century.

A number of Prisoner-of-War camps had been sited on the island during the Second World War. However, Knockaloe camp was seemingly the only camp that had a Post office during the First World War. After the war several of these camps were converted into Holiday Camps. Ian then showed a complete board of printing flaws. The Tourist Trophy (TT) races were well featured with a cover signed by the famous Joey Dunlop. The first TT race took place in 1907 when 25 riders started, but only 10 finished, the 37 mile circuit which has some 200 bends. Nature was celebrated with a board on birds, flora and fauna. Amongst the recent issues featured  were Thomas the Tank Engine; Postman Pat; Happy Memories of the Isle of Man (designed by Sir Paul MacCartney) and the Millennium. 

Ian concluded his display with drawings from a commemorative stamp issue that was never issued, together with the original proof drawings for the "Battle of Britain" and "Vintage and Classic Cars" issues.

Bill Izett provided the Vote of Thanks.

Our next meeting, on Friday 5th March, will see a display by Elizabeth Nairn with "All at Sea" as the theme, to which all are very welcome.