Guernsey Stamps News Bulletin January/February 2021

GUERNSEY STAMPS AND COLLECTABLES

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2021 VOL 11 No 12

YEAR OF THE OX - ROYAL BRITISH LEGION PART 1 - GUERNSEY BIRDS - 50 YEARS OF DECIMALISATION - CLEMATIS

www.guernseystamps.com

Welcome Welcome and happy New Year! With such a strange and challenging 2020 we look forward to a more settled and healthier 2021. We have an exciting stamp programme which depict a variety of interests, themes and anniversaries.

We start with the Year of the Rat, our first issue on the 26th January. The stamps feature accents of gold which in Chinese culture is associated with wealth.

People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be determined, strong and are known for their honesty.

On 15 February, our Alderney issue commemorates the 50th anniversary of decimalisation in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, depicting the six coins introduced in 1971.

It has been over 10 years since we issued a definitive set of stamps for Guernsey and, following on from our Alderney definitives, we will release a new definitive set depicting just some of the 200 bird species which are recorded in the Bailiwick each year.

The second of our Quartet series celebrates the 100th Anniversary of The Royal British Legion. The creation of

The British Legion in 1921 provided care for all those who had suffered as a result of service during the war.

Over the course of the year we will release four stamps culminating on Remembrance Day with the release of a souvenir sheet. Part 1 will be released on the 17th February.

We also introduce a new miniature sheet series in place of our previous Endangered Species series, which will depict varieties of clematis with specific Guernsey connections, which have featured in Gold Award winning displays at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The first depicts Clematis Sarah Elizabeth, named after Sarah Groves, who tragically had her life taken away from her at the age of 24.

Finally, we will also issue a new pictorial Post & Go set of stamps in February, a stunning illustrated set featuring six airlines that flew to the Bailiwick of Guernsey in the last 50 years.

We hope you enjoy these issues and what our 2021 stamp programme offers.

Customer Corner We have recently undergone our next Customer Services Accreditation review and I am absolutely delighted to inform you that we have passed with flying colours and have gained 12 service pluses – three more than last year!

We have an ongoing programme within the department to improve our procedures and customer services. With the challenging times we all experienced last year it is credit to the Philatelic team that the

department has successfully improved working practices and services to better our accreditation results.

As always, we appreciate all customer feedback, as this provides the knowledge that our services are working correctly or provides us with an opportunity to improve areas that may not be.

Electronic customs data From 1st January 2021, as a result of new international legislation, we will need to provide more information on the customs forms (CN22/CN23) than we currently supply. As a customer this will not affect your stamp order, the only change you will note will be a change in the despatch note and the addressing of your envelope. All the required information will appear on a label which will be placed on the front of your envelope.

For items sent outside of the UK customs union, these details will also be required in an electronic format.

www.guernseystamps.com

Electronic customs data (also known as Electronic Advance Declaration or EAD) requires information on the sender, the recipient and the details of the contents within the parcel. The benefit will be by sharing electronic data, countries may be able to speed up customs clearance and import processes leading to faster delivery times – a great benefit for all!

Don’t forget! - Free postage and packing for Standing Order customers.

Please contact the Philatelic Bureau to open your account today.

How to Order By post Complete the order form and send to: Guernsey Philatelic Bureau FREEPOST GU267 Envoy House La Vrangue St Peter Port Guernsey Channel Islands GY1 5SS By phone Please call us on +44 (0) 1481 716486 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday Online You can also order securely online at www.guernseystamps.com Email: philatelic@guernseypost.com The Royal Philatelic Society London If you wish to join or find out more contact: John Triggs FRPSL Email: jtriggs@cwgsy.net www.rpsl.org.uk Tel: 01481 725847 Channel Islands Specialists Society

2020 STAMP PROGRAMME GUERNSEY 8 JANUARY 2020 LUNAR NEW YEAR: YEAR OF THE OX 2021 17 FEBRUARY 2021 GUERNSEY DEFINITIVES: BIRDS 17 FEBRUARY 2021 QUARTET: CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION PART 1 17 FEBRUARY 2021 CLEMATIS GOLD: C.SARAH ELIZABETH 12 APRIL 2021 EUROPA: ENDANGERED NATIONAL WILDLIFE 21 APRIL 2021 HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN’S 95TH BIRTHDAY 15 MAY 2021 QUARTET: CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION PART 2 10 JUNE 2021 SARK: DARK SKIES 1 SEPTEMBER 2021 QUARTET: CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION PART 3 1 SEPTEMBER 2021 SEPAC: OLD MAPS 3 NOVEMBER 2021 GUERNSEY CHRISTMAS 11 NOVEMBER 2021 QUARTET: CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION PART 4

Anyone wishing to join the CISS, buy one of the Society’s excellent publications, or find out more, should write to: Mark Bailey 36 Jerrymoor Hill Finchampstead Workingham Berkshire RG40 4UG

ALDERNEY

Guernsey Philatelic Society The society meet on regular intervals, for details contact Sue Gamblin.

Email: sjgamblin@cwgsy.net Tel: 07781 113038

3 NOVEMBER 2021 ALDERNEY CHRISTMAS

www.ciss1950.org.uk

Please note: European and International customers can continue to pay using a payment card or via PayPal on our website, sterling cheque drawn on a London Bank or British Postal Order made payable to Guernsey Post Ltd, or remit by Giro to our sterling account.

15 FEBRUARY 2021 50 YEARS OF DECIMALISATION 12 APRIL 2021 UN: INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES 10 JUNE 2021 HRH PRINCE PHILIP 100TH BIRTHDAY 23 JUNE 2021 DR SUESS - 50 YEARS SINCE THE LORAX WAS PUBLISHED (TBC)

POST & GO 17 FEBRUARY 2021 BAILIWICK PLANES POST & GO DECEMBER 2021 CHRISTMAS UNDERPRINT (GG02) TBC

Programme details and issue dates are subject to change without prior notice.

Year of the OX 2021

Issue date: 26 January 2021

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We are delighted to release the latest stamps in our Chinese New Year series, celebrating the Year of the Ox 2021, which begins on 12 February 2021 and ends on 30 January 2022.

According to the Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, each Chinese New Year is characterised by one of 12 animals, based on a 12-year cycle in line with the Chinese lunar calendar.

Ox characteristics People born in the Year of the Ox are said to be determined, strong and conservative. Their best matches are those born under the Year of the Rat, Monkey and Rooster; they are the least compatible with Tigers, Horses and Goats.

Oxes are known for their honesty, diligence, dependability, strength and determination. They don’t tend to be swayed by others’ views, preferring to do things their own way. However, before they take any action, Oxes will have a firm plan with detailed steps, often leading to great success.

Oxes can be single minded and display weak communication skills. They may struggle to share their ideas with others - and even think it is not worthwhile to do so.

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Did you know?

According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order of the animals in the Zodiac would be decided by upon the order of their arrival at his party. The ox was going to be the first to arrive, but, having been tricked into giving the rat a ride, the rat jumped down and landed ahead of the ox.

Years of the Ox include 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 and 2021.

www.guernseystamps.com - pre-order 12th January

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50p Stamp: Amongst the Clouds 68p Stamp: Bat Pattern 70p Stamp: Fierce Fire 85p Stamp: Chinese Coins 95p Stamp: Kumquats, Tangerines & Oranges £1.02 Stamp: Charm Necklace Set of six stamps: £4.70

Limited Edition Gold Foil Souvenir Sheet £95.00 100789 Guernsey Post Limited - Year of the Ox Uncut press sheet - 13.10.20 Proof 1

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Limited Edition Uncut Imperforate Press Sheet £30.00 Date of issue Designer

Also available: First Day Cover: £5.90 Presentation Pack: £5.60 Souvenir Sheet: £4.70 First Day Cover Souvenir Sheet: £5.90 Sheets of 10: £47.00

26 January 2021 Chrissy Lau

Printer

Southern Colour Print

Values

50p, 68p, 70p, 85p, 95p, £1.02

Process Stamp size S/Sheet Paper Sheets Perforation Cylinder

Offset Lithography 30mm deep x 40mm wide 100mm deep x 140mm wide NovaStamp Non-Phosphor Gummed 105gsm 10 13.33 x 13.60 A

50 Years of Decimalisation NEW ISSUE: Set of 6 stamps: £4.70

Issue date: 15 February 2021

We are delighted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of decimalisation in the Bailiwick of Guernsey with six stamps depicting the coins issued in 1971 when decimalisation was introduced.

The last time that coins featured on our stamps was in 1979, so we are particularly delighted to issue this set, which features the use of spot UV gloss to create a high shine effect on the coins.

Whilst researching the history of Guernsey coinage, we came across some interesting facts, which we have shared below: • For centuries leading up to the early 1800s, Guernsey used predominantly French currency. Coins of the French livre, or pound, were legal tender until 1834, with French francs used until 1921. After the First World War, the value of the franc began to fall relative to sterling, prompting Guernsey to adopt a pound equal to the pound sterling in 1921.

• The only other two coins in circulation during that entire period were the three pence with a twelve-sided scalloped edge, produced in 1956 and 1959, and the diamond-shaped with rounded corners ten shillings coin of 1966, produced to commemorate the 900th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and depicting a portrait of William the Conqueror on the reverse.

• During the 1960s, Guernsey’s pre-decimal coinage consisted of only three coins: 4 doubles – pronounced “doobles”, which were equivalent to a British pre-decimal halfpenny - 8 doubles and three pence. The 4 and 8 doubles were of the same size, weight and metal content as the UK halfpenny and penny respectively, but the three pence coin was scalloped and made of cupro-nickel.

• Nowadays, the new Policy & Resources Committee of the States of Guernsey Government is responsible for the issuing of notes and coinage. In order to secure Royal sanction prior to the production of any bank notes and coins bearing the Sovereign’s portrait or the Royal Cipher, all designs must be submitted to the Sovereign for prior approval.

A similar process applies to stamp designs. The Ministry of Justice is currently responsible for submitting draft designs for both stamps, notes and coins to the Sovereign on behalf of the Island of Guernsey.

• Following approval by the Sovereign, a confirmatory letter permitting Guernsey to proceed with the issue of the coins, notes and stamps is sent to His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, who informs the Bailiff.

www.guernseystamps.com - pre-order 1st February

Presentation Pack: £5.60

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Two degrees North

Printer

Cartor Security Printing

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50p, 68p, 70p, 85p, 95p, £1.02

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Also available: First Day Covers £5.90 Souvenir Sheet: £4.70 Sheets of 10: £47.00

15 February 2021

S/Sheet Paper Sheets Perforation Cylinder

Offset Lithography 38mm deep x 38mm wide 100mm deep x 140mm wide PVA Gummed 110 gsm 10 13.75 x 14.75 A

Guernsey Definitives: Guernsey Birds Issue date: 17 February 2021

NEW ISSUE: Set of 17 stamps: £8.95

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La Société Guernesiaise - A wildlife trust with a bird’s eye view of Guernsey’s avifauna La Société Guernesiaise has been working to conserve Guernsey’s natural environment as well as preserving its historic buildings and monuments for almost 140 years.

It now manages over 400 vergees of the island’s land as nature reserves, providing protected spaces for Guernsey’s birds to thrive.

Charles David Reserve at Pleinmont is home to a variety of habitats including gorse scrub, maritime heath, cliff and grasslands. Small wild birds such as Stonechats and Linnets can be seen visiting in the summer and this extreme headland on the southwest coast of the island is also a good place to spot migrant species such as Buzzards, Kestrels, Marsh Harriers and Peregrine Falcons.

The diverse habitats at Silbe in the Quanteraine Valley in St Peters provide an all-year haven for birds. This picturesque reserve includes a deciduous woodland, wet meadow, scrub, bracken and rough semi-improved grassland.

Colin Best Nature Reserve is one of the largest in the island, adjoining La Claire Mare to the northeast and together forming the largest extent of salt-freshwater transitional habitats in the island, a site known as L’Erée Aerodrome. It is home to the largest saltmarsh in the Channel Islands and a freshwater scrape for waders and ducks.

La Claire Mare’s low-lying wetland is considered to be one of the best birding sites on the island and hosts some globally threatened species such as Aquatic Warblers. In winter it’s the place to spot Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler and a roost of dozens of Little Egrets at high tide. Over 150 different species of birds have been spotted here.

Waders and waterbirds can also be seen from two hides at the small reserve hidden away at Rue des Bergers and Barn Owls and Kestrels are regulars to the nest boxes here. The areas of reedbed are important for species including Reed Warblers and Snipe.

Colin McCathie Nature Reserve includes a meadow and Vale Pond, an important site for a variety of waterbirds including Snipe, Grey Heron and Little Egrets.

Le Grand Pré is an important habitat for breeding Reed Warblers and Cetti’s Warblers. Reed Buntings and Marsh Harriers are sporadic breeders here and during the spring and autumn the reedbed attracts migrating Reed and Sedge Warblers whilst Swallows and Sand Martins roost. Bitterns are sometimes visitors here in winter too.

La Société provides a haven for birds at these reserves and paradise for ornithologists.

www.guernseystamps.com - pre-order 3rd February

LAPWING

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Presentation Pack: £9.85

Date of issue Designer

Also available: First Day Covers x 2: £11.35 Gutter Pairs: £17.90 Sheets of 50 with gutters available on request.

FDC gutters pairs x5: £23.90

17 February 2021 Bridget Yabsley

Printer

bpost

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1p-10p, 20p, 30p, 40p, 50p, £1, £2, £4

Process Stamp size Paper Sheets Perforation Cylinder

Offset Lithography 30mm deep x 30mm wide 46 Gummed FSC Securpost 110 GPW 10 1.1 x 1.667 A

Centenary of the Royal British Legion - Part 1

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Part 1 - 17 February 2021 Part 2 - 15 May 2021 Part 3 - 1 September 2021 Part 4 - 11 November 2021 Also available: First Day Cover: £2.20

We are very proud to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion with our commemorative stamps and souvenir sheet.

The four stamps will be released on separate dates throughout 2021, with the final stamp and souvenir sheet being issued on 11 November 2021, which is Armistice Day. The Armistice was the ceasefire that ended hostilities between the Allies and Germany on 11 November 1918.

Although the Armistice did not end the First World War itself, it was an agreement that brought an end to the fighting on the Western Front whilst the terms of the permanent peace were negotiated.

Armistice Day, often referred to as Remembrance Day, continues to be recognised in the United Kingdom with a twominute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Poppies are worn to remember those who gave their lives in battle because they are the flowers that grew on the battlefields after the end of the First World War. As the symbol of Remembrance, each year The Royal British Legion distributes paper poppies to raise vital funds to help today’s Armed Forces community.

From humble beginnings, the Legion’s Poppy Appeal has gone on to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charity, and the flower has inspired artwork on a vast scale.

In 2014, the breathtaking artwork Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red was installed in the moat of the Tower of London to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. The display comprised 888,246 ceramic poppies, representing each member of the British Armed Forces who lost their life during the conflict, with the final flower planted on 11 November.

Each year, the Legion organises various fundraising initiatives including organising Poppy Days in some of the UK’s major cities; poppy bike rides and runs; and fundraising events which feature a combination of veterans, Armed Forces personnel and volunteers with music, activity centres and celebrity appearances.

Specification: Date of issue: 17 February 2021. Designer: The Potting Shed. Printer: Southern Colour Print, Values: £1, Process: Offset lithography. Stamp size: 30.05mm deep x 64mm wide. Perforation: 13.575 x 13.125 Paper: NovaStamp Non-Phosphor Gummed 105gsm. Cylinder A

pre-order 3rd February - www.guernseystamps.com

Clematis Gold: C.Sarah Elizabeth NEW ISSUE: Miniature Sheet: £3.00

Issue date: 17 February 2021

We are delighted to be collaborating once again with world renowned nurseryman Raymond Evison OBE, for our new series of miniature sheets depicting some of Raymond’s award-winning clematis.

The first plant to feature in our ‘Clematis Gold’ series is called Sarah Elizabeth. This unique and beautiful clematis is dedicated to the memory of Sarah Elizabeth Groves, whose life was tragically cut short when she was murdered whilst back packing, on board a houseboat on Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir, on 6 April 2013. Sarah was just 24 years of age.

Born in Manchester in 1988, Sarah’s earlier years were spent in Alderley Edge and Knutsford in Cheshire and latterly in Guernsey. Having attended Chelsea College of Art in London, she eventually began working as a fully qualified fitness instructor at the Old Government House Hotel in Guernsey. Her true passions in life were fitness and art.

Although only 24 years old, Sarah touched an incredible number of people with her selfless nature. She was a source of kindness and inspiration for so many - something that has become ever-more apparent since her passing.

Towards the end of 2013 the Sarah Groves Foundation was set up in Guernsey by her family as a not-for-profit charitable trust. Its aim is to fulfil Sarah’s life ambition: to enhance the lives of young people, especially of those less fortunate than herself. The charity’s mission statement is simply ‘Enhancing young lives’.

With an emphasis on children, art, fitness and adventure, all of which featured heavily in Sarah’s own life, the charity aims to achieve its mission in the way funds are raised and how those funds are distributed.

The Foundation organises and supports life-changing initiatives that encourages people of all ages, from all walks of life, to take on fresh challenges that they wouldn’t normally consider, or that might not be accessible to them.

Since its inception, the charity has financed - or helped to finance - many activities. Initiatives include two donations totalling £70,000 towards the Guille-Allès Children’s Library in St Peter Port, the main room of which bears Sarah’s name; providing full support towards three parent-and-toddler drop-in centres in conjunction with Home-Start Guernsey at a cost of £23,000 per annum; and distributing around 30 children’s bikes at Christmas.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the charity, please visit http://sarahgroves.org https://www.raymondevisonclematis.com Also available: First Day Cover: £4.20 Presentation Pack: £3.90 Specification: Date of issue: 17 February 2021. Designer: Gillian Barlow. Printer: Joh Enschede, Values: £3, Process: Offset lithography. Stamp size: 60mm deep x 50mm wide. Sheet size: 84mm deep x 118mm wide.

Perforation: ?? x ?? Paper: 110gsm PVA Gummed Stamp Paper (unwatermarked). Cylinder A

pre-order 3rd February - www.guernseystamps.com

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Guernsey Folder

YEARSE T 202 FOLDER 0 S

2020 Yearset Folders for Guernsey & Alderney

Alderney Folder

Guernsey year-set folder £55.83 Alderney year-set folder £40.70

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