Robin Gibb Stamps – a ‘deeply moving’ tribute

Robin’s wife Dwina and son, Robin-John

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.”

APPEAL FOR PHOTOS & MEMORABILIA OF ROBIN GIBB DURING HIS ISLE OF MAN CHILDHOOD

Do you have photographs, memorabilia or memories of Robin Gibb CBE living in the Isle of Man during his early childhood? If so, Isle of Man Post Office would like to hear from you.

Next month a set of eight new stamps will be issued which reflect the legendary solo career of Robin Gibb CBE. As part of the launch of the issue, Isle of Man Post Office would like to collate photos and any memorabilia Islanders may have of one of the Isle of Man’s most famous citizens.

Dot Tilbury, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps & Coins, said: “I’m sure there are
some people who remember the Gibbs living in their home on the Island at 50 St Catherine’s Drive in the early 1950s. We would love to find any photographs from this time which would add an extra something special to this stamp issue and hear first-hand memories from this bygone time. If you have something to contribute, please contact us before 10th April.”

Anyone who can help with this appeal for photos and memorabilia of Robin Gibb CBE should contact Lucy Webster-Thompson on 698492 or email lucy.webster-thompson@iompost.com

Isle of Man Schools Chess Congress

 

IOM Primary School Chess Congress

Why not order our recent Lewis Chessmen Stamps issue? Click here: http://ow.ly/hrppF

We recently visited the IOM Primary School’s Chess Congress, where we watched children competing against each other representing seven of the Island’s primary schools.

Harry Minor, chess coach for the Island’s schools said: “This year’s Chess Congress went very well. The children played some really good chess and were very well behaved. Next year I hope to see a few more members and to encourage some more girls to take part especially as there is a new trophy for the best girl player. I’d like to thank everyone involved and to the staff and parents for supporting and to Rushen School for hosting.”

As well as trophies for the winners and runner-up, Isle of Man Stamps & Coins kindly donated sets of the Chronicles of the Kings of Man & the Isles & the Lewis Chessmen stamps, first day covers and presentation packs as prizes.

Miniature sheet reflects modern day Fire and Rescue Service

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.

Another Happy Christmas Winner

 

Christine Almaden-Boyle won  £50 worth of Post Office saving stamps in our Christmas Post Shop competition – she is pictured with Dot Tilbury.

POST EARLY THIS CHRISTMAS TO ENSURE CARDS & GIFTS ARRIVE ON TIME

Isle of Man Post Office is advising customers to post early to ensure their festive cards and gifts arrive with loved ones before Christmas Day, as the last posting dates are announced.

Malcolm MacPherson, Mails Managing Director, of Isle of Man Post Office said: “Last year the snow and ice caused severe disruption to postal services throughout the British Isles in the lead up to Christmas. We don’t know whether we’ll face the same again this year, but why take the risk? It’s our busiest time of the year and I strongly advise our customers to post in good time just in case we do have severe weather again.”

Airmail bound to Asia, Australia, Far East (including Japan) and New Zealand should be sent no later than December 5 while mail destined for South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East should be posted by December 7. Mail for Eastern Europe, USA and Canada must be sent by December 10 and to Western Europe before December 12.

For friends and family of HM Forces personnel, mail must be sent by December 3 for operational BFPOs and no later than December14 for static BFPOs. Don’t forget friends and family can continue to send letters and parcels up to 2kg free of charge to any BFPO address.

The last posting date for sending letters, large letters and packets to the UK and for using Parcelforce48 is December 20. The final day for using Special Delivery next-day guaranteed service for both UK and local delivery (including the Saturday guarantee service) and Parcelforce next-day is December 21.While customers have up until December 22 to send Christmas mail (letters and parcels) for local delivery in time for Christmas.

Our newly constructed Customer Services Centre at Postal Headquarters will be officially open from December 3 and to assist customers during this very busy period it will be open to post and collect parcels from 07.00 to 20.30 Monday to Friday until December 21 and 07:00 to 12:30 Saturdays. However, items need to be posted before 18:45 to ensure despatch to the UK and overseas that evening. Any items posted after this time will be despatched the following day. On December 22 the Customer Services Centre will be open from 07.00 till 12.30. Customers should also note the retail counter will close at 12.30pm on Christmas Eve but parcels can be collected up until 18.00. To ensure your parcel is ready for collection, customers are advised to wait until after 18:00 hours before visiting to collect their item during the Christmas period.

The new Customer Services Centre will house a self-service Pay & Post kiosk so customers can avoid the queues for wanting to weigh stamp, and pay for letters and packages, buy postage and pay electricity, gas, phone bills as well as Government rates through the machines. Postal kiosks can also be found in other locations around the Island.

The retail network will be open as normal in the lead up to Christmas with the exception of Christmas Eve when post offices will close at 12.30 and 16.00 on New Year’s Eve. All post offices and operational sites will be closed on Christmas Day (December 25) through till December 27 inclusive and January 1, 2013.

Any business customers who would like to discuss their collections (including private boxes) and deliveries during the Christmas period are invited to call the Business Development Team on 698444.

During the Christmas period the Department of Social Care has agreed to the early encashment of pensions and allowances for the convenience of customers – please see information below:

Due date

Monday 24th December Tuesday 25th December Wednesday 26th December Friday 28th December Tuesday 1st January

Encashable from

Monday 17th December Tuesday 18th December Wednesday 19th December Friday 21st December Friday 28th December

Finally, you can help us this Christmas by making sure you address your mail correctly by ensuring the postcode is included – this makes a real difference to how quickly we can process your mail and by posting as early as possible. Please also include a return address on any pieces of mail, especially items which include a gift. Information about last posting dates, addressing standards, advice on wrapping and packing can be found on the Christmas page of our website www.iompost.com/christmas

The Post Shop at Regent Street is the ideal place to visit all for your packing materials in the run up to Christmas as well as fabulous gift ideas. The Post Shop is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm (open from 9.30am on a Tuesday) and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturday. This year’s Christmas stamps feature the work of Island based artist Michael Starkey. The images depict Christmas scenes from a bygone era and each stamp tells it very own story. Meanwhile the Isle of Man Post Office Yearbook, a packed compendium of all 2012 stamp issues with accompanying text along with all the stamps, is now on sale.

Isle of Man Post Office Wins International Business Of The Year Award

At a glittering ceremony in the Villa Marina last night (Thursday), Isle of Man Post Office won the coveted International business of the year award at the 2012 Awards for Excellence.

Commenting on the award Mike Kelly, Chief Executive of Isle of Man Post Office said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won such a highly sought after award. This reward is in recognition of our commitment to creating an innovative diversification strategy, helping the business to thrive when traditional services and mail volumes are in decline.

Over the last number of years we have grown significantly, particularly with the introduction of Integrated Mailing Solutions (IMS), our specialist business communications division. We have evolved to be able to offer clients based locally and internationally physical and digital mail services which has not only contributed significant financial reward, but has placed Isle of Man Post Office on the map as one of the most up and coming innovative Posts in the world.”

He added: “One of our long-term strategies is to take our trusted third party into the secure electronic communications market. We launched our first digital mail product, „ePostbox‟, this year which is available to clients globally. Customers can for the very first time, receive their postal mail online, anywhere in the world 24/7. We also have an exciting product that will be launched next year, complementing our existing mailing services.”

None of this success would have been possible without the dedicated, loyal and hard working team that makes Isle of Man Post Office.

Mike continued: “We are proud to have some of the longest serving employees on the Island with a very low staff turnover and none of this success would be possible without everyone‟s hard work and dedication in making Isle of Man Post Office so successful. This is a great place to work and we are so fortunate to have not only a heritage of experience and skills but also great creativity and innovation within the business. We strive to ensure this continues now and into the future.

“I would like to thank all our customers, partners, suppliers and Isle of Man Government as our principle stakeholder, indeed everyone associated with us for their support. Each has contributed to making the business so successful and continuing these partnerships will help secure our sustainability into the future. This is a very exciting time for the Post Office as we continue to expand our global client base. However, we remain committed to our Isle of Man based customers and we will continue to play a vital role in the local community.”

Further success was celebrated on the night as Dot Tilbury, General Manager for Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, won the highly coveted “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Dot has worked for the Post Office for 37 years and has built a worldwide reputation for the Stamps and Coins division for producing innovative, high quality and topical stamp issues. Dot received this award for her dedication and tireless work in the community; she is particularly well-known for her involvement in children‟s cycling.

Mike said: “Everyone at the Post Office is delighted that Dot‟s community work has been recognised with this award. She is a key member of the senior management team at the Post Office and we are all thrilled for her. The award to Dot turned the evening into a fantastic night and magnificent double celebration.”

Hosted by Isle of Man Newspapers, the Awards for Excellence is a celebration of the Island‟s success from the business sector, the local community to individuals such as young achiever of the year, volunteer of the year to the prestigious lifetime achievement award.

Lovely Words!

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

Adam Wright

We recently interviewed Isle of Man based Adam Wright, who was asked to help out at the Archery events at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Please see the interview below:

IOM Stamps: How did you get involved in with the London 2012 Olympics? 

Adam Wright: Steven Taylor who is an Archery Coach in the UK was putting together a team of young games makers for the archery event to carry arrows from the targets back to the archers. Steven Taylor then contacted the Isle of Man Archery Club and asked if they had anyone between ages 16 and 18 who would be able to go to London and Peter and Joy at the archery club asked me if I wanted to do it and I said I could so they put my name down and I was chosen to take part in the Olympics.

IOM Stamps: What was the experience like?

Adam Wright: The experience was very good to see all of the world class archers and the sort of equipment they used and a stadium full of people all very excited about watching the shooting.

IOM Stamps: How did it feel to be part of the event?

Adam Wright: It was exciting to be part of such a massive event and it was an experience that I will never forget as I was very proud to take part.

IOM Stamps: What did you enjoy most?

Adam Wright: The thing that I enjoyed the most was getting to see the archers shoot and being part of the atmosphere in Lord’s

IOM Stamps: Would you volunteer again?

Adam Wright: I would volunteer again as it was a great experience and I was very proud to be part of it.Adam Wright detailsMy age: 16MY interest in archery: shooting at the Isle of Man Archery Club