New stamps celebrate our nationality

New stamps have been issued that feature the most recognised symbol on the Isle of Man – the Three Legs of Man. This national emblem can be seen everywhere on the Island from buildings and monuments to chocolate bars and tattoos. But what is the origin of this unusual emblem, Isle of Man Post Office reveals all.

For upwards of a thousand years and probably more, the Three Legs of Man has been the symbol of Manxness yet the origin remains uncertain. In Ireland, stylistic spiral three legs were carved in stone in Neolithic times.

Throughout the world the mythology of threes has played a significant role, notably in India, China, Korea, ancient Greece and Rome – and among native North Americans. It should not be surprising therefore to note that the Manx Parliament consists of three divisions – the House of Keys, Legislative Council and Tynwald. Nor the fact that the ancient open-air Tynwald ceremony at St John’s used to occur to greet the rising sun on Midsummer’s Day. The three-legged symbol, which indicated rotary movement, was regarded as representing the three-spoked wheel of the sun god’s chariot as it crossed the sky.

The Three Legs of Man is often known as the triskele and throughout the Island it can be found in a variety of places however not always consistently the same. Some turn correctly to the right, others the left; some kneel as if acknowledging the supremacy of nearby England or Scotland and some are on tip toe, implying fleetness of foot.

A Latin motto accompanies the Island’s Three Legs of Man ‘Quocunque Jeceris Stabit’ which emphasises the Island’s resilience. Translations have varied – Wheresoever you cast it, it will find its feet or Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand, but the meaning has remained clear: no matter how ‘storm-tossed’ the Island might be, it can survive.

Look out for a competition coming very soon on the Isle of Man Stamps & Coins Facebook page where you can take part in a quiz to try and identify the locations of the Three Legs of Man emblems which feature on the new stamps. The winner will receive a bumper gift pack of this colourful issue.

Please visit our website at www.iomstamps.com to find out more about the Three Legs of Man collection of stamps and products and to order.

MAXINE CANNON TO TAKE OVER THE REINS FROM DOT TILBURY

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.”

Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Isle of Man Post Office Event

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!

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

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!

Centenary of Scott’s South Pole Expedition – Out Today!!

Scott/Ranulph Fiennes Signed Cover

Happy Captain Scott Stamp Day, they are released today! Sir Ranulph Fiennes at the Gaiety tonight woohoo! Buy your stamps HERE!

Signed, Sealed….Nearly Delivered!

Sir Ranulph Fiennes Signed Cover

Don’t forget our Centenary of Captain Scott’s South Pole Expedition is out in two days – get your pre-order in now! We’re also selling signed covers by Sir Ranulph Fiennes who is due to talk to the masses at The Gaiety Theatre on the Isle of Man this Tues! Click HERE to order your copy!

SIR RANULPH FIENNES OBE TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE GAIETY THEATRE

Scott FDC

Described as „the world‟s greatest living explorer‟ Sir Ranulph Fiennes will be appearing at the Gaiety Theatre to a packed audience to give an entertaining and inspiring presentation on October 2. He will also be giving a unique insight about his recently announced six-month expedition „The Coldest Journey on Earth‟ which starts in December.

Sponsored by Isle of Man Post Office and organised by the Isle of Man Sporting & Dining Club, Sir Ranulph will motivate his audience with stories and visuals of his remarkable career of awe-inspiring adventures from parachuting onto Europe‟s highest glacier, forcing his way up 4,000 miles of the mightiest rivers of Canada and Alaska, trekking on foot and unsupported to the North Pole and the great Transglobe expedition in which Fiennes and his companion Charles Burton became the first men in history to reach both poles.

Lisa Duckworth, Commercial Director of Isle of Man Post Office said: “We are delighted to be supporting what will be a most magnificent evening with world renowned explorer and author Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE. We are confident he will live up to the expectation as being one of the world‟s top inspirational business motivational speakers. The Sporting & Dining Club manages to secure some fantastic speakers and this is truly one of the greats. We very much look forward to this rare and unique opportunity to be in Sir Ranulph‟s company.”

The event coincides 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 will be 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, has 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.”

Just 100 first day covers exclusively signed by Sir Ranulph will be available on the night as well as the Scott of Antarctic presentation pack and miniature sheet of stamps. To view the stamps visit www.iomstamps.com

Please be aware this event has now sold out!

Sir Ranulph Fiennes Film

ranulphYT

To celebrate The Centenary of Scott’s South Pole Expedition we have received a video from the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, talking about the issue.  Please click on the image above to view. How lovely of him to take the time to film for us! You can buy tickets here for an evening with Sir Ranulph at The Villa Gaiety, Isle of Man, on 2nd October 2012 – sponsored by The Isle of Man Post Office.

Peter Kennaugh Signing

Peter Kennaugh and young fan

Here’s some pictures of Manx Olympic Gold Medallist, Peter Kennaugh‘s Stamp signing session down at the Isle of Man Sea Terminal which happened on Sunday 23rd Sept 2012.  The event was a roaring success and was organised by The Isle of Man Post Office.

Signing

Peter Kennaugh Meeting The Manx Public

Manx Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Kennaugh and Mirella Annis, marketing assistant, Isle of Man Stamps & Coins

Team GB Manx Olympic Gold Medalist Peter Kennaugh

Busy Crowd

L-R Peter Kennaugh with Mirella Annis, marketing assistant and Dot Tilbury, general manager both from Isle of Man Stamps & Coins