Stamps of approval

Unfortunately we’re rather late with this item – although not as late as our second class post sometimes is! – but we thought that this would appeal to those of you who collect stamps and, even if you’ve no interest in philately, you might well appreciate the new set of stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post Office.

The set of six stamps, which was launched at the end of July, pays homage to the remarkable transport museums found on the Island. And it really is remarkable that this island, one-third the size of Hertfordshire, should have so many excellent museums devoted to all types of transport.

The Manx Transport Heritage Museum in Peel is represented by a first class stamp featuring the Peel P50 and the Shuttleworth Snap TT Racer. Murray’s Motorcycle Museum, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in two years’ time, is shown on a large letter stamp featuring a Norton Wideline Cafe Racer, 1981 Suzuki RG500 1981 and an ex-Mike Hailwood 1957 Mondial Bialbero 250. The Kirk Michael’s ARE Classic Motorcycle Museum stamp shows a 1927 Scott 2 Speed, Ariel 650cc Huntsmaster Twin, a Gerrard childadult sidecar and a 1939 Matchless G2 Clubman Deluxe 245cc. The Miltown Car and Motorcycle Collection is represented by a 1922 Vauxhall, a 1900 New Orleans and a 1923 Douglas sidecar combination.

Also in the set are stamps dedicated to the Jurby Transport Museum and the Isle of Man Motor Museum and with machines as diverse as a Japanese hearse and the Peel microcar, these stamps certainly give a taste of the impressive range of vehicles that can be found in these wonderful Manx collections. For more details and to purchase the stamp set, please visit www.iompost.com