For immediate release: 26 April 2012
Guernsey Stamps is pleased to announce the release of its Europa stamp issue on this year's Visit theme with a collection of images from the island in the Bailiwick (issue date 1 May).
The Guernsey letter stamp depicts the white sands of Vazon Bay, Guernsey's largest beach which stretches over two miles and faces west to the Atlantic with nothing lying between it and the coast of Canada.
To the northeast, the UK letter stamp shows the dramatic coastline at Grand Creve, arguably Sark's most beautiful sandy bay accessed by a steep climb down from the north end of La Coupée (International letter 40g). The well-known three hundred feet high La Coupée is a razor-edged isthmus that joins the main island to Little Sark.
Sark's sister island of Herm features many glorious beaches, with one of the highlights being Shell Beach (Guernsey large letter stamp), which has white, slightly coarse sand that is composed of thousands of shells deposited by the gulf stream. Herm provides a peaceful oasis from the bustling marinas of the larger ports. Yachts are able to enter the small harbour, moor at the deep-water spots surrounding the island or anchor at several beautiful locations (UK large letter stamp).
Completing the six set of stamps is Bluestone Bay in Alderney (International Letter 20g), which is accessed down a narrow track from the headland. The shoreline is covered by a thick layer of diorite pebbles, a legacy of the quarrying at the turn of the 19th century, which gives it its distinctive blue hue.
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: - "The outdoor life is something many islanders enjoy and our stamps have been chosen to give a flavour of the islands' scenery, including four of our finest beaches.
"Choosing the images to feature on our Europa stamps has reminded us just how beautiful our islands are. We are proud of our contribution to this special "Visit." collection."
-End release-
Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic, 01481 733524
Note to editors:
Every year since 1956, the European postal administrations under the PostEurop umbrella produce stamps that adhere to a common theme but have been interpreted in their own way. This diversity, along with the inclusion of the Europa logo, makes the series one of the most collected in the world. Past themes have included gastronomy, forests and children's books.
Specifications:
Date of issue: 1 May 2012
Designer: Mark Totty
Printer: Cartor Security Printing
Values: GY Letter, UK Letter,
GY Large letter,
International Letter (20g),
UK Large Letter,
International Letter (40g)
Process: Offset lithography
Stamp size: 30mm deep x 40mm wide
Paper: 110 gsm unwatermarked
PVA adhesive
Sheet: 10
Perforation: 13.25 x 13
Cylinder: A
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