Guernsey and Alderney Christmas Stamps 2012

For immediate release - 25 October 2012

Guernsey Post announces the release of this year's Christmas stamps for Guernsey and Alderney, which take their inspiration from the Nativity (issue date, 31 October).

Scenes of the nativity story are depicted across seven stamps, which have been issued for both islands, together with first day covers and presentation packs.

The images depicted on the stamps are the Annunciation, which is the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God (34p); the innkeeper showing Mary and Joseph the rock cave below his house which was used as a stable for his animals (39p stamp); Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus (52p); and the night sky filling with a multitude of angels as they come down amongst the shepherds (53p).

Also depicted is the magi, more commonly known as the three Kings or Wise Men, who followed a star to Israel to pay homage to the newborn Christ Child bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (59p stamp); Mary nursing baby Jesus tenderly in her arms whilst flanked by two musical angels (69p); and completing the set is the flight to Egypt (74p) of Mary, Joseph and their infant son Jesus, having learned of King Herod's intention to kill the infants of that area.

Bridget Yabsley, philatelic marketing co-ordinator for Guernsey Post said: - "Christmas is a time of year when our stamps can help to deliver messages of good cheer and celebration.  It feels appropriate that this year's secular theme takes its inspiration from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew in the New Testament, so that our stamps can reflect the traditional Christmas story."

Guernsey Post's reduced rate (34p) Christmas stamps are available to purchase from 31st October for posting local Christmas cards between 3rd - 17th December.  For more information, including our last recommended Christmas posting dates, please visit www.guernseypost.com, or contact Customer Services on (01481) 711720.

 -end release-

Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Bridget Yabsley, Philatelic Marketing Co-ordinator, 01481 754609

Stamp specification details:-
Guernsey - The Christmas Story
Issue Date: 31 October 2012
Designer: Wendy Bramall
Printer: Cartor Security Printers
Values: 34p, 39p, 52p, 53p, 59p, 69p, 74p
Process: Offset Lithography
Stamp Size: 30.60mm deep x 38mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked / PVA Adhesive
Perforation: 13.25 x 13
Cylinder: A

Alderney - The Christmas Story
Issue Date: 31 October 2012
Designer: Wendy Bramall
Printer: Lowe-Martin Group
Values: 34p, 39p, 52p, 53p, 59p, 69p, 74p
Process: Offset Lithography
Stamp Size: 40mm deep x 32mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked / PVA Adhesive
Perforation: 13.3
Cylinder: A