A NEW QE2 STAMP FROM THE ISLE OF MAN

The Isle of Man Post Office Philatelic Bureau reports:

Douglas residents and visitors to the town who are early risers could be in for a surprise this coming Friday the 3rd October.

The ‘royal’ visitor who could appear fleetingly in Douglas Bay anytime from an anticipated 6.45am until 7.30am will be the world’s most famous ocean liner - the renowned Queen Elizabeth 2.

Not only will it be a memorable sight for beholders from the shore, it will be history in the making as the biggest passenger vessel to visit the Isle of Man ever...

You might have wondered how the call to Douglas came about.

The man to comment on that is none other than Geoff Corkish MHK, a member of the Dept of Tourism and a man with a well known nautical background in a former life:

“When we heard that the QE2 would be sailing round Britain on this farewell voyage we contacted Cunard with the request that she call into Douglas Bay whilst sailing between Cork and her next port of call which is Liverpool.

Such is the esteem in which the vessel is held, not only by the many Manx residents who are past passengers, but also by the public at large, that we felt the opportunity, if available, to bid her a fond farewell should be pursued. In conjunction with the Isle of Man Post Office we have done just that.”

Maxine Cannon, Philatelic Sales & Marketing Manager from the Isle of Man Post Office:

“We felt that we wanted to honour this iconic vessel in a suitable manner and as a result we will be issuing a limited number (2000) of special first day covers commemorating the call to Douglas. It will mean that a memento of this significant moment in our maritime history can be retained in this special manner.”

The best vantage points to view history in the making ?… either Douglas Promenade, Onchan or Douglas Head…unless you are a passenger on the Liverpool bound Seacat on Friday morning… in which case you could be traveling in convoy with the QE2, for at least some of the journey