In his book A History of the Ship Letters of the British Isles (reprint 1993), Alan Robertson states on page E.203 that the “standard” oval type with crown for Lyme Regis (Lyme) probably exists, but as yet no example is recorded. There are now two known examples.
Les Iles Normandes Volume 10.1 (1991) pg 9, illustrates a letter that was in the collection of Mike Burrington, one of the Society’s Canadian members. The letter from Guernsey to London, written in French, is dated 30 August 1811. There is no mention of the significance of the LYME ship letter handstamp. As with the example shown below, it too was sent via the forwarding agents, James Cazenove & Co.
This earlier use of the LYME ship letter is dated 6 January 1811 is also from Guernsey to London. It was charged at the triple letter rate of 3/3d (3 x 4d ship letter fee (1799 rates and 3 x 9d mileage rate for 120-170 miles as per 1805 rates).
I refer to my article in Les Iles Normandes Volume 44 No 1 Pages 15/16 and wish to make a correction to the content for which I sincerely apologise. My report seemed to make sense to me, but I am very grateful to Alan Moorcroft, FRPSL for providing me with a key fact, the significance of which I failed to initially recognise.
The significance of the Weymouth Ship Letter mark (shown in the original article as Figure 3) is all important. The letter was not carried by packet to Weymouth but by private ship from Alderney to Weymouth (as there are no Guernsey markings), where it received the Weymouth Ship Letter handstamp.
There is also a change to the calculation of the rate. The letter was charged 4d as a Ship Letter and then sent inland to Ashburton. Ashburton was served by the Western Road, and it is believed that mail from Weymouth would have to go to Shaftesbury to join the Western Road and then on to Ashburton. The letter was charged 7d for 116 miles (80-120 miles) to make up the 11d rate shown on the front of the entire.
My thanks to Alan for providing such helpful guidance.
5 July 2025 MIDPEX, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre,Fosse Way, Leamington Spa CV31 1XN
12 July 2025 75th Annual General Meeting; Room Auction and Members’ displays
13 September 2025 Members’ Meeting – Postcards
15 October 2025 Regional Meeting at The Three Swans, Market Harborough. (This is an additional meeting). Convenor: Gerald Marriner.
29 November 2025 Joint meeting with the Great Britain Philatelic Society (GBPS). Please note the change of programme. The venue is unchanged – Royal Philatelic Society London, Abchurch Lane EC4N 7BW
Unless stated otherwise, all meetings are held at the Royal Philatelic Society London, 15 Abchurch Lane, London EC4N 7BW with meetings starting at 11.00am. Tea and coffee is available from 10.30am in the Members’ Lounge
Please see the Society’s website at www.ciss.uk for dates of news and other events.
Sixteen members and guests attended the meeting. We started as usual with coffee or tea, giving members a chance to catch up with each other. The meeting started with an auction of 50+ lots, with keen bidding on many, and a high volume of sales. Our President, David Laurillard, started the displays with two frames of superb WWI material. These were the frames that he had shown in the Society’s 75th Anniversary display at the Royal. Alan Whittaker showed original International Red Cross message forms sent to and from the Islanders, which included Navy during Dunkirk. RAF at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain, and a soldier captured during the battle to hold back German tanks at Dunkirk. After a break for an excellent lunch, David Winnie showed two frames of Krag machine cancellations and their uses. Nick Stuart followed with an excellent display on Victor Hugo and his house in Hauteville, consisting of a remarkable collection of early postcards. Mike Moody showed Occupation material and WWI silk cards. Our final display was by Alan Whittaker. I purchased a U.K. to Jersey Message form dated 14 January 1941 with the rare cachet Type M.27 as in David Gurney’s book. With the help of Gerald Marriner, I spoke with the Jersey Archives, and I took out a twelve month pass to use all of the material held in the Bailiffs of Jersey’s Occupation files. This led me into the study of the cachet. Records show clearly that the cachet in question was designed, and a rubber stamp made, on the orders of the Bailiff. Also, that the German Officer, Field Command 515, ordered that the Red Cross be removed as there was not a Red Cross Bureau in Jersey. It would be nice if more people brought material to display, or items they would like help with; lots of brains to pick!
All members agreed that the day had been a success and would like to see the meetings continue. Any members living in the South, or further afield, would be most welcome to join us.
I am also hoping that one of the local members will be able to help me with the organisation of the day. Please contact me for details – alan.whittaker3@ntlworld.com
The next Chandlers Ford meeting has been arranged for Saturday 16 May 2026.
Since my last Secretary’s Clipboard, we have held a very successful Members’ Weekend meeting at the Peninsula Hotel, Guernsey that was attended by 47 members and guests. For those members who arrived early on the island, John Triggs had kindly arranged a visit to the new Guernsey Post sorting office. John also provided a standing display for those members to view before the evening meal. The new “Single-sheet to Tell a Story” was won by my wife, Jill, with me coming a close second; something I will not be allowed to forget for a long time.
Saturday morning was auction time, with viewing of the 580 auction lots, and the auction itself ably managed by Nick Stuart and Bryan Elliston, with Jill Flemming and John Triggs acting as runners. Saturday afternoon saw two excellent displays provided by Gerald Marriner and John Triggs. Saturday evening saw thirty-seven members and guests attending the excellent special 75th Anniversary dinner. Pride of place was the special 75th Anniversary cake. See the write-up on the CISS website for further details of the Weekend meeting. Can I add a special thank you to Sue Winnie who arranged the hotel bookings and Friday and Saturday dinners with such aplomb.
Sunday morning was taken up with ten members’ displays that ranged from early ship letter handstamps through to the German Occupation, with David Winnie, Chairman, formally closing the meeting at 1.00pm.
12 July 2025 sees our 75th Annual General Meeting at the RPSL commencing at 14.00pm BST. If any member wishes to stand for any of the full Committee positions, please forward your name to me, position standing for, and names of proposer and seconder. If any member wishes to act as a deputy to any officer holding a full committee position can you forward me your name so that I can provide you with further details.
All documents for the AGM will be available on the CISS website.
Firstly, my apologies for the delay in getting this issue to you.
My excuses include attending at the Europhilex International at
the NEC Birmingham for a week, personal medical issues, and
a long-awaited trip to Europe. So, notwithstanding the lateness
of this issue, we can safely now say that we have been busy with
our most enjoyable meeting in Guernsey and the successful
Society meeting at Europhilex.
As a “newie” to Guernsey, I particularly enjoyed the trip, as it
provided not just philatelic activities, but many social, cultural
and culinary activities. I am now looking forward to our
planned 2027 Conference on Jersey.
I originally approached this issue with some concerns, as we
had little material to hand. I don’t like to be accused of not
“writing”, so I have added a brief enquiry about a cover to St
Malo in 1835, as well as an item on the French Channel Islands
of Chausey. I crave your indulgence. Thanks you to all those
who have sent in copy or “helped out”. The message from me
is clear ‘though – whilst we have a trusty number of regular
contributors, we always need more material for the future, so I
invite you all to let us have a query, comment or any
contribution to keep our content varied. The September file is
empty!
Best wishes,
Nick
