Isle of Man Post Office celebrates 50 years of postal independence
“For 50 years IOMPO has been a key part of the Island’s infrastructure and a trusted partner for our community. The postal industry plays an essential role in our society and the economy, linking the Island to the rest of the world. Whilst the landscape of the postal industry and our customer needs have drastically changed over time due to advancements in technology and habits, the loyal and dedicated team at IOMPO has worked incredibly hard to retain our self-funded status and ensure the IOMPO remains fit for purpose as a modern logistics business. I am pleased we have a programme of activities to celebrate our milestone anniversary with the community we are proud to serve. Our people and our customers have supported us since our inception 50 years ago, and we are very grateful for the part they have played in our business’ journey to date. As we look forward, it is undeniable that the postal industry will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. We remain committed to delivering our strategy to transform the business for future financial and environmental sustainability, making strides in our bid to become a greener organisation and continuing to meet the changing needs of our valued customers."
We have partnered with Manx National Heritage, who kindly offered their ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ to house a brand new collection that captured our journey through the past 50 years. The exhibition was installed at the Manx Museum in Douglas, ready to be viewed from 14th July and run until the 24th September 2023. Many of the artefacts and images have been provided by former IOMPO staff members and current employees. Alongside MNH, we would like to thank the public and of course all members of staff past and present to visited the Manx Museum and traveled through time with us. Should you sadly have missed the exhibition you can now view it here.
We have put together a treasure hunt to celebrate our historic anniversary with everyone on Island. On 2nd & 3rd September 2023 the public and all members of staff were invited to take part: A perfect way to spend an afternoon with your family or friends, clue searching around our wonderful Island. Once the first clue was found, the journey started a magical tour around locations picking up information, which the teams submitted back when the hunt was over. All correctly, completed submissions were in with a chance of taking home one of our top three prizes totalling a value of £250!
Correct submissions were drawn randomly, so it wan't a race! Participants could take their time, catch some brunch on your travels and make a day of it.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Treasure Hunt and huge congratulations to all our winners:
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Nathan Holden & family 1st prize winner |
Suzie Maiden & son Charlie 2nd prize winner |
Sue & Denise McGlynn and daugter Aurora (not pictured) 3rd prize winner |
As part of our 50th anniversary celebration we launched a competition inviting the public to design a post box. The competition, which concluded on 31st December 2023, was open to all ages, and IOMPO thanks all those who submitted their designs.
The winning designs, themed ‘Our Beautiful Island’, were submitted by Victoria Thomas and Lesley Sleight.
Victoria Thomas’s design, chosen for the post box at Ronaldsway Airport, reflects the island’s heritage and iconic architecture. She commented, "When I heard the theme was 'Our Beautiful Island,' I couldn't help but think it would be great to explore our heritage and iconic architecture. The art was a journey across the island, so 'Yn Turrys' (Manx for 'The Journey') was the perfect name. It truly was a fun journey creating it."
The post box has been refurbished with Victoria’s design in the past weeks and will no be re-installed at Ronaldsway Airport.
The design ‘Sea to Summit – Colours of Mann’, chosen for the post box at Noble's Hospital, was created by Lesley Sleight and is scheduled to be refurbished imminently. She expressed her delight, saying, "I am very thrilled and honoured to have my art design featured on the post box. I hope it puts a smile on people's faces."
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| Anniversary Committee member Charlotte & Victoria Thomas at Ronaldsway Airport | Anniversary Committee member Charlotte & Lesley Sleight at Nobles Hospital |
A set of seven commemorative stamps to be issued on 5th July 2023. Each of the first six stamps features a collage of recognisable issued stamps that are well-known and loved by locals and collectors worldwide, and represents the history of stamps from the Isle of Man, whilst the seventh stamp is a new design representing the Europa Stamp 2023.
As part of our on-going drive to become a greener organisation, earlier this year IOMPO has partnered with Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), in honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II and her green canopy appeal announced to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Part of the Exec team, alongside other members of staff, planted over 50 trees at the MWT Hairpin Woodland Park in Ramsey. IOMPO is very grateful for MWTs guidance and support in bringing this activity into fruition.