Date: 27 March 2024
Isle of Man Post Office proudly presents a set of six stamps celebrating the life of honeybees in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA). Designed by beekeeper Benedict Glazier of Glazier Design in cooperation with Isle of Man Bee Inspector Harry Owens BEM and EJC Design, the stamps narrate the story of the inhabitants of a beehive: worker bee, drone bee and queen bee, as well as their work, their produce and their caretakers: the beekeeper. The set will be issued on 12th April, coinciding with the opening day of the BBKA Spring Convention in Shropshire.
Isle of Man Government’s timely action to ban the importation of any foreign bees, equipment or beekeeping products by the Bee Disease Act 1987 (and subsequent updates) puts the Isle of Man in a unique position, providing an environment for honeybees that is unaffected by the diseases and pests present in the rest of the UK and the whole of mainland Europe.
Diane Drinkwater (Chair BBKA) said: “The BBKA is delighted by the celebration of our 150th anniversary through the collaboration between the Isle of Man Post Office and local beekeepers. Humans have been enthralled with bees for thousands of years and the beautiful stamps give a glimpse into the wonderful world of beekeeping. We wish the collection every success and all beekeepers on the Isle of Man, and the British Isles, a terrific beekeeping season.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, says: "We are so proud to have received Royal Approval for a set of stamps featuring the bees of the Isle of Man. Honeybees and our Manx Beekeepers are of incredible importance to our unique ecosystem and we have much to be proud of; our Island is free of many of the problems that affect bees in the rest of the world. This is due to the hard work and vigilance of Harry Owens and our Isle of Man Beekeepers Federation, and the willingness of our Government to introduce rules to protect our bees.”
This collection features six stamps valued at 85p, £1.28, 2 x £1.60, £2.31 and £3.21, available as Set, Sheet Set, Presentation Pack First Day Cover and special 150th Anniversary Commemorative Self-Adhesive Sheet housed in an illustrated wrap. Explore the full collection at www.iompost.com/bees