Isle of Man Post Office is looking forward to welcoming the Queen's Baton to Postal Headquarters on Friday 1st September as part of its three-day visit to the Island.
Once the Baton arrives on the Island and is officially welcomed by the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association (Isle of Man CGA) President and guests, a representative from the Southern Delivery Office will transport the Baton to Postal Headquarters, Douglas in one of the business's new electric post vans recently purchased as a trial to reduce its costs and carbon emissions. Once at headquarters it will undertake a whistle-stop tour to as many departments as possible before it leaves for its second leg of its journey.
Working with the Isle of Man CGA, Isle of Man Post Office will be providing each of the Island's children batonbearers with a certificate as a keepsake of their involvement in the visit. This certificate along with a postcard featuring previously issued Commonwealth Games stamp artwork, will be printed by Isle of Man Post Office's in-house mailing division Integrated Mailing Solutions (IMS). Children of Post Office employees will be writing the postcards to wish the hosts of the Gold Coast (Queensland) 2018 Commonwealth Games well for the event, in support of Team Isle of Man and in a bid to continue the habit of letter writing and the joy of receiving mail by post. In addition, a special slogan die will feature on all posted letters everyday next week to promote the Baton visit.
Lisa Duckworth, Interim Chief Executive, Isle of Man Post Office said: "We are thrilled to be part of the Queen's Baton Relay next week, it's a real coup for us to have the opportunity for our staff to see the Baton and have the honour of carrying it. Isle of Man Post Office has many connections to the Commonwealth Games with past and present staff members and their families representing the Island during the Isle of Man's 60 year history of sending Manx athletes to take part in the games."
She added: "We wish all the local competitors the very best of luck when they take to their sports to represent our Island in Queensland next April."
Everyone is welcome to get involved in the visit next week, with events being held around the Island giving residents the opportunity to see the Baton and celebrate Team Isle of Man. To follow the Queen's Baton Relay on the Isle of Man please visit the Isle of Man CGA website for details.
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