Jersey Post will issue a set of six stamps and a Souvenir Sheetlet on Friday 11 July in celebration of the Red Arrows’ 50th display season.
The stamps feature dynamic photographs from the Red Arrows’ incredible displays, including four images captured by local photographer Andy Le Gresley during the 2012 Jersey Air Display and two images supplied by the Red Arrows official photographers.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is the public face of the Royal Air Force acting as ambassadors of Great Britain. In addition to demonstrating the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force and its skilled, well-trained people, the Red Arrows support wider British interests overseas, as well as helping more than 500 charities every year.
Since the team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,000 displays in 52 countries, including the Channel Islands every September as part of the Battle of Britain week. For 2014, a new tailfin design has been unveiled to celebrate the Red Arrows 50th display season. In the shape of a Union flag, the striking new tail design reflects the Best of British and is the most significant change to the look of the famous aircraft in its history.
Jersey Post’s Philatelic Production Co-Ordinator, Chris Elligott commented: “Jersey has been fortunate to be able to welcome the Red Arrows back to the Jersey Air Display year after year. Their spectacular aerobatics are the highlight for many who watch it and we wanted to mark the team’s 50th display season with a special stamp issue. We’ve produced these stamps to really showcase the formations and we are sure the team will like them. We’re looking forward to seeing what the Red Arrows have in store for us at this year’s display!”
The stamps will be available to buy from all branches of Jersey Post from 11 July 2014. Philatelic stamp products such as stamp sets, First Day Covers and Presentation Packs will be available from the main post office at Broad Street, St Helier, Jersey, on issue day and can be ordered now at: www.jerseystamps.com or by phoning the Jersey Philatelic Bureau on: 00 44 (0)1534 616593.