Post Office celebrates the life of honeybees

New stamp issue to commemorate 150th anniversary of BBKA

Six new stamps have been produced to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the British Beekeepers Association.

Isle of Man Post Office's new issue 'celebrating the life of honeybees' narrates the story of the inhabitants of a beehive as well as their work, their produce and their caretakers. 

They've been designed by beekeeper Benedict Glazier of Glazier Design in cooperation with Isle of Man Bee Inspector Harry Owens BEM and EJC Design.

BBKA Chair Diane Drinkwater said: "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, added: "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.”

The set will be issued on 12 April to coincide with the opening day of the BBKA Spring Convention in Shropshire.