New Issue: Guernsey Parishes - Part I (Guernsey)

Guernsey has today issued a new set of stamps for Guernsey parishes. It is named "Guernsey Parishes Part I", so I guess there will be more of these appearing later this year or perhaps next year. The Guernsey Stamps website helpfully provides some information on the five parishes shown in these stamps. In addition to the five parishes, there is a sixth stamp with a map showing where they are on the island. Vale – 69p: Once separated from the island by Le Braye du Valle until its early 19th-century reclamation, Vale features natural harbours, L’Ancresse Common and its golf course, 12th-century Vale Church, and Rousse Tower.

Castel – 92p: Castel blends beaches, valleys, farmland, and historic architecture. Vazon Bay is a favourite for water sports, while Saumarez Park offers nature trails and cultural attractions. The parish also includes Fort Hommet, with layers of Napoleonic, Victorian and WWII history.

St Saviour’s – £1.37: Known as Guernsey’s “floral capital,” St Saviour’s includes St Apolline’s Chapel (1392), Neolithic sites such as Le Crocq and Le Catioroc, St Saviour’s Reservoir, and the Millennium Walk.

St Pierre du Bois – £1.47: A rural parish with contrasting coastlines, it includes Lihou Island nature reserve, home to over 150 bird species and 200 types of seaweed. The stamp features a prize pumpkin, a Royal Golden Guernsey Goat, and the parish fort.

Torteval – £1.81: Guernsey’s smallest parish offers dramatic cliff views towards Herm and Sark. Its stamp depicts Hanois Lighthouse, Pleinmont Observation Tower (built 1942–45), and Torteval Church.

Parishes Map – £1.90: The final stamp shows a map highlighting each featured parish and their douzaines, Guernsey’s historic parish councils. Here is my review of these stamps: Design Quality - The designs look really almost like travel posters. They have strong shapes, simple shading and bold lettering. This style makes them feel kind of timeless and gives them a slightly nostalgic feeling, like old holiday adverts or vintage railway posters. The fonts are a bit like the Art Deco fonts of the 1930s. The black frame helps everything stand out, and even though each parish is different, they all match really well as a set. 7/10  Theme and Subject Choice - These stamps celebrate local identity. Instead of just famous landmarks, they shows everyday life, landscapes and sports. It feels proud but not showy, which makes it more interesting. 8/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - As the parishes have existed for centuries, the stamps are both culturally and historically relevant to the island. Parishes are an important part of Guernsey’s history and how the island is organised. Showing places like Vale, Castel, St Saviour, St Pierre du Bois and Torteval makes it feel personal for people who live there. It’s like saying, “These places matter.” It also helps people outside Guernsey learn more about the island. 8/10

Innovation and Creativity - The art style is simplified like posters from the 1930s, but updated with buildings that didn't exist at that time. This style is quite popular at the moment and it isn't all that innovative but it does work. I like how each stamp tells a little story with tiny details, like people playing sports or boats in the water. The map stamp at the end is quite creative because it pulls the whole set together. 5/10

Collectability - Because it’s a full set that covers different parishes, it feels made for collecting. It is just a "Part I", so there will be more! I would guess that these will have more of an appeal to people on Guernsey, who might especially want “their” stamp. 6/10

Personal Appeal - Guernsey Stamps have created some mind-blowing stamps in recent years. These are not like that, but I think the design has been well done and it's quite effective. It is not exciting or dramatic but of course it isn't meant to be. As always with Guernsey Stamps, there is a strong local connection. I like this set because it is artistic. It’s not too busy and everything feels organised and balanced. 6/10  

Overall score - 40/60