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The IW County Press have published a book Greetings from Newport by club member Lynette Archer, ex-Secretary of the Isle of Wight Postcard Club. "A charming and evocative collection of original postcards, showing Newport in other days. Intriguing, decorative and whimsical, these cards make a fascinating and interesting book for everyone interested in the Island and its history." Enquiries: Tel: 01983 52133.
Ryde Postcards is the latest volume in Tempus Publishing's Images of England local history series, and provides a nostalgic reminder of the golden days of yesteryear. Authors Lynette Archer and John Woodford have compiled a unique collection of more than 230 archive postcards and photographs of Ryde and its environs, evoking the vibrant history of the town over the past century. It contains sections on transport, hotels, churches, shops and street scenes, and of course the historic pier and esplanade. Ryde Postcards is available in bookshops for £12 or from Tempus on 01453 883300.
The club has issued limited edition postcards depicting a famous event or anniversary with an Island connection virtually every year since the club started in 1993. The following list with a picture of the postcard shows the cards issued, and within the text gives an indication of whether the card is still available from the club. The cards which are still available can be purchased from Club Treasurer Alan Leach at 2 Kinchington Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5ST, telephone 01983 525529. The cards cost £1 including postage for the UK, and £2 including postage for the rest of the world.
To commemorate the Picture Postcard Centenary (1894 to 1994), the club published a limited edition card (500) drawn by Paul Jordan with calligraphy by Les Auckland. The card was printed by Crossprint Printers of Newport, and was on sale from 2nd September 1993. [Sold Out]
A framed copy of the card was presented to IW County Council Chairman Mrs Val Anderson by John Woodford, the IWPC Chairman on the club night of 25th March 1994. Mrs Anderson said that she would be delighted to display the postcard at County Hall.
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The second card issued was to commemorate HRH The Princess Margaret's visit to Carisbrook Castle on 10th May 1994. She visited the museum and unveiled a scroll, marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of local trustees. The painting shows the museum founder and Island Governor, Princess Beatrice (1857-1944). This years card was a limited edition of 1,000, and printed by Thought Factory. [Cards still available]
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To mark the automation of the light and ending of manual operations of the Needles Lighthouse, the club produced this limited edition postcard in 1995, again being printed by the Thought Factory. In conjunction with photographer Mike Penman and leading Island marine artist Mr Peter Leath, a special edition of just 1,000 cards was issued, depicting one of Peter's latest paintings. This shows Pilot Ketch No6 (Alacrity), unloading welcome supplies and a Christmas tree to the keepers of the lighthouse in 1896. [Sold Out]
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The clubs fourth postcard was launched to commemorate the centenary of the world's first permanent wireless operating station, which commenced transmitting on December 6th 1897. Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) had set up his radio equipment in the Needles Hotel at Alum Bay, and successfully transmitted to other stations in boats and on the mainland. The card was printed by Biltmore Printers of Newport as a limited edition of 1,000 cards. [Sold Out]
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The club's card for 1998 was a joint venture with artist Sylvia Taylor, depicting 1998, and entitled "Isle of Wight Naturally". A limited edition of 1,000 cards was produced. [Sold Out]
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The same combination came together to produce the card for 1999, and Sylvia Taylor's "IOW Prehistorically" highlighted the incredible relics of a bygone age that exist in many places on the Island. Limited to 1,000 cards as before. [A few cards left]
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To mark the Millennium (2000), the club launched a special limited edition card, the design featuring a sunrise, the Island and the World, with the wording Vectis te salutat - the IW sends greetings across the world for the new millennium. Newport based Biltmore Printers produced and printed 2,500 copies of the card. [Cards still available]
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Produced by the club in 2002 is our Literary Postcard. Lord Alfred Tennyson, John Keats and Charles Dickens had strong connections with the island, and all wrote whilst staying here. [Cards still available]
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This postcard was produced by the Club in 2003 - The R.M.S. Titanic Passing Bembridge, Isle of Wight on Her Maiden Voyage April 10th, 1912. Limited edition of 2,000. [A few cards left]
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Our latest card produced in 2004 commemorates the 200th anniversary of Admiral Lord Nelson's death in 1805. 2,000 cards were produced for this limited edition. [A few cards left]