Jersey Post Embark on a Journey through Time with a Jersey Western Railway Stamp Issue

The Jersey Western Railway stamp issue and will be issued on the 4^th April 2024 and includes six stamps and a souvenir sheetlet featuring landmarks, locomotives and crew from the Western Railway which existed between 1870 to 1936. 

At the height of the railway's success, around 1925, it operated an intensive commuter-style timetable, peaking at 32 trains along the 7¾ miles track. The railway, in its final form, was a single track route with passing places at the termini, Millbrook, St Aubin, and Don Bridge. 

However, the railway and train suffered many challenges throughout its lifetime with the track subject to erosion by the high tides and stormy weather. From 1928, due to a rapid rise in competition from buses and private cars, the industry saw a gradual decline and by the winter of 1932, the service had to be withdrawn. The final closure of the line came after a fire destroyed the roof of St. Aubin station and 16 carriages in October 1936. The line did not reopen for the 1937 summer season, with all remaining locomotives and railcars scrapped that same year.

During the German occupation, some stretches of railway were rebuilt by occupying forces and some new lines were assembled solely to move materials around the Island. But after the liberating forces arrived on the Island in 1945, the line was removed. 

Whilst railway hasn’t been in operation for over 80 years, the original path that runs along the west coast of Jersey from the Island’s capital, St. Helier to the coastal region of La Corbière is a fundamental part of Island life. Today, the route is enjoyed by members of the community as a scenic walking path. The former station buildings have been converted into cafés, restaurants, and private dwellings and the old terminus at St. Aubin has since been converted into St. Aubin Parish Hall. 

Each of the six stamps features original artwork painted by local artist Kevin Pallot, including St Aubyns* No.2 locomotive (60p stamp), St Heliers No. 1 locomotive and crew (1^st 98p stamp), St. Brelade’s No.4 locomotive (2^nd 98p stamp), Corbière No. 3 locomotive and crew (£1.65 stamp), Two trains passing on La Corbière loop line (£2.15 stamp), and a Sentinel-Cammell Steam Railcar and crew (£2.95 stamp). The stamps sheet and First Day Covers include an illustration of the western portion of the Island, with a red line marked out to indicate the route the train embarked on. 

Philatelic stamp products such as souvenir sheetlets, first day covers and presentation packs will be available from the Jersey post offices at Broad Street, St Helier and Rue Des Pres, St Saviour and can be ordered now at www.jerseystamps.com or by telephoning the Jersey Philatelic Bureau on: 00 44 (0)1534 616717.