COVER N. 301 - JERSEY

Postmark: Maufant (?) Jersey 21.07.23 - Mechanical Postmark - 01.08.23

Posted on the 1th August; Received on the 16th August 2023

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The Channel Islands, another of  those British Administrative Eccentricities....technically they are not part of the UK, being British Crown dependencies, instead, with their own administration, a Bailiff being the head of the "States", which I think corresponds to the local Parliament...

Rocket Science, if you ask me.....

Anyway, Jersey (and Guernsey, the second of the Channel Bailiwicks), not being part of the UK, issues its own Europa stamps and I had the pleasure of receiving this nice cover with the 2023 issue, thanks to the generous kindness of Roland, whom I couldn't thank more, for this is the first Channel Islands cover on my collection.

Two 2 stamps compose the set, issued on 09MAY2023 (Europe's day):

- a 98 p with the common Europa design for the year, the Celtic knot symbolising "Peace — the highest value of humanity”; and 

- Jersey's Post own interpretation of the theme, on the 1.85 pounds stamp,  with three hands -  love, unity and hope  - forming a white dove, the quintessential symbol of peace.

The Postmark is not totally readable, but from looking at Jersey's map, I'd bet it originates from the town of Maufant, on the Centre East of the island.