Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to present a set of six stamps which features various aspects of Ploughing on the Isle of Man. The 48p stamp is also our first stamp to feature the SEPAC logo and is our contribution to the joint theme of 'Beautiful Corners of Europe' produced by the SEPAC member countries.

The stamp issue marks the commencement of the European Vintage Ploughing Championships which took place on the Isle of Man on 1st September 2007.
It is quite remarkable that such an exercise as ploughing, so fundamental to basic food production, should achieve world status. We in the Isle of Man have engaged ourselves in the pursuit of perfection in this field and Manx ploughmen have always taken immense pride in their horses, ploughs and most importantly, their own ability. This enthusiasm continues and we are now seeing another generation of ploughmen emerging under the supervision of veteran experts.

Manx exponents Harold Leece, John Costain, Jim Caine, Herbie Moore, Jack Clague and the late Jean Burns are all featured demonstrating a variety of ploughing styles and methods in these beautiful specially-commissioned images by renowned local artist Peter Hearsey. The intricacies of the various ploughing techniques are explained and celebrated by Manx countryman Ned Kennaugh in our Presentation Pack and First Day Cover filler card.

PLEASE NOTE that the 48p Sepac stamp was issued on 1st October 2007 while the remaining stamps in the set were issued on the 1st September.
Therefore, the complete set was only available from the 1st October 2007