James Bond Has Local Connections

The Royal Mail has issued six Bond stamps to mark the centenary of the birth of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. Fleming spent much of his childhood in Ipsden, South Oxfordshire and even today has family links in the area.

People around the world can now enjoy the Bond stamps and recall the huge impact Fleming has had on the worlds of film and literature.

Fleming spent a great deal of his childhood at Braziers Park, Ipsden and his father was Valentine Fleming the Conservative MP for Henley. His two great-nephews, Robery and Diggory Laycock, and his great-niece Rose Grimond have recently bought the village shop and post office in Nettlebed. All three say they are "thrilled" that the stamps have been released, and can be sold in their own post office to the public.

The stamps illustrate six books, each with four different cover editions, starting with Fleming's first Bond book, Casino Royale. THe others are Dr No, Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, For Your Eyes Only and From Russia With Love.

Over 100 million Bond books have been sold and this year there are several events lined up to co-inside with the centenary celebration, such as exhibitions, film screenings and a new 007 book written by Sebastian Faulks, titled "Devil May Care." This will be published on May 18h, Fleming's birthday.

The stamps are on sale now in books of six and 12, with presentation and collectors packages also available.