The postal workers in the UK came out on strike in January 1971 and so local businessmen and postmasters on the Isle of Wight banded together to provide a local service within the island itself only. The stamps were designed by R.J. Caldwell and printed by Robert Vale Ltd in Ryde. The first issue went on sale on imperforate on January 22nd and then rouletted sheets on January 23rd. As the postal strike went on longer than anyone expected a second printing became necessary. The new issue, in green now instead of the original blue, was issued on 16th February. There was only ever one price which was 5np or 1/-. At this time both Imperial and decimal currency was legal tender. The "stamps" were all printed by offset litho in rouletted sheets of 48. At it's height the service was handling over 1,500 items daily. The head of the syndicate running the service was led by Mr R.W. Cawdell. The name Vectis is an ancient ceremonial name for The Isle of Wight.