Welcome news from Royal Mail

It would seem that someone at Royal Mail has been listening to reaction from collectors to the ever-increasing cost of their products.  Either that or rapidly declining numbers of traditional collectors has suddenly awoken them.

News release

Important Change to Special Stamp Issuing Policy
We are making a change to our Special Stamp Programme that we’d like to share with you.

From March 2025, all Special Stamps will feature 1st and/or 2nd Class values only. This means we will no longer include stamps with International values or alternative monetary values such as £1.00 or £2.00. 

One important exception to this rule will be the annual Christmas issue which will continue to feature International rate stamps along with the Large Letter stamps.

This change is part of our efforts to provide an accessible and affordable stamp programme, designed to better meet the needs of our customers. 

We will continue to listen to Customer feedback and explore further improvements. Feedback from our customers helps us shape the future of our Stamp Programme, and we encourage you to share your ideas with us. Thank you for your continued support.

Unfortunately the tariff change in April will probably see 1st class letters rise to £1.75 and 2nd to 90p - dropping the £1 values and replacing them with 1st class offers no benefit to collectors so it is good to see that there will be more 2nd class.

(My thanks to the readers who alerted me to the email sent from Customer Services which confirms what the trade was told under embargo last week.)

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In other news Royal Mail will be at EuroPhilEx 7-11 May 2025

EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 will be the United Kingdom’s mid-decade international stamp exhibition and for the first time ever the organising committee has decided to move its international exhibition out of London. Birmingham is the country’s second city, located in the centre of England and surrounded by a massive population and several other large cities.

Royal Mail is pleased to have a stand at the exhibition and will also be issuing two EuroPhilEx products on the VE Day theme to complement the latest new issue and in recognition of the national commemorations that will take place on the 8th May 2025, day 2 of the stamp exhibition.

Special EuroPhilEx Postmarks will be available for each day of the show. 

A team from Tallents House, and the call centre in Doxford, plus some of the London leadership team will be on our stand offering current stamp issues and products including the range of Barcoded Definitive Stamps. 

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Joint Royal Mail / Evri parcel locker box at Swindon

Last month I wrote about the new Royal Mail lockers provided from Ukraine.   BM has supplied some photographs of the similar Evri/Royal Mail lockers at Kingshill in Swindon. 

Joint Royal Mail/Evri Parcel locker

 

This is his description of the box:

It allows Evri customers to drop off and collect parcels – printing labels if necessary.  Royal Mail customers only have the option to drop off but need to have the label affixed already.

The process is:

Choose drop off on opening screen

 

Scan barcode (or enter manually).   This then establishes it is Royal Mail and reminds you not to post prohibited items.

You are then invited to enter your email address to enable a proof of posting to be sent

You then choose the size of locker you require.  (Sometimes one or more option is greyed out if all of the ones of that size are full)

Door opens.

After placing item in locker and closing door, screen asks you to confirm all is well and the process is complete.

Sadly a further nail in the coffin of stamp use, though.

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February 2025 slogan and other postmarks and postal markings

As mentioned last month Royal Mail have announced that the British Heart Foundation variant for RevivR (used last February) will be used again this year.    

We haven't seen any yet and I suspect some people will not notice the difference from the default wording, so if you have a copy, however bad!, please send it.

British Heart
Foundation
Learn lifesaving CPR with RevivR
Find out more at
bhf.org.uk/revivr

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The first report for the month comes from JM who sends this example from Sheffield Mail Centre of the National Apprenticeship Week slogan which has been a regular feature in recent years, but now in new wording.  Perhaps someone can supply a better one?

Royal Mail supports
National
Apprenticeship Week
10-16 February
nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk

National Apprenticeship Week slogan Sheffield Mail Centre,  --/02/2025

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UPDATE ♥︎ 14 February 2025 ♥︎

Royal Mail used this image today to advertise their slogan on social media.  Two examples arrived yesterday, the Warrington Mail Centre one from RW, and the Birmingham Mail Centre one from JM.  It's the same slogan as last year.

Send a little love
this ♥︎
Valentine's Day
♥︎ ♥︎ February 14

 

Valentine's Day Slogan Birmingham Mail Centre 11/02/2025

Valentine's Day Slogan Warrington Mail Centre 10-02-2025

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Other postmarks and postal markings

 

 

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Remember, all postmarks appearing in February will be added to this post, so check here before you spend time scanning and emailing.

 

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Announcement

Because of other commitments I shall be limiting blog posts for the foreseeable future.

I shall post the usual 'new issue' news as it becomes free of embargo; I shall report on the 'monthly postmarks post' and new definitives when there is news; and I shall try to add other information once a week.

So apologies to JW who has sent a stack of news, some of which will be on the postal history blog, and BM who has news on Parcel Lockers, and anybody else I have forgotten.

UPDATE 19 FEBRUARY: And now the big iMac has failed and although I can handle emails and blog comments on the iPad, anything else will have to wait until I have it repaired and sort out the backup.

Oh, and a 'thank you' - more comments are now coming with aliases or names, rather than anonymous.

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Music Giants XI: AC/DC stamps, MS & PSB - 18 February 2025

Fancy a Music Giant issue being ousted from first place in the year by the Vicar of Dibley!  A seemingly unending supply of music greats continues with number 11, AC/DC which, as Wikipedia tells us is, "an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973. Their music has been variously described as hard rock, blues rock and heavy metal, although the band calls it simply "rock and roll". They are cited as a formative influence on the new wave of British heavy metal bands."  

So how do Royal Mail justify including this band from a land down-under?

Royal Mail is celebrating the legendary rock band AC/DC with a set of special stamps and collectibles marking the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album High Voltage. Formed in Australia by Scottish brothers Angus and Malcolm Young , their music has forged an enduring connection with British fans. From their iconic performances to the critical acclaim of albums like Highway to Hell and Back in Black, AC/DC’s electrifying sound has become part of the fabric of British rock history.

Eight new stamps capture the band in full force, with dynamic images of AC/DC performing live, while an additional miniature sheet of four stamps features the record covers from some of their most successful and influential albums. Alongside the stamps are a number of officially licensed and limited-edition souvenirs to appeal to music fans and collectors alike.

With over 200 million albums sold worldwide and a legacy of high-energy rock that spans decades, AC/DC remains a defining force in music, as proven by their Power Up album of 2020 and its namesake tour of 2024.

The stamps

Set of 8 special stamps honouring the band AC/DC issued 18 February 2025.

Images and acknowledgements:

1st class Bon Scott and Angus Young of AC/DC performing in London, UK, 1976, photo © Chris Walter/WireImage/Getty Images; Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC performing in Melbourne, Australia, 2015, photo © Daniel Pockett/WireImage/Getty Images; Angus Young of AC/DC performing in Chicago, USA, 1979, photo © Paul Natkin/WireImage/Getty Images; AC/DC performing during the Power Trip music festival, Indio, California, USA, 2023, photo © Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Power Trip; 

£2.00 AC/DC filming the ‘Thunderstruck’ music video, Brixton Academy, London, UK, 1990, photo © Steve Rapport/Getty Images; AC/DC performing during the Fly on the Wall Tour, London, UK, 1986, photo © George Bodnar Archive/IconicPix; AC/DC performing during the Black Ice Tour, London, UK, 2009, photo © Awais Butt/IconicPix; AC/DC performing in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 1978, photo © Ron Pownall/Getty Images. © 2025 Leidseplein Presse B.V. Under License to Perryscope Productions LLC.

Miniature Sheet

The Miniature Sheet features an additional four 1st class stamps which immortalises the legacy of four iconic AC/DC studio albums:
• High Voltage – AC/DC’s explosive debut, packed with raw riffs and rock anthems
• Highway to Hell – The ultimate hard rock masterpiece that put AC/DC on the global map
• Back in Black – A tribute to resilience and rock perfection. The biggest-selling rock album of all
time, this record redefined the genre and introduced Brian Johnson’s iconic voice.
• Power Up – AC/DC’s triumphant return in 2020. A modern classic filled with the high-voltage
energy fans love, proving that AC/DC remains the ultimate powerhouse in rock.

AC/DC album covers, albums and background artwork © 2025 Leidseplein Presse B.V. Under License to Perryscope Productions LLC. Photography of vinyls and Back in Black album cover by John Ross
© Royal Mail Group Ltd 2025.

Miniature sheet of four special stamps honouring the band AC/DC issued 18 February 2025.

Technical details

The 50 x 30 mm stamps are printed in litho on gummed paper by Cartor Security Printers in sheets of 60 (30 se-tenant pairs), perforated 14 x 14.  The 192 x 74 mm miniature sheet has four stamps 38 x 31 mm printed in litho on self-adhesive paper. 

Special Stamp Book - Back in Black (ie, not a retail booklet)

"A special stamp book celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest albums in rock history.  Released in 1980 as a heartfelt tribute to the late Bon Scott, Back in Black has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and stands as the best-selling rock album of all time.  This booklet includes four 1st Class Back in Black stamps which appear in the AC/DC miniature sheet within a specially designed booklet inspired by the iconic record sleeve artwork.  These stamps are printed in gravure, whereas the stamps in the miniature sheet are litho."  Unlike the similar booklet for The Who, C1 cylinder numbers have been found on these booklets.

This is an unbelievably poor booklet, and one can see why it is not on retail sale. Even the Royal Mail logo and the crown is in black.  Obviously not intended for postal use as postmarks would be impossible to detect increasing the likelihood that any so used on a letter would be subsequently cancelled with a pen!

Prestige Stamp Book

In this booklet, priced a £26, the stamps are printed in the same way as the sheet and miniature sheet stamps. The definitive pane is also printed on self-adhesive paper and includes 5p, 50p, £1 and 1st class stamps. They are coded MPIL M24L - so we still don't have any 2025 printings.  There is also a limited edition (3,000) book which is priced at £49.99.

AC/DC prestige stamp book issued 18 February 2025

Fan sheets and Collectors Sheet

Two Fan Sheets (3,000 each) and a Collectors Sheet (print-run not revealed) are also available.  The A4 Collectors sheet of 8 stamps is printed on self-adhesive paper with labels showing different versions of the AC/DC logo.  (Price £15.80)

One Fan Sheet celebrates the Back in Black album (with four Back in Black stamps) and the other features a collage of iconic albums, with all four album cover stamps from the miniature sheet. These too are self-adhesive and priced at £7.50 each.

Full range of products

Stamp set, miniature sheet, presentation, first day covers (3 including PSB pane), stamp cards, press sheet of 8 miniature sheets, Special (non-retail) Book, Prestige Stamp Book, Collectors Sheet, Fan Sheets, Medal Covers, Souvenir Carriers (2 - stamps and MS), Limited Edition (1975) Platinum MS, framed products.

These should be on Royal Mail's website by the time this is published.

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The Royal Armouries - set MS and PSB - 30 January 2025.

Royal Mail's second issue of the year brings the first prestige stamp book.  Unfortunately it doesn't bring new definitive stamps.

The Royal Armouries is the United Kingdom’s national museum of arms and armour – and one of the most important institutions of its type in the world. The collection consists of over 75,000 objects, many of which are displayed at three sites: the White Tower at the Tower of London, the main purpose-built museum in Leeds and Fort Nelson near Portsmouth.

Royal Mail celebrates this important institution and collection with a set of eight Royal Armouries mint stamps and a miniature sheet.

The stamps

The set features 8 stamps showcasing some of the Royal Armouries stunning collection of Armour from King Henry VIII to King James II.

Set of 8 stamps issued 30 January 2025 depicting treasures of the Royal Armouries.

2nd Class: Foot combat armour, 1520 (King Henry VIII) and Alexander armour, 1607–08 (Prince Henry and King Charles I)

1st Class: Field and tournament armour, 1540 (King Henry VIII) and Gilt armour, c.1612 (Prince Henry and King Charles I)

£1.00: Boy’s armour, c.1615 (Kings Charles I and Charles II) and Horned helmet, 1511–14 (King Henry VIII)

£2.80: Harquebusier’s armour, 1686 (King James II) and Tonlet armour, 1520 (King Henry VIII).

Miniature Sheet features an additional set of four 1st class stamps featuring artifacts

Sword & scabbard, Ming dynasty, c.1420;  Flintlock gun by Simpson of York, c.1738;
Japanese helmet, Edo period, c.1680;  European sword, c.1365–1432.

Technical Details and Acknowledgements

The 35 x 37 mm stamps are printed in horizontal se-tenant pairs of 60 stamps in two panes by Cartor Security Print in lithography on gummed paper.   The 192 x 74 mm miniature sheet containing 41 x 30 mm stamps is on self-adhesive ordinary gummed paper.  All perforations are 14½ x 14.

Designed by Charlie Smith Design, all images © Royal Armouries, including the image on the miniature sheet border: detail of Domaru armour, c.1570, presented to King James I by Tokugawa Hidetada. Stamp deisgns © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2025.

Prestige Stamp Book

The Prestige Stamp Book is a 24-page booklet written by the Royal Armouries, exploring the history from its origins in the Middle Ages through to present day.

Discover more about the Royal Armouries three sites: the White Tower at the Tower of London, the main purpose-built museum in Leeds and Fort Nelson near Portsmouth. Interwoven are stories of armours fit for kings, including King Henry VIII’s court armoury and the iconic Line of Kings display at the Tower of London. 

Delve deeper into the treasures of the Royal Armouries in this richly detailed book filled with magnificent images of the collection. Contains all 12 Royal Armouries stamps perforated as ‘panes’, and a pane of definitive stamps unique to the stamp issue.

Print: Panes 1 & 2 are printed in Litho and PVA Gum. Panes 3 & 4 are printed in Litho and Self-Adhesive. 

Print: Panes 1 2 & 3 are printed in Litho and PVA Gum. Pane 4 is printed in gravure and Self-Adhesive.  The definitive stamps are code M24L MPIL. Apologies for the correction due to incorrect information being provided originally by Royal Mail.

Products Available

Set of 8 stamps, miniature sheet of 4 stamps, first day covers (3),  prestige stamp book, presentation pack, stamp cards, press sheet of 12 miniature sheets, framed set and miniature sheet.

By the time this is published the stamps should be available to pre-order on Royal Mail's website.

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Christmas stamps 2024 error of datamatrix codes (2nd & 1st).

I'm indebted to the editor of the Deegam catalogue for bringing another datamatrix error to my attention. As with many other errors, it raises more questions than can easily be answered, and for which we are unlikely to get answers from Royal Mail.

A Scottish subscriber purchased these on eBay (so we have no information as to where they were found or how many). 

The image shows two Christmas 2024 stamps, a 2nd-class and a 1st-class stamp.  The mysterious thing, however, is that both stamps have the same barcode date 250624, the same barcode stamp value of 00085 and also an identical coding S112 in the 5th to 8th positions of the barcode.

2nd & 1st class Christmas 2024 stamps, the 1st class datamatrix code showing 85p rather than the first class rate.

The complete first part of the 2D data matrix code on these two Christmas stamps reads as follows:

1st-class  JGB S11251017031170047360008525062402 

2nd-class JGB S11251017031233603360008525062402

The 1st class normally has a barcode of 100624 and the 2nd class 250624.  In between the miniature sheet was printed with stamps coded for 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, and 24th. Even if the datamatrix printer was set up to print 2nd class when 1st class stamps were inserted in error.  But in that case why is the 1st class colour correct?

If anybody else has any similar error please contact me and the editor at deegampub@gmail.com.

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January 2025 slogan postmarks and other interesting postal markings - and boxes.

After Christmas the default slogan for British Heart Foundation (BHF) returned, and this continued into January.  There ought to be one for Burns Night towards the end of the month, so look out for that.

RW has sent this example of the BHF slogan dated 09/01/2025 from Tyneside NE/SR Mail Centre. 

Default British Heart Foundation slogan used Tyneside NE/SR Mail Centre 09/01/2025

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Update 28 January  I'm a little behind on these but there has only been one new slogan so far.  As far as I know Royal Mail did not commemorate Burns Night (25th January) this year.  I think the last one was in 2021.

However a recurring one is for Holocaust Memorial Day, and here is the Royal Mail publicity image.

Holocaust Memorial Day publicity picture.

Holocaust
Memorial Day
For a Better Future
27 January 2025

Examples of both layouts have been supplied by readers.  RW sent one from South East Anglia, and MD sent one from Glasgow: both are dated 23 January.

Holocaust Memorial Day used at Glasgow 23-01-2025

Holocaust Memorial Day used at South East Anglia 23/01/2025

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Update 3 February 2025

Royal Mail have announced that the British Heart Foundation variant for RevivR (used last February) will be used again this year. 

British Heart
Foundation
Learn lifesaving CPR with RevivR
Find out more at
bhf.org.uk/revivr

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Other postmarks and postal markings

MD also sent this not too clear example of a self-inking datestamp from the Post Office branch at Summerton Glasgow.

Summerston Glasgow self-inking datestamp 21 JA 25

Summerston is in the Asda Superstore in the north Glasgow suburb of Maryhill.  There was a time when Post Office signs were always large, and often mounted at right-angles to the building so that they could be identified from a distance.  This one is mounted flat on the building, so at least you can see it when you have parked, though if you don't know that it is within the store, maybe you wouldn't know where to park.

Asda Superstore, Summerston, Maryhill, Glasgow.

Jan W sent another example of a dotted counter stamp, this one from Broomhall Drive, Corstophine, Edinburgh.  The branch has been located within the Day-Today Express at 37 Broomhall Drive since October 2023.  Google's car last went past in 2020 so there is no signage, but the postbox was there then, suggesting that this might have been the location of the post office branch before that.

 

Broomhall Drive PO self-inking datestamp - new type with Morse Code border 9 December 2024.

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Postboxes  

Not long after our return from Ireland, I showed some pictures of Irish postboxes, and PD sent this rare example of a British Edward VII pillar box which is in Stephen St, Sligo, (Photo taken in Sept 2023).

Rare Edward VII British Pillar Box in Sligo, Rep of Ireland.

RS has sent some more pictures of Irish boxes, Victorian in Killarney, Edward VII in Tipperary (similar to the one above), and George V in Dublin.  BW points out that the George V boxes are not as common as Edward VII because independence came part way through the reign in 1922.

Old Postboxes UK Facebook page

 

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Remember, all postmarks appearing in January will be added to this post, so check here before you spend time scanning and emailing.

 

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Post and Go News 2025 - includes PO Branch self-service kiosks.

This post and its comments will hold all news on Post and Go stamps, machines, and PO Self Service Kiosks (SSKs).   

For details of new Post and Go stamps issued by the postal authorities in Guernsey and Jersey I recommend WhiteKnight's Commonwealth Stamp Opinion. All issues from the islands, and Gibraltar and the SOAR stamps from Isle of Man and Ireland will normally be pictured there as announced.

Anything about the old Royal Mail machines and any later news for PO SSKs will continue to be added on the 2024 blog post. Please continue to make comments there or send me news/images by email.

 

Self-Service Kiosks

All readers and collectors should be indebted to Malcolm, Trevor and a few other people for their continued perambulations around the country reporting on the rapidly diminishing estate of Self-Service Kiosks in Post Office branches.

These will continue to throw up errors and surprises and they will be reported here either as comments or, if significant enough, as edits to this original post.

The reducing number of machines in use means that the large stocks of Queen Elizabeth Machin blanks will be spread even more thinly and take longer to use up, especially as branches now offer different service, such as Tracked24/48 or Evri, DPD, etc as alternatives to Royal Mail services.

Whereas the casual poster of packets might have visited the SSK they may now think twice (if the queues are not too long) and use a counter service.

So to start this year off with a picture last week, I don't know when this fault occurred at Cheltenham (WHSmith) PO.  The black ink is missing in the centre, leaving 2nd class short of an s and truncating the datastring.   The base stock is CL16S.  Thanks to JG and his friend for supplying this.

Machine fault causing omission of some of the black inscription on 2nd class (CL16S) stamps at Cheltenham PO.

UPDATE 13 January.

If you read the comments you will see that Post Office Ltd (POL) has awarded a contract for the supply of new SSKs to imageHolders - that may mean new stamps, time will tell.

Trevor has added this information from the imageHolders website website:

Post Office branches continue to play a vital role in communities
As Post Office branches continue to play a vital role in communities, this initiative ensures they meet the evolving expectations of today’s customers. The new self-service kiosks will enable quick access to key services, like:

Postal Services: Send parcels, buy stamps, and more.
Home Shopping Returns: Return items without the hassle.
Electronic pre-advice and overseas services
Printed confirmation and tracking detail
By streamlining these services, the kiosks will allow staff to focus on complex queries, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

Kiosk Accessibility at the Forefront
We’re committed to ensuring these kiosks are accessible to everyone. Our design is focused on inclusivity, with features like ergonomic screens and assistive technology support, including screen readers and braille interfaces. It’s all part of making sure that every visitor to the Post Office has a positive experience.

Richard Satchell, our CEO, shares:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Post Office to help deliver more efficient and accessible services to customers across the UK. Our self-service kiosks will not only reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction but will also ensure that these essential services remain inclusive to everyone, regardless of their abilities.”

Kiosks Rolling Out Across the Nation

The nationwide rollout is set to begin in Spring 2025, with self-service kiosks being introduced in a select number of Post Office branches before expanding to more branches across the country. This partnership signifies a major milestone in both imageHOLDERS’ and the Post Office’s ongoing missions to modernize service delivery, enhance customer experiences, and meet the changing needs of today’s consumers.

“Post Office is committed to enhancing customer service across the network, working in partnership with our Postmasters and retail partners,” commented Neal Newbrook, Propositions Manager, Post Office.

“Introducing these new self-service kiosks will make it easier and more efficient for customers to access the Post Office mail products they require. We are excited to work with imageHOLDERS on this key project that will help postmasters and our retail partners meet evolving customer needs.”

We look forward to this new chapter and can’t wait for you to experience our kiosks in action!

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All news about P&G in 2025 will be here, and comments for the old (January 2024) post have been closed.   If you have any late news for 2024 please email it to me at the usual address and I will add it.

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No No No No - Yes! Royal Mail starts 2025 with The Vicar of Dibley - 14 January 2025.

Royal Mail start the year with a surprise - at least to the readers who wrote in suggesting subjects for the stamps of 2025.  This subject was suggested by only one who wrote in (well done CW!).

Royal Mail are celebrating one of the United Kingdom’s most successful and award-winning comedy series ‘The Vicar of Dibley’.

The Vicar of Dibley is a British situation-comedy which originally ran on BBC from November 1994 to January 2007 and was set in the fictional Oxfordshire village of Dibley. Following the 1993 changes in the Church of England to permit the ordination of women, the series portrayed a female vicar who had been assigned to the church in the village. 

It is among the most successful British programmes, receiving multiple British Comedy Awards, two International Emmys and was a multiple British Academy Television Awards nominee. In 2004, it placed third in a BBC poll of Britain's Best Sitcoms.

However, the niche humour and subject lines meant that it was not widely exported and so was not a great success as an earner of overseas currency.  It is unlikely that the stamps will be any more widely appreciated.  So, just after it's 30th anniversary, Royal Mail kick-off a new year with a subject of minority interest. 

The stamps

A set of 8 stamps featuring the series' key characters in 'iconic scenes' - and unlike Porridge, with no captions.  Two stamps each of 2nd class, 1st class, £1 and £2.80 (the rate for airmail letters worldwide).

Set of 8 stamps marking the 30th Anniversary of the BBC TV comedy The Vicar of Dibley, issued 14 January 2025.

From the top left, Alice and Hugo, Geraldine (Granger, the vicar) and David, Alice and Geraldine, Geraldine, Frank and Owen, Jim, Letitia and Geraldine, Geraldine and Dame Darcey Bussell.

Miniature sheet

The miniature sheet of 4 x 1st class stamps shows a photograph of a Dibley Parish Council meeting, with from the left, Owen and Geraldine, Hugo and David, Frank, and Letitia and Jim.

Miniature sheet of 4 stamps marking the 30th Anniversary of the BBC TV comedy The Vicar of Dibley, issued 14 January 2025.

Technical details and acknowledgements

All the 41 x 30 mm stamps are printed in litho by Cartor Security Printers in sheets of 30/60 in se-tenant pairs.  Perforations are 14.5 x 14.   The sheet stamps are gummed and the miniature sheet self-adhesive.  The miniature sheet is 192 x 74 mm.  

Our information is that the Design is © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2024. No details of copyright ownership (presumably the BBC?) which is unusual. The Collector Sheet (see below) does have this caption, however:

Products available

Set of 8, miniature sheet of 4, presentation pack, first day covers (2), stamp cards (13), collector sheet, press sheet of 8 miniature sheets, framed products.

Collector sheet

This contains a complete set of 8 sheets stamps plus two additional 1st class with labels attached depicting other scenes from the series.  The Collector Sheet is printed on self-adhesive paper, whilst the set of sheets stamps has PVA gum, therefore these stamps are a print variety.  (Of course they are, that is the only justification for producing the sheet.)

Collector sheet of 10 stamps marking the 30th Anniversary of the BBC TV comedy The Vicar of Dibley, issued, but not widely available, on 14 January 2025.

Readers will be pleased to know that this does not represent the peak in terms of sensible stamp issuing in 2025, though arguably it is not the trough either.

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