tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-613795750886481142024-03-19T08:48:39.241+00:00Norvic Philatelics BlogThe latest news on GB stamps from <a href="http://www.norphil.co.uk">Norvic Philatelics</a>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.comBlogger2064125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-54699450760072054372024-03-18T11:13:00.001+00:002024-03-18T11:13:17.037+00:00More on pre-printed King Charles stamps on Direct Mail (PPI)<p><b>We in the UK hear a lot about 'non-doms' in the media and from politicians and tax campaigners. If you are not aware of this don't worry, this is just a play on words, because here we have what is, as far as I can recall, the first 'non-denom'. An NVI in the truest sense!</b></p><p>Apparently this is the latest mailshot 'To The Occupier' from the Salvation Army and the picture was sent to me today by DR, who says a number of his friends have received them. </p><p>I don't think we have seen one like this before, nor from the previous reign (though your memory may be better than mine!).</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbh0g9Y2dFM4GUaTI0aSoS6HYuW-jU1TSNGGJyfjNiKKbNVNMqFf4vRWfH0yb8Nph0uyxd25nmCAVPdhJbwowN6wMos7240ADI0W6K2yYlbPmSBJJ_TjO4HExNau60DhcLpWg-zuC9AWUFtL03Z0Yx5-LNO0EbEvEwLKeQDcRPlgFdkf-fsbQtF7iBt8/s1681/2nd%20KC3%20PPI%20Sal%20Army%20non-denom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1681" data-original-width="1300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbh0g9Y2dFM4GUaTI0aSoS6HYuW-jU1TSNGGJyfjNiKKbNVNMqFf4vRWfH0yb8Nph0uyxd25nmCAVPdhJbwowN6wMos7240ADI0W6K2yYlbPmSBJJ_TjO4HExNau60DhcLpWg-zuC9AWUFtL03Z0Yx5-LNO0EbEvEwLKeQDcRPlgFdkf-fsbQtF7iBt8/w494-h640/2nd%20KC3%20PPI%20Sal%20Army%20non-denom.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Non-denominated 2nd class green PPI King Charles III definitive on Salvation Army mailshot.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<br /><br /><p></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-89740967803040063382024-03-15T13:50:00.005+00:002024-03-15T13:50:35.390+00:00Royal Mail Tracked® - a new service coming to a Post Office near you.<p><b>A new service was shown in this year's new <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2024/02/new-prices-for-some-royal-mail-services.html">Postal Rates leaflet</a>. Referred to in the main heading as <i>UK Tracked</i>, but branded as Royal Mail Tracked® this offers yet another level of protection/tracking for mail within the UK. It also seems to offer a better option for posting packages to customers!<br /></b></p><p><u style="font-family: arial;">A recap</u></p><p>Existing services are <b><i>UK Guaranteed</i>, </b>branded as <b>Special Delivery</b> with 9am and 1pm and Saturday Guarantees, with various optional levels of compensation, and weights starting at 100g. Minimum price will be £7.95 from 2 April 2024.<br /></p><p>The other current service is <b><i>UK Signed</i></b> which we all know as <b>Royal Mail Signed For</b>. Many members of the public think that as this has a barcode it can be tracked, but the original branding described it exactly - <b>Recorded Delivery</b>. Nothing more, nothing less - a signature on delivery (probably). This mail is handled in just the same way as UK Standard 1st & 2nd class mail and is subject to just the same delays. There is no penalty for not delivering within the regulator's targets and so no pressure on delivery office managers to get delivery done.</p><p>Minimum price for 1st class is £3.05 (Large £3.80), 2nd class £2.55 (Large £3.25): from 2 April compensation is reducing from £50 to £20.<br /></p><p><u style="font-family: arial;">New Service</u><br /></p><p><b>Royal Mail Tracked</b> provides photo-proof of delivery and compensation up to £150. <a href="https://www.royalmail.com/sending/uk/tracked-24" target="_blank">Currently</a> this service is only available with online postage, although once paid online labels can be printed at Post Offices. Labels like this are produced</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5a8CIhl7KhOxuaEum9yOrk7PK9OEOcZ8fdhBD6GjFQ-Y1P1ffwi6fzcgn6LpBNGK0CJFAX7y_M30PjBEe32vplP1CDHdG29scgVJQsoBgsHlN6j3Vd_cmYiIeEJxLJD8QA1D5wGtgQWiYoRUYdY_XYi4_5yfnF6sihjVxLRWJSDibtwXAdPSnSYuClJM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="813" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5a8CIhl7KhOxuaEum9yOrk7PK9OEOcZ8fdhBD6GjFQ-Y1P1ffwi6fzcgn6LpBNGK0CJFAX7y_M30PjBEe32vplP1CDHdG29scgVJQsoBgsHlN6j3Vd_cmYiIeEJxLJD8QA1D5wGtgQWiYoRUYdY_XYi4_5yfnF6sihjVxLRWJSDibtwXAdPSnSYuClJM=w215-h320" width="215" /></a></div><br />The Tracked24 service provides<br /><p></p><p> • Tracking to delivery point<br /> • Photo on delivery<br /> • SMS or email notifications to recipients<br /> • Next working day delivery aim<br /> • Compensation cover up to £150<br /> • Change your delivery options before delivery is attempted<br /></p><p>Tracked48 aims to deliver in 2-3 working days, but otherwise the same services.<br /></p><p>This is the service which will now be available at Post Offices on demand. At this stage branches don't know much about it but it seems that whilst normally Horizon labels will be used (and a new code, perhaps?), it will also be possible to prepay in stamps before you leave home!<br /></p><p></p><p>There is no rate for letters (although letters may be sent at the Large Letter rate) the lowest price is £3.50 for a Large Letter up to 750g for Tracked24 and £2.70 for Tracked48. The signed option costs more. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9FBJAEbQTKRVh-6F0xRqIAh7RQEWmA54cicU9FfLt4p_v8HyHcRZup94wvlwLoyvhymYKuTUXhqnr0-IMUPgkvhOU5bn6OesJ9hzi9DTj3Qdt1_vC_M-1aaCESfcBZumgjRRNfgc3otVES-G97t5pYBb7mf5XttZ3Ve1Jkfqhyoma-BKo0WRkiGhuVKY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="536" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9FBJAEbQTKRVh-6F0xRqIAh7RQEWmA54cicU9FfLt4p_v8HyHcRZup94wvlwLoyvhymYKuTUXhqnr0-IMUPgkvhOU5bn6OesJ9hzi9DTj3Qdt1_vC_M-1aaCESfcBZumgjRRNfgc3otVES-G97t5pYBb7mf5XttZ3Ve1Jkfqhyoma-BKo0WRkiGhuVKY=w400-h336" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkw_QLvSlnAIKsrP60RZOcLZD4rVxZbNEVozdUQJllb9RWF02acjddoKQq8uvjIuQhDZ2GUT1AS7UOGVcmUjq7Fb_vc9Z6YwtOTCJKRkO2MBhhpAqAEJguVy4H9xsDyJZ_WUIqMw0POmNHomlLoyAaI6LEG32RvD_3BwPRdeDaBR0Q8kGKqOFSIiXjFG4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="534" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkw_QLvSlnAIKsrP60RZOcLZD4rVxZbNEVozdUQJllb9RWF02acjddoKQq8uvjIuQhDZ2GUT1AS7UOGVcmUjq7Fb_vc9Z6YwtOTCJKRkO2MBhhpAqAEJguVy4H9xsDyJZ_WUIqMw0POmNHomlLoyAaI6LEG32RvD_3BwPRdeDaBR0Q8kGKqOFSIiXjFG4=w400-h235" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>So how does this compare with existing services</u>?</span></p><p>The cheapest way to send a letter will still be under a pound at 85p (2nd class) and £1.35 (1st class). </p><p>But for dealers sending out orders, or collectors sending (say) first day covers to the postmarking centres or selling on online platforms, this could be a much better option than Royal Mail Signed For. EBay, for example, prefer items to be tracked - and Signed For doesn't involve tracking.<br /></p><p>If a signature is not obtained every time, or is so illegible as not to indicate who actually signed for the package, then what use is Signed For?</p><p><i>Prices for 750 grammes (I have compared Tracked48 with 2nd class and Tracked 24 with 1st.):</i></p><p><b>2nd class</b>: standard - £2.70; signed for - £4.40; Tracked48 - £2.70; Tracked48 with signature - £4.40.</p><p><b>1st class</b>: standard - £3.50; signed for - £5.20; Tracked24 - £3.50; Tracked24 with signature - £5.20.</p><p>So rather than send packages by 1st class Signed For (when we don't actually need a signature) we can send them by Tracked48 for 80p less or Tracked24 for the same amount as standard post. <br /></p><p><b>Yes, you can get your 750g mail Tracked without paying any extra! </b></p><p>A basic 2nd class Signed For letter at £2.55 is only 15p less than Tracked48 without signature. Similarly a 100g 1st class Signed For Large Letter at £3.80 is 60p less than Tracked 48 with signature but much more than Tracked 48 without.<br /></p><p>If tracking is preferable to a signature then 15p is a reasonable price to pay.</p><p><u style="font-family: arial;">Impact on Services</u></p><p>Services will only be impacted if people take advantage of this new option - and if I have understood everything correctly!</p><p><i>Post Office branches</i> will deal with more over the counter work than previously. Even if you take Standard Letters into branch to get a certificate of posting, that has go to be quicker than Tracked processing.</p><p><i>Royal Mail Deliveries</i> are already suffering and workers on the coal face say that tracked parcels are prioritised over ordinary letters (which includes Signed For). Corporate management deny that this is policy but the fact remains that it is happening. So if we send Tracked24/48 they will have even more to prioritise. </p><p>I feel sorry for the people who don't get their mail when they should: we have absolutely no trouble locally - if I can send an order to Skye on Friday and have the cheque on Tuesday, then it couldn't be any better.</p><p><b>But UKTracked is certainly going to be worth considering from now on.</b><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-48227776160000971092024-03-07T17:24:00.018+00:002024-03-17T20:56:50.144+00:00March 2024 slogan postmarks and other interesting postal markings.<p><b>The March slogan programme can properly be said to have started on 29 February because that was the only date of use for the St David's Day slogan, to be delivered on 1 March, but applied to both 1st and 2nd class mail.</b></p><p>We have no intimation that it was translated into Welsh for delivery to Welsh addresses, although that would have been logical!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>St David's<br />Day<br />Friday 1st March</b></span></p><p>Thanks to JE for one example for each layout shown here, from Preston (<b>Lancashire and South Lakes</b>) and <b>Edinburgh Mail Centres</b>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRPVYoLDKxLxzL6IXGWace1nSyQn1VHQh2l5fca_A52BPcJQ5i9w0OwuhR9NECJpSbBgi7prmU4cu_h96JZ2AVytylryL5zoPNfccIS2Wn_klTh-TIR97YBrstAEuguqlSVfnLbslBuUWSf7C6c906-_2da_WTSMQm1cRhd-ToBH3HQipi82WfBtzi5pQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="1400" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRPVYoLDKxLxzL6IXGWace1nSyQn1VHQh2l5fca_A52BPcJQ5i9w0OwuhR9NECJpSbBgi7prmU4cu_h96JZ2AVytylryL5zoPNfccIS2Wn_klTh-TIR97YBrstAEuguqlSVfnLbslBuUWSf7C6c906-_2da_WTSMQm1cRhd-ToBH3HQipi82WfBtzi5pQ=w640-h166" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St David's Day slogan Edinburgh Mail Centre 29-02-2024 unnecessarily on PPI mail<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilGoEIgLkTHkpArHEIt9xzd_9w7rky2VxHUkLrHptBm7GfHyXfs9QH0r3fL70jQRSWU0raQrc_PqPk4NcpPzdUAX6O5_shp6Hp8IgphDiyiI5BJgDmb-vrgaaAEe3moL42cYL7V3HsGJEa-PhtJ1z66SfQuAfhVsq9-T06uDkbjKJ3jhgppFQgpys4pKg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1400" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilGoEIgLkTHkpArHEIt9xzd_9w7rky2VxHUkLrHptBm7GfHyXfs9QH0r3fL70jQRSWU0raQrc_PqPk4NcpPzdUAX6O5_shp6Hp8IgphDiyiI5BJgDmb-vrgaaAEe3moL42cYL7V3HsGJEa-PhtJ1z66SfQuAfhVsq9-T06uDkbjKJ3jhgppFQgpys4pKg=w640-h220" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St David's Day slogan Lancashire and South Lakes (Preston Mail Centre) 29/02/2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Thanks also to RS for this one from Medway showing use of one of January's Spice Girls stamps.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7uQPS01xTazl29WdnCiO42FcbQhMaHplD3gmt73PRTDsCFpqv5xW1P3YdIBEex86aUEJenEHHXc8-nfcnFw5QYmjHbeXXWL_qqGCjArMMssSmj4SNWuhOTIaF-IkRaOel0ufag8hP0HAiahwIvbgjlyBVZ1x8sRDNKwS-BFWxosDWlHshAh7hsLpdk0g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1400" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7uQPS01xTazl29WdnCiO42FcbQhMaHplD3gmt73PRTDsCFpqv5xW1P3YdIBEex86aUEJenEHHXc8-nfcnFw5QYmjHbeXXWL_qqGCjArMMssSmj4SNWuhOTIaF-IkRaOel0ufag8hP0HAiahwIvbgjlyBVZ1x8sRDNKwS-BFWxosDWlHshAh7hsLpdk0g=w640-h222" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St David's Day slogan Medway Mail Centre 29-02-2024 </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>We understand that there will be a similar slogan for St Patrick's Day delivered on 16 March (to be used on 15 March only) the day itself being a Sunday. St George's and St Andrew's days will probably follow later in the year.</p>
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<b></b><b></b><p>From 1st March we would expect the temporary British Heart Foundation RevivR slogan to be used, with the next 'special' being (as mentioned in February) the <b>International Women's
Day</b> slogan which will be used in both formats on 5 & 6 March only, with
the aim of 'doormat delivery' (for 1st class letters) on 6 & 7 March, 'the day' being on 8 March. </p><p>Here's Royal Mail's publicity photograph for the #IWD slogan - the Mail Centre date of 8 March is wrong:</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF-8Ht3E1ulmEWEKQwxdIXoVjzxApQH1noqSlVCi_UW6RpFx00DXemgvb2u5sH8e87VOxH8OIrKju5ZLCGugwVPKAMK5XJRhXccm94BhSSatanseyH8rNYIuY95c19xUf-2aPqVLanl_51wHxE0ZPh6s6kry4urO_vGJBoUbc6tukyBbiTNpTsDHRVtOU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="838" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiF-8Ht3E1ulmEWEKQwxdIXoVjzxApQH1noqSlVCi_UW6RpFx00DXemgvb2u5sH8e87VOxH8OIrKju5ZLCGugwVPKAMK5XJRhXccm94BhSSatanseyH8rNYIuY95c19xUf-2aPqVLanl_51wHxE0ZPh6s6kry4urO_vGJBoUbc6tukyBbiTNpTsDHRVtOU=w640-h160" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>International Women's Day slogan paste-up.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b> International Women's Day<br />8 March 2024<br />#IWD2024<br />#InspireInclusion</b></span><br /></p><p>Here's the first one I've been sent, by RL, notable for three reasons. 1 - it is very clear; 2 - it was used the day before the dates I was given; 3 - the stamp is no longer valid but wasn't surcharged. Used at <b>Cumbria Dumfries & Galloway on 05/03/2024</b>. It will also be added to <a href="https://machins-on-cover.blogspot.com/2023/08/in-post-after-machin-and-country.html?sc=1710158965115#c2083853909339825765" target="_blank">my Postal History blog</a>.<br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDQGAMj_YHBULoz2a15Y_HkCNZtUO_QCCiccKWiRJbMr4H1fcHCCuCC9Un4fkx76hV4JEq7HHGhnrzzrGd-X4zoxvSHDB_PN6rP74tCWoMRmw6IXpzgN6Sp30uyiAQcq-BPZTYmzZ7OkUusByHj_atBtqOxJ5Bj26jY7CNDDaYEVe_a7mqcXXkkhu9pAw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="778" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDQGAMj_YHBULoz2a15Y_HkCNZtUO_QCCiccKWiRJbMr4H1fcHCCuCC9Un4fkx76hV4JEq7HHGhnrzzrGd-X4zoxvSHDB_PN6rP74tCWoMRmw6IXpzgN6Sp30uyiAQcq-BPZTYmzZ7OkUusByHj_atBtqOxJ5Bj26jY7CNDDaYEVe_a7mqcXXkkhu9pAw=w640-h206" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>International Women's Day slogan Cumbria Dumfries & Gallowy 05/03/2024<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>From 8 March the 'original' default British Heart Foundation slogan should be used.... and here is an exaample from <b>Plymouth and Cornwall</b> Mail Centre on <b>09/03/2024</b><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq-EhdQHMLpwyZ5xy2wfz_q8ICIloum1W2rv63yCLsj_wzJy64YSxxA32JsA8cdGGyhu0oEuCo0gfLm3-uWYMnrSjiDuURDbnz6jXRApqOSDwFpcERwrlIcewtNtSKepGHAAebUklWaC4xS0mJ4Cu6NkrC9nV-INflxfiHfuAjEw4c92kMbVFIFe-m7PQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="1099" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiq-EhdQHMLpwyZ5xy2wfz_q8ICIloum1W2rv63yCLsj_wzJy64YSxxA32JsA8cdGGyhu0oEuCo0gfLm3-uWYMnrSjiDuURDbnz6jXRApqOSDwFpcERwrlIcewtNtSKepGHAAebUklWaC4xS0mJ4Cu6NkrC9nV-INflxfiHfuAjEw4c92kMbVFIFe-m7PQ=w640-h278" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Original British Heart Foundation slogan re-used Plymouth and Cornwall 09/03/2024<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><i></i>
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<b></b><b></b><p>As we were advised, a slogan was used for St Patrick's Day on 15 March for delivery on 16th. Monday is a holiday in Ireland. Two examples, from <b>Medway Mail Centre 15-03-2024</b> and <b>Lancashire and South Lakes</b> (Preston Mail Centre) <b>15/03/2024. </b>Thanks to JE for these. Expect the BHF slogan again after this.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>St Patrick's<br />Day<br />Sunday 17th March</b></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6L6X-G7dhE3s8vI57ZOSafFcI4gq7bN31BueTq6dGMx1txT7MT3IJBpx549IwqOiX7fuSsxHC6bRh0bPP6I8Ha1qOMUevS1Wijp1Nc8gj-wh9unj8QwJ1Ab1e4VHiVmXdAs0la0GD_fO-bGGfF0u9Vd56ZbdpYR5ZBqjD6JwIROAOLz8c1Vqs_qVoRgw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1250" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6L6X-G7dhE3s8vI57ZOSafFcI4gq7bN31BueTq6dGMx1txT7MT3IJBpx549IwqOiX7fuSsxHC6bRh0bPP6I8Ha1qOMUevS1Wijp1Nc8gj-wh9unj8QwJ1Ab1e4VHiVmXdAs0la0GD_fO-bGGfF0u9Vd56ZbdpYR5ZBqjD6JwIROAOLz8c1Vqs_qVoRgw=w640-h198" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St Patrick's Day slogan Lancashire and South Lakes 15/03/2024</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh35kQ5evdGZPfMhVd2Ps_sweE3h-DcuY-GSsaG7M9GkpawXShp2p3EvfrXPu9GDDjQup29JwvoFZSMusPU8VTagGtzxoJ_K6EbRNKbJXXGutL4uQ7hpF_BZO4ZjovOBdhVJAmNaiVP-9eXr0C78tVA1zQC7c-xL0TFaPfnGUqbRYkURSZCoYEWd5n3_II" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="1250" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh35kQ5evdGZPfMhVd2Ps_sweE3h-DcuY-GSsaG7M9GkpawXShp2p3EvfrXPu9GDDjQup29JwvoFZSMusPU8VTagGtzxoJ_K6EbRNKbJXXGutL4uQ7hpF_BZO4ZjovOBdhVJAmNaiVP-9eXr0C78tVA1zQC7c-xL0TFaPfnGUqbRYkURSZCoYEWd5n3_II=w640-h178" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St Patrick's Day slogan Medway Mail Centre 15-03-2024</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>And it is appropriate that we have this one from <b>Northern Ireland Mail Centr</b>e, Belfast: thanks to BW for this one.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipeoxPc84oJbr0bRwHzuezk0SqCE3AUPLp68FqzIjT6gZkMAOiQhUXct_C-tvrbWK43bsq8DAlKqE46a53ZAoQwhQuzMG-i3Ghgppi1SSZyMYVxfHvv_trGw_bBAqHLhRM4eFT-2FmbbToJAa4SsuP2kib6Rz8GMOQvjks-5Ej4nqVSxCu7ctvQPI-V2w" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1369" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipeoxPc84oJbr0bRwHzuezk0SqCE3AUPLp68FqzIjT6gZkMAOiQhUXct_C-tvrbWK43bsq8DAlKqE46a53ZAoQwhQuzMG-i3Ghgppi1SSZyMYVxfHvv_trGw_bBAqHLhRM4eFT-2FmbbToJAa4SsuP2kib6Rz8GMOQvjks-5Ej4nqVSxCu7ctvQPI-V2w=w640-h230" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St Patrick's Day slogan Northern Ireland Mail Centre 15/03/2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p></p><p><i></i>
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<b></b><b></b><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
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</p><p></p><p><b>OTHER POSTMARKS AND POSTAL MARKINGS</b></p><p>Here's a Revenue Protection mark that I haven't seen before. I believe it may have been applied in Carlisle mail centre as the letter travelled between Cumbria and Dorset. This is early March 2024.<br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMyjGA56kFfE97SJmwGDuzGz55V0M5Hr9ebXgG1m2OyskgKikXxBiqRRkdFaLl_L-Bk5tFzX-FbMEosrVgEvUXEwPEyhAaxXuOYy_9X01_SpxU7mqu8F4sgOM7tAOPqpq5mt-I7Kq60caNolNVKHiX-MjxBi3MO2pP124AT-gyP3B76lzqmQJOhZ502dU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="800" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMyjGA56kFfE97SJmwGDuzGz55V0M5Hr9ebXgG1m2OyskgKikXxBiqRRkdFaLl_L-Bk5tFzX-FbMEosrVgEvUXEwPEyhAaxXuOYy_9X01_SpxU7mqu8F4sgOM7tAOPqpq5mt-I7Kq60caNolNVKHiX-MjxBi3MO2pP124AT-gyP3B76lzqmQJOhZ502dU=w640-h376" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Revenue Protection 'tick'-mark possibly applied at Carlisle Mail Centre March 2024<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />An earlier cover to the same address last year was surcharged, incorrectly. See section 3 <a href="https://machins-on-cover.blogspot.com/2023/08/in-post-after-machin-and-country.html" target="_blank">on this blog post</a>.<p>
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</p><p>Here are two postmarks from across the Irish Sea. The stamps were cancelled with An Post's self-inking datestamp at Port an Chalaidh, known in English as Ferrybank, and part of Waterford (<span lang="ga">Port Láirge)</span>. At the Portlaoise Mails Centre their ink-jet slogan was applied. Portlaoise is about 55 miles north of Wateford in a central area. Ireland has only three Mails Centres, the other two being in Athlone and Dublin.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqbKkMqjJjTQS0P4eD1Z2yeGCUuexul7DFG6U8dGvkbqCko4NqPVd71nMcgzDFjKer3BtCjQGCrGsDRNg2uEpm3Mi8CeB1-vE7QMICo9iRq0gXFoSCPUj7jL8GJSdT39cZQ2Nv_IcTzVk3aUvt8_LjciqWIf16GM5EGSeB2Bv0bLqqMPYj1QLsuvudjfE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="1004" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqbKkMqjJjTQS0P4eD1Z2yeGCUuexul7DFG6U8dGvkbqCko4NqPVd71nMcgzDFjKer3BtCjQGCrGsDRNg2uEpm3Mi8CeB1-vE7QMICo9iRq0gXFoSCPUj7jL8GJSdT39cZQ2Nv_IcTzVk3aUvt8_LjciqWIf16GM5EGSeB2Bv0bLqqMPYj1QLsuvudjfE=w640-h204" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Portlaoise Mails Centre slogan 29 2 24 'Send from the ♥︎'</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiygpT3jKeA3MwQdHJCGe5kifJSffSvyJqg8Fk0cq8Lc_US_F8HFB7_l6O7RpxdKjg2z13mR0ZCwF5plGzPtBDpgilmsEobm9IeS_3b3w2V_PfPOp9ll5m0bYFXF0kcY42XoLTYzXX_aki8BFb9yfEm8N4OcSbcB7al8qZQrM12x7gudfMuFy944fdwlwo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="440" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiygpT3jKeA3MwQdHJCGe5kifJSffSvyJqg8Fk0cq8Lc_US_F8HFB7_l6O7RpxdKjg2z13mR0ZCwF5plGzPtBDpgilmsEobm9IeS_3b3w2V_PfPOp9ll5m0bYFXF0kcY42XoLTYzXX_aki8BFb9yfEm8N4OcSbcB7al8qZQrM12x7gudfMuFy944fdwlwo=w400-h368" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Port an Chalaidh </i><i lang="ga">Port Láirge </i><i>self-inking datestamp 29.2.24<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>
</p><p></p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p>If you have any other slogans used this month, or any other
interesting postal markings from any period or place, please send them to the email address in
the top right of this blog. Thank you.<br />
</p><p><br />
</p><p><b>Remember, all postmarks appearing in March will be added to this post, so check
here before you spend time scanning and emailing. I'll try to add new
ones as quickly as possible.</b></p><p></p><hr /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-7354571265979294812024-03-05T00:30:00.196+00:002024-03-05T00:30:00.123+00:00The Age of Dinosaurs - set and miniature sheet: 12 March 2024<p><b>Ten years ago Royal Mail issued a set of stamps that had been postponed from 2012. The postponement was mainly because of the volume of stamps from the Olympics with the unexpected extras from the Paralympics. </b></p><p><b>Originally coinciding with </b><b>the centenary of the publication Sir Arthur Conan
Doyle’s dinosaur thriller, <i>The Lost World</i>,</b><b> the 2013 issue date was then close to the BBC/20thC Fox movie production <i>Walking With Dinosaurs</i>.</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS30yQV9ES8E9m3OGo0TK0XaN6QwsnqA7xXXLrj7Cp6r9Dke_RshCW5_3RAt_C29UsKKkb3_6xral4hT1205Lt-f7KBXPAFkWT0l11JAH_64wfJD8E_J2wP4e2fCd4cFt2-ZmwmiCJdSKzYTx23tnSnwCDY8ultS0cZA9Yxw2Ic7qHZnRlwZE1l1EgyRE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="1505" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS30yQV9ES8E9m3OGo0TK0XaN6QwsnqA7xXXLrj7Cp6r9Dke_RshCW5_3RAt_C29UsKKkb3_6xral4hT1205Lt-f7KBXPAFkWT0l11JAH_64wfJD8E_J2wP4e2fCd4cFt2-ZmwmiCJdSKzYTx23tnSnwCDY8ultS0cZA9Yxw2Ic7qHZnRlwZE1l1EgyRE=w573-h640" width="573" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2013 Dinosaurs set used on commercial covers.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>In the write-up for that issue Royal Mail referred to the "strong regional connection with Dorset due mainly
to discoveries by pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning". Few people outside Dorset and palaeontology have even heard of Mary Anning, but this time Royal Mail make her the focus of the issue.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W8aKCNvLypZGggC_zqTPEj0ccNB_Cwr4FqMX6_8RVFBT1soGv_dEmxJ39c_Mema9LfQJcJRq5xyWRGLXtG7eCZGIBigDeqC4juteRLhzYvQXDFaYQWuPdZhzCnSOXoWnuH98eAi86EsZLmfWPo3ZnP1213cW3uePCryyO5pa_QWXlADSFoa2I0nQOKU/s1237/20240312%20Dinosaur%201st%20x%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1237" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9W8aKCNvLypZGggC_zqTPEj0ccNB_Cwr4FqMX6_8RVFBT1soGv_dEmxJ39c_Mema9LfQJcJRq5xyWRGLXtG7eCZGIBigDeqC4juteRLhzYvQXDFaYQWuPdZhzCnSOXoWnuH98eAi86EsZLmfWPo3ZnP1213cW3uePCryyO5pa_QWXlADSFoa2I0nQOKU/w640-h366/20240312%20Dinosaur%201st%20x%204.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinosaurs 2024, two pairs of 1st class stamps<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><u><i>Royal Mail's write-up</i></u>:<br /></p><p>"The Mesozoic Era, or the ‘Age of the Dinosaurs’ as it is commonly known, lasted from 252 to 66 million years ago and comprises, in order from oldest to youngest, the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods. During most of this time, from the Late Triassic onwards, a group of reptiles known as dinosaurs dominated the land. Other non-dinosaur reptiles also thrived during this period, including marine reptiles, such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, as well as the flying pterosaurs.<br /><br />Fossilised remains help us to unearth the secrets of these incredible creatures, and one of the greatest fossil hunters of the 19th century was Mary Anning. Anning lived during a time when it was fashionable for wealthy Georgians to visit seaside towns to acquire fossils to add to their cabinets of curiosities. It was also when palaeontology was becoming recognised as a branch of the natural sciences. Anning spent her life unearthing ‘curios’ from the fossil-rich cliffs near her home in Lyme Regis, Dorset, to sell to tourists and scientific collectors alike, and made many important discoveries.<br /><br />A fascination with prehistoric life continues today. Palaeontologists study all fossilised past life, including corals, fishes, mammals and plants, in addition to prehistoric reptiles. Fossils can help us not only to learn about the lives of these species, but to understand what the Earth was like in the past.<br /></p><p>The set has once again been prepared in collaboration with the Natural History Museum in London, this time using scientists from six different palaeontological disciplines.</p><p>The new designs by digital illustrator Joshua Dunlop combine scientific accuracy with artistic brilliance in a captivating homage to the wonders of palaeontology, appealing to both stamp enthusiasts and dinosaur fans alike."</p><p>Details of the dinosaurs on the stamps are a the foot of the post. <br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM1Nfj9dleQW5rInURt1fxFuJdAGgo5FTIEH5emyq6_n9oZtlyoEiOHVM9f0biW3geCB5slkZV7neesOxpVq5vIdGooIRh8vNap4pzPtr0UmVIrztDz9AQBDzWWpeyyReHxj6Y46vglvj6jrvDPbA9QURM0MiAFKjAoF79smPRmoiYNU8lS5-89p0TIk/s1236/20240312%20Dinosaur%20%C2%A32%20x%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1236" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM1Nfj9dleQW5rInURt1fxFuJdAGgo5FTIEH5emyq6_n9oZtlyoEiOHVM9f0biW3geCB5slkZV7neesOxpVq5vIdGooIRh8vNap4pzPtr0UmVIrztDz9AQBDzWWpeyyReHxj6Y46vglvj6jrvDPbA9QURM0MiAFKjAoF79smPRmoiYNU8lS5-89p0TIk/w640-h368/20240312%20Dinosaur%20%C2%A32%20x%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinosaurs 2024, two pairs of £2 stamps</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><b>"The Miniature Sheet...</b></p><p>... is a tribute to Mary Anning who was one of the first professional fossil hunters.</p><p>Her discoveries of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and pterosaurs on the Dorset coast, near her home in Lyme Regis, paved the way for modern palaeontology and contributed to the understanding of prehistoric life on Earth. </p><p>Each of her discoveries are presented within picture frames in the miniature sheet with captions written in microtext which can be read under a magnifying glass."</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A2kTVKAPUJSTociZgMq-KKGSYIzLt4G7kFwRWA5oS0-QkjEEPpApHvD1bl073LEwLB4reXY5j9T5qFzmV99GalWx9YZlzaA9KGwmniz4Aqp3zfa-p-PC3XzRIFabXDzrEfRuQEZlhxnGsm93SLcpTRlMTUBs-TeEP7IJseS9xavjjJQCVw9efUQMk0E/s1200/20240312%20Dinosaurs%20Mary%20Anning%20Minisheet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1200" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4A2kTVKAPUJSTociZgMq-KKGSYIzLt4G7kFwRWA5oS0-QkjEEPpApHvD1bl073LEwLB4reXY5j9T5qFzmV99GalWx9YZlzaA9KGwmniz4Aqp3zfa-p-PC3XzRIFabXDzrEfRuQEZlhxnGsm93SLcpTRlMTUBs-TeEP7IJseS9xavjjJQCVw9efUQMk0E/w640-h262/20240312%20Dinosaurs%20Mary%20Anning%20Minisheet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinosaurs miniature sheet publicity picture showing drawn-in perforations<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweu6jpNjjgOb9ingVnyKZBj_8FG68pFzRZab8a__l07no3uXQIEBmXWbTig3iHgbkcZtjHCJ9RRYsIBQPL9lIAQaZ1YsvxmDJgLy51P76siqnkzMKeK-6fEiUQxsLeIDCsFhweSWpgzpNEYD52iMuGbDAc37QmzJEJbgi3ltO-eFpIXbtuVBabSLHug4/s1524/20240312%20Dinosaurs%20MS.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1524" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweu6jpNjjgOb9ingVnyKZBj_8FG68pFzRZab8a__l07no3uXQIEBmXWbTig3iHgbkcZtjHCJ9RRYsIBQPL9lIAQaZ1YsvxmDJgLy51P76siqnkzMKeK-6fEiUQxsLeIDCsFhweSWpgzpNEYD52iMuGbDAc37QmzJEJbgi3ltO-eFpIXbtuVBabSLHug4/w640-h254/20240312%20Dinosaurs%20MS.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinosaurs miniature sheet scan<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The stamps individually</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEictWfbpPsyS_Io5TMURessAYDZoMfY6c42_ym9fuwREEMNXKFC4rD5OU9u9EIYHZgd-pAv_ojzn-9YaoBaBKUf-yremY2jbOP1Fn4XkdniFHdVZ3mtoScoB7gm-_eqzerd2olj0VaavUpI_Eq85IW1Q-61mDVa4y-3eLSo_-n43tva7BkkNoLhhlWmf2g" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="431" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEictWfbpPsyS_Io5TMURessAYDZoMfY6c42_ym9fuwREEMNXKFC4rD5OU9u9EIYHZgd-pAv_ojzn-9YaoBaBKUf-yremY2jbOP1Fn4XkdniFHdVZ3mtoScoB7gm-_eqzerd2olj0VaavUpI_Eq85IW1Q-61mDVa4y-3eLSo_-n43tva7BkkNoLhhlWmf2g=w453-h640" width="453" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the 19th century’s greatest fossil hunters, Mary Anning made a series of incredible discoveries that helped the scientific community to better understand the remarkable creatures that inhabited Earth’s ancient seas and skies.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="651" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiR9u8N9DIZrJxeCDdgOMI_PY4mhTlvKf5-GxRkxS7RV25AzNdfkqPbcpCu1Nyj3EjLvxKjgcsLkts_NVUwrrZNE3ViMZlsJVKnapSbqPlhrymxWWgntHsdToFG26qHgBOUEYcDaWqEUZ-ieRVseOOWaAwINgH9Y0F-mt8FbQhc9rCanvVdBoR6D0AMYFc=w640-h402" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ICHTHYOSAURUS COMMUNISICHTHYOSAURUS COMMUNIS<br />201–198 MA, LYME REGIS, DORSET<br />A complete fossilised juvenile skeleton of the marine reptile with coprolite remains inside the rib cage. Purchased from Mary Anning c.1835.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyTJcJ8FFPXlUNROxj0_U16HQa_SnrZr1mFbKv2GbTNpe1itrLjSmL44p2CqnJe6_dGIKlJfQxZGsA3xZp5oADQRGuCvGfaQXCgsxyKaUklN2ngINCRJbqr1go8IZYcnB4Nlc4gN98bH4z6PLBLTztsG98qq89F1lPz_S4mWq7h07Jmcv2hqMgfbl3O0c" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="828" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyTJcJ8FFPXlUNROxj0_U16HQa_SnrZr1mFbKv2GbTNpe1itrLjSmL44p2CqnJe6_dGIKlJfQxZGsA3xZp5oADQRGuCvGfaQXCgsxyKaUklN2ngINCRJbqr1go8IZYcnB4Nlc4gN98bH4z6PLBLTztsG98qq89F1lPz_S4mWq7h07Jmcv2hqMgfbl3O0c=w640-h310" width="640" /></a></div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIP1WinMlUcGxtY_T1suh72B9SDLHcTh2GFMKRYEqL9zc6u-buXt-DI8lcX-8r26aak_KFC9cgmB3w_hD-22SagKoFD0Pr6k2ybNjVTvEA2EZW2_D7yQy_9g3PvN7h2uN-d-yxE_sWbdFjgDDrVQ46xdpiOJ3o_kS7xmDrlFBZAkRwRXGLvR9Rg6OO2fM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="384" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIP1WinMlUcGxtY_T1suh72B9SDLHcTh2GFMKRYEqL9zc6u-buXt-DI8lcX-8r26aak_KFC9cgmB3w_hD-22SagKoFD0Pr6k2ybNjVTvEA2EZW2_D7yQy_9g3PvN7h2uN-d-yxE_sWbdFjgDDrVQ46xdpiOJ3o_kS7xmDrlFBZAkRwRXGLvR9Rg6OO2fM=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>DAPEDIUM POLITUMDAPEDIUM POLITUM 199–190 MA, LYME REGIS, DORSET<br />A near-complete Jurassic fish fossil, showing scale patterning and delicate fin structures. Collected by Mary Anning c.1829.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglk8minRMV69L4-s51SEEr7I3zcsEvo3rhT9OFuoCu3OBsX3EFrv9hKcCDMPDZncXoHLi79JXCzp2DDHSqeWgd5Mi-U0BhFnsRJd0NlteyyyhrpPKKWS9EluDwNgTWSKIDfCa0FcUhplusaNr_aAa7Hf1SIxtmI98HdhpP1hianckttdp5XwZm3aaTrMY" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="525" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglk8minRMV69L4-s51SEEr7I3zcsEvo3rhT9OFuoCu3OBsX3EFrv9hKcCDMPDZncXoHLi79JXCzp2DDHSqeWgd5Mi-U0BhFnsRJd0NlteyyyhrpPKKWS9EluDwNgTWSKIDfCa0FcUhplusaNr_aAa7Hf1SIxtmI98HdhpP1hianckttdp5XwZm3aaTrMY=w557-h640" width="557" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PLESIOSAURUS MACROCEPHALUSPLESIOSAURUS MACROCEPHALUS 201–198 MA, LYME REGIS, DORSET<br />A near-complete fossilised juvenile skeleton of the marine reptile lacking parts of the tail. Collected by Mary Anning in 1830.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><b>Technical Details</b><br /></p><p>The 50 x 30 mm stamps were printed by Cartor Security Printers in lithography on gummed paper, perf 14. The design was by The Chase, with illustrations by Joshua Dunlop.</p><p>The 180 x 74 mm miniature sheet was printed by Cartor Security Printers in lithography on self-adhesive paper. The Mary Anning and Dapedium stamps are 27 x 37 mm perf 14. The Ichthyosaur is 27 x 27 mm perf 14. The Pleiosaur is 35 mm square perf 14½.</p><p><b>Products</b></p><p>Set of 8, miniature sheet, presentation pack,<b> </b>stamp cards, first day covers x2, press sheet of 12 miniature sheets (ediiton of 200 at £60 each). T-Rex coin cover, framed set, framed T-Rex print.</p><p><u>Write-up of Sheet Stamps</u></p><p>1st - Tyrannosaurus was a fierce predator that belonged to a group of dinosaurs known as theropods. One of the largest meat-eating animals ever to live on land, Tyrannosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period between 68 and 66 million years ago. The first known specimen was discovered in 1900 in Wyoming, USA.</p><p>1st - Triceratops was one of the biggest horned dinosaurs. It lived around 68 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous Period, alongside the likes of Tyrannosaurus. Triceratops weighed about 5 tonnes and measured up to 9m in length – its head alone was about as long as a person. It had a curved, bony frill jutting out over its neck and a hard beak at the end of its nose. The word Triceratops means ‘three-horned face’ – a reference to its impressive horns, which may have been used in defence against large meat eaters.</p><p>1st - Coloborhynchus was a type of pterosaur, a group of extinct flying reptiles that lived alongside the dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve flight over 220 million years ago and included the largest flying creatures of all time. Coloborhynchus lived during the Early Cretaceous Period and was one of the earliest pterosaurs to be discovered.</p><p>1st - Iguanodon was a large ornithopod that lived during the Early Cretaceous Period between 125 and 110 million years ago. Reaching a length of about 10m, it was a very large dinosaur – longer than both Triceratops and Stegosaurus – and a herbivore that probably ate around 30kg of plants every day. It is thought that Iguanodon probably walked on both two and four legs. It was one of the most successful dinosaurs, with remains having been found in many parts of Europe. Iguanodon had a large thumb spike, which was probably used to fend off predators. It also had a very long finger that it used to gather food.<br /></p><p>£2 - Stegosaurus belongs to a group of dinosaurs known as stegosaurs, which are defined by the bony armour plates or spines that extend along the back in two parallel rows. Despite being one of the most recognisable dinosaurs, we know relatively little about it, as remains of Stegosaurus are rare.</p><p>£2 - Diplodocus. One of the longest dinosaurs ever to have existed, Diplodocus was a long-necked prehistoric creature belonging to a group of dinosaurs called sauropods. It lived 150 million years ago at the end of the Jurassic Period. Reaching up to 27m in length, Diplodocus was a giant, weighing around 20 tonnes – as much as three male African elephants. It may have used its long neck to reach the tops of tall trees and its comb-like teeth to rake leaves into its mouth.<br /></p><p>£2 - Megalosaurus was one of three species (along with Iguanodon and Hylaeosaurus) that led palaeontologist and anatomist Sir Richard Owen to coin the term ‘Dinosauria’ back in 1842, when he realised that all three creatures shared common characteristics and were their own distinct group of reptiles. His paper sparked a fascination with dinosaurs that continues today. It was William Buckland, a clergyman and palaeontologist, who, in 1824, named the creature Megalosaurus, which means ‘great lizard’. This was the first scientific description ever produced of what became known as a dinosaur. Megalosaurus was a large theropod that roamed what is now England during the Middle Jurassic Period between 170 and 155 million years ago. Growing up to 9m long, it was one of the largest predators of the Middle Jurassic.</p><p>£2 - Cryptoclidus was a type of plesiosaur – a group of extinct marine reptiles that existed from the Middle Triassic to the Late Cretaceous Periods. Some species reached 15m in length, although most were between 3m and 5m long. Plesiosaurs have been described as looking like a ‘snake threaded through a turtle’. Their limbs were large, well-developed paddles and it is thought that Cryptoclidus flapped these up and down in a similar way to a turtle. Plesiosaurs would have been found across the world, including in what is now Argentina, USA, Australia, France, Germany, China and Morocco. Many fossils have been found of Cryptoclidus, particularly from the Oxford Clay Formation in the UK, making it one of the best understood of all plesiosaurs.<br /></p><p></p>
<br /><br /><br /><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-76175620763374618822024-03-02T17:12:00.002+00:002024-03-05T17:11:48.066+00:00Sales of Invalidated stamps - New NVI, airmail, double-head list<p><b>I wrote in January that this exercise was nearing its end. The final list is a wrap-up of stamps in categories not included in the other lists.</b></p><p>The new list is <b>List 12 - NVIs and miscellaneous</b>. It tidies all the loose ends not covered by the X-, Y,- and U-numbered
stamps. It extends to the double-headed (Queen Victoria) stamps including those with numerical face values, and the
airmail stamps. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJReUJ941Iv1v3tqfJZ-NKnUXtrlhRALzV4WbvxuUgfTyQR4exw4l8ouA72ozKB47zF8EIsTSw0FBzm2H1gVQGs-5kpKELIAHrbQrJei4-sD89MYHLu3Apdx-htiFOMdI_CGK18KWZWQVjYDqBLfzVB1YZjMDQ2ewvZH0jfZTkFu-yKzurGZibk3lU_c/s348/1st%201512%20imperf%202%20sides.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="348" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJReUJ941Iv1v3tqfJZ-NKnUXtrlhRALzV4WbvxuUgfTyQR4exw4l8ouA72ozKB47zF8EIsTSw0FBzm2H1gVQGs-5kpKELIAHrbQrJei4-sD89MYHLu3Apdx-htiFOMdI_CGK18KWZWQVjYDqBLfzVB1YZjMDQ2ewvZH0jfZTkFu-yKzurGZibk3lU_c/s320/1st%201512%20imperf%202%20sides.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvruQ65xmQYSiHQmrKzWz8_v17WniV5BRNXR25_0i5Zjlz6tmHnh_IH5u7an7dMoIHTpxPi1wmexQ5sVZuMBx54Lpdcd8yvQYPkz_zTZw6QJFQlYEyCMuR0HJcD3HAll7sDc5SaZ3fT3XtAMuBg_yc01LwCqzNEQPUXrL-YlyUjfVegfkuHYGVnXdMYg/s350/2nd%201449%20imperf%203%20sides.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="350" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvruQ65xmQYSiHQmrKzWz8_v17WniV5BRNXR25_0i5Zjlz6tmHnh_IH5u7an7dMoIHTpxPi1wmexQ5sVZuMBx54Lpdcd8yvQYPkz_zTZw6QJFQlYEyCMuR0HJcD3HAll7sDc5SaZ3fT3XtAMuBg_yc01LwCqzNEQPUXrL-YlyUjfVegfkuHYGVnXdMYg/s320/2nd%201449%20imperf%203%20sides.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQwBmwPpQlAlaHU-uTyvkMTfyxgT--jF9txtutKla6Kd9fe-KzVCb0F8zRvERMJcUrB21poT88quzmO1jMBIoJ93BrQtj4FSlpcjyv8t0uP3lZEsDcPaKbdQH_tBbG2k1RTmscihiEMsUwcVenynsykpvLXj43Eoa-J2Ar0Ni817D09gB1fV2EY_z5ybo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="716" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQwBmwPpQlAlaHU-uTyvkMTfyxgT--jF9txtutKla6Kd9fe-KzVCb0F8zRvERMJcUrB21poT88quzmO1jMBIoJ93BrQtj4FSlpcjyv8t0uP3lZEsDcPaKbdQH_tBbG2k1RTmscihiEMsUwcVenynsykpvLXj43Eoa-J2Ar0Ni817D09gB1fV2EY_z5ybo=w640-h144" width="640" /></a></div><p><br />This apparently simple set of 5 was printed by three printers, using two processes and two different perforation gauges. At the time these were issued Royal Mail was trying various types of booklet production and whilst some books of 4/10 were normally perforated, some were guillotined (ie imperforate) on the two long sides, and some on three sides, producing stamps with one edge or two adjacent edges imperforate. </p><p>So to the basic SG <i>Concise</i> listing of 13 can be added 20 perforation varieties. Later there were 20p and 1st class printings with elliptical perforations, so there are another 5 there. Quite attractive are se-tenant pairs with top and bottom, or left and right imperforate. (This type of collecting is very popular in Sweden.)</p><p>The list includes many stamps with either blue or yellow phosphor, and several different 1st & 2nd class coils, some available in strips of up to 20 (although folded at 5s). </p><p></p><p>List 12 also includes the short-lived Pricing in Proportion stamps of 2006, and the five airmail NVIs including these two.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggf0OBjnglT5PAG5AoEmTYr_ObE-Oyl74JqoXOc6KOCG9VAzb84EAVovub4gR1jRc8w50Iqc5ao8gyL9hwDTcNTN76FsIjj3YVKQ0ZNceUgAPtlWn5bsbVcbhvxxs1ibIFMV4oUScJVISYA7akeKB1M3JzJR3Bag7gXwYLVstjZUO1Q7ETU-pS_ThMk5w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="586" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggf0OBjnglT5PAG5AoEmTYr_ObE-Oyl74JqoXOc6KOCG9VAzb84EAVovub4gR1jRc8w50Iqc5ao8gyL9hwDTcNTN76FsIjj3YVKQ0ZNceUgAPtlWn5bsbVcbhvxxs1ibIFMV4oUScJVISYA7akeKB1M3JzJR3Bag7gXwYLVstjZUO1Q7ETU-pS_ThMk5w" width="320" /></a></div><p>Some of these are also available in complete booklets and exist with many misplaced phosphor bands.</p><p>Also listed are three different 'Boots' labels.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQpfsweuquZYApK_bK9fvq4ZqiQj8l2dgdje8NkX9RyRFKKOZQi89_We3oZi69JXjpAEFiY3_vYKZmpKFr2eqEOE_uyDXxIRmevFQsufGRRj15fHSQQETleX3CFVCjqy_96TXa0lQWKCWmpfaagJov9zhHbfVeOpM5VvCk7zmV632xbD-vTq6WNjWbqqw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="516" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQpfsweuquZYApK_bK9fvq4ZqiQj8l2dgdje8NkX9RyRFKKOZQi89_We3oZi69JXjpAEFiY3_vYKZmpKFr2eqEOE_uyDXxIRmevFQsufGRRj15fHSQQETleX3CFVCjqy_96TXa0lQWKCWmpfaagJov9zhHbfVeOpM5VvCk7zmV632xbD-vTq6WNjWbqqw=w400-h205" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The full list</span></b></h3><p></p><p>List 1 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/agv9bnic6079hknda1sj9/List-1-Booklets-for-sale-13-240122.pdf?rlkey=ktk8jca65sdh9t8k9oqypiuo0&dl=0" target="_blank">Booklets for sale v13</a></p><p>List 2 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hm2r4oroi480vgc2h0i23/List-2-Prestige-Booklets-v3-20240122.pdf?rlkey=zg1acscz142o8dmjnqrvyd9hk&dl=0" target="_blank">Prestige Booklets v3</a> </p><p>List 3 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k9a2k2odq8w4aifc9svlr/List-3-Regional-Machins-for-sale-202309.pdf?rlkey=zliqaqfjkl2242obs44tpyr3d&dl=0" target="_blank">Regional Machin definitives</a> <i>(not yet updated)</i></p><p>List 5 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wmbyxvx5l9xyetzyfs273/List-5-Country-definitives-for-sale-202309.pdf?rlkey=wz5txtr9usj7x6571o0rubudy&dl=0" target="_blank">Pictorial Country definitives</a> <i>(not yet updated)</i></p><p>List 7 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nucnnaba8gou2d7cimbgk/List-7-Machin-X-list-for-sale-20240126-v4.pdf?rlkey=th54no7t8cjq83kakx8933oid&dl=0" target="_blank">Machin X-list for sale</a> v4 (updated 26 January)</p><p>List 8 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qm9qbcajr4h63sk0vq5tr/List-8-Machin-Y-list-for-sale-v4.pdf?rlkey=mjbbg3qt1i68r48int7p91yc6&dl=0" target="_blank">Machin Y-list for sale</a> v4 (updated 26 January)</p><p>List 9 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qavn2vpy6wx6z2eanu1d6/List-9-Security-Machins-for-sale-2401.pdf?rlkey=kliywnfbribitc2c92tb32vr4&dl=0" target="_blank">Security Machins for sale</a> </p><p>List 10 - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2r3gy2vbabumijy5gmuyl/List-10-Smilers-Sheets-and-singles-for-sale-240122.pdf?rlkey=4gn9ffkfrzpr2vuevnevdq9pp&dl=0" target="_blank">Smilers Sheets and singles for sale</a></p><p>List 11 - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9x8s3ft938chi3s4n5djn/List-11-Castle-high-values-20240201-v1.pdf?rlkey=wuagod74ieypgm9h2r1ippgko&dl=0" target="_blank">Castle High Values 1988-1997</a>.</p><p><b>NEW: List 12 - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fc0jzgmlgv0lmxr3uy3e2/List-12-Machin-NVI-list-v2-202403.pdf?rlkey=xs52rmvj4zkh4kg5qks20bays&dl=0" target="_blank">NVIs, airmail, PIP and miscellaneous</a>. (2 March 2024)</b><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPS"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p>Some stocks are already lower than shown on these lists because I have returned to Royal Mail some hundreds of stamps, mainly where the quantities I had were excessive. I've also broken up some Prestige Books - all those have been available here for long enough for anybody who needed them.</p><p><b>If the quantity is shown as zero 0 or - <u>for sheet stamps</u>, then please do not ask for these as we do not have any stock. Zero quantities for booklet stamps <u>may</u> be sourced from booklets - please ask.</b> <br /></p><p>The next stocks I shall weed will be Regional and Country stamps (Lists 3 and 5) because there is very little interest in those now. </p><p>If anybody would like a bulk lot of low-value stamps for crafting or other artistic purposes please contact me by email. </p><p>Similarly if anybody would like any empty PSB books, or the gummed part of some panes, please also contact me. There are some for which I have dozens, and I would gladly send them.</p><br />
<hr />
Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-48211285362519528882024-02-27T10:42:00.001+00:002024-03-03T13:35:58.808+00:00Christmas 2023 booklet with missing barcodes sold over PO counter.<p><b>In October last year a postmaster found, in his new stock, a sheet of 2nd class stamps with no datamatrix barcodes, which <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/11/amazing-error-on-new-christmas-stamps.html" target="_blank">we reported here</a>. <br /></b></p><p>Well before the stamps were due to be issued an image of this sheet was shared on a postmaster chat forum and, although we don't know the full facts, it came to the attention of Royal Mail and it seems that Post Office Ltd arranged for the stamps to be withdrawn. They were apparently never sold over the counter, nor direct to collectors or dealers.</p><p><u>Not so in this case</u>.</p><p>Earlier this month I was alerted to another case. The writer had found the earlier blog post and wrote with details and an image, and this time the error is on a <i>2nd class booklet</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjSGUQdBmwFGnh-awwF6a8S0jZywUS63fDGgdwZ2WPAnSJt3fsSaBAL9Rhczky-t9Zx1gB-gUG6GRMEvY3imOWQWNxbaLgskKka1CtHOj6Ykcw_ycgot7JQ8m8rbF_bR8u1URijTv_2sdd-lN2_Jy8rrTBAVS78INl1ifBafRc1OFj_95dHk6uVGfMHw/s1885/Christmas%2023%202nd%20booklet%20no%20barcode%20out.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1885" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjSGUQdBmwFGnh-awwF6a8S0jZywUS63fDGgdwZ2WPAnSJt3fsSaBAL9Rhczky-t9Zx1gB-gUG6GRMEvY3imOWQWNxbaLgskKka1CtHOj6Ykcw_ycgot7JQ8m8rbF_bR8u1URijTv_2sdd-lN2_Jy8rrTBAVS78INl1ifBafRc1OFj_95dHk6uVGfMHw/w640-h260/Christmas%2023%202nd%20booklet%20no%20barcode%20out.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKKwOt5mF-LhMXTM9k1aNriBRmT7CXacCReOfcF6geQfyQ1uGT7nE32oWeYy6vNwucLbxnI13Aqk0AoPzQn9O8r1tr5j_UCksP6cyKCVntnHD9snnWvIxht8Z91SBg23BaQtGseGxuENfx8Li8ZrKV4p6Nxzd17UMcLm3EQt_t-PF8XDrO9gnaUpuMyM/s1920/Christmas%2023%202nd%20booklet%20no%20barcode.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1920" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKKwOt5mF-LhMXTM9k1aNriBRmT7CXacCReOfcF6geQfyQ1uGT7nE32oWeYy6vNwucLbxnI13Aqk0AoPzQn9O8r1tr5j_UCksP6cyKCVntnHD9snnWvIxht8Z91SBg23BaQtGseGxuENfx8Li8ZrKV4p6Nxzd17UMcLm3EQt_t-PF8XDrO9gnaUpuMyM/w640-h256/Christmas%2023%202nd%20booklet%20no%20barcode.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Christmas 2023 2nd class booklet with missing barcode<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The writer tells that the booklet was sold at a branch in Surrey. </p><p><b>This error is previously unreported: nobody has mentioned this or similar errors to me before, nor to the Modern British Philatelic Circle (MBPC), the Great Britain Philatelic Society, and no dealers have reported it, and nor have the three monthly magazines with wide circulation in the UK.</b></p><p><b>The owner is interested in its value. As I explained, </b></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">The
way they are printed, there must be - unless quality control only let a
few out in error - a dozen or more, maybe 50. The fact that they
haven't been reported means that:</span></i></p><div class="gmail_default"><i><span style="font-family: times;">- they were spotted after your booklet was sold, reported, and returned to the warehouse;</span></i></div><div class="gmail_default"><i><span style="font-family: times;">- they were sold but haven't been used, which would be unlikely for Christmas stamps at Christmas;</span></i></div><div class="gmail_default"><i><span style="font-family: times;">-
they were sold and people who bought them are holding on to them to see
if any others are reported - if everybody does that of course it is down
to the first one to blink. </span></i></div><div class="gmail_default"><i><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: times;">---- or a combination of these.</span></i>
<p><b style="color: #2b00fe;">UPDATE 3 March</b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">I suppose it is a sign of the times that the first comment on this is that the booklet might be counterfeit, never mind the fact that there would be no point in counterfeiting an error rather than a stamp-as-issued. This reflects the plethora of forgeries on the market now, not only of Machin and KC3 definitives, but also many Christmas stamps and, more latterly, gummed special stamps.</span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">To my mind it is an <b>error</b>, nothing more nothing less. Let me remind you that these were probably printed in the summer, at a similar time to the sheet stamps with missing barcode which were recalled before they could be issued. <br /></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Christmas stamps are printed well in advance of issue. Other special stamp issues are not printed quite as far in advance of the issue date. Also issued last summer was the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/07/major-error-on-river-wildlife-stamps.html" target="_blank">River Wildlife set</a> which included the error of a single phosphor band on the 1st class stamps. </span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">And in February the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/08/king-charles-iii-make-up-values.html" target="_blank">King Charles valued definitives</a> were printed in sheet form. We don't know exactly when the coil stamps for first day covers</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> - produced erronesusly without U-shaped slits</span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> - were printed but it would have been well before November. What seems evident is that all these - River Wildlife, Definitives, Christmas sheets and Christmas booklets - were produced during the first 9 months of 2023. </span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Although there were other errors, most notably involving prestige stamp books which had missing or duplicated stamp or interleave panes (or covers), or which had serious miscuts or other misalignments, these types of errors were occurring many times over the life of this blog. <br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">If you look at the word-cloud in the right-hand column of this page, you will see that 'Error' runs to 127 posts. This does include pre-release usage, and various Post and Go errors, as well as errors in the design (Wales 1st class font types), the missing P from the source code in PSB stamps (M_IL), and errors of colour the 81p PSB stamp) or make-up/inclusion (The £1.17 stamp included in a PSB after it ceased to pay a postage rate), but it also includes many instances of "these should not have made it to the public"!<br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;">So errors of one sort or another have abounded, and they really came to a peak in 2023. It doesn't seem to be unreasonable that the booklet under discussion is another one in the 2023 errors saga.</span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>I hope that publication here and by the Societies and magazines will come to the attention of anybody else who might have one of these and we will then have a better idea of how many there might be.</b></p><p><b>If any dealer wishes to suggest a value for my contributor, then I shall be pleased to pass it on.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-19610715971444162912024-02-23T11:42:00.011+00:002024-03-04T09:53:22.572+00:00Basic 1st and 2nd class letter prices rise by 10p from 2 April 2024.<p><b>As usual at this time of the year Royal Mail have announced that some prices will rise from 25 March and 2 April 2024. <br /></b></p><p>No details have been announced yet for uses of social mail or small businesses: we can expect the announcement for these on 1 March.</p><p>Details for franking machines (meters) have been announced including a 1st class rate of £1.17 and 2nd class of 79p. </p><p>As we know most business and meter rates are discounted from the rates for stamps, so we can expect a new first class rate probably close to £1.30 and the second class rate would probably be 80p or more.</p><p>Similarly changes new rates apply to Special Delivery and Signed For basic letters. </p><p>Further speculation at this stage is pointless, but I hope to have details to publish here by 2nd March. The 25 March changes will probably only affect business users.</p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Royal Mail have now issued this press release 1 March 2024</span><br /></h4><p><i>From 2 April 2024, the price of First Class stamps will increase by 10p to £1.35 and the price of Second<br />Class stamps will increase by 10p to 85p.</i></p><p><i>Royal Mail has sought to keep price increases as low as possible in the face of increasing cost pressures<br />and wage increases, declining letter volumes and lack of reform of the Universal Service Obligation (USO).<br /></i></p><p><i>Letter volumes have fallen from 20 billion in 2004/5 to seven billion a year in 2022/3, while the number of addresses has risen by four million in the same period. The average adult spends less than £7 a year on stamped letters and people now receive on average just two letters per week.</i></p><p><i>The USO – which requires Royal Mail to deliver letters to all 32 million UK addresses six days a week – is in need of urgent reform. Delivering an ever-decreasing number of letters to an ever-growing number of<br />households six days a week is increasingly expensive and unsustainable. Postal regulator Ofcom has<br />recently opened a call for inputs to look at options for reform of the USO given the dramatic reduction in<br />letter volumes in recent years.</i></p>More details to follow. In the meantime you can <a href="https://www.royalmail.com/sites/royalmail.com/files/2024-03/our-prices-april-2024-v1-ta.pdf" target="_blank">download the 'stamps' rates here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="break-before: auto; page-break-before: auto; width: 100%px;">
<colgroup><col width="105*"></col>
<col width="50*"></col>
<col width="50*"></col>
<col width="50*"></col>
<col width="60*"></col>
</colgroup><tbody><tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-left: -6.97cm; margin-right: 0.17cm;">
<br />
</p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="30%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">1<sup>st</sup></p>
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="30%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">2<sup>nd</sup>
</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western">Letter</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>1.35</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">1.25</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>0.85</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">0.75</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western">Large Letter – 100g</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>2.10<br /></b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">1.95</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>1.55</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">1.55</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western"> - 250g</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>2.90</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">2.70</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b><span style="color: red;">2.10<br /></span></b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">2.40<br /></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western"> - 500g</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>3.50<br /></b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">3.30<br /></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b style="color: red;">2.50</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">2.70</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western">- 750g</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>3.50</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">3.30</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>2.70</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">2.70</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western">Small Parcel 2kg</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>4.59</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">4.19</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>3.69</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">3.49</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western">Medium Parcel 2kg</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>6.69</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">6.29</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>5.89</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">5.49</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western"> - 10kg</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>8.39<br /></b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">7.99</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>7.39<br /></b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">6.99</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="41%">
<p class="western"> - 20kg
</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>12.49</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">11.99</p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western"><b>10.99</b></p>
</td>
<td width="15%">
<p align="CENTER" class="western">10.49</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p>(<i>Correction: the original version of this blog showed the April 2023 figures in the table as a 12 month comparison. In fact a better comparison is with the current (October 2023) rates which show that some of the 2nd class rates have reverted to lower levels. Correction made 17.40 1 March)</i><br />
</p><p>
<br />
</p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Special Delivery </b></span>rates, which for 1pm were unchanged last year, are also increased. The 100g rate rises by 60p from £7.35 to <b>£7.95</b>, the 500g rate by 80p to <b>£8.95. </b> There are much higher increases if compensation greater than £750 is required. The basic £1,000/100g rate rises by 33% from £8.25 to £10.95 and that for £2,500 rises by 73% from £10.35 to £17.95.<br /></p><p>Two new services have been introduced for Large Letters and Parcels, which include compensation up to £150.</p><p><b>UK Tracked</b> and <b>UK Tracked and Signed</b> offer 24 hour and 48 hour services:</p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT3aFPddzLtuk-pvNAgZ2kTVTQHWB9IZ0kB8WhnVOR4SMwzL4xGLs-IPb1tIVJdvSORYarVwpGV8izUgJQonxfMxnLS1k6fdzy7D1UMqkD-DOXd6plEqrzDFJBIdQj4e79JzAlmkBYcYYFJOtoV847kbqrL_SR4Ag6q7zGyOHbtJXOY2egX9hwS032ezg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="579" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT3aFPddzLtuk-pvNAgZ2kTVTQHWB9IZ0kB8WhnVOR4SMwzL4xGLs-IPb1tIVJdvSORYarVwpGV8izUgJQonxfMxnLS1k6fdzy7D1UMqkD-DOXd6plEqrzDFJBIdQj4e79JzAlmkBYcYYFJOtoV847kbqrL_SR4Ag6q7zGyOHbtJXOY2egX9hwS032ezg=w640-h382" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0mFybOWowIsnJw2ASoy5ZeNVwzDNlNmYExSOpuH8WFP9xG4yNYTuB0TP-s-xvvzxZkQaRD_4wZfsYCHR_A993zd-0IPMapQlEVmJNuPHNulfM_Ye-xYVIKWO1nReeYzI_irOQ0HknCBWQzg1SECVuoGefZRVeXiErMXn67zbC5YOG9rJV-DQZIoXf2kE"><img alt="" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="578" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0mFybOWowIsnJw2ASoy5ZeNVwzDNlNmYExSOpuH8WFP9xG4yNYTuB0TP-s-xvvzxZkQaRD_4wZfsYCHR_A993zd-0IPMapQlEVmJNuPHNulfM_Ye-xYVIKWO1nReeYzI_irOQ0HknCBWQzg1SECVuoGefZRVeXiErMXn67zbC5YOG9rJV-DQZIoXf2kE=w640-h378" width="640" /></a></div><p>
<br />These products do not replace <b><span style="color: red;">Signed For</span></b>. Rates for Signed For are increased in line with the rises in basic letter rates. Both 1st and 2nd letter increase by 30p to £3.05 and £2.55 respectively. Large Letter rates and parcels increase by varying amounts. <br /></p><p>Cost of my Post Office Box increases by 7% from £330 to £353.40 pa. Redirection costs are up 10%.<br /></p><p><b>INTERNATIONAL CHANGES</b><br /></p><p>From last spring there has been only one price for letters worldwide. This now increases from
£2.20 to £2.50 and a new definitive stamp will be issued at this rate in another insipid colour,<!--the old Gooseberry Green. <b> </b></p><p><b>This will not be available until 4 April which will be the first day of issue. Post Offices have been instructed to use make-up values on 2nd & 3rd April: £2 and 50p seems the obvious way.</b><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9F3ZBdb-IPygFRCqIvYrdUHXhRiyVgosy0tMDI-RyAgKSzPPb2QJ5L5_FkebixpTNoMbSEm0KihW4V5WAuSnt7hIXIwIlkVz0UgS9Yk8qiCIKJEXt8QLnaptp86tR8y3DklaAhFawl16KFi_PmLoe2Rvgkq-VAdLZHaSfXGsxe58VZzs5QKTm9GJWgo4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="438" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9F3ZBdb-IPygFRCqIvYrdUHXhRiyVgosy0tMDI-RyAgKSzPPb2QJ5L5_FkebixpTNoMbSEm0KihW4V5WAuSnt7hIXIwIlkVz0UgS9Yk8qiCIKJEXt8QLnaptp86tR8y3DklaAhFawl16KFi_PmLoe2Rvgkq-VAdLZHaSfXGsxe58VZzs5QKTm9GJWgo4" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2024 tariff airmail stamp, £2.50 Gooseberry Green.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p>--></p><p>
</p><div class="page" title="Page 4">
</div>
Postcards will also be £2.50<p>The
100g rates for Large Letters in Europe and Rest of the World remain
unchanged at £3.25 and £4.20 respectively, but rates for over 100g
increase by around 10%.<br /></p><p><style type="text/css">TD P { margin-bottom: 0cm }P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style></p><p>Lowest
rates for Europe Small Parcels will also increase by around 10%.<br /></p><p>Increases for Worldwide
Parcels are also pegged at around 10%.<br /></p><p>
</p><p>Surface rate outside Europe, known as International Economy will rise from £2 to £2.20 so it makes sense to keep the £2.20 stamp available for those few people who use this service (often finding that the item has been sent by air anyway!).</p><p><b>If I've missed anything, my apologies. I will be pleased to be told of any errors and will correct them as soon as possible.</b><br />
</p><p><br />
</p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-35377486536687922562024-02-15T00:05:00.001+00:002024-02-15T00:05:00.131+00:00Viking Britain set of 8 stamps - 20 February 2024 <p><b>The second important set of stamps to be issued this year explores the history and impact of the Viking invasion of Britain and also marks 40 years since the <a href="https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/about/" target="_blank">Jorvik Centre</a> opened in York.</b></p><p>As my co-blogger WhiteKnight has covered on his <a href="https://commonwealthstampsopinion.blogspot.com/2024/02/2444-vikings-rampaging-through-royal.html" target="_blank">Commonwealth Stamps Opinion</a> it appears that Royal Mail have overlooked the Anglo-Saxons, although they don't always issue series in any sort of order.</p><p>Be that as it may, this is a second successive set which is a credit to the designers, and a set which I might almost have for my collection!</p><p><b>Reason and Inspiration </b>(<i>by Royal Mail</i>)</p><p>Between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Vikings – seaborne adventurers from Scandinavia – profoundly transformed Britain. They left a legacy that remains with us to this day. <br /><br />The Vikings were seaborne adventurers of Scandinavian origin whose activities in the British Isles from the end of the 8th century onwards changed the languages, economy, society and political geography of these islands forever. Early raids targeted Christian monasteries and coastal communities but, by the mid-9th century, these incursions had evolved into large-scale invasions that tore up the traditional patchwork of small independent kingdoms. </p><p>The waves of migration, settlement and conquest that followed transformed Britain; by the early 11th century, kings and earls of Danish and Norwegian heritage ruled the whole of England and large parts of Scotland, and dominated the Irish Sea. And while ultimately the sounding horns of the Viking Age fell silent, the echoes still remain. <br /></p><p><b>The stamps</b><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8xpG4rYueyi9rH4QKWcxF8LJIkF0z34Z_JIN39nCR-4hTlSUQg2Uy-MmyNshD7C_vgB_Hmc_2ZsrshqTSBmYfZsHv6Xj_pzW_AQPRhep3wiexcwqL5qvh2HMMejizTLBTmZwABlWQL06RerxtZlfofqqiza9UdDX7xxBIh2ah840zFUvbvK5lPw6cmM/s1500/Viking%20Britain%20Stamps%20100%25.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1500" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8xpG4rYueyi9rH4QKWcxF8LJIkF0z34Z_JIN39nCR-4hTlSUQg2Uy-MmyNshD7C_vgB_Hmc_2ZsrshqTSBmYfZsHv6Xj_pzW_AQPRhep3wiexcwqL5qvh2HMMejizTLBTmZwABlWQL06RerxtZlfofqqiza9UdDX7xxBIh2ah840zFUvbvK5lPw6cmM/w640-h238/Viking%20Britain%20Stamps%20100%25.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Viking Britain, set of 8 Great Britain stamps issued 20 February 2024, click for enlargment.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>1st class</b> - <a href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1887-0209-1" target="_blank">Iron, silver & copper sword, Temple</a>, London; Olaf <a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/silver-penny-of-anlaf-guthfrithsson/2AGh76IxA7AWXA?hl=en" target="_blank">Guthfrithsson silver penny</a>, minted in York</p><p><b>£1.00 - </b><a href="http://viking.archeurope.com/hoards/viking-age-hoards-in-britain/penrith/" target="_blank">Silver penannular brooch</a>, Penrith, Cumbria; <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lindisfarne-priory/" target="_blank">Lindisfarne Priory</a>, Northumberland </p><p><b>£2.00 - </b>Norse settlement remains, <a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jarlshof-prehistoric-and-norse-settlement/" target="_blank">Jarlshof, Shetland</a>; Antler comb and case, Coppergate, York</p><p><b>£2.20 - </b><a href="https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-pitney-brooch/dgGoTIlZ3VKkbQ?hl=en" target="_blank">Guilded bronze brooch</a>, Pitney, Somerset; Hogback gravestone, <a href="https://thegovanstones.org.uk/" target="_blank">Govan Old</a>, Glasgow<br /> <br /></p><p><b>Technical details</b></p><p>The 50 x 30 mm stamps were designed Studio Up and printed by Cartor Security Printers in lithography, in sheets of 30 se-tenant pairs (not sure whether that is sheets of "30 se-tenant pairs" or "30, in se-tenant pairs". Perforation is 14. </p><p><b>Acknowledgements</b></p><p>Iron, silver and copper sword (1st class), Silver penny (1st class), Silver penannular brooch (£1) and Gilded bronze brooch (£2.20) © The Trustees of the British Museum; Lindisfarne Priory(£1) © AJM681/Alamy Stock Photo, featured with kind permission of English Heritage; Norse settlement remains (£2) © Chris Griffiths/Getty Images; Antler comb and case (£2) © York Archaeological Trust for Excavation and Research Limited; Hogback gravestone (£2.20) © Alan McAteer; featured with kind permission of Govan Old; </p><p>Vintage paper texture © Javarman/Alamy Stock Photo; ‘Time of Viking Invasions’ map, from History of England by George Macaulay Trevelyan. Longmans, Green and Co. Ltd, London, 1926 © The Print Collector/Alamy Stock Photo; Antique map of Shetland and Orkney Islands © ilbusca/Getty Images. </p><p>All © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2024</p><p><b>Products available</b></p><p>Set of 8 stamps, presentation pack, first day cover, stamp cards, medal cover (£20, limited to 5,000), framed set (£35).</p><p><b>Congratulations to Studio Up and the Royal Mail team for a great set.</b><br /></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-51774683427324961892024-02-14T16:39:00.006+00:002024-02-29T14:02:03.620+00:00Happy New Year, it's M24L time for the King Charles definitives.<p><b>There have been several reports of King Charles definitives being sold from post offices or appearing on mail, and it seems that a reprint of the 1st class sheet stamp has been necessary already this year.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVK9d6sLWMSwXTsp73scUrA2dz1LnFKGSyMiZhyphenhyphensd_rbSnAHb172Si-v4tpI3nIc_6GClm_NqbXXgMralL5l-QtFIaWLT2LxgF6uPpe1LxjZF65NNho8G_4YPBXpa_qW-ngRsyvN2i4hYtYItdoecxCULtftnhJzEY0QToo-OQs0sxJtRUV_xe31Hm60/s900/KC3%201st%20MAIL%20M24L%20coding.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="701" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVK9d6sLWMSwXTsp73scUrA2dz1LnFKGSyMiZhyphenhyphensd_rbSnAHb172Si-v4tpI3nIc_6GClm_NqbXXgMralL5l-QtFIaWLT2LxgF6uPpe1LxjZF65NNho8G_4YPBXpa_qW-ngRsyvN2i4hYtYItdoecxCULtftnhJzEY0QToo-OQs0sxJtRUV_xe31Hm60/w498-h640/KC3%201st%20MAIL%20M24L%20coding.JPG" width="498" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>King Charles 1st class sheet definitive with M24L year code, from 17/1/24 printing.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>NVI definitives are printed in sheets of 50 with a gutter, whereas the valued stamps are in sheets of 25 allowing for block of 10 to show the cylinder numbers and date.</p><p>On the NVI sheets the cylinders are at the top left, and the date at the top right:</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL12-ie-0Cu2t27msJkwtbFq4wxCRMrYA4PoqeBqnrYksoao7R03X7FfEup1nCXR5MpF42wBLwQbcuCzK8dcHGfCmbKwaoqTGSM_P8gEP1n7aag3iXcHwuOftR-mspkGZjyqAXHPmkz9iRoFYHeTL7PGSv860-7owQp5YDqSJghs6FWP-xmBc0dGyLRNg/s1754/KC3%201st%20MAIL%20M24L17-01-24.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1754" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL12-ie-0Cu2t27msJkwtbFq4wxCRMrYA4PoqeBqnrYksoao7R03X7FfEup1nCXR5MpF42wBLwQbcuCzK8dcHGfCmbKwaoqTGSM_P8gEP1n7aag3iXcHwuOftR-mspkGZjyqAXHPmkz9iRoFYHeTL7PGSv860-7owQp5YDqSJghs6FWP-xmBc0dGyLRNg/w640-h220/KC3%201st%20MAIL%20M24L17-01-24.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Date strip 17/01/24 at top right of sheet.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN-fO_zjeO1fDyxG-D-9Yn4VqZzus0CE3E469FF9irEQvbh0Il-UPsxC8ma0RlsOPUjTr99SxHsK0uKHJErBKbYjR-2qLW2rS7q1ol-1No8vAy6s6SmpKjsEz2r1dnhz9fEZsKbIY3fsIcGvCL9eZCVtstgM1cGIlG9NxwSdy54-7fRSlHqoZ-5Tpquk/s1608/KC3%201st%20MAIL%20M24L.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN-fO_zjeO1fDyxG-D-9Yn4VqZzus0CE3E469FF9irEQvbh0Il-UPsxC8ma0RlsOPUjTr99SxHsK0uKHJErBKbYjR-2qLW2rS7q1ol-1No8vAy6s6SmpKjsEz2r1dnhz9fEZsKbIY3fsIcGvCL9eZCVtstgM1cGIlG9NxwSdy54-7fRSlHqoZ-5Tpquk/w640-h240/KC3%201st%20MAIL%20M24L.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cylinder numbers C1 x3 at top left of sheet: colour, iridescent, phosphor.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>UPDATE 29 February 2024. </b>The 2nd class sheet stamp has now become available with a printing date of 18/01/24 and of course the year code is M24L.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVub5zjm1IlFh3Pog9mcSEFHi4oWGqB61j9y_Da1OvpTw9JDruz2DwwDb3OddGiij06Mi8EV1E4knyvHM4kwK_vdKDEkX6t-bjAXQD3tX2gq_BUAGLY8YwhYZtw6hbY584y8ovJn7kRg-AX2C8SUlTNxP9H5YuXgd0ebq3ejI0GBfF5o5BsaOBLUaH2jY/s1097/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVub5zjm1IlFh3Pog9mcSEFHi4oWGqB61j9y_Da1OvpTw9JDruz2DwwDb3OddGiij06Mi8EV1E4knyvHM4kwK_vdKDEkX6t-bjAXQD3tX2gq_BUAGLY8YwhYZtw6hbY584y8ovJn7kRg-AX2C8SUlTNxP9H5YuXgd0ebq3ejI0GBfF5o5BsaOBLUaH2jY/w350-h640/IMG_0481.JPG" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>King Charles 2nd class sheet definitive with M24L year code, from 18/1/24 printing.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-64412807607109007222024-02-06T10:22:00.001+00:002024-02-06T10:22:43.987+00:00Cartor Security Printers acquired by banknote authentication technology specialists.<p><i><b>From Cartor's website:</b></i></p><p class="p1"><b>Following the recent acquisition of Cartor by Spectra Systems Corporation,
we are now an integral division of Spectra Systems, the US-based global
leader in electronic encryption, authentication systems and gaming
security software. </b></p><p class="p1"><b>The combination of Spectra Systems
and Cartor will allow for rapid penetration into the banknote polymer
substrate market as well as an increased product offering in security
printing of tax stamps, labels, and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>ID documents.</b></p><p class="p1"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJfuRq1Sgau0ZjkiRpb7oTYlHTh6cQs5CJ8oUMcdr6g6J7-8rNiyOXnT8wDK5ar8t8PWEMjeQFBwYNJ_zOPGsF1xvT5LD8auH_-kQ8SnPU_ONp79qUffipTC8cOTr-2dBTKm9ux4WQqiT_WEfBCH4CFy5vgLXDT1JgvavcHthiiAsPZC6l43WFUmx86M/s676/Screenshot%202024-02-06%20at%2010.01.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJfuRq1Sgau0ZjkiRpb7oTYlHTh6cQs5CJ8oUMcdr6g6J7-8rNiyOXnT8wDK5ar8t8PWEMjeQFBwYNJ_zOPGsF1xvT5LD8auH_-kQ8SnPU_ONp79qUffipTC8cOTr-2dBTKm9ux4WQqiT_WEfBCH4CFy5vgLXDT1JgvavcHthiiAsPZC6l43WFUmx86M/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-06%20at%2010.01.21.png" width="275" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p></p><p><i>From Cartor's Press Releases</i></p><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-258125a elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content" data-element_type="widget" data-id="258125a" data-widget_type="theme-post-content.default">
<div class="elementor-widget-container">
<p>Security printing group, Cartor Security Printers, has been acquired
by Spectra Systems Corporation, a leader in machine-readable high-speed
banknote authentication, brand protection technologies and gaming
security software. Following completion on 22 December 2023, the
acquisition is set to bolster Spectra’s presence in the polymer banknote
substrate market and introduce fresh avenues for selling its security
products.</p>
<p>Cartor’s existing management structure, comprising Andrew Brigham as
managing director, Ian Brigham as chairman and Martin French as finance
director, will maintain their respective roles, emphasising the
integration of the team as a unified group.</p>
<p>Cartor operates through three wholly-owned subsidiary companies and
maintains manufacturing facilities in both the UK and France. It
supplies postage stamps to more than 180 administrations worldwide,
offering a wide range of products, including conventional and hybrid
postage stamps, tax stamps, vouchers, coupons, certificates, and
security documents. Additionally, Cartor provides a secure environment
for manual assembly and fulfilment. The company stands out from its
competitors by employing cutting-edge technology to make it difficult
for counterfeiters to operate in industries with valuable products and
services.</p>
<p>In collaboration with Spectra over the past two years, Cartor has
developed the expertise required to produce Fusion™ substrates, which
are undergoing qualification by central banks and leading polymer
banknote printers.</p>
<p>Spectra’s acquisition of Cartor will not only enhance its presence in
the polymer substrate market, but also enable the integration of
advanced security technologies into Cartor’s product portfolio. As a
well-established global player in these sectors, Cartor is
well-positioned to seamlessly incorporate Spectra’s technologies,
develop necessary processes and introduce Spectra’s products to its
existing customer base.</p>
<p><strong>Dr. Nabil Lawandy, CEO of Spectra Systems</strong>, commented: <em>“The
Spectra Board of Directors and I are pleased to announce the
acquisition of Cartor, which solidifies our position in the polymer
substrate market and broadens our business reach through new sales
channels. Our two-year collaboration with the Cartor team has been
exceptional and I have great confidence in the group’s leadership.”</em></p>
<p><strong>Andrew Brigham, managing director of Cartor</strong>, added: <em>“The
acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for Cartor’s growth and, under
Nabil’s leadership, we aim to expedite this growth and unlock new
opportunities. The Cartor group intends to harness Spectra’s extensive
technical expertise and Cartor’s operational prowess to deliver
groundbreaking solutions to both current and future customers.”</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><b>What is the impact on stamps?</b><em> </em></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIimNgdTBiz6IzAzvj-RfnROoWT-fPaREj7MFWF17CeW-UO_W9fXBKMsol1ltauFKPrXKoKYRECerghvFCXFZ3MEvH3IKv6MDn35UsLqEsJdFw83aVh05x3K-jVGKlefFOKL3ki49l68PyF1FIRqXiMOIgV6JT0GrR9ga5B6tDK9UzELdLmW2F9kwYpI/s622/20221124%20KingTut%20PSB%2020p.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="622" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIimNgdTBiz6IzAzvj-RfnROoWT-fPaREj7MFWF17CeW-UO_W9fXBKMsol1ltauFKPrXKoKYRECerghvFCXFZ3MEvH3IKv6MDn35UsLqEsJdFw83aVh05x3K-jVGKlefFOKL3ki49l68PyF1FIRqXiMOIgV6JT0GrR9ga5B6tDK9UzELdLmW2F9kwYpI/w200-h153/20221124%20KingTut%20PSB%2020p.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>I don't expect any immediate impact on stamp production, and believe that most of the benefit will be in Cartor's other areas of production. However, this clip from Cartor's 'stamps' page identifies how they are assisting postal administrations in the fight against forgery:<p></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>Postage stamps were in the past less targeted by organised crime, but
that is no longer the case. Today, many administrations are losing
revenue due to counterfeit stamps, but also due to stamp washing, an
illegal activity whereby used stamps are collected in large volumes and
cancellation marks are removed chemically thereby enabling their re-use.</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>Cartor is at the forefront of combatting these activities. A
combination of security features including encrypted barcodes enable
electronic cancellation and inhibit the possibility to generate
counterfeit codes.</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>With our turnkey solutions, administrations can not only immediately
reduce revenue loss but also benefit from additional marketing and track
and trace capabilities, made possible by our bespoke camera systems and
aggregation software. This means it is possible to record exactly which
stamps have been produced, which retailers they are ultimately sold
from, and where the stamp is eventually delivered, which will be key
information to drive mailing solution optimisation in coming years.</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>Whilst combating revenue loss remains our primary goal, it is also
Cartor’s ambition to provide solutions that meet the high aesthetical
and quality standards expected in this sector. Cartor has unique
experience of working with innovative substrates and is the only
provider in the market that has invested in coloured barcoding
solutions.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">That said, I don't think barcodes will be extended to commemorative stamps. I believe the numbers of modern stamps is very much lower that it used to be, and the numbers actually used (ie within two years) is very low. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The definitive Swap-out scheme has been a huge and expensive exercise for Royal Mail (and stamp holders) which has had a significant effect on the stamp market. The market for discount postage has plummeted according to some sources, though generalisations are not easy to substantiate. Doing the same for commemoratives would be even more disastrous.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p></p>
</div>
</div><p></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-24225174962601683412024-02-05T10:46:00.011+00:002024-03-07T17:29:21.142+00:00February 2024 slogan postmarks and other interesting postal markings.<p><b>As expected the current default slogan is for Royal Mail's staff-chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation. </b></p><p>The slogan is a new variation; it has the BHF logo and web address but also a reference to Learning CPR although the exact wording and new web address await a clearer example. I've asked Royal Mail for a clearer (publicity) image, but in the meantime I have found out that the new wording includes <span class="css-1qaijid r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0 r-poiln3" style="text-overflow: unset;"><a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes" target="_blank">RevivR</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>British Heart<br />Foundation</b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br />Learn lifesaving CPR with RevivR<br />Find out more at<br />bhf.org.uk/revivr</b></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p>Our post included this one from <b>Norwich Mail Centre</b> <b>02-02-2024</b>, thanks to my car-repairer for another bill!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB6nqWoGr8GxKrIxNJbc27ldhEa-YoCah4DcBq18gjs-92_eeXSfqXdwHMv-25TBUu7lIsAZ0vGdFdaA_L-f3EGVqjThpOgX3OThq3JNWCmAVc7B_kGpObzc3ZyDIXIgm30FXpOUeghSLWR6AnY6RQs0x3Ui1ymw1w2FEtQEQjl_kaFVHXNd8pa7d5Sg/s1200/BHF%20Norwich%2020240202.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="1200" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB6nqWoGr8GxKrIxNJbc27ldhEa-YoCah4DcBq18gjs-92_eeXSfqXdwHMv-25TBUu7lIsAZ0vGdFdaA_L-f3EGVqjThpOgX3OThq3JNWCmAVc7B_kGpObzc3ZyDIXIgm30FXpOUeghSLWR6AnY6RQs0x3Ui1ymw1w2FEtQEQjl_kaFVHXNd8pa7d5Sg/w640-h184/BHF%20Norwich%2020240202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>British Heart Foundation slogan from Norwich Mail Centre 02-02-2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><b>UPDATE</b>: Thanks to Trevor for a clearer example, and in the other layout, and the text on six lines, from (Bristol) <b>BA, BS, GL, TA Mail Centre 01/02/2024</b></p><p><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnTeDR1Ne3cTXbnPUgmIO20aEQopc84YHWD1fNyMVidhNGr28UoAm6tXzgZV6SKPiTaLEXDAvBgKq0aZkbKIoRaRYsS814BshfnQRungUBGR1uXYjpHmiN7Sn6XZfloulZMdNQSYjrvOJqYrRNPq12dcRiioMI9HLdkHMb3mPhfkiTWi-KKvYw6SF5iQ/s806/BHF2%20Bristol%2020240201.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="806" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnTeDR1Ne3cTXbnPUgmIO20aEQopc84YHWD1fNyMVidhNGr28UoAm6tXzgZV6SKPiTaLEXDAvBgKq0aZkbKIoRaRYsS814BshfnQRungUBGR1uXYjpHmiN7Sn6XZfloulZMdNQSYjrvOJqYrRNPq12dcRiioMI9HLdkHMb3mPhfkiTWi-KKvYw6SF5iQ/w640-h230/BHF2%20Bristol%2020240201.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>British Heart Foundation slogan from Bristol Mail Centre 01/02/2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b>
<p></p><hr width="50%" />
<p>However, the same post brought the first new slogan of February, which started on Saturday 3rd to arrive today, 5th.</p><p><b><a href="https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/" target="_blank">National Apprenticeship Week</a></b> was last record in <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2018/03/sloagn-postmarks-for-march-2018.html" target="_blank">March 2018</a>. This year's slogan includes the actual dates unlike the previous one. This example is from <b>Manchester Mail Centre 03/02/2024. </b><i>(URL in postmark corrected, thanks NI)<br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Royal Mail supports<br />National<br />Apprenticeship<br />Week<br />5-11 February</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.apprenticeships.gov.uk </span></b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUvoQEnR9EjIyFJFILJVvyuNcGYs5_9AT7aelkr1J6yKh90nCP1Z9BLzPQbqbMB-4r-Ga1cRKs9RcNFVZdeq7r3q6tMO4qR_O_yf8UwYZePtEoUbOwgT_jdDXbdegRmmvS3suhYzJehL0vDjy4uOLrr2TA8yrTF-Gl3UFKWjII_PlJiUQ7o4qSvkyxKI/s1200/Apprentice%20Week%20Manchester%2020240203.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1200" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUvoQEnR9EjIyFJFILJVvyuNcGYs5_9AT7aelkr1J6yKh90nCP1Z9BLzPQbqbMB-4r-Ga1cRKs9RcNFVZdeq7r3q6tMO4qR_O_yf8UwYZePtEoUbOwgT_jdDXbdegRmmvS3suhYzJehL0vDjy4uOLrr2TA8yrTF-Gl3UFKWjII_PlJiUQ7o4qSvkyxKI/w640-h238/Apprentice%20Week%20Manchester%2020240203.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>National Apprenticeship Week slogan Manchester Mail Centre 03/02/2024</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><i></i>
</p><p></p><hr width="50%" />
<p><b>UPDATE 14 February:</b> I should have posted these sooner, the Valentine's Day slogan which wasn't recorded last year, but which is the same as that from 2022.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Send a little love<br />this ♥︎<br />Valentine's Day<br />♥︎ ♥︎ February 14</span>
</p><p>Two people sent examples from <b>Sheffield Mail Centre</b> and I'm showing the clearer of these, dates 08/02/2024 (thanks to JH and LF).<br />
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHhXUld4M7iIlkppwHrnCUWrCkNGFXFI0BC8CtfDnM_SqJyueOjpj1z03V55lk53cZEjHoBSzIY98eTqLT9htRLsi2i91lrg3SnZYVN3at-ZTnx6F9aKJ6r-Ixis3gR8n-aBmPCljrGFzfJPNKB3Qa7fmxPCmKpIaildAweQ2EA7oMakVVwY8Gx4h5Zk/s1187/Valentines%20Sheffield%2020240209.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="1187" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHhXUld4M7iIlkppwHrnCUWrCkNGFXFI0BC8CtfDnM_SqJyueOjpj1z03V55lk53cZEjHoBSzIY98eTqLT9htRLsi2i91lrg3SnZYVN3at-ZTnx6F9aKJ6r-Ixis3gR8n-aBmPCljrGFzfJPNKB3Qa7fmxPCmKpIaildAweQ2EA7oMakVVwY8Gx4h5Zk/w640-h274/Valentines%20Sheffield%2020240209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Valentine's Day Slogan Sheffield Mail Centre 08/02/2024<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Also the other format from a correspondent via <b>Peterborough Mail Centre 10-02-2024.</b></p><p><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrkNoNVoeXtItf8l8og_e9zQIpRKhnx2LJElXuSdpFUDCR8F8qWOp3YLvJsdc5EcPZJNg0sOXMi3puPBm1QOG77qQ-KG4VeovvSfxe_Bc0IiHZkAtfMrQRb7wb7Moqh_AjRMaMndXLvmDIUkNNekPaTjKFdI1SuVacqNsWEhuyMpqUmbWJMCOaxKa0no/s1420/Valentines%20Peterborough%2020240210.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1420" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrkNoNVoeXtItf8l8og_e9zQIpRKhnx2LJElXuSdpFUDCR8F8qWOp3YLvJsdc5EcPZJNg0sOXMi3puPBm1QOG77qQ-KG4VeovvSfxe_Bc0IiHZkAtfMrQRb7wb7Moqh_AjRMaMndXLvmDIUkNNekPaTjKFdI1SuVacqNsWEhuyMpqUmbWJMCOaxKa0no/w640-h202/Valentines%20Peterborough%2020240210.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Valentine's Day Slogan Peterborough Mail Centre 10-02-2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i></i>
</p><p></p><hr width="50%" />
<b></b><p><b>UPDATE 20 February: </b>Thanks to JE for a slogan for the Cystic Fybrosis Trust which few will see as it was only used on 16 & 17 February, then replaced by the BHF CPR slogan.</p><p>This in turn should be replaced by the 'normal' BHF default slogan from 29 February, he says.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cystic Fibrosis Trust<br />Since 1964.<br />We won't stop<br />until CF does.<br />cysticfibrosis.org.uk</span></span></b><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SuSgseqJ7e_OncL1pYC46PvQkpZz8Du4Chh9pDQk6SeCS0ZOzL2iiwL9xPoRl4OBPqN57HRt8eE3P78g-LZUdQc-mm5ISzYsDrCXaYUdEjXP_S7btinbPBH-Jwm3jdd501gzRgDHWSzHcW-AkjgajDyIs-UVbOoQ8PWU6R1uj733n-rDULYJ14jw5kI/s2587/Cystic%20Fibrosis%20Birmingham%2020240216.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="2587" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SuSgseqJ7e_OncL1pYC46PvQkpZz8Du4Chh9pDQk6SeCS0ZOzL2iiwL9xPoRl4OBPqN57HRt8eE3P78g-LZUdQc-mm5ISzYsDrCXaYUdEjXP_S7btinbPBH-Jwm3jdd501gzRgDHWSzHcW-AkjgajDyIs-UVbOoQ8PWU6R1uj733n-rDULYJ14jw5kI/w640-h224/Cystic%20Fibrosis%20Birmingham%2020240216.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cystic Fibrosis Trust slogan, Birmingham Mail Centre 16/02/2024<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p></p><b></b><b style="color: red;"></b><p><br /></p><p><b>UPDATE 7 March: </b>The last slogan for February was used on 29th which was the only date of use for the St David's
Day slogan, to be delivered on 1 March, but applied to both 1st and 2nd
class mail.</p><p>We have no intimation that it was translated into Welsh for delivery to Welsh addresses, although that would have been logical!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>St David's<br />Day<br />Friday 1st March</b></span></p><p>Thanks to JE for one example for each layout shown here, from Preston (<b>Lancashire and South Lakes</b>) and <b>Edinburgh Mail Centres</b>.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRPVYoLDKxLxzL6IXGWace1nSyQn1VHQh2l5fca_A52BPcJQ5i9w0OwuhR9NECJpSbBgi7prmU4cu_h96JZ2AVytylryL5zoPNfccIS2Wn_klTh-TIR97YBrstAEuguqlSVfnLbslBuUWSf7C6c906-_2da_WTSMQm1cRhd-ToBH3HQipi82WfBtzi5pQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="1400" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRPVYoLDKxLxzL6IXGWace1nSyQn1VHQh2l5fca_A52BPcJQ5i9w0OwuhR9NECJpSbBgi7prmU4cu_h96JZ2AVytylryL5zoPNfccIS2Wn_klTh-TIR97YBrstAEuguqlSVfnLbslBuUWSf7C6c906-_2da_WTSMQm1cRhd-ToBH3HQipi82WfBtzi5pQ=w640-h166" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St David's Day slogan Edinburgh Mail Centre 29-02-2024 unnecessarily on PPI mail<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilGoEIgLkTHkpArHEIt9xzd_9w7rky2VxHUkLrHptBm7GfHyXfs9QH0r3fL70jQRSWU0raQrc_PqPk4NcpPzdUAX6O5_shp6Hp8IgphDiyiI5BJgDmb-vrgaaAEe3moL42cYL7V3HsGJEa-PhtJ1z66SfQuAfhVsq9-T06uDkbjKJ3jhgppFQgpys4pKg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1400" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilGoEIgLkTHkpArHEIt9xzd_9w7rky2VxHUkLrHptBm7GfHyXfs9QH0r3fL70jQRSWU0raQrc_PqPk4NcpPzdUAX6O5_shp6Hp8IgphDiyiI5BJgDmb-vrgaaAEe3moL42cYL7V3HsGJEa-PhtJ1z66SfQuAfhVsq9-T06uDkbjKJ3jhgppFQgpys4pKg=w640-h220" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St David's Day slogan Lancashire and South Lakes (Preston Mail Centre) 29/02/2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p> <br /></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p></p><b></b><p><b style="color: red;">UPDATE 29 February - advance notice for MARCH.</b></p><p><span style="color: red;">I have heard that an International Women's Day slogan will be used in both formats on 5 & 6 March only, with the aim of 'doormat delivery' (for 1st class letters) on 6 & 7 March, 'the day' being on 8 March. </span></p><p><span style="color: red;">From 7 March the 'original' default British Heart Foundation slogan should be used, to appear on deliveries from 8 March.</span></p><p></p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
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</p><p></p><p><b>OTHER POSTMARKS AND POSTAL MARKINGS</b></p><p>Time for another post office branch self-inking datestamp - but where is this from?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMUWrr2in-U6ko-pZQqdv4DDRoe2Yb8yVR_-QqwwUV2ad82tdLoOHdRE4WrVcZdzn-uLvtwMEZLgteaSjgXGW5Se3NIBDE66flbvTK0xqawFjl8PRaqZlqt4iJvEPMyueOb89N_f-uPL-tIwiiDyGvtt2ECXCp7TJYPser7iM4yTkXJsXh2qzK8cAdMQ/s389/Wick%20News%20SID%2020240127.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="389" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMUWrr2in-U6ko-pZQqdv4DDRoe2Yb8yVR_-QqwwUV2ad82tdLoOHdRE4WrVcZdzn-uLvtwMEZLgteaSjgXGW5Se3NIBDE66flbvTK0xqawFjl8PRaqZlqt4iJvEPMyueOb89N_f-uPL-tIwiiDyGvtt2ECXCp7TJYPser7iM4yTkXJsXh2qzK8cAdMQ/s320/Wick%20News%20SID%2020240127.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wick News B self-inking datestamp 27.JA.24<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>You might think that there is only one obvious answer, that it is from the far north of Scotland. Where else is there with the town name of Wick? </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb1zhEpmR42S5ANdx8oGRgKhyZC0eP-mdUNHEMceZ5W55nmcZiZr2zWEUxhEMGlgDqou80MsslGnU2RUzxRwW6iGFWFlyMkDUueR9txM3PP7GeGBA3NCH9FRgXLoVupX0mb6pCSmdW8ivWfclvPBAguml_CqC6OfR3O3LOj61Fr4_0Nk9TsZ6SemmY038" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="773" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb1zhEpmR42S5ANdx8oGRgKhyZC0eP-mdUNHEMceZ5W55nmcZiZr2zWEUxhEMGlgDqou80MsslGnU2RUzxRwW6iGFWFlyMkDUueR9txM3PP7GeGBA3NCH9FRgXLoVupX0mb6pCSmdW8ivWfclvPBAguml_CqC6OfR3O3LOj61Fr4_0Nk9TsZ6SemmY038=w320-h287" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Google map showing location of Wick, Scotland.</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Well at one time there were post offices in the villages of Wick in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, but it's neither of those.<br /></p><p>No, this one is in the Wick district of Littlehampton, Sussex, in the Wick Newsagents. At one time the courts relied on the postmark as proof of date/time and place of posting. Although Post Office Ltd would probably be able to tell the court where this packet to our Canadian correspondent was posted, how much easier it would be if the place was on the postmark - <b>Wick, Littlehampton</b> would be much better.<br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLeW6Idf6A9H_YZvNwm0hxXKZ8-hO1o7ImbsGKbVYGPIjPELCQkA1sbWRpVzxImaa6_QNBwSQ3-S4R5XslIJ13lGhhBkItTby-Ed9KjL1IemXaJdRc2uQeXA4LySPVFykh0shL_Smh9EMCdscmzT-PQu13MvmHpQbytlmF-X_IN4OMHTRpvFoSyUbGm0s" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="419" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLeW6Idf6A9H_YZvNwm0hxXKZ8-hO1o7ImbsGKbVYGPIjPELCQkA1sbWRpVzxImaa6_QNBwSQ3-S4R5XslIJ13lGhhBkItTby-Ed9KjL1IemXaJdRc2uQeXA4LySPVFykh0shL_Smh9EMCdscmzT-PQu13MvmHpQbytlmF-X_IN4OMHTRpvFoSyUbGm0s=w256-h640" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Google map & street view, Wick, Littlehampton.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /><b>Update</b>: <i>it has been put to me that this might be from the Gloucestershire Wick where there is also a post office in a retailer named Wick News. </i><b>Later update:</b><i> The Gloucestershire Wick closed and reopened as a Drop & Go branch where there are no handstamps and stamps are not sol.<br /></i></p><p>
</p><p></p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p>
</p><p>Thanks to JH for this nice clear datestamp from Holmbush. Once again it is necessary (unless you live nearby) to resort to Google to find that this is in the outskirts of St Austell in Cornwall.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-X9hwbCq_EIaj5P_WKUQUSkFlPwFFvRtTur3N9eVjST49erZm8UnO3g90yc0kTkcsQsDuUPiwMhFCvepwwHNuYJ6AXBTO3cacJzxV0i9Vgf6mK0jQRW3Z2hWCCPMZX1H-0qp1-jEibB5HJXCwS2vaJ3bt5tIUtK3WwKAYMNpWLkT4MRWcwJDFKCYH1s/s811/Holmbush%20SID%2020240223.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="811" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-X9hwbCq_EIaj5P_WKUQUSkFlPwFFvRtTur3N9eVjST49erZm8UnO3g90yc0kTkcsQsDuUPiwMhFCvepwwHNuYJ6AXBTO3cacJzxV0i9Vgf6mK0jQRW3Z2hWCCPMZX1H-0qp1-jEibB5HJXCwS2vaJ3bt5tIUtK3WwKAYMNpWLkT4MRWcwJDFKCYH1s/w640-h592/Holmbush%20SID%2020240223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Self-inking datestamp, Holmbush index J, 23.FE 24<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@50.3393776,-4.7620164,3a,75y,235.54h,87.52t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQHjiXkb9ftG-mMHSPjK1WQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu"></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQTypNg5OI7XEAiO3ZG7CpZfcUxVZRZyglSOlnO8Rd675jMveQkb1xUmB1RjRydKh0yxyC5nkP6LtM9NH7HRPmq1CUatc8HctP6Txi97WvAqHb0srzpP3WwvJEnwlb8WoukJBMilrPSz7Mp2OYh0OiziVGcgd5Mi99V5yz0G_0e9bMSIwJqJrJ3I8uKm0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="941" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQTypNg5OI7XEAiO3ZG7CpZfcUxVZRZyglSOlnO8Rd675jMveQkb1xUmB1RjRydKh0yxyC5nkP6LtM9NH7HRPmq1CUatc8HctP6Txi97WvAqHb0srzpP3WwvJEnwlb8WoukJBMilrPSz7Mp2OYh0OiziVGcgd5Mi99V5yz0G_0e9bMSIwJqJrJ3I8uKm0=w400-h323" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holmbush Post Office, Daniel's Lane (Cornwall) - Google street view.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>
</p><p></p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p>If you have any other slogans used this month, or any other
interesting postal markings, please send them to the email address in
the top right of this blog. Thank you.<br />
</p><p><br />
</p><p><b>Remember, all postmarks appearing in February will be added to this post, so check
here before you spend time scanning and emailing. I'll try to add new
ones as quickly as possible.</b></p>
<p><b></b>
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<span class="post-author vcard"></span><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-36842290718601019912024-01-25T00:05:00.011+00:002024-01-25T00:05:00.148+00:00Weather Forecasting, 170 years of the Meterological Office - 1 February 2024<p><b>Royal Mail celebrates the 170th anniversary of the UK Meteorological Office and the history, science and future of Weather Forecasting with a set of eight stamps.</b></p><p><b>I am very pleased to see that this issue has proper designs, with distinct elements - and <u>captions</u>! </b>It would have been difficult to fit the anniversary on the stamps - even more difficult to deal with the questions as to why it was the 170th* anniversary being marked.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qHQ1JK7Xm8sEOa6JFxCKPmtrYyJ2laRN8PgTGRtRVADnmv3Bo8kPGnIblRFbjl7Xqm79lbABFensX_dBAy-WgjStlNdssR9fOKxEYUDrAELFHdZb2QpKD-RcMJr4XYttLdM8rWQY3bTgDzOslJ-BeLyfqgXCfXRwUZDg3gJmMMQ3ApN5FGh8FAH6ZH8/s990/20240201%20Weather%202nd%20pair.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="990" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qHQ1JK7Xm8sEOa6JFxCKPmtrYyJ2laRN8PgTGRtRVADnmv3Bo8kPGnIblRFbjl7Xqm79lbABFensX_dBAy-WgjStlNdssR9fOKxEYUDrAELFHdZb2QpKD-RcMJr4XYttLdM8rWQY3bTgDzOslJ-BeLyfqgXCfXRwUZDg3gJmMMQ3ApN5FGh8FAH6ZH8/w640-h242/20240201%20Weather%202nd%20pair.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NUhFlj9D7fVW1H5GgSBLISVdxCN8AwkdUDz_iNuh8vdenDvd8PjHneHK5N51np5ZwRPGEtFAvKUGX12-K0s-Mvc9qdshw7yCurQgngURBLe09rOEplcRwrm_llbb36aGGNImj0cfUTGePXkWLz_TCUPj-kbxRwJN1aKhU045eezkQPqIqX6Yag-AYzA/s448/20240201%20Weather%202nd%20a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NUhFlj9D7fVW1H5GgSBLISVdxCN8AwkdUDz_iNuh8vdenDvd8PjHneHK5N51np5ZwRPGEtFAvKUGX12-K0s-Mvc9qdshw7yCurQgngURBLe09rOEplcRwrm_llbb36aGGNImj0cfUTGePXkWLz_TCUPj-kbxRwJN1aKhU045eezkQPqIqX6Yag-AYzA/s320/20240201%20Weather%202nd%20a.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ5Ekd3hDiBr0EH9-fYludf9_XWR3nlpfkZpzYoBt79tdcLjxiAe3McpO9OHHngLpGoK9p1hl2GprN02pomPpVPn7If9Kj7VHsoVmO4BMM3IFXlLKzfKKgZYnUJueeucikcjQWktggKOZeEaYm4yQ5Y9xgWwo9sXNB4K1tHW3cn436NoUPzOGoMtCnJ0/s448/20240201%20Weather%202nd%20b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ5Ekd3hDiBr0EH9-fYludf9_XWR3nlpfkZpzYoBt79tdcLjxiAe3McpO9OHHngLpGoK9p1hl2GprN02pomPpVPn7If9Kj7VHsoVmO4BMM3IFXlLKzfKKgZYnUJueeucikcjQWktggKOZeEaYm4yQ5Y9xgWwo9sXNB4K1tHW3cn436NoUPzOGoMtCnJ0/s320/20240201%20Weather%202nd%20b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Luke Howard, classified clouds in 1803 - Storm barometer of Robert FitzRoy.</i><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01FTFcCOfV4uyzmvHS3gYsdAaEuxzR886tzLVLq3DQzrk0DKbvxaNklPfVPhTzVQbYnOgYtM0AirTXD567pyFdIIhm2Q574Pjle-g2g0iSHyIfHgG-AEnjFo0bNUJnYKYZIpTZVJ_B9nbBLhdHeA8vkJE4SgzVPsVSFobOrVXBcKM1t_PIZ0XlyYCJU4/s990/20240201%20Weather%201st%20pair.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="990" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01FTFcCOfV4uyzmvHS3gYsdAaEuxzR886tzLVLq3DQzrk0DKbvxaNklPfVPhTzVQbYnOgYtM0AirTXD567pyFdIIhm2Q574Pjle-g2g0iSHyIfHgG-AEnjFo0bNUJnYKYZIpTZVJ_B9nbBLhdHeA8vkJE4SgzVPsVSFobOrVXBcKM1t_PIZ0XlyYCJU4/w640-h242/20240201%20Weather%201st%20pair.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7JwEaBAkWfRMLXKfb-byIOf3QK8Fr96xLMsw1VLP9X0_LCvXn06sohFS3Hpvuw-0GJg4RlQuw0pkhkmKW4urIAhcWr3zl4nhmyhJ9voE8VJOOIVfqDd8vV-eNuhyphenhyphenf1I38odjK7LkMyoXnVXM7TR8PasWN6ooiqJCNqrO8Wcf-fcHlm9pR7pNTUO8TkM/s448/20240201%20Weather%201st%20a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7JwEaBAkWfRMLXKfb-byIOf3QK8Fr96xLMsw1VLP9X0_LCvXn06sohFS3Hpvuw-0GJg4RlQuw0pkhkmKW4urIAhcWr3zl4nhmyhJ9voE8VJOOIVfqDd8vV-eNuhyphenhyphenf1I38odjK7LkMyoXnVXM7TR8PasWN6ooiqJCNqrO8Wcf-fcHlm9pR7pNTUO8TkM/s320/20240201%20Weather%201st%20a.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5MhI1AK7DDt0V8wv2hSWjQtWIUWXfBMTaTodGoTQcE2a7XzRm0-m2p-PGuC05bscPF9bTgRwC2ZjqdlMuTfYQ_xlbw74wBWMqJDe2-a4UPfbJ29Iddczwh3axry1l-robv6g8DvZf14qTRopuwkJy2HMr5KhttaK1Gkgy4XLfuUzJPm_u8BfKVlsveE/s448/20240201%20Weather%201st%20b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5MhI1AK7DDt0V8wv2hSWjQtWIUWXfBMTaTodGoTQcE2a7XzRm0-m2p-PGuC05bscPF9bTgRwC2ZjqdlMuTfYQ_xlbw74wBWMqJDe2-a4UPfbJ29Iddczwh3axry1l-robv6g8DvZf14qTRopuwkJy2HMr5KhttaK1Gkgy4XLfuUzJPm_u8BfKVlsveE/s320/20240201%20Weather%201st%20b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Terra Nova Expedition - Marine buoys collecting data</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3OwDhRu9PlRKqv_Ri0OBRqveyxa6A4aKgz63BXCFafBpVI7Sagv-5WQra9w25gedfARMeRrmHHGp9Z-0ITctZ_YFM32Nhq0uKzKAupfTcknL5TSjHDn0uQzWV_yRO3kMztZXMUpFsUbWr8IhoShWJ1lGrE5ZwHYkOgnfbdCoJVMBWzMlNKQejJIzp0U/s990/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32%20pair.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="990" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3OwDhRu9PlRKqv_Ri0OBRqveyxa6A4aKgz63BXCFafBpVI7Sagv-5WQra9w25gedfARMeRrmHHGp9Z-0ITctZ_YFM32Nhq0uKzKAupfTcknL5TSjHDn0uQzWV_yRO3kMztZXMUpFsUbWr8IhoShWJ1lGrE5ZwHYkOgnfbdCoJVMBWzMlNKQejJIzp0U/w640-h242/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32%20pair.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrnDM9_5fJ88f23dhAILoukI5IAVRoye0I7P1cbz4zPs66e2eVU3dipmDpDz-H6o-3pvE2F9gfPb7G0JWtIUME_XBMNVh9kDM5QoIToPkR6HjDL1hAGyE1WqpB1Mc6p3FqKYMKmMfcd45DKQYVEaceCocq68KpxBqX63UCRCBI-78TWypt7191HRozkI/s448/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32%20a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrnDM9_5fJ88f23dhAILoukI5IAVRoye0I7P1cbz4zPs66e2eVU3dipmDpDz-H6o-3pvE2F9gfPb7G0JWtIUME_XBMNVh9kDM5QoIToPkR6HjDL1hAGyE1WqpB1Mc6p3FqKYMKmMfcd45DKQYVEaceCocq68KpxBqX63UCRCBI-78TWypt7191HRozkI/s320/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32%20a.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFCW2ghbXRPoOKx0rgXP8fsIpIm5LYpGG8i-g84Tc6t2JGhyVI_92PC9rppNEVoEpmMj0wKdzp2UknEZNegyb_dXPDXXNdsF6yc8KNXBmKwA_niDVnio-CMngAsEmLvhinKFUYYpVZxe-79klO32rFS-Ve_U7k_iW3E22e5VRX2jMPcI7FPztevDCG-c/s448/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32%20b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFCW2ghbXRPoOKx0rgXP8fsIpIm5LYpGG8i-g84Tc6t2JGhyVI_92PC9rppNEVoEpmMj0wKdzp2UknEZNegyb_dXPDXXNdsF6yc8KNXBmKwA_niDVnio-CMngAsEmLvhinKFUYYpVZxe-79klO32rFS-Ve_U7k_iW3E22e5VRX2jMPcI7FPztevDCG-c/s320/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32%20b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Weather observers preparing for D-Day - Radar and Computer assisting forecasting in 1950s</i><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu14_DVLCfd_PMFFkesxsy1t10zSbvMIqZ_mdpDLSy5RjOGTmJ_NUimcqP2Gb6Bva70usAHfDCX25vn3sDxDm-7GbvipWsvWBgdKk5FxxKFT7uV-tGX2eWlBxJppVc09Y29oC37Kic3hxgmhFbaElfRUOVJIvS2qizEFroZSEb4RSnSIfqFcxJMUkUb8/s990/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32.20%20pair.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="990" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu14_DVLCfd_PMFFkesxsy1t10zSbvMIqZ_mdpDLSy5RjOGTmJ_NUimcqP2Gb6Bva70usAHfDCX25vn3sDxDm-7GbvipWsvWBgdKk5FxxKFT7uV-tGX2eWlBxJppVc09Y29oC37Kic3hxgmhFbaElfRUOVJIvS2qizEFroZSEb4RSnSIfqFcxJMUkUb8/w640-h242/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32.20%20pair.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi537S0TwC4CMjxNLPLDE9cJI7jzCTC49VlfemAoEuA1nXjSGYcYFZSCzeIxGnrMsgoDfB9MbQmeMLWOi3qZ6UFQfzeW8dhk0M0ZZcqAPWwKzxCcwRcapXAXDnzWR7K812gDK9-CY8OrTH8EpCgUX-cuENU10OXP-pcDlg79wQtkf05emFq1zKLSJ2kLuw/s448/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32.20%20a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi537S0TwC4CMjxNLPLDE9cJI7jzCTC49VlfemAoEuA1nXjSGYcYFZSCzeIxGnrMsgoDfB9MbQmeMLWOi3qZ6UFQfzeW8dhk0M0ZZcqAPWwKzxCcwRcapXAXDnzWR7K812gDK9-CY8OrTH8EpCgUX-cuENU10OXP-pcDlg79wQtkf05emFq1zKLSJ2kLuw/s320/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32.20%20a.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuooxWSZ8IGeTf7hG2VLX9Vr6VXLhLjO1tcB0nFMHEGH5A8ffPvHCb2fKPvQ7UpknATwzxiKeCzuvJLa3hrlgvw67TGNU836zpxUUdaJdQTipeBppf9m_4pbRvmwRpbJrtP2_qkx0GXfnITGezB3Ix9zM-Ktsg6KXXn3fsCAO4UsBCiDs8_2ln1S83gxo/s448/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32.20%20b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="110" data-original-width="448" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuooxWSZ8IGeTf7hG2VLX9Vr6VXLhLjO1tcB0nFMHEGH5A8ffPvHCb2fKPvQ7UpknATwzxiKeCzuvJLa3hrlgvw67TGNU836zpxUUdaJdQTipeBppf9m_4pbRvmwRpbJrtP2_qkx0GXfnITGezB3Ix9zM-Ktsg6KXXn3fsCAO4UsBCiDs8_2ln1S83gxo/s320/20240201%20Weather%20%C2%A32.20%20b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Barbara Edwards, first UK female weather presenter - Supercomputers & satellites assiting forecasting.</i><br /></div>
<p><u>Royal Mail's write-up:</u></p><p>For most of human history, people regarded weather as a mysterious force of nature. The wind might blow, the rain might fall or the sun might shine, but it all seemed to happen without a clear pattern. </p><p>For centuries, people relied on folk wisdom or the prognostications of astrologers as they sought to find out what was coming next. But then, about two hundred years ago, in Britain, a bold new scientific discipline began to emerge. It would transform our relationship with the atmosphere, making life safer and more enjoyable. Today, we refer to this discipline as weather forecasting. </p><p>2024 marks 170 years since the foundation of the Met Office in 1854, the UK’s national meteorological service. Since its inception, it has pioneered the science of meteorology and its application. Their experts use a wealth of scientific, technological and operational expertise and work around the clock to provide critical weather services to help us make better decisions, stay safe and thrive in our environment. </p>
<p><b>Full descriptions</b> </p>
<p>2nd Class - Luke Howard, pioneer meteorologist, classified clouds in 1803. <br />2nd Class - Storm barometer of Robert FitzRoy, founder of the Met Office in 1854 <br />1st Class - Terra Nova Expedition studied extreme weather in 1910–12<br />1st Class - Marine buoys collect data for the Shipping Forecast, first broadcast in 1924 <br />£2.00 - Weather observers were vital to the success of the D-Day invasion in 1944 <br />£2.00 - Radar and computers improved forecasting accuracy from the 1950s<br />£2.20 - Barbara Edwards became the first British female TV weather presenter in 1974 <br />£2.20 - Supercomputers and satellites help track the Earth’s weather today<br /> <br /></p><p></p><p><b>Technical Details</b></p><p>Designed by hat-trick design, the 41 x 30 mm stamps are printed in lithography on gummed paper by Cartor Security Printers in sheets of 30. Perforations 14.5 x 14. <br /></p><p>Stamp designs © Royal Mail Group Ltd 2024<br />Images courtesy of the Met Office and/or © Crown Copyright, Met Office 2024 (with a special thank-you to the Met Office National Meteorological Library and Archive), except where noted: </p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">2nd Class Luke Howard by John Opie, courtesy of the Royal Meteorological Society © Open Government Licence 2024, Met Office; illustration of cloud formations from On the Modifications of Clouds by Luke Howard, 1803; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">2nd Class Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy’s storm barometer, c.1875; Royal Charter storm synoptic chart, 1859; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">1st Class Antarctic weather balloon research, 1911 © Scott Polar Research Institute/Science Photo Library; page from Terra Nova Expedition weather register, May 1911; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">1st Class ODAS (Ocean Data Acquisition Systems) buoy; Shipping Forecast areas, 1924; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">£2.00 observer taking hourly temperature observations from a Stevenson Screen, 1941; synoptic weather chart showing weather conditions on 6 June 1944; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">£2.00 weather radar system, Lincolnshire © John Birdsall Social Issues Photo Library/Science Photo Library; Met Office radar image showing rainfall intensity during Storm Ciara, 9 February 2020; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">£2.20 photograph of Barbara Edwards with a television forecast map, c.1975 © BBC; </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">£2.20 illustration of a Meteosat Third Generation geostationary satellite © European Space Agency, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO/Science Photo Library; satellite image showing water vapour in the atmosphere © Crown Copyright, Met Office, data: EUMETSAT.</span></p><p><b>Product List</b></p><p>Set of 8 stamps, presentation pack, first day cover, stamp cards, (total £58.05), and framed stamp set (£34.99).</p><p>* So why 170 years - and why not combine it with the centenary of the first broadcast Shipping Forecast? Maybe in 5 years time there will be no more stamps - or no more subscribers to Royal Mail's new issue service.<br /></p><p></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-44092409255965417292024-01-23T15:17:00.010+00:002024-02-01T17:32:33.035+00:00Last chances to buy Machin Definitives, booklets, etc.<p><b>Yes, it's the final countdown. Whilst I have not fixed a date by which I shall return all Machin stock to Royal Mail (and neither have they announced an end to the scheme), this is the last major chance for you to buy all Machin definitives.</b></p><p>New updated lists of original (X), elliptical (Y), and security Machins (U) are now available to download from Dropbox using the links below. When this post has disappeared off the foot of the page, the links will still be available on a separate sales page shown in the column on the right. Country definitives will be added shortly.</p><p><i><b>Update: A customer asked about the Castle definitives, and so I have produced a short illustrated list of those. You can download list 11 now.</b></i><br /></p><p><a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/p/stock-price-lists-summer-2022-pdf.html"><b>NORVIC STAMP SALES LISTS</b></a></p><p></p><p>List 1 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/agv9bnic6079hknda1sj9/List-1-Booklets-for-sale-13-240122.pdf?rlkey=ktk8jca65sdh9t8k9oqypiuo0&dl=0" target="_blank">Booklets for sale v13</a></p><p>List 2 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hm2r4oroi480vgc2h0i23/List-2-Prestige-Booklets-v3-20240122.pdf?rlkey=zg1acscz142o8dmjnqrvyd9hk&dl=0" target="_blank">Prestige Booklets v3</a> </p><p>List 3 Regional Machin definitives <i>(coming soon)</i><br /></p><p>List 4 Pictorial Country definitives <i>(coming soon)</i></p><p>List 7 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nucnnaba8gou2d7cimbgk/List-7-Machin-X-list-for-sale-20240126-v4.pdf?rlkey=th54no7t8cjq83kakx8933oid&dl=0" target="_blank">Machin X-list for sale</a> v4 (updated 26 January)</p><p>List 8 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qm9qbcajr4h63sk0vq5tr/List-8-Machin-Y-list-for-sale-v4.pdf?rlkey=mjbbg3qt1i68r48int7p91yc6&dl=0" target="_blank">Machin Y-list for sale</a> v4 (updated 26 January)</p><p>List 9 <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qavn2vpy6wx6z2eanu1d6/List-9-Security-Machins-for-sale-2401.pdf?rlkey=kliywnfbribitc2c92tb32vr4&dl=0" target="_blank">Security Machins for sale</a> <br /></p><p>List 10 - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2r3gy2vbabumijy5gmuyl/List-10-Smilers-Sheets-and-singles-for-sale-240122.pdf?rlkey=4gn9ffkfrzpr2vuevnevdq9pp&dl=0" target="_blank">Smilers Sheets and singles for sale</a></p><p>List 11 - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9x8s3ft938chi3s4n5djn/List-11-Castle-high-values-20240201-v1.pdf?rlkey=wuagod74ieypgm9h2r1ippgko&dl=0" target="_blank">Castle High Values 1988-1997</a>.<br /></p><p> </p><p>NOT included are 1st and 2nd class pre-security stamps or the Queen Victoria double-heads, although some are included in the booklets list. I do have some of these but they have not been sorted. Wants lists are welcome.<br /></p><p>Please email me your requirements from these lists, one list at a time, preferably in the same order as shown on he list. <br /></p><p>If you know that you (may) require stamps from more one list, mention this with each email you send, and I will consolidate and give you a total figure.</p><p>In the past a couple of customers have been surprised by the total cost of their order - please try to keep a rough track of <b>the total cost of </b>what you are asking for. I don't want to draw all the stamps from stockbooks onto stock cards only to be told that you can't afford them. This would be especially unfair on other customers who might have been turned down because you had 'reserved' the stamps.</p><p>Postage and packing will follow usual rates. For very large orders special delivery may be advisable. </p><p>Purchases from our online shop can be included; to complete the order payment must be made, but please include a message with the order that you are ordering from the lists as well. Postage paid on online orders will be taken into account when adding other stamps.</p><p>If you have any questions please email or phone.</p><p><br /></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-46386592948870271782024-01-23T15:17:00.007+00:002024-01-26T09:08:56.213+00:00Marshall Islands Queen's Diamond Jubilee Anniversary sheet of Machin definitives - two available!<p><b>I first mentioned this stamp issue from the Marhsall Islands back in 2012 not long after the blog started. </b></p><p><b> </b>Issued on 6 February 2012 the Marshall Islands
miniature sheet marks the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and
contains 6 x $1.05 stamps each illustrated with a British Machin definitive.<br />
<br />
The
stamp illustrations show stamps in multiples of 10, the 10p orange brown, 20p bright green, 30p
olive-green litho printing, 40p azure, 50p self-adhesive 2009 security
issue, and 60p light emerald. All the illustrations are slightly larger
than life-size and have a line through the face value.<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zKTsxXppAdRhPnm6-FzrQqBwnIZv4Fkl-8ow2wyTEcWt7Vy5_DT048-wQIBE6EpHMp_f2lviVfhtAvh7iR5H1Hhajl3pXMJ9BgTSb_m22f_9kHRbUSc7lp8aTSJOfGQi0BQwczWP01g/s909/marshall_Is-Machins_DJ006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="909" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zKTsxXppAdRhPnm6-FzrQqBwnIZv4Fkl-8ow2wyTEcWt7Vy5_DT048-wQIBE6EpHMp_f2lviVfhtAvh7iR5H1Hhajl3pXMJ9BgTSb_m22f_9kHRbUSc7lp8aTSJOfGQi0BQwczWP01g/w640-h482/marshall_Is-Machins_DJ006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have now found <b><span style="color: red;">three</span></b> of these sheets and they are available at £6.50 each including UK postage. International postage on request.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><S>FOUND ONE MORE!</S> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And that's gone too! </span></span><br /></p><p>This can be combined with anything from <a href="https://shop.norphil.co.uk/" target="_blank">the shop</a> or our sales lists (to be updated very shortly).</p><p>Please email to ian - at - norphil.co.uk</p><p><br /></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-13148427495995484862024-01-23T15:17:00.000+00:002024-01-23T15:17:02.533+00:00Last Post for the Norvic Security Checklist: I think it's all over!<p><b></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCZJXwiMlI_yZcUyNNRjuuynZe6OtC30TFz03h8bIjT-10tOW9cbfr8mck0G8YIK385ifovo22-7iJvVYjYLTmVJ1Mpycbrgmv7quetxWlaKPsq6qjqaQZiSHtkm_AeKY6Niq_U9FphyaC3WsH_DWFRUsk7RSk5y6hf24hDNtN0oI8feMjkFraj98PAo/s423/2986-6_SD500_M16L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="423" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCZJXwiMlI_yZcUyNNRjuuynZe6OtC30TFz03h8bIjT-10tOW9cbfr8mck0G8YIK385ifovo22-7iJvVYjYLTmVJ1Mpycbrgmv7quetxWlaKPsq6qjqaQZiSHtkm_AeKY6Niq_U9FphyaC3WsH_DWFRUsk7RSk5y6hf24hDNtN0oI8feMjkFraj98PAo/w200-h194/2986-6_SD500_M16L.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><b>"From February 2009 1st
and 2nd class Machin Definitives and
higher-priced 'make-up' values at 50p and £1 will be produced
as self-adhesive Stamps with enhanced security features including
semi-circular slits and an irridescent overprint.</b><p></p>
<p>"These initiatives are part of
the on-going development of security
features for Stamps. The slits are designed to inhibit the removal of
these Stamps for fraudulent sale and re-use. The overprint features
the words 'Royal Mail' in a pattern reminiscent of security features
on banknotes."</p><p>This was how I announced the introduction of Machin definitives with security features on our website back in 2009.</p><p>It was only in <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2009/04/security-codes-b-b-c-t-f-s-codebreakers.html">April 2009</a> that we listed the different source codes, following the report on the Machin Mania blog. This in turn reported that the late Douglas Myall had written that 'the non-denominated security Machins have a hidden code that identifies the format in which the stamp was issued'.</p><p>The following April, the late Alec Withell reported that new retail booklet stamps had a year code, and this was soon found to apply to all stamps printed each year. There were inconsistencies, with many new years' printings not being sold until the following year - but occasionally in the previous year!</p><p>Catalogue producers then had to work out how to list these new stamps with their variations. Gibbons, sadly, chose a complex way of doing so. There is a logic to it, but their system caused multiple changes, such as for the Recorded Signed For stamp is listed as</p><p>Concise 2010: <span style="font-weight: bold;">U2916a</span>;<br />
Collect British Stamps: <span style="font-weight: bold;">U2940</span>;<br />
Concise 2011: <span style="font-weight: bold;">U2981</span>.</p><p>I had already decided on a different numbering system, and <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2011/06/machin-definitives-with-security.html" target="_blank">started a conversion table</a>, in part so that users of preprinted albums with SG numbers would know where to find the stamps in our sakes listing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZOhz36pR-wdEc2MvMM9de4CfuHBujNB3hg5rvIn32DT64pMyacm15SPAelWctOsXxNJ9PwP0DDJdCVanrbc6vLVsXM2S5suqlu0_RkTJl8GvVrZS22qBHkvOcXHst7c46ggxMmzju2c/s640/Screenshot+2020-10-22+at+10.37.37.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="640" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZOhz36pR-wdEc2MvMM9de4CfuHBujNB3hg5rvIn32DT64pMyacm15SPAelWctOsXxNJ9PwP0DDJdCVanrbc6vLVsXM2S5suqlu0_RkTJl8GvVrZS22qBHkvOcXHst7c46ggxMmzju2c/w400-h165/Screenshot+2020-10-22+at+10.37.37.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This developed into the Checklist which has developed over the years, with the help of so many readers and other collectors, running to over 50 pages.</p><p>Now that the last of the Machins have been issued, there will be no more additions to the Checklist, and no changes unless somebody wants to go through and fill in all the missing printing dates etc. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The last edition is now available for downloading <a href="http://www.norphil.co.uk/SecurityChecklist/Norvic%20Machin%20Security%20Checklist%202610.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><b>My thanks to friends, collectors and dealers for their continued contributions to this list over the years.</b><br /></p><p></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-47556634477763292752024-01-18T16:05:00.005+00:002024-01-18T16:05:25.882+00:00"Can we still use Queen Elizabeth stamps?" - information and misinformation<p><b>This question continues to be asked in social media platforms, and I have had reports of friends not wanting to buy collectors' surplus of Queen Elizabeh stamps arising from the Swap Out scheme.</b><br /></p><p></p><p>The invalidation of old-style Machin definitives caused a lot of confusion which will, it seems, continue for some time. After all, unless you are aged over 75 you have probably never used a stamp from a previous reign (unless you are/were a collector).</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T1hNqChqY9FqL1siXSxEVWwBw3tH3U95H4QjIIUL38rsrXYX9xC8UNhyfD24QFiYBlgUa1DreE-EtTn6hEwK0Hkv3itYmSG6zs5rKIq327r-g2ERGJmZv73OKwBKZSX7643Y5J8s6WhrfjhrHjIeM0z1MJEsnR7WNMtKGxEK8TH1VBdEGv0CtUzFToE/s500/2nd%20M21L-MBIL-RDP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="451" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T1hNqChqY9FqL1siXSxEVWwBw3tH3U95H4QjIIUL38rsrXYX9xC8UNhyfD24QFiYBlgUa1DreE-EtTn6hEwK0Hkv3itYmSG6zs5rKIq327r-g2ERGJmZv73OKwBKZSX7643Y5J8s6WhrfjhrHjIeM0z1MJEsnR7WNMtKGxEK8TH1VBdEGv0CtUzFToE/w181-h200/2nd%20M21L-MBIL-RDP.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not Valid<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHT_9vmLwqaexw-8k1m6lqAxk3HPw6p6Pn5IvFZRDQY-WZQ0c6jWlbIJpl6UNv09uDdLvn4u5T83wXA8_WofIWhEAxOTQubBcNOOv0IXZLn90l1RJeduv8nRZMZY_Ng0cw3ZOy_RU2Mo-o69Q75IYPA-L-QqjU3V4tlzk52nLOeZDuKnNHfQamly0Q6A/s275/22020201%202nd%20green.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHT_9vmLwqaexw-8k1m6lqAxk3HPw6p6Pn5IvFZRDQY-WZQ0c6jWlbIJpl6UNv09uDdLvn4u5T83wXA8_WofIWhEAxOTQubBcNOOv0IXZLn90l1RJeduv8nRZMZY_Ng0cw3ZOy_RU2Mo-o69Q75IYPA-L-QqjU3V4tlzk52nLOeZDuKnNHfQamly0Q6A/s1600/22020201%202nd%20green.png" width="275" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7ZEppm-_mVBa4XWh9kTK8T0HTQwycw0vEC5UVsrfIdx45Z1di0ai-9t4DfliBnTAz4Du3DcmkO7V0BZqXqaQIpmqIrc4exFrgApBBkfx-2rEI04fMP0T60Fgxv19lATDEptPO0t0Ea_SMlKsaIjk88KRFhtAROCnd02TAo0S-_5zn4qAx6y_XuL0zOw/s255/Postman_Pat_Stamp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="255" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7ZEppm-_mVBa4XWh9kTK8T0HTQwycw0vEC5UVsrfIdx45Z1di0ai-9t4DfliBnTAz4Du3DcmkO7V0BZqXqaQIpmqIrc4exFrgApBBkfx-2rEI04fMP0T60Fgxv19lATDEptPO0t0Ea_SMlKsaIjk88KRFhtAROCnd02TAo0S-_5zn4qAx6y_XuL0zOw/s1600/Postman_Pat_Stamp.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><b>Both these types remain valid for postal use</b><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Given that Royal Mail, retail outlets, and Post Office branches, are still
selling barcoded Machin definitives, and they are still being supplied in the Swap Out it is very unlikely that they will be invalidated soon.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Whilst no regular definitives were issued after the end of the reign, some were included in subsequent prestige book panes, as were many set of special stamps.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Previous reigns</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>King Edward VII</u> definitives were printed in two distinct series, by De La Rue and Harrison and Sons. ALL the Harrison printings were issued after the King died. It wasn't until 1913 that the last stamps of the first long set of King George V definitives were issued.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><u>King George V</u> died in January 1936 and three values of the last (photogravure) definitives were issued in the February, the 5d, 10d & 1s.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The first definitive stamps of the reign of <u>King George VI</u> were issued just before the Coronation in May 1937. Some values were not available until 1939 - all values above 5d, so the stamps of the previous reign continued to be issued.</p><p style="text-align: left;">After the Accession of <u>Queen Elizabeth II</u> on 6 February 1952 the first deinitives were issued in time for Christmas, but the remaining values were spread over the next two years and some booklets in the new reign included stamps of both reigns.</p><p style="text-align: left;">With modern high-speed printing the stamps of <u>King Charles III</u> have had only two issue dates, with NVIs being issued ahead of the (plentiful Machin) make-up values.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eUDrf988B9hSqiU5bZZynjHX4R8cL2EAHC3jG8taHbKMCXqwrlgIby0D2naqxb1Fk73-T3bh7fch8CHSTzY9Zft28Wh_nL5gV6RZfdOFcLJOl48ZKDYOsRwJI6Bsid5PzoMtZjT-Qt91dptfS3JAddQ_t9oqoMwNwKEat_465qJ9Yio9SeTOjRze8ho/s552/20230404-220-airmail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="552" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eUDrf988B9hSqiU5bZZynjHX4R8cL2EAHC3jG8taHbKMCXqwrlgIby0D2naqxb1Fk73-T3bh7fch8CHSTzY9Zft28Wh_nL5gV6RZfdOFcLJOl48ZKDYOsRwJI6Bsid5PzoMtZjT-Qt91dptfS3JAddQ_t9oqoMwNwKEat_465qJ9Yio9SeTOjRze8ho/s320/20230404-220-airmail.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-47021395076721028232024-01-16T20:32:00.002+00:002024-01-18T15:05:09.528+00:00Great Britain 2024 Stamp Programme - Predictions and winners<p><b>My thanks to the 21 people who sent their predictions, some regular readers of the blog, and some
members of the Stampboards forum (some are both). </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj26hXMGCz6W34iWIaEGcl_HmH9jCKobGzeCZCwyfa9wGeqpO0JL1tEkugdq3RjvNYkuFvfvV17mUveHQe499yzrphShJM277HmVVxsMLcnAC3rgsVxL25EsyKWkh4y3hry7FY-W1mfkfCwjEjeWLtvMAH8LKlHFfDpdMaH2TIeGibgnnMmATSRAtIeSk/s500/postage-stamp-clipart-md.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="457" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj26hXMGCz6W34iWIaEGcl_HmH9jCKobGzeCZCwyfa9wGeqpO0JL1tEkugdq3RjvNYkuFvfvV17mUveHQe499yzrphShJM277HmVVxsMLcnAC3rgsVxL25EsyKWkh4y3hry7FY-W1mfkfCwjEjeWLtvMAH8LKlHFfDpdMaH2TIeGibgnnMmATSRAtIeSk/w183-h200/postage-stamp-clipart-md.png" width="183" /></a></div><p></p>
<p>The entries were a mixture of:</p><p>
- actual predictions of likely subjects; </p>
<p>- a wish-list of things that might be included but that Royal Mail were unlikely to include;</p>
<p>- a list of anniversaries in the hope that some might be included;
</p><p>- total spoof (I hope) suggestions</p>
<p>
- a mix of these.
</p>
<p>Of the 15 stamp issues on Royal Mail's programmme more than half (8) were not predicted by
anyone! Leaving aside the obvious Christmas issue, that's 8 out of 14. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyilpO0xN875JLojFu0LS8qz-HShkfRHZc5asNGk1084DGcyy3qrJa7Vfy1x6j_NLXrIPgcNTe3derQpvJB74a35QCrxCgrZEplgp4OWyZI8ZFWpjdYgDz9wPScoXoAMGYbN2OSg-p-LoWBDTTbSgIZUdRDXkN1Cmr0ZbHJBV4b8ZjVXmeksJ-cgM588/s629/2024%20stamp%20programme.png"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="629" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyilpO0xN875JLojFu0LS8qz-HShkfRHZc5asNGk1084DGcyy3qrJa7Vfy1x6j_NLXrIPgcNTe3derQpvJB74a35QCrxCgrZEplgp4OWyZI8ZFWpjdYgDz9wPScoXoAMGYbN2OSg-p-LoWBDTTbSgIZUdRDXkN1Cmr0ZbHJBV4b8ZjVXmeksJ-cgM588/w640-h389/2024%20stamp%20programme.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Of the remaining six, the most popular prediction was for the 150th anniversary of the birth of
politician and wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill which eight people predicted.
<p></p>
<p>Next was the Centenary of the first British Commemorative Stamp (4 people), Dogs (3), and
Dungeons and Dragons (2).
</p>
<p>There were many suggestions which I considered as definitely worthy of a stamp issue, even if
Royal Mail couldn't find room in he programme. </p><p>Most notable of these is the bicentenary of the
establishment of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, suggested by 5 people. I think it was a
mistake not to include the 70th anniversary of the first broadcast 'Shipping Forecast' in the Weather
issue next month (suggested by 4 people as an anniversary to be marked). One suggestion was to
have a remembrance of civil disasters such as Hillsborough and Grenfell: while I think a National
Day of Remembrance would be a good idea, I don't think the subjects could sensibly and sensitively
displayed on stamps.
</p>
<p>If only we were marking British cultural personalities and notable anniversaries we could have
included, among others: the bicentenary of the National Gallery, 75 years of NATO, Detective
fiction (Wilkie Collins Centenary), Alfred Hitchcock, Clarice Cliff, Oscar Wilde, the RSPCA, the
Normandy landings, athletics, etc. Three people suggested issues on similar 'green' themes:
sustainability, environment, global warming or climate change.
</p>
<p>Under Politics people mentioned the First Labour government, Margaret Bondfield, Welsh Assembly,
creation of Metropolitan Counties, establishment of the Brexit Party (5 years), Ramsey Macdonald,
the Welsh Assembly, and the likely General Election. Whilst we have had politicians before, and
doubtless there are other politicians who would rank along with them, but such is the state of United
Kingdom politics these days, that there is really no possibility.
</p>
<p>Some people obviously did a lot of research for anniversaries, but the inclusion of non-British
events or people was optimistic to say the least: Abba, Edward Hubble, The Big Bang Theory (tv
programme), and others. Some suggestions relied heavily on past issues – maybe so that I could
say “we had that before” if it turned out to be true!
</p>
<p>Nobody predicted more than 3 issues accurately. Of these D in The Netherlands and AL both
suggested a further 5 which I thought could and maybe should have been marked. Three more
people recorded four subjects which I thought were justified. Two people were accurate with only
two predictions but both produce 7 really good unadopted ideas as well.
</p>
<p>I also gave 'commendations' to two people for the inventiveness and/or humour of their ideas. One
of them predicted nothing accurately and made no 'worthy' suggestions, but produced a good list.
</p>
<p>It would be good to reward everybody who took the trouble to enter, but sadly that is not the case. I
shall be writing to the six mentioned for their addresses to send a prize for their suggestions.
</p>
<p>Commendation goes to MM for this innovative and humorous programme: </p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">I’m going with some of the “one-day only” issues and the treasure hunt.
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - New Years Day (01/01/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Burns Night (26/01/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Chinese New Year (10/02/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Valentine’s Day (13/02/2024 - £15.00 face value set of six alternative designs guaranteed before 08:00 am </i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - so that cards can get there before school starts. Special £100.00 limited edition offer to have a red rose delivered alongside the card)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - St David’s Day (01/03/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Mothers Day (09/03/2024 - £20.00 face value set of six alternative designs guaranteed before 09:00 am Sunday delivery. Special £150.00 limited edition offer to have a bouquet delivered alongside the card)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - St Patrick’s Day (17/03/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Spring Equinox (20/03/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - St George’s Day (23/04/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Fathers Day (15/06/2024 - £20.00 face value set of six alternative designs guaranteed before 09:00 am Sunday delivery)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Autumn Equinox (22/09/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Halloween (31/10/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Guy Fawkes (05/11/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Remembrance Sunday (10/11/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - Armistice Day (11/11/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - St Andrew’s Day (30/11/2024)
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - I’m going to suggest 30/03/2024 for the treasure hunt issue as that would make March particularly crowded. Normal embargo rules would apply which would then make March a total nightmare for everybody.
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"> - We could maybe leave the General Election issue in as a floating set as nobody knows yet when it will be.
</i></p>
<p>And then there is this from WB who wrote:
</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">Really enjoyed coming up with this - the challenge was to go for the (faint!) dividing line between
definite spoof and daft, but just the sort of thing that Royal Mail might indeed be stupid enough to
attempt to unleash on us...
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">2024 Royal Mail Stamp Issues- 2 issues per month
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
January - Reality TV-featuring catchphrases and stars from various reality TV shows
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
January - Winter Olympics-special stamp to be produced for each British gold medallist
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
February - Centenary of 1st Labour government-featuring each Labour leader/Labour slogans
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
February - Music Greats-Taylor Swift
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
March - Comic Book Heroes-Batman
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
March - Seasons of UK(Spring)-views from locations around the UK in Spring
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
April - Cryptocurrencies-stamps priced in both sterling and bitcoin values
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
April - Artificial Intelligence
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
May - Premiership clubs-stamps contain QR code linking to offers from that club*
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
May - Entertainment-Big Bang Theory
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
June - Music Greats-ABBA 50th anniversary of winning Eurovision Song Contest
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
June - Seasons of UK(Summer)-views from locations around the UK in Summer
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
July - Olympics-special stamp to be produced for each British gold medallist
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
July - Paralympics-special stamp to be produced for each British gold medallist
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
August - Famous Brands-stamps contain QR code linking to adverts from that brand*
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
August - Drill and grime artists
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
September - Seasons of UK(Autumn)-views from locations around the UK in Autumn
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
September - Disney characters
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
October - Nonbinary Issue-Non binary personalities-introducing pronoun tags+
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
October - Nonbinary Issue II-Non binary flora and flora-introducing pronoun tags+
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
November - YouTube influencers-stamps contain QR code linking to that influencer’s channel*
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
November - Artemis II launch
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
December - Seasons of UK(Winter)-views from locations around the UK in Winter
</i></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">
December - Winter Festivals-celebrating Kwanzaa,Hanukkah,Yule and Solstice
</i></p>
<p>
</p><p> </p><p>There is a long list of other suggested topics which have not already been on stamps included:
</p>
<p>Orwell's 1984 (75), Bagpuss (tv) (50), Greenwich Time Signal (100), London Eye (25), Eurotunnel
(30), Zulu (film), Gay Weddings (10), PO Tower (60), BBC Belfast (100), Band Aid (10), New
Year's Day public holiday (50), BBC2 (60), Golf in England (100), Ben Nicholson, Bronte Sisters,
Rosetta Stone (225), Match of the Day (tv) (60), Ceefax (50), Death Penalty abolition (60), Sir
Stanley Spencer, Vagrancy Act of 1824 – images of city streets, Great Storm of 1824, The
Good Beer Guide (50), Neurodiversity Week, First Municipal Fire Brigade (Edinburgh)
(200), Food (150 years of Coopers Oxford Marmalade), Fantastic Fungi, Sonic the
Hedgehog 3 (film link), British Scientists, Gustav Holst (150), UPU (150), Motorcycle Ice
Speedway, Folk Museums, House of the Dragon, Town Halls, other historic buildings, Folk
Museums, Open University (50), Pizza Hut in UK (50), Tony Hancock (100), ferries;
modern transport; public houses and inns, Howard Carter (150), Arthur Quiller-Couch (80),
Benny Hill (100), Charles Laughton (125), Sir Edmund Halley, Sir William Siemens,
Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race, Monty Python, Royal Houses from 1066 not prevously
included, Burmese War (200), Harry Grundell Matthews death ray (100), Mallory & Irvine
(100), DH Comet (75), New Covent Garden Market (50), Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (100), Eileen Argar (125), first royal broadcast(100), 30th February Harry Mountbatten – Windsor renounces all ties with the UK and takes US citizenship; 31st September GB Govt announces the
end of British Summer time and all that clock changing. </p><p> </p><p><b>This has been an interesting exercise, and I am amazed at the number of different subjects suggested. I would have liked to have illustrated this blog, but there is no simple way to do that which is not very time-consuming: I didn't ask contributors to illustrate their answers.<br /></b></p><p><b>It is not an exercise that will be run again, as it took rather more time than I expected.</b></p><p><b>I hope all readers find the results interesting and I look forward to your comments.</b></p><p><br /></p><hr />
Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-2789203237791611192024-01-10T14:38:00.005+00:002024-01-17T21:40:00.303+00:00The Post Office Horizon Scandal - where to now?<p><b></b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yIagwMwgQz-Ju18FiiiTIwbiHJT0OmUo7o60mHYBZILPqB4OWUqG0RQo_ZCuuIfqg4Rkzr-YfHgpUggc4hkgoxPH_uGwgo4RJX_kssHX2_tebAuuUM2qNJqqzvF5lCh7EAYF9_U5ymppGNiq6OAHeR0DjnHQxjWjti8w0X0ChAjfHKWwYxBIF_Z2Gjc/s335/Screenshot%202024-01-09%20at%2016.57.05.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="335" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yIagwMwgQz-Ju18FiiiTIwbiHJT0OmUo7o60mHYBZILPqB4OWUqG0RQo_ZCuuIfqg4Rkzr-YfHgpUggc4hkgoxPH_uGwgo4RJX_kssHX2_tebAuuUM2qNJqqzvF5lCh7EAYF9_U5ymppGNiq6OAHeR0DjnHQxjWjti8w0X0ChAjfHKWwYxBIF_Z2Gjc/w200-h113/Screenshot%202024-01-09%20at%2016.57.05.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(Picture from ITV)</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Even if you are a new reader of the blog, and unaware of how I have been banging on about the Post Office </b><b>Horizon Scandal over five years, it can't have escaped your notice over the past week as it has been and continues to be the lead story most days on television, radio and paper media. (It's been reported in far-flung corners of the world, even though they haven't yet seen the ITV drama). </b><p></p><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p>I first <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2018/11/closure-of-post-offices-reasons-and.html">mentioned</a> it in 2018 and wrote:<br /><br /><i>This has culminated in a legal case which has come to court this week. ….. It's going to be a fascinating period for anybody interested in the postal network, and in justice. So far over £10 million has been spent on legal fees. The result is impossible to predict, however much sympathy one has with the individuals concerned.</i><br /><br /><u>Little did we know</u>. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfqDIJY31ek5aaNlSJtYvuXnsAs5IgndfWkitPbwAWDB_om4zg2KupaOE3G2pTBPVN2FKjbchiBHXw35gvreSRlZpWv_oNoWAWf-Mh5Gjbim8VYs2JkqSu6gudtQOHgwLD_CV1mvkFJw/s200/PostOfficeTrial_Sketch+v3+medium.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="200" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfqDIJY31ek5aaNlSJtYvuXnsAs5IgndfWkitPbwAWDB_om4zg2KupaOE3G2pTBPVN2FKjbchiBHXw35gvreSRlZpWv_oNoWAWf-Mh5Gjbim8VYs2JkqSu6gudtQOHgwLD_CV1mvkFJw/w200-h146/PostOfficeTrial_Sketch+v3+medium.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p></p>
<p><b>What's it all about?</b> <br /></p><p>For those readers who are new to it all, and have a lot of time to spare, there are two excellent blogs by Nick Wallis (permanent links in the column to the right) <a href="https://www.postofficetrial.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Post Office On Trial</b></a> and <a href="https://www.postofficescandal.uk/" target="_blank">Post Office On Trial, part 2</a>). </p><p>If you don't have a lot of time to spare, Computer Weekly have doggedly reported <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Post-Office-Horizon-scandal-explained-everything-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">all stages since 2009</a> - scroll right down and get the popcorn or a coffee. </p><p>And if you want to know more about the making of the programme, the actors and the characters they played, <a href="https://www.radiotimes.com/search?q=mr-bates-vs-the-post-office-brand" target="_blank">Radio Times has a good page here</a>. Most of the actors met the people they were playing - and most knew 'too little' about the scandal before getting involved. Thus it came as much of a surprise to them as it did to many viewers, which may have enhanced their performances.</p>
<p><b>Why hadn't I heard of this before?</b><br /></p><p>The story has been covered in a piecemeal way for over 15 years. It has been covered in detail by <i>Computer Weekly and Private Eye</i> magazine, and occasionally BBC local radio, Welsh tv channel S4C, and BBC Panorama (TV), and Radio 4. More recently there has been occasional coverage in most of the British newspapers, and there are numerous people writing about it on their blogs and social media. If you shun social media and haven't found the blogs, you wouldn't have found out.<br /></p><p><b><i>Computer Weekly</i></b> is a specialist industry magazine and rarely has a readership outside the industry. <br />Satirical magazine <b><i>Private Eye</i></b> “offers a unique blend of humour, social and political observations and investigative journalism” but does not appeal to everyone. It is a long read, which is alright if you are a rail commuter, but finding time to read it all can be difficult! </p><p><b>BBC Radio 4</b> is often an 'in the background' programme, although
now that catch-up services are available it is easy to binge-listen to
the omnibus episode (and more satisfying than 5 x 15 minute
broadcasts). But that only reaches a certain audience. <br /></p><p>The audience for <b>BBC's</b> <b>Panorama</b><span style="color: red;">*</span> (which first aired in 1953) no longer attracts the big audiences it did when there were pm;y three tv channels. In 1985 it averaged 3.5 million viewers but it was subsequently shuffled around the schedules with no permanent slot. And if a special programme was commissioned, it might be 'bumped' by something more politically topical, which meant that advance publicity could be wasted. </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* The BBC have made the 2015 programme available <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0675m1j" target="_blank">on their website</a> and he 2022 programme <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0016t20/panorama-the-post-office-scandal" target="_blank">is here</a>.</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">UPDATE: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">For UK listeners only, I suspect, TV Channel <span class="posthilit">S4C</span> has repeated the 2009 episode of <i>Taro Nao</i> which reported on the case of Noel Thomas.<br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a class="postlink" href="https://www.s4c.cymru/clic/programme/343652192?sup=1">https://www.<span class="posthilit">s4c</span>.cymru/clic/programme/343652192?sup=1</a> (Available for a month from 11 January.)<br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
Registration required, as with all TV catch-ups; English subtitles available for those who need them</span>.</p><p></p><p>In <b><i>Mr Bates Vs the Post Office</i></b> ITV scheduled four x 1 hour broadcasts over consecutive evenings at peak time (9 pm). The programme was heavily trailed in the two weeks before and over Christmas, on TV and on their catch-up service ITVX and website. The trailers must have been viewed many times and they included a stellar cast well-known for their previous performances, rather than journalists. If it had been all fiction they would still have had good viewing figures: that it all happened made it more compelling. </p>
<p><b>Why haven't politicians acted before?</b></p><p>It can be argued that politicians have acted, but within the normal confines of government bureaucracy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngY7VYYmT6MI9KXzWyNnrSqTL9wcLp0JQNVSopgRTfgcqmu5CN5tKTEN71CqfHJxbWjbRfsdMDFkGwY5UDl2ACFsH9q9PR8_RpfInIMXCKABw1sTkVWnodSc8NOuwUvLcwwtl4A0SVomaqxuyHNE01W-rplWHBBEOEq5hmmgNdJk9f1rVHuIrRHFq/s200/20210429%20POScandal%20book%20cover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="133" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngY7VYYmT6MI9KXzWyNnrSqTL9wcLp0JQNVSopgRTfgcqmu5CN5tKTEN71CqfHJxbWjbRfsdMDFkGwY5UDl2ACFsH9q9PR8_RpfInIMXCKABw1sTkVWnodSc8NOuwUvLcwwtl4A0SVomaqxuyHNE01W-rplWHBBEOEq5hmmgNdJk9f1rVHuIrRHFq/w133-h200/20210429%20POScandal%20book%20cover.jpg" width="133" /></a> and the law. </p><p></p><p>Whilst we know that some ministers had copies of <a href="https://bathpublishing.com/products/the-great-post-office-scandal" target="_blank">Nick Wallis's book</a> it is unlikely that the Prime Ministers and Justice Ministers have read it and the case histories, nor any more than reports of the court and court of appeal judgements. </p><p>They are briefed by civil servants from the Business ministry (by whatever name it went under at the time), and of course they themselves had something to hide, as one of them sat on the Board of the Post Office!</p><p>Given that the department (and ultimately The Treasury) was the paymaster funding the Post Office's case against everything it could be argued that they could have stepped in at any time and stopped the madness. But they didn't even step in and stop the awarding of bonuses to the present board for allegedly co-operating with the Inquiry such was the lack of governance and oversight.</p>
<p><b>Why haven't the convictions been overturned and compensation paid?</b> <br /></p><p>Some people are suggesting that an act of parliament should overturn the <b>convictions</b> – but that would set a precedent that would not be welcome in a parliamentary democracy. The legislature should never interfere with judicial decisions. </p>
<p>No, it needs a fast-track process to hear all the cases at the Court of Appeal in one go, or several batches, just as was done with the first batch of cases (Hamilton & others). </p><p>The justice system operates along strict non-political lines. Once the GLO judgement was made the way was open for the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CRC) to review cases. Only the commission can send a case back to an appeals court. Applications can be made by anyone who believes they have been wrongly convicted or sentenced but the CCRC cannot be proactive: they have a long explanation on their <a href="https://ccrc.gov.uk/news/ccrc-post-office-referrals-long-read/" target="_blank">blog</a> on the Post Office cases.</p>
<p><b>Compensation</b> is a very complex issue, and it is more than compensation. (There's a brief outline in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal#Compensation" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.) The Post Office <u>could</u> have returned the money which postmasters were forced to pay - which should have been done at a very early stage, with interest. </p><p>Although many postmasters were convicted and some jailed, some were acquitted. No blanket compensation figure or menu of amounts could cover these situations adequately. </p><p>When you think hard about the consequences of the Post Office's shameful actions, the effects expand; loss of future earnings, loss of future pension, loss of property/investment - that's losses. Damages for malicious prosecution, wrongful imprisonment, loss of reputation, injury to health, extended to family including children who have suffered through the situation their parents were placed in.
</p>
<p>
What hasn't helped is that, as more cases come to light, and more evidence builds up against the Post Office, three different compensation schemes were set up over the last few years. If those involved had known what is now known, a single scheme would have been set up in the first place. If you're a victim, first work out which scheme(s) you are covered by.
</p>
<p>
However
it is resolved, interim payments should have been made to everybody by
now, and that should not affect their ultimate compensation.</p><p>
<b>Why has no action been taken against the Post Office, Fujitsu, politicians, lawyers, etc?</b></p>
<p>The simple answer to this, in my view, is that you don't prosecute until you have all the evidence. </p>
<p>The Metropolitan Police are investigating potential perjury by two Fujitsu employees following the original GLO court judgement. <br />They are also investigating “potential fraud offences” arising from the
prosecutions, for example “monies recovered from subpostmasters as a
result of prosecutions or civil actions”.</p>
<p>They are waiting for the Statutory Inquiry to conclude.</p>
<p>With the <a href="https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk" target="_blank">Inquiry</a> due to hear from Post Office investigators, Fujitsu prosecution support witnesses, and lawyers, I suspect more new evidence will be revealed - and that is just in Phase 4 of the Inquiry which covers <i>action against Sub-postmasters and others: policy making, audits and investigations, civil and criminal proceedings, knowledge of and responsibility for failures in investigation and disclosure. <br /></i></p>
<p>Phases 5 & 6 will cover Redress: <i>access to justice, Second Sight, Complaint Review and Mediation Scheme, conduct of the group litigation, responding to the scandal and compensation schemes</i> and <i>Governance: monitoring of Horizon, contractual arrangements, internal and external audit, technical competence, stakeholder engagement, oversight and whistleblowing</i>.</p>
<p><b>There is a long way to go before Post Office Directors, including senior Civil Servants, come to face a grilling.</b></p><p><b>UPDATE <br /></b></p><p><b>I hadn't intended to amend this post so quickly but breaking news makes it impossible to not mention - if I don't all the readers will!</b></p><p><b class="text-strong"><span style="font-size: 150%; line-height: 116%;">Post Office victims to have convictions overturned</span></b><br />
<a class="postlink" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67932595">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67932595</a></p><p><b> </b></p>
<p></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-24713824570886216802024-01-08T17:13:00.005+00:002024-01-08T17:13:48.470+00:00Post and Go News 2024<p><b>This post and its comments will hold all news on Post and Go stamps, machines, and PO SSKs. </b></p><p><b>For details of new Post and Go stamps issued by the postal authorities in Guernsey and Jersey I recommend <a href="http://commonwealthstampsopinion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WhiteKnight's Commonwealth Stamp Opinion</a>. All issues from the islands, and Gibraltar and the SOAR stamps from Isle of Man will normally be pictured there as announced.</b></p><p>Anything about the old Royal Mail machines which operated until the end of last year at various military and other museums around the UK will continue to be added on the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/01/post-and-go-news-2023.html" target="_blank">2023 blog post</a>. Please continue to make comments there or send me news/images by email.</p><p><b>Self Service Kiosks</b></p><p>PW has been dogged in his determination to report on what is happening at Sheffield (a city of more than half a million folks in northern England) ever since the Wilkinson's store closed in October last year. In <u>late November</u> he reports that the Sheffield Post Office, located in the Wilkinson's
(Wilko) Store in Haymarket, closed in early October. It had FAD no.
016340. <br /><br />The only Post Office in Sheffield City Centre now is now
at 33-35 Charles St, S1 2HU. There are now 2 Post and Go machines
installed, which could be the 2 machines from the Wilkinson Store<br /><br />However, as per usual they were not switched on for public use. The FAD no. for the shop is 247340.</p><p>This month he has an update. one of the machines in use. The
other machine was not in operation but a different kiosk without
'weighing plate', was present. I am sure this was not situated at the Sheffield
Haymarket/Wilkinsons store so I am waiting for another visit to 'test'
it. The Staff do not want to turn these machines on because they have to
deploy a Staff Member to supervise them. There was a massive
queue in the shop and no-one wanted to try and use the machines for
their postal needs, but I marched up to them and had a go. </p><p>And a visit to Chesterfield at the turn of the year, brought errors of 'wrong roll position' in two kiosks. Kiosk 67 had 1st stock in the 2nd class position, producing 2nd class brown (R19YAL with inset phosphor bands) and 2nd class stock in the 1st class position, producing 1st class blue (CL17).<br /></p><p>(Unfortunately only photos are provided but I have enhanced them to show the results to their best.)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP38rtw2jpny1PQZPiNu9ZdcYBSHBt-foYzZUmVPRqk_u0Avg6xaNWGMg3gN7IhbLGha1rtQnjx69RLGTH1lCP697o9Jmu0aYbprWieURB0BfGMr5lBKe3lFhI0xV3xJkO1sQAk5A2PPHVsoZZNhyphenhypheneVDjuQzmDZxQdrMunr-NelxLV4-1lPba1JnQYZVw/s1333/P+G%20Sheffield%20Charles%20Street%201st+2nd%2020240104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP38rtw2jpny1PQZPiNu9ZdcYBSHBt-foYzZUmVPRqk_u0Avg6xaNWGMg3gN7IhbLGha1rtQnjx69RLGTH1lCP697o9Jmu0aYbprWieURB0BfGMr5lBKe3lFhI0xV3xJkO1sQAk5A2PPHVsoZZNhyphenhypheneVDjuQzmDZxQdrMunr-NelxLV4-1lPba1JnQYZVw/w354-h640/P+G%20Sheffield%20Charles%20Street%201st+2nd%2020240104.jpg" width="354" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Post and Go output from new location at Charles Street, Sheffield, 04/01/2024.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR3eXUQuBaupvBVdWo672W7rEtgyH9lG8gwY_7zrafh_A5gou9RqgBnRK_Zqxd-Vr3gSa9OIuRTQWnLxRvpYj_Gx_DijWKRgjBNrSrpC3FU-vmwcei27f1yaCHN29EwDIIOzDaOIfYsp5mmfSawXzk7Yyhyphenhyphen7vd_6u0SlwtRIoI8GM30j-4GOt5ICtRpc/s1200/P+G%20Chesterfield%202nd%20Machin50%2020231230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="984" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR3eXUQuBaupvBVdWo672W7rEtgyH9lG8gwY_7zrafh_A5gou9RqgBnRK_Zqxd-Vr3gSa9OIuRTQWnLxRvpYj_Gx_DijWKRgjBNrSrpC3FU-vmwcei27f1yaCHN29EwDIIOzDaOIfYsp5mmfSawXzk7Yyhyphenhyphen7vd_6u0SlwtRIoI8GM30j-4GOt5ICtRpc/w524-h640/P+G%20Chesterfield%202nd%20Machin50%2020231230.jpg" width="524" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chesterfield Post and Go SSK67 02/01/2024 Machin Anniversary strip 2nd class in error.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3JWcJRvAKg1cjYo8jDoGdEjqtM0aAycCGuQH8OnC6FMgEmCYkQnMnrmyEeqe-YCt591X4bBTflVyj4m5xqN85J0Z45VI6ns5bGuvfdhtoYyO6D0u1cuF8FzhTC0sOjg-pA45qPAck1A-bmnCK-k0ptUox1DvstBkdXx0Bfk0OPooiuqChK7bjSk5xTI/s1600/P+G%20Chesterfield%202nd+1st%20Machins%20switched%2020231230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3JWcJRvAKg1cjYo8jDoGdEjqtM0aAycCGuQH8OnC6FMgEmCYkQnMnrmyEeqe-YCt591X4bBTflVyj4m5xqN85J0Z45VI6ns5bGuvfdhtoYyO6D0u1cuF8FzhTC0sOjg-pA45qPAck1A-bmnCK-k0ptUox1DvstBkdXx0Bfk0OPooiuqChK7bjSk5xTI/w480-h640/P+G%20Chesterfield%202nd+1st%20Machins%20switched%2020231230.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chesterfield Post and Go SSK67 30/12/023 errors SSK68, 1st class on blue stock, and 2nd class on brown stock.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>All news about P&G in 2024 will be here, and comments for the old (January 2023) post will be closed later in the month. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-44442924274626387012024-01-08T15:47:00.006+00:002024-01-08T15:47:53.774+00:00Printed stamps as Postage Paid Indicators - Christmas 2023 and more<p><b>In <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/09/more-king-charles-iii-ppis-in-variety.html" target="_blank">September</a> I wrote about the first King Charles III Postage Paid Impressions using images of stamps, what Royal Mail referred to at one time as </b><b> '<a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2015/09/alice-in-wonderland-to-appear-on-direct.html" target="_blank">digital-stamps</a>' printed direct onto mailings by large companies or mailing houses.</b></p><p>Now the holiday season is over I can show two examples of the 2023 2nd class Christmas stamp used in the same way. Usually it is only the definitive and Christmas stamps are used in this way, but occasionally another 2nd class commemorative is made available - if the copyright is wholly Royal Mail's.<br /></p><p><b>Christmas 2023 2nd class</b> - thanks to JE, these are C9 10017 (The Delivery Group) from House of Bruar [and also Healthspan (no TDG logo) and Operation Smile (with logo)],
C9 10018 (Brightpost) from the Salvation Army,
C9 10046 (Mi-Post) from Westminster Collection</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SePGbTBNbPYZOnKIA2mRyxD86JBbWH3_g8r4NwC2gGiy58Invcde33OnhjoLhgVOa_gLA_pY2U41tL92QcftQTbW_FrpmcWoQdz6-WqkRgIaebuaFPmcdeHx-cbaUkMte_DxgN_ns4q1bmqAjqB3JvSA2T_Uem7MRr1NfeY4HirAto6QJltubfcayxo/s1312/PPI%20Xmas%2023%202nd%20C9%2010046.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="1312" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SePGbTBNbPYZOnKIA2mRyxD86JBbWH3_g8r4NwC2gGiy58Invcde33OnhjoLhgVOa_gLA_pY2U41tL92QcftQTbW_FrpmcWoQdz6-WqkRgIaebuaFPmcdeHx-cbaUkMte_DxgN_ns4q1bmqAjqB3JvSA2T_Uem7MRr1NfeY4HirAto6QJltubfcayxo/w640-h188/PPI%20Xmas%2023%202nd%20C9%2010046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2023 2nd class stamp design used as Postal Paid Impression, C9 license 10046, unnecessarily postmarked North & West Yorkshire 16/11/2023<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxR40o76McNcGZWEnLoGN8MTaD0hPmc6dH4BiXWzD7_JnptNsLg7U8tnd-MORR_J0aS5xVqVtd2IO3GIAqmLL2quFSGszpdwY2EwS9a0cx1hbiWBk6-BCnrfaUiKU6WSAYYMFaIVpeqaFa3WIqKNk8zkjAgljbmAXqQHBalKnDR0gApCkWFqgdv-xaLI/s1341/PPI%20Xmas%2023%202nd%20C9%2010017%20TDG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="1341" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxR40o76McNcGZWEnLoGN8MTaD0hPmc6dH4BiXWzD7_JnptNsLg7U8tnd-MORR_J0aS5xVqVtd2IO3GIAqmLL2quFSGszpdwY2EwS9a0cx1hbiWBk6-BCnrfaUiKU6WSAYYMFaIVpeqaFa3WIqKNk8zkjAgljbmAXqQHBalKnDR0gApCkWFqgdv-xaLI/w640-h190/PPI%20Xmas%2023%202nd%20C9%2010017%20TDG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2023 2nd class stamp design used as Postal Paid Impression, C9
license 10017 (The Delivery Group), unnecessarily postmarked North & West Yorkshire
14/11/2023<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hHWXOppOi2K0xwt0hs06HUDeyjyhsMANRFKagUeqzo78fonsyF8-EStTDnNsIryE3D9kGyd6WvyZn5Nl2LSoo-7XMHF6oPrsiFNWVN-GErI9qM_4YLyR7UH8Xu8mug82DOx9MIgjf0bZw_0vcWfUQXaw16RvuDLwZvG8ityJP0ax2MaTejq5Bhtfij8/s771/PPI%20Xmas%2023%202nd%20C9%2010018%20boxed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="771" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hHWXOppOi2K0xwt0hs06HUDeyjyhsMANRFKagUeqzo78fonsyF8-EStTDnNsIryE3D9kGyd6WvyZn5Nl2LSoo-7XMHF6oPrsiFNWVN-GErI9qM_4YLyR7UH8Xu8mug82DOx9MIgjf0bZw_0vcWfUQXaw16RvuDLwZvG8ityJP0ax2MaTejq5Bhtfij8/w400-h200/PPI%20Xmas%2023%202nd%20C9%2010018%20boxed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2023 2nd class stamp design used as Postal Paid Impression, C9
license 10018 from the Salvation Army </i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcLWZV0mEW_1YU0w2lMZYuhyphenhyphenzCQQw4iSH5-3CMM3TB4BjvM6vA__D97ZRxBe5lU0nAjPe9RE-rHOteL_4ujkhCe5w23c6NGn9ezoOwfnfqQkudDskUW32sGLiIClQDhlRs1UShLranPTtwKrSnoq9uXHu97ka8UE8vhUGGHZ9bq_Tf1aVOya_TDHNB6w/s1186/PPI%20Christmas%2023%202nd%20class%20Pets%20C9%20100002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1181" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcLWZV0mEW_1YU0w2lMZYuhyphenhyphenzCQQw4iSH5-3CMM3TB4BjvM6vA__D97ZRxBe5lU0nAjPe9RE-rHOteL_4ujkhCe5w23c6NGn9ezoOwfnfqQkudDskUW32sGLiIClQDhlRs1UShLranPTtwKrSnoq9uXHu97ka8UE8vhUGGHZ9bq_Tf1aVOya_TDHNB6w/w399-h400/PPI%20Christmas%2023%202nd%20class%20Pets%20C9%20100002.jpg" width="399" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2023 2nd class stamp design used as Postal Paid Impression, C9
license 10002, used by Pets VIP Club.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><i><b> </b></i></p><p><i><b>Any other pictorial PPIs will be posted on this thread; King Charles examples will, in general, be on the September post linked in line 1.</b></i><br /></p>
<p><br /></p><hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-23935400855706962352024-01-08T13:58:00.013+00:002024-02-26T15:32:43.105+00:00January 2024 slogan postmarks and other interesting postal markings.<p><b>Last year Royal Mail were concentrating on the invalidation of Machin definitives (originally January) and the slogan postmark in use at the turn of the year reminded us of that. </b></p><p>The first new slogan marked Holocaust Memorial Day - and that is likely to be the case again this year.</p><p>Meanwhile the current default slogan is for Royal Mail's staff-chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation. </p><p>The slogan has the BHF logo and web address. The first example in the new year is from <b>Dorset & S.W. Hants</b> mail centre <b>03-01-2024</b>, thanks to JH.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>British Heart<br />Foundation<br />Royal Mail supporting<br />heart health with<br />BHF<br />bhf.org.uk</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b></b></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEhgiWgWhu7EYVzMCPB5igeRkF-W-A7W_Uje1KuzAWTA3n74pkmXLpGTcbo9pJFWvaF-baBYoGa7zyNC4Zgf0YkotJn-3ko4TY3aGiYuUqvZAeK5Y84wCxfDDLmen5SQS6f39YrmVflnXGM1PlFLr2ZoQ94TAvuGXlxz2tj3zTTLU1bCOHz5C0XuVTl4/s1250/BHF%20Dorset%20&%20SW%20Hants%2020240103%20JH.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="1250" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEhgiWgWhu7EYVzMCPB5igeRkF-W-A7W_Uje1KuzAWTA3n74pkmXLpGTcbo9pJFWvaF-baBYoGa7zyNC4Zgf0YkotJn-3ko4TY3aGiYuUqvZAeK5Y84wCxfDDLmen5SQS6f39YrmVflnXGM1PlFLr2ZoQ94TAvuGXlxz2tj3zTTLU1bCOHz5C0XuVTl4/w640-h168/BHF%20Dorset%20&%20SW%20Hants%2020240103%20JH.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BHF slogan from Dorset & S.W. Hants 03-01-2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></span><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p>The annual Holocaust Memorial Day slogan is in use this week. Royal Mail announced this on social media and their 'proof' clearly shows the time as 8pm rather than 4pm last year. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjwCieUCe0roS0Id0H8Y7o7EavVYOJxK1F1GbjiBswoYJRhp_KStjrt0bUuPuB4cYMjjVMjaq4QoIK8Gy15c-R43rYlM66HJncVHTsTtVh45xXJpaiRUuNA-p09cHAykujAVlHacKIvJeXPIXh-ytGla4nc66ePxRpvtu-BULgSnQlcXtmlxk5j113FQ/s756/Holocaust%20MD%202024%20proof.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="756" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjwCieUCe0roS0Id0H8Y7o7EavVYOJxK1F1GbjiBswoYJRhp_KStjrt0bUuPuB4cYMjjVMjaq4QoIK8Gy15c-R43rYlM66HJncVHTsTtVh45xXJpaiRUuNA-p09cHAykujAVlHacKIvJeXPIXh-ytGla4nc66ePxRpvtu-BULgSnQlcXtmlxk5j113FQ/w640-h182/Holocaust%20MD%202024%20proof.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 slogan publicity image</i></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>This is useful because I received two examples from <b>Norwich Mail Centre</b> this morning dated <b>23 and 24-01-2024</b> in which the time looks more like 2 or 3!<br />
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Holocaust Memorial Day<br />Light a candle<br />in your window<br />8pm 27 January 2024<br />hmd.org.uk</b></span></span>
</p><p>
</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivms8Nw8rC4xQqsNSwrXM49mescksgi6AFDmyVPHd8N5NerMjZ6wImPx9BUrBBDG9oQDKeXxvAKaoYbERdsyERuuDjx3k-SQ3jigm4mKJWwUqZG7EEBL_zYBKCKN6bqiIFKqfj6f1YAeo13GqCDriNceJhqQhT-ZcVJScY5XXzb4JXRPQvENCPZSCToAc/s968/Holocaust%20MD%202024%20Norwich%2020240124.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="968" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivms8Nw8rC4xQqsNSwrXM49mescksgi6AFDmyVPHd8N5NerMjZ6wImPx9BUrBBDG9oQDKeXxvAKaoYbERdsyERuuDjx3k-SQ3jigm4mKJWwUqZG7EEBL_zYBKCKN6bqiIFKqfj6f1YAeo13GqCDriNceJhqQhT-ZcVJScY5XXzb4JXRPQvENCPZSCToAc/w640-h190/Holocaust%20MD%202024%20Norwich%2020240124.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 slogan at Norwich Mail Centre 23-01-2024<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>UPDATE 29 January: Thanks to OT for this better (but still same format) copy of the slogan from Jubilee Mail Centre 25-01-2024</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpgWEtJU7xugFpEYw2kSU3L0RP9MVzYda7aattsr3FLCeGOtJYx9cNjUKmF02BMnLCtU_SldgK0v676emEAFpBOb0EElAkuKFLzOgqRAULkvi0lK7_TePkyvP91P-GrXY7g2KGAle6f_wL7WXZr2nYFzRAvYF_WksA7PZnXNhL-lPmbto8VzViL_wVj8/s1200/Holocaust%20MD2024%20Jubilee%2020240125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="1200" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpgWEtJU7xugFpEYw2kSU3L0RP9MVzYda7aattsr3FLCeGOtJYx9cNjUKmF02BMnLCtU_SldgK0v676emEAFpBOb0EElAkuKFLzOgqRAULkvi0lK7_TePkyvP91P-GrXY7g2KGAle6f_wL7WXZr2nYFzRAvYF_WksA7PZnXNhL-lPmbto8VzViL_wVj8/w640-h172/Holocaust%20MD2024%20Jubilee%2020240125.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 slogan at Jubilee Mail Centre 25-01-2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p></p><b></b><p>A final showing of the standard BHF slogan (see <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2024/02/february-2024-slogan-postmarks-and.html" target="_blank">February</a> for the change) in the other layout, from <b>Cumbria Dumfries & Galloway on 29/01/2024. </b>Nice to see an £2.20 airmail rate Christmas stamp.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_ePXaGo_mSvSIGzdMm1mmXvmP4rDbk03Hrnusj5HSoQO4YzkW6RgKFGHuydm5wEcpxjDV8S57Hu9mENJyErwFifEsy67326Gxi8RV72lXcXK0cH24eRpOMby8g1ZacSLAqIL8CUJ7IBm77MyhUbnEOfce1Ztw8v-8czVtniU9KbFNq_lzWYYnJWBu_g/s1200/BHF%201%20Dumfries%20&%20Galloway%2020240129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="1200" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_ePXaGo_mSvSIGzdMm1mmXvmP4rDbk03Hrnusj5HSoQO4YzkW6RgKFGHuydm5wEcpxjDV8S57Hu9mENJyErwFifEsy67326Gxi8RV72lXcXK0cH24eRpOMby8g1ZacSLAqIL8CUJ7IBm77MyhUbnEOfce1Ztw8v-8czVtniU9KbFNq_lzWYYnJWBu_g/w640-h194/BHF%201%20Dumfries%20&%20Galloway%2020240129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BHF slogan from Cumbria Dumfries & Galloway 29/01/2024</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br />
</p><p><br />
</p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p></p><p><b>OTHER POSTMARKS AND POSTAL MARKINGS</b></p><p>A reader in Canada has sent me a photo of "A nice cancel from a local post office" - in fact, MY local post office of <b>Dereham Norfolk</b>, although I didn't send it. It gives me the opportunity show a similar cancel from a different self-inking datestamp at the same branch. The one with code E has not had the year rolled over to 2024 instead reading 05. JA 23.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSm7p6gAvBak6ZzZkTsAvW9hkAeGq50irXO9L6cNKyckJSD1qN1sNtmTShusUcI3oHEZ9lC9CHIpfOu8L_IGyd01KN2AkKMYLwqhIa7s7vshFrWlsOBXO7HBcZMDXRYeU6VE99lf_3brQ6HF4yLngfiJu9NlaDzmGrJUhVBz0ND6iloDac3iCaC5pyaE/s442/Dereham%20Norfolk%20SID%20A%2020240102.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSm7p6gAvBak6ZzZkTsAvW9hkAeGq50irXO9L6cNKyckJSD1qN1sNtmTShusUcI3oHEZ9lC9CHIpfOu8L_IGyd01KN2AkKMYLwqhIa7s7vshFrWlsOBXO7HBcZMDXRYeU6VE99lf_3brQ6HF4yLngfiJu9NlaDzmGrJUhVBz0ND6iloDac3iCaC5pyaE/s320/Dereham%20Norfolk%20SID%20A%2020240102.jpeg" width="275" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSm7p6gAvBak6ZzZkTsAvW9hkAeGq50irXO9L6cNKyckJSD1qN1sNtmTShusUcI3oHEZ9lC9CHIpfOu8L_IGyd01KN2AkKMYLwqhIa7s7vshFrWlsOBXO7HBcZMDXRYeU6VE99lf_3brQ6HF4yLngfiJu9NlaDzmGrJUhVBz0ND6iloDac3iCaC5pyaE/s442/Dereham%20Norfolk%20SID%20A%2020240102.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-ZiZ0xh-X_BFOIjYm6YUh6cLJ48enK8TLNfadlHYEUjCAy_EXYOnip5-2zjdC8nw5CliusQlDTb0y50_pwvTLwlYGD6GUIghKNys5GA6H3BGllVoB-syliL4Xiaq8kNEkdaXmi57Lo9dIH9ZWZ0Y7wxEsd-m74-P_WeGAvXAGOFpn6Vu-oVs27t-GHw/s379/Dereham%20Norfolk%20SID%20E%2020230105%20-%20with%20wrong%20year.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-ZiZ0xh-X_BFOIjYm6YUh6cLJ48enK8TLNfadlHYEUjCAy_EXYOnip5-2zjdC8nw5CliusQlDTb0y50_pwvTLwlYGD6GUIghKNys5GA6H3BGllVoB-syliL4Xiaq8kNEkdaXmi57Lo9dIH9ZWZ0Y7wxEsd-m74-P_WeGAvXAGOFpn6Vu-oVs27t-GHw/s320/Dereham%20Norfolk%20SID%20E%2020230105%20-%20with%20wrong%20year.jpeg" width="313" /></a></div><p><br /><br /><b>UPDATE. </b>The same correspondent has provided this nice clear self-inking-datestamp impression from Wolviston, which is "is a village and civil parish within the borough of Stockton-on-Tees and the ceremonial county of County Durham, England. The population of the civil parish as of the 2011 census was 877 (<i>Wikipedia</i>). </p><p>They are lucky in still having a post office, and even luckier that the people working there know that they should cancel the stamps on large letters!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUZrGBGKMHP21NenJTntxt19XRKsMoCMt-0AzDjWoMDU2fwIbU_J6YTVWV-ZtRHxZdYbfsie3ENZ04PPadeGFw8HuTqm2mtK7HMFZFqBMgBWVhfCtXcjxu6vPtvTpAMgFpxNmUit-uEujx7FtKtSaFze-eC5g6okzuSiQObciLZ8WNavYUNnAc_xfC9A/s486/Wolviston%20cds%2020240115.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUZrGBGKMHP21NenJTntxt19XRKsMoCMt-0AzDjWoMDU2fwIbU_J6YTVWV-ZtRHxZdYbfsie3ENZ04PPadeGFw8HuTqm2mtK7HMFZFqBMgBWVhfCtXcjxu6vPtvTpAMgFpxNmUit-uEujx7FtKtSaFze-eC5g6okzuSiQObciLZ8WNavYUNnAc_xfC9A/w323-h400/Wolviston%20cds%2020240115.png" width="323" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wolviston self-inking-datestamp 15 January 2024.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>A very picturesque post office!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWXoM4vAsZonu_ADsMOxEaffooJvRYs73IdeKEDxBEgQDlYgleyikhceU1iEee60MCBROdSViJxgx2RqllUc2_PfGCItaN893nOxvORYZQC6KQ8m0_EBNa5S55auRDd0XsXTQ6XKCL-EshH6nvbhdqsXDa_e0aWNJ0AI_zO5_gOzomkLYKEyCI6OWgiA/s566/Screenshot%202024-01-23%20at%2010.16.02.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="511" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWXoM4vAsZonu_ADsMOxEaffooJvRYs73IdeKEDxBEgQDlYgleyikhceU1iEee60MCBROdSViJxgx2RqllUc2_PfGCItaN893nOxvORYZQC6KQ8m0_EBNa5S55auRDd0XsXTQ6XKCL-EshH6nvbhdqsXDa_e0aWNJ0AI_zO5_gOzomkLYKEyCI6OWgiA/w361-h400/Screenshot%202024-01-23%20at%2010.16.02.png" width="361" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wolviston Village Post Office (Google)<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Any more, anyone?<br /></p><p></p><hr width="70%" />
<b></b><p>
</p><p>If you have any other slogans used this month, or any other
interesting postal markings, please send them to the email address in
the top right of this blog. Thank you.<br />
</p><p><br />
</p><p><b>Remember, all postmarks appearing in January will be added to this post, so check
here before you spend time scanning and emailing. I'll try to add new
ones as quickly as possible.</b></p>
<p><b></b>
<b><b>
</b></b></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-47267613792170248772024-01-05T06:06:00.003+00:002024-01-05T17:08:50.335+00:00Music is the Spice of life: Music Giants IX, The Spice Girls - 11 January 2024<p><b>Royal Mail start the new year yet again with a Music Giants issue, this time for"the biggest girl group of all time, the Spice Girls, on the 30th anniversary of their formation" (*). </b></p><p>The Spice Girls are global superstars, feminist icons, cultural figureheads and one of the most successful British bands since The Beatles. Between 1996 and 1998, when Spicemania was at its peak, they dominated the airwaves and stormed charts around the world with their inspirational ‘Girl Power!’ ethos and catchy pop hits. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and scored nine UK number one singles. <br /></p><p><i>* Last year the New York Times ranked the Spice Girls only fourth behind Diana Ross and the Supremes, who had 12 number one hits in first place.</i></p><p>The issue consists - as usual - of a set of stamps and a miniature sheet. The 15 stamps in total are all 1st class, meaning a basic cost of £18.75.<i> <br /></i></p><p><b>The stamps.</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r8666El-zr9EIY9wwDIPSi0IMcF19-6nRjglyF7ebg2WaMtyBxz63mhGr8qY4Vx7t5p25EVKnXscxx2Xy0pHarB5hpT6UeUW80Cp3YoJHpTkQFv4FjbkWlSMwc22dfM8GcOPRZgbiC4Muz1jNNLqVa8q56tj0utfPNy1KCT-vDa-utR_JRMaDbjVM8Q/s1500/Spice%20Girls%20Stamps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5r8666El-zr9EIY9wwDIPSi0IMcF19-6nRjglyF7ebg2WaMtyBxz63mhGr8qY4Vx7t5p25EVKnXscxx2Xy0pHarB5hpT6UeUW80Cp3YoJHpTkQFv4FjbkWlSMwc22dfM8GcOPRZgbiC4Muz1jNNLqVa8q56tj0utfPNy1KCT-vDa-utR_JRMaDbjVM8Q/w640-h208/Spice%20Girls%20Stamps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Set of 10 x 1st class Spice Girls stamps</i><i> issued 11 January 2024.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yMGtyw1jk9mzbJXMaqfIa0wSaBZQvaitlHByQZPXGc9eMzmValvSA9a6Yh8apfHzHh-qvZyuHUTe294CyvYK2Auvp8o276Qx3faPNqjC_10V23aJXbwvCkHFHPN6e8v8-Vez7yc8IbXb8iascWzAIiSAMGIDjBCgcjxggmQR9IXwsTcpCciIOcZG-dg/s1200/Spice%20Girls%20Miniature%20Sheet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yMGtyw1jk9mzbJXMaqfIa0wSaBZQvaitlHByQZPXGc9eMzmValvSA9a6Yh8apfHzHh-qvZyuHUTe294CyvYK2Auvp8o276Qx3faPNqjC_10V23aJXbwvCkHFHPN6e8v8-Vez7yc8IbXb8iascWzAIiSAMGIDjBCgcjxggmQR9IXwsTcpCciIOcZG-dg/w640-h266/Spice%20Girls%20Miniature%20Sheet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Miniature sheet of five x 1st class Spice Girls stamps issued 11 January 2024.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The sheet stamps consist of five showing each group member individually, and five group shots from "some of their most iconic live performances internationally and in the UK."</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">For details, see Acknowledgements below.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The miniature sheet shows each of the band members in an iconic group photo. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><b>Technical Details and acknowledgements</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><p>The 41 x 30 mm gummed stamps have been printed in lithography by
International Security Printers in sheets of 50 in horizontal se-tenant
strips of 5, perforated 14.5 x 14. <br /></p><p>The 180 x 74 mm self-adhesive miniature sheet
contains 26 x 36 mm stamps printed in lithography by International
Security Printers perforated 14 x14.</p><p><u>Designed</u> by Supple Studio.<br /><u>Acknowledgements</u> in stamp order: (1) Spice Girls performing at the BRIT Awards, 1997 © Shutterstock.com; Melanie Chisholm performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1998 © Richard Young/Shutterstock.com; Spice Girls performing during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games © Johannes Eisele/AFP/ Getty Images; Geri Halliwell performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1997 © Dave Benett/Getty Images; Spice Girls performing in San Jose, California, 2007 © Matt Baron/Shutterstock. com; </p><p>(2) Emma Bunton performing at Wembley Arena, London, 1998 © Pete Still/Redferns/Getty Images; Spice Girls performing in Istanbul, 1997 © 2024 Spice Girls; Victoria Beckham performing during The Return of the Spice Girls Tour at Madison Square Garden, New York City, 2008 © MJ Kim/Spice Girls LLP via Getty Images; Spice Girls performing in Dublin, 1998 © Dave Hogan/Getty Images; Melanie Brown performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1997 © JMEnternational/Redferns/Getty Images. Under license to Bravado Merchandising. All rights reserved. © 2024 Spice Girls. </p><p>MS: Spice Girls, photograph by Christophe Gstalder © Spice Girls/ Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection/Alamy Stock Photo. Under license to Bravado Merchandising. All rights reserved. © 2024 Spice Girls.<br /></p></div><p><b>Products available<br /></b></p><p>Set of 10 stamps, miniature sheet, first day covers (2), presentation pack, prestige stamp book (PSB), press sheet of 12 minitaure sheets (edition of 200), stamp cards, fan sheets (2), collectors sheets (2), gold stamp set, platinum mini-sheet, framed products, print, stamps & MS each in a special souvenir carrier, limited edition PSB. </p><p><b>Prestige Stamp Book, price £23.70.</b><br /></p><p>As expected the PSB contains all the stamps in the same form as they are otherwise available, plus a pane of King Charles III definitive stamps coded M23L MPIL, with labels showing stills from the videos <i>2 Become 1</i> and <i>Viva Forever</i>. (Click on the images to enlarge.)<br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1sAnpU4tnKsN8lj6PoFnzTd_bfF-bIMGaokxIcS7PUrigkpyxHGoyjU7-XvrAIv0UNncYBaWJFz40inp1jtcVK-8eeToxLNoQ6o2v-VKnO1IMc3i1Pd9eZ5w8uDKswNnT6LNX3kXGSH4VmjfW84uXRKiwTO5xmBuz4uHc0ffx3drwvC9Fh4cYUEtIHA/s800/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Front%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1sAnpU4tnKsN8lj6PoFnzTd_bfF-bIMGaokxIcS7PUrigkpyxHGoyjU7-XvrAIv0UNncYBaWJFz40inp1jtcVK-8eeToxLNoQ6o2v-VKnO1IMc3i1Pd9eZ5w8uDKswNnT6LNX3kXGSH4VmjfW84uXRKiwTO5xmBuz4uHc0ffx3drwvC9Fh4cYUEtIHA/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Front%20Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Front cover of regular book.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiUKW_FtYtf2EiScZwR-xcEtLHsK-Kc2V5xRWWFBu1DGiw-VLa9z8mqMJoFO7mXo4GdzDggc-5Ww0Pf_MUzR_RRSSRGP9QjTDZ6qxoOlZrxSSJoy-INNnyw6nVIza8yFQrKbW6rq1J0_CKX3xXAZ7PzmFxHMhHvDIA4XXGhwWulr_byKK_YAdGWl9sQI/s800/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiUKW_FtYtf2EiScZwR-xcEtLHsK-Kc2V5xRWWFBu1DGiw-VLa9z8mqMJoFO7mXo4GdzDggc-5Ww0Pf_MUzR_RRSSRGP9QjTDZ6qxoOlZrxSSJoy-INNnyw6nVIza8yFQrKbW6rq1J0_CKX3xXAZ7PzmFxHMhHvDIA4XXGhwWulr_byKK_YAdGWl9sQI/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%201.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagEuboJFWme6Gh25yJ9eiRjtdSwI2G1AQW03ULwvQpVo4VmFYSMIUXHTNyWL2Zmg4nDUudA6ar9k5_Kx8iHngqzsBdvsYhbgQnmjkeKrqj2YXNPB0rpRO00X6IUxCizDPLVa5ac6wEKZ73wXp2xNNaCoqRMjtSZ9hPv7uwWZcR19cavV-1cWGBJ8wQkc/s800/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagEuboJFWme6Gh25yJ9eiRjtdSwI2G1AQW03ULwvQpVo4VmFYSMIUXHTNyWL2Zmg4nDUudA6ar9k5_Kx8iHngqzsBdvsYhbgQnmjkeKrqj2YXNPB0rpRO00X6IUxCizDPLVa5ac6wEKZ73wXp2xNNaCoqRMjtSZ9hPv7uwWZcR19cavV-1cWGBJ8wQkc/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVESFETQ8uqkXiYmr-s7gf4KKk9vjM7y8yCf9Z_qj16OUMIAat8DIfeNRtlqDFdLQ8DpTEW_hfpmSMPcFnifbzneX1Prz6lOAurJR85FYd6gnlCwP-JyiFEB-jctqVFED3g-AWmz6-azpVSq8DJwHlp0wBApiurn2JuZ0BeRxFZiO6kgd_cTaotS9bW7Q/s800/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVESFETQ8uqkXiYmr-s7gf4KKk9vjM7y8yCf9Z_qj16OUMIAat8DIfeNRtlqDFdLQ8DpTEW_hfpmSMPcFnifbzneX1Prz6lOAurJR85FYd6gnlCwP-JyiFEB-jctqVFED3g-AWmz6-azpVSq8DJwHlp0wBApiurn2JuZ0BeRxFZiO6kgd_cTaotS9bW7Q/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%203.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYWrEfPNNjmVjIO2YIuX8Kat_LJC-fY3B3owQjAl8usWGGXoF0Kvj1OnSpGJuULXmSNpVj3MlE1lm7jRGWFoBixESP4OaA5IVxCCN3pn6M-eiwPaCq2c-avfKQLbUonahyQpOaw6_fgHSVILKLtLLdA_I4eDwuMLM2ZJrhl_Wfwh_LPpIcL0zRI8TUjc/s800/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYWrEfPNNjmVjIO2YIuX8Kat_LJC-fY3B3owQjAl8usWGGXoF0Kvj1OnSpGJuULXmSNpVj3MlE1lm7jRGWFoBixESP4OaA5IVxCCN3pn6M-eiwPaCq2c-avfKQLbUonahyQpOaw6_fgHSVILKLtLLdA_I4eDwuMLM2ZJrhl_Wfwh_LPpIcL0zRI8TUjc/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Stamp%20Pane%204.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiX6nfwjIC2ankcdd7VTgiTt9sPMNhSB8Mm1Hxpi2BmTXEO1bTzfH_uFCcSvODgaSdmm3myFGLsEmnntN3abxgXvFrMc5GKBSnj10MpVjASwJWy16Ph_w-_MXnCXsv8isn1Aa6zuZnosaIotiGl32J6p_ibrjPWdqiUPOQOMKKEBRE4DsMvGeR_4f9qA/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20PSB%20Back%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Back cover of regular book.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjA_4N-qxgV9GftqviW7njjlbbIezIvneWb9zs7mWMZ9GF0LL9nSuToEUY1fbkZoUhfLIf_GPQkXVhONOAfJ0luA0_A64bITJs0m8qJ8bxx6M5pMB7JjO8MyMgC8bDglHrAq_0weRSpCV-XKY1RPiOhRX_h3SrtSx04JAhtQUw0VQljR2Y2kApboaKUQ/s800/Spice%20Girls%20Limited%20Edition%20PSB%20Front%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjA_4N-qxgV9GftqviW7njjlbbIezIvneWb9zs7mWMZ9GF0LL9nSuToEUY1fbkZoUhfLIf_GPQkXVhONOAfJ0luA0_A64bITJs0m8qJ8bxx6M5pMB7JjO8MyMgC8bDglHrAq_0weRSpCV-XKY1RPiOhRX_h3SrtSx04JAhtQUw0VQljR2Y2kApboaKUQ/w400-h248/Spice%20Girls%20Limited%20Edition%20PSB%20Front%20Cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Front cover of Limited Edition book.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p><b>Limited Edition PSB </b>has the same stamps but is has different covers and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Limited to 1994 copies, price £49.99. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Collectors sheets</b></p><p>One collectors sheet contains a full set of 10 stamps, the other two sets of stamps from the miniature sheet, both accompanied by pictorial labels of the group, price £13.70 each. Both are self-adhesive making the 'sheet' stamps different to those issued in sheets.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOZP0XRyjpVnkXQhgYeuyHQ24t-QrUJV3EZK3l9IFqLbjxXkjU6yIielaFIAWYleHxxwOF7NGbgXjIQyBPgzM0GO1JLO55VqJ0wTbycm_Q05sANKojmAYKG7qr67IzkoR2ChZd2QiYv6JhVRgMSO__D0q1HzbkhotE6mMXePEjNyDdCiY718opoYfvw8/s1697/Spice%20Girls%20Collectors%20Sheet%20with%20main%20stamps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOZP0XRyjpVnkXQhgYeuyHQ24t-QrUJV3EZK3l9IFqLbjxXkjU6yIielaFIAWYleHxxwOF7NGbgXjIQyBPgzM0GO1JLO55VqJ0wTbycm_Q05sANKojmAYKG7qr67IzkoR2ChZd2QiYv6JhVRgMSO__D0q1HzbkhotE6mMXePEjNyDdCiY718opoYfvw8/w452-h640/Spice%20Girls%20Collectors%20Sheet%20with%20main%20stamps.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spice Girls Collectors sheet of 10 stamps and labels.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMMF2JolXr-OTmrnhtfBO_UaQQJyp44cQGM5jfurMcpKfPYzLItzg2IZV3_EfsYCrR66Ih_gekmMSX8jnP9A_-O4cHxjqcpxzyX56aQ-nx_80tpK77AO7DJ-Cby6F7Z9lR5h_R05teH_RUIk01JuVjOPSMZBul3NPZNSej2NrTcyA_wV3YVhY1NUF8HU/s1697/Spice%20Girls%20Collectors%20Sheet%20with%20minisheet%20stamps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMMF2JolXr-OTmrnhtfBO_UaQQJyp44cQGM5jfurMcpKfPYzLItzg2IZV3_EfsYCrR66Ih_gekmMSX8jnP9A_-O4cHxjqcpxzyX56aQ-nx_80tpK77AO7DJ-Cby6F7Z9lR5h_R05teH_RUIk01JuVjOPSMZBul3NPZNSej2NrTcyA_wV3YVhY1NUF8HU/w452-h640/Spice%20Girls%20Collectors%20Sheet%20with%20minisheet%20stamps.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spice Girls Collectors sheet of two sets of miniature sheet stamps, with labels.<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>Fan Sheets</b></p><p>1. containing two each of the 1997 Brit Award and Istanbul stamps. Size A4, litho with PVA gum. Edition of 5,000 - £7.00.</p><p>2. containing one each of the miniature sheet stamps. Size 230 x 190 mm, litho self-adhesive, edition of 5,000 price £7.50.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>As usual, the first issue of the year has garnered wide publicity in the general media. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>
<hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-78212375827871340822024-01-05T06:06:00.002+00:002024-01-05T11:03:24.756+00:00Royal Mail stamp programme for 2024 <p><b>The Royal Mail stamp programme for 2024 can now be published and all those who contributed to our competition can now see how accurate their predictions were.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_h9T9426k_KY8GIhpTyEMIxKEufR3OXmgP6r8bSgjFsUmBCyzU5gEVW51z9dZnKsE7SZWJIFBcgxUcsphNWUnmekjghHEwu_lIIMRFvZ9CpGLPtUdI6xDNnMm7X2DXndNHB_nk7-rzXn9P7pFo_ffXAxQrI2vB7GUz1VZzC8Ig366ZoEBS6iXfOzV8I/s243/Spice%20girls%20suggested%20stamp.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="243" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_h9T9426k_KY8GIhpTyEMIxKEufR3OXmgP6r8bSgjFsUmBCyzU5gEVW51z9dZnKsE7SZWJIFBcgxUcsphNWUnmekjghHEwu_lIIMRFvZ9CpGLPtUdI6xDNnMm7X2DXndNHB_nk7-rzXn9P7pFo_ffXAxQrI2vB7GUz1VZzC8Ig366ZoEBS6iXfOzV8I/w200-h166/Spice%20girls%20suggested%20stamp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />As has been widely discussed already, The Spice Girls are up first (although not with the stamp shown alongside which was suggested by a reader a couple of years ago), with a second Music Giants issue, for The Who, in the autumn. <p></p><p>The subjects as listed below are as Royal Mail provided them to us in autumn 2023. I have added (in brackets) associated anniversaries which may or may not be the reason behind the issue. <br /></p><p>This year only five of the five of the stamp issues is media/entertainment related, leaving 10 (including Christmas) more directly relevant.<br /></p><p>This programme has been made public at the same time as the Spice Girls stamps which are on a separate post.<br /></p><table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 730px;">
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<p class="western">11th January
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<p class="western"><a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2024/01/music-is-spice-of-life-music-giants-ix.html" target="_blank">Music Giants IX: Spice Girls</a><br /></p>
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<p class="western">1st February
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<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn82Ts9OE7t8RTTwYupe17uCTItVGAVen4AcwgTWXpoegQmQkHT1E-rt84K4OLZdsuiu4AfemlrU1lWuQMFcH6fDeYf42nY4ok45wzbZKc8Jty3zsLkOy95z74WiZYiVcK6xzM4zU41MogChNKMzbuQMcl0fjowejEIf4BYiO9UJ-aYkJQ19qENcwXjeA/s122/01mar27.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="121" data-original-width="122" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn82Ts9OE7t8RTTwYupe17uCTItVGAVen4AcwgTWXpoegQmQkHT1E-rt84K4OLZdsuiu4AfemlrU1lWuQMFcH6fDeYf42nY4ok45wzbZKc8Jty3zsLkOy95z74WiZYiVcK6xzM4zU41MogChNKMzbuQMcl0fjowejEIf4BYiO9UJ-aYkJQ19qENcwXjeA/s1600/01mar27.jpg" width="122" /></a></div>Weather: 170th Anniversary of the Meteorological Office (but also Centenary of The Shipping Forecast) §§§§ <br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="western">20th February<span> </span>
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<p class="western">Vikings: 40 years since the opening of the Jorvik Centre in York.<br /></p>
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<p class="western">12th March
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<td width="561"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMH_SvAWNyDEIUT2URUJWQFzHX-sqhPUJpy6AG7xfriZFbX1sc-FnE16N2_bwqSumxbYbBzmQ1uORpXryC33Ij5P0Q0SnpuPVvE_WhepVcLlXKq51WOlyvCmRBBknO5fiQrUcNokVTREYThp6M6RYTHwf-2lJxrum7GI9-k4BTGszmFJ_iYn6D7OPv4s/s264/131010-05-baryonyx.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="264" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMH_SvAWNyDEIUT2URUJWQFzHX-sqhPUJpy6AG7xfriZFbX1sc-FnE16N2_bwqSumxbYbBzmQ1uORpXryC33Ij5P0Q0SnpuPVvE_WhepVcLlXKq51WOlyvCmRBBknO5fiQrUcNokVTREYThp6M6RYTHwf-2lJxrum7GI9-k4BTGszmFJ_iYn6D7OPv4s/w200-h161/131010-05-baryonyx.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<p class="western">Dinosaurs<br /></p>
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<p class="western"><i>? April</i></p>
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<p class="western"><i>New Definitives for tariff change - possible, and likely to be airmail only</i><br /></p>
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<p class="western">16th April
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<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSyCPBdRq2MGYwAjWN6DI93sj80pIEZWfa8KEq5_66t7jaM7HHkAtw-_f61RyUniqa-qQcIOTL0dEbVCtEh9roI759rsXwatkWx5L6wsXLsQHA5lNDBhIa6BbpJf44WIB8bCmNLizFvhMj3opU0D4DqRPYrAH2oHH1Lw7dD67Kbg1eGVgFBY-ITmKslI/s527/bee-h-pair002.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="527" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSyCPBdRq2MGYwAjWN6DI93sj80pIEZWfa8KEq5_66t7jaM7HHkAtw-_f61RyUniqa-qQcIOTL0dEbVCtEh9roI759rsXwatkWx5L6wsXLsQHA5lNDBhIa6BbpJf44WIB8bCmNLizFvhMj3opU0D4DqRPYrAH2oHH1Lw7dD67Kbg1eGVgFBY-ITmKslI/w200-h75/bee-h-pair002.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Centenary of Commemorative Stamps (British Empire Exhibition)<br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="western">16th May
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<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYuKyDAzJ4m-7jrHy8Dk-4uv9yaa4XZwK4J1Z34oTwuEFPpRrcYxQycRS_E8HFcBIWcZ3BKyBVqrcSz8o8UvE5QZTZopOnMwQbEBS4kvWMS-Jp-NyvIIfGDTuFzBC3SPskWDIkzYvAViM86Tcr9Gr4Kp4KJV_3EOiV_dupCf21lzw2F0_yaMpQ1unv_g/s259/Peppa_Pig_Stamp.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="255" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYuKyDAzJ4m-7jrHy8Dk-4uv9yaa4XZwK4J1Z34oTwuEFPpRrcYxQycRS_E8HFcBIWcZ3BKyBVqrcSz8o8UvE5QZTZopOnMwQbEBS4kvWMS-Jp-NyvIIfGDTuFzBC3SPskWDIkzYvAViM86Tcr9Gr4Kp4KJV_3EOiV_dupCf21lzw2F0_yaMpQ1unv_g/w197-h200/Peppa_Pig_Stamp.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>Peppa Pig (Children's TV animation first aired 2004) <br /><br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="western">6th June
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<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB9OTnRf4ftYpup128mSm_0-Km1FtUiWLYNFuS_Ga6Bh7f3d6Ad2JBjWnZH7goA8zd0Bl7h1t6mfSic3mv5xWS2tSooEazjYipt_DVGUvJ8tyTrwP9MBs5rlPFBj7O3h3okJtC-K1F-dM-pPjygl9oCkVFYDaYHOlr2C-uJsVz-7kEqlO7ZMIc8wzWYY/s180/100311_battersea_dog_cat_pair.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB9OTnRf4ftYpup128mSm_0-Km1FtUiWLYNFuS_Ga6Bh7f3d6Ad2JBjWnZH7goA8zd0Bl7h1t6mfSic3mv5xWS2tSooEazjYipt_DVGUvJ8tyTrwP9MBs5rlPFBj7O3h3okJtC-K1F-dM-pPjygl9oCkVFYDaYHOlr2C-uJsVz-7kEqlO7ZMIc8wzWYY/s16000/100311_battersea_dog_cat_pair.jpg" /></a></div>Dogs §§§ <br /><br /><p></p>
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<p class="western">20th June
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</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4fXJ5T8oZCd5YvreZou32NRuTuGHBd-t9rSsDtm8w73IvohB33TAZYOrOj22uPRzcnSqggufL3l_Oc74-hJsQcz3N1hM9blaw1yPkCW69ME9gx8i6FLZQONzpOjwToE79OGoM2tvrTk_0whZe9c1oMKAhUhlYN0m-KFaNj46WDnO5a49RXV1sj72UZs/s200/080717arrows.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4fXJ5T8oZCd5YvreZou32NRuTuGHBd-t9rSsDtm8w73IvohB33TAZYOrOj22uPRzcnSqggufL3l_Oc74-hJsQcz3N1hM9blaw1yPkCW69ME9gx8i6FLZQONzpOjwToE79OGoM2tvrTk_0whZe9c1oMKAhUhlYN0m-KFaNj46WDnO5a49RXV1sj72UZs/s16000/080717arrows.jpg" /></a></div>Red Arrows 60th Anniversary <br /><br /><p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">25th July
</p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western">Dungeons and Dragons §§§<br /></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">13th August
</p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EnZgJNHeEAk4cP3oGEm4UhbMZW0ZDQM5HZ6asmoJYTWCcSUQwwH7XaRoBwn9LdmZ4m_6VfxdFfZwrEdyVgHUjkZbzzE0oRYWfYEuEQvfqGcSMfAxhPdZlFCBPKAKrBSsWK92EdkrcX9jxhA2OzV6ZLQvFDYYtzefDzkjdKj7h0drntp8izDkaqEYz5Q/s164/080822_Olympic_handover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EnZgJNHeEAk4cP3oGEm4UhbMZW0ZDQM5HZ6asmoJYTWCcSUQwwH7XaRoBwn9LdmZ4m_6VfxdFfZwrEdyVgHUjkZbzzE0oRYWfYEuEQvfqGcSMfAxhPdZlFCBPKAKrBSsWK92EdkrcX9jxhA2OzV6ZLQvFDYYtzefDzkjdKj7h0drntp8izDkaqEYz5Q/s16000/080822_Olympic_handover.jpg" /></a></div>Tower of London <br /><br /><p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">3rd September
</p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western">Porridge (TV programme which first aired in 1974)<br /></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">26th September
</p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western">Spiders</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">17th October
</p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western">Music Giants X: The Who §</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">5th November
</p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western">Christmas</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr valign="TOP">
<td width="151">
<p class="western">30th November<br /></p>
</td>
<td width="561">
<p class="western"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4WOfxJ6Z8foJOeWAzQbUVwcuuHr8fuRB2s8uarogVJ_hiQzjpLnpKBtYxj9mN4ThQpltgtts8Ollxx7IEbJaTKSf5fWt04vl6r-ANCPEBui677-v0DjV4CHH5sX0Suh4uJd9j8d0iCr0nYt8dfoTslqadbiZeaQm1H4nxjs_JiGaxrJqbNK7iNWAhKs/s413/churchill.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="413" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4WOfxJ6Z8foJOeWAzQbUVwcuuHr8fuRB2s8uarogVJ_hiQzjpLnpKBtYxj9mN4ThQpltgtts8Ollxx7IEbJaTKSf5fWt04vl6r-ANCPEBui677-v0DjV4CHH5sX0Suh4uJd9j8d0iCr0nYt8dfoTslqadbiZeaQm1H4nxjs_JiGaxrJqbNK7iNWAhKs/w200-h200/churchill.png" width="200" /></a></div>Sir Winston Churchill (150th Anniversary of Birth) §§§§§§§ <br /><br /><p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The indicators § show how many competition participants predicted he particular issue/subject in some way. Everybody included Christmas of course.<br /></p><p>My first reaction was that the subjects looked more interesting than in many recent years. It remains to be seen just why the Dinosaurs, Dogs, Spiders and Tower of London sets are included and any events or anniversaries that they are associated with.<br /></p><p>Various Royal Houses were covered in the past, and 2017's Ancient Britain covered the pre-historic period, so The Vikings may be another in a series. Similarly the Tower of London probably continues the Royal Palaces series.</p><p>Porridge is likely to be in similar style to Only Fools and Horses or Blackadder.</p><p>Time will tell; hopefully when the official announcement is made there will be more flesh on these bare bones.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<hr />Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-23779972597515005702023-12-19T09:27:00.000+00:002023-12-19T09:27:30.071+00:00Review of the Year 2023<p><b>Where has this year gone?</b></p><p>
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The first half of the
year, and to a lesser extent the second half, was dominated by the
<a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2022/02/thoughts-on-royal-mails-invalidation-of.html" target="_blank">decision by Royal Mail</a> to <b>invalidate ordinary Machin and Country
definitives</b> from 31 July.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_ltrGUbmariLCXXiA3zAPlDijs8U6YfWl7ZNPS0HbaGRSR2L4wu6BlN2AsUlVfQMxfjLzSueJ-lSitoLYy7_gGH6pJOzKtHeUndd7wrWmrchY2DDmPkFVlInCz95n-KJKM6WuoIDCNA/s306/130327_1RSF_MA13.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="306" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_ltrGUbmariLCXXiA3zAPlDijs8U6YfWl7ZNPS0HbaGRSR2L4wu6BlN2AsUlVfQMxfjLzSueJ-lSitoLYy7_gGH6pJOzKtHeUndd7wrWmrchY2DDmPkFVlInCz95n-KJKM6WuoIDCNA/w200-h194/130327_1RSF_MA13.png" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">From my point of view,
I had already decided to sell as much of my stock as possible to
people who might not have these stamps in their collections. As I
had really only been selling the security stamps (Gibbons' 'U'
numbers) this involved a lot of time sorting and identifying the
previous two versions of decimal Machins, the original and those with
elliptical perforations.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">And I found a lot more
than I expected to, in various stock books 'for later sorting' or in
packets, boxes, and presentation packs. As I prepared Stock lists
of stamps for sale I was also able to share – for the benefit of
newer collectors – key information about the phosphor arrangements
on booklet stamps from the 1970s & 1980s.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So while the first half of the year was largely writing about the system, and answering questions - here, by email, on social media, and
even phone calls - the rest of the year has involved sorting more stamps to send in to the Swapout scheme, and to make up into lists for sale.<br /></p><p></p><p><b>Penalties</b></p><p>
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The surcharge for using
a non-barcoded stamp started at £1.10 (which was the then 1<sup>st</sup>
class postage rate)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9uQrUIJHCUSKL1M5tZbsz6S6XdCTdS5eUCHgoZdzPRQZO1wFeHJgBC-Hb_43dGne2T10v8_vvqW3WeYpkIOcC7-PwBG5HkjFGpgFXHq7ZyVVSaoiL8-BY9_EJWYg8ltumDXuIfHWUqWlnFackAN1tCKoqNDepFMk9poBcaij4vrot-ZHkJt8Ctk3h1E/s653/Fee%20to%20Pay%20%C2%A31.10%20Stamp%20No%20Longer%20Valid%20for%20Postage.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="653" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9uQrUIJHCUSKL1M5tZbsz6S6XdCTdS5eUCHgoZdzPRQZO1wFeHJgBC-Hb_43dGne2T10v8_vvqW3WeYpkIOcC7-PwBG5HkjFGpgFXHq7ZyVVSaoiL8-BY9_EJWYg8ltumDXuIfHWUqWlnFackAN1tCKoqNDepFMk9poBcaij4vrot-ZHkJt8Ctk3h1E/w200-h104/Fee%20to%20Pay%20%C2%A31.10%20Stamp%20No%20Longer%20Valid%20for%20Postage.jpg" width="200" /></a> but <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/10/surcharges-rise-on-30-october-2023-7.html" target="_blank">in October a new range of charges</a> was
introduced pushing this charge up to £2.50 (the previous rate for
unpaid letters), with the rate for using a counterfeit stamp or no
postage at all rising from £2.50 to £5 (£7 for small parcels).
The rates for insufficient postage remained at £1.50 for letters and
£3.50 for small parcels.</p><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">With the invalidation, counterfeit stamps - about which more later - and simple error, the scope for postal history collections is wide. </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Postage rates</b><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tariff changes came as
usual at the beginning of April with a 15+% rise in the cost of a
basic 1<sup>st</sup> class letter and therefore of many of the
collectible stamps. The Worldwide 20 g letter rate was abolished
meaning that the £2.20 stamp now covered letters up to 100g anywhere
in the world. This eliminated the need for anything other than a
£2.20 airmail stamp – which was issued, along with all the King
Charles NVIs, the day <u>after</u> the rate increase.
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/09/1st-class-post-to-increase-to-125-from.html" target="_blank">A second tariff change</a>
took effect from 2 October affecting inland post, with the £1.25
rate for a basic 1<sup>st</sup> class letter being 31% higher than in
April 2022. It will need only a 7p increase in 2023 to produce a
rate double than in effect from March 2020. </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>A new reign, part 2</b> <br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Last year, I discussed what portrait would apepar on the first King Charles
definitives, preferring the banknote full-face portrait over the coin profile. <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/02/king-charles-iii-definitive-stamps-to.html" target="_blank">Royal Mail duly used the unflattering profile</a> – used without the
sculptor's input – from the coins prepared by the Royal Mint for the first stamps issued <br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The second wave, the
make-up values from 1p to £5 was issued at the end of August –
with the £3 value being dropped from the range. Royal Mail
confirmed that there would be no £2.20 country definitives as there
were a lot of old stamps to use.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Following His Majesty's
line that there was to be no waste and stocks of old stamps were to
be used to exhaustion, it took many months for the first definitives
of the new reign to appear apart from on the date of issue. <br /></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The need for a new
portrait to appear on other products was discussed but so far only
the Horizon label (in one location) and digital stamps for PPIs have
appeared.</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Commemorative or
Special stamps</b> ...</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">... followed the pattern of previous years with many issues
extolling the virtues of internationally </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITA3ZHjCZm6cchqtKwDqvBOXUmWbffm_3nHtXmbwRPypw_nEvM37FQkRtnR6qyTTY4Hk0Nw3gO4aUgvo0z-8ti077hqxkXglKv1vgut6lvKZlq6S9muPUI9HJQ5oxZkmZU5VlYpnxAsg5Afsg7cO05O2Fnj27A6LJrTcWhcWBreWAz2VtchqDVZ2Da7A/s640/River%20Wildlife%20stamps%20100%25.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="640" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITA3ZHjCZm6cchqtKwDqvBOXUmWbffm_3nHtXmbwRPypw_nEvM37FQkRtnR6qyTTY4Hk0Nw3gO4aUgvo0z-8ti077hqxkXglKv1vgut6lvKZlq6S9muPUI9HJQ5oxZkmZU5VlYpnxAsg5Afsg7cO05O2Fnj27A6LJrTcWhcWBreWAz2VtchqDVZ2Da7A/s320/River%20Wildlife%20stamps%20100%25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>famous television, film, and game (etc)
brands. The 'Coronation' issue was a big disappointment with only a
miniature sheet being issued: if one of them had been issued as a
single stamp in sheets it would have seen wider use. As if the
programme wasn't full enough RM saw fit to have two Music Giants
issues in one year.<p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">An innovation was to
produce stamps with face values without an equivalent postage rate: sadly, rather than produce a few lower-make-up-values, stamps were
issued with £1 and £2 denominations (the latter actually paying the
little-used worldwide surface rate).</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style> <b>Errors</b></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XnjFiG1biwYyHs8ZVeFjTG48EUE0aGlV_eOSWD53W8Ybt8A7gFL2P-s57pKxdJxi16nM44o5KiPhzcwrynbqJG1Sp5kZjWfTFnnfM9dVoG7W06FXrW2ekTSXuaEvpG7FCh2vXsVXcvfOsA4cBgp2MNtc8N_acUp5FcQW9XnU9VRzropcGBfxvHM3qA8/s800/KC3-%C2%A32%20both%20types.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XnjFiG1biwYyHs8ZVeFjTG48EUE0aGlV_eOSWD53W8Ybt8A7gFL2P-s57pKxdJxi16nM44o5KiPhzcwrynbqJG1Sp5kZjWfTFnnfM9dVoG7W06FXrW2ekTSXuaEvpG7FCh2vXsVXcvfOsA4cBgp2MNtc8N_acUp5FcQW9XnU9VRzropcGBfxvHM3qA8/s320/KC3-%C2%A32%20both%20types.jpg" width="68" /></a></p>Barely a year goes by without a Prestige Stamp Book being issued with an error, whether it's missing or duplicated panes or covers, or mis-cuts. This year it was miscuts on the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/03/cutting-error-on-x-men-prestige-book.html" target="_blank">X-Men booklet</a> and on the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/09/dame-shirley-bassey-music-giants-8-21.html" target="_blank">Shirley Bassey</a> booklet - which was also inverted. We were also sent some pictures of errors from the 1990s.<p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p>But Royal Mail – and it's
printer International Security Printers – was plagued by other
<b>errors</b> through the year. <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/07/major-error-on-river-wildlife-stamps.html" target="_blank">The River Wildlife</a> 1st class stamps were issued with a single central phosphor band, and a
reprint was necessary. Royal Mail offered to replace the wrongly-printed stamps with reprints!<p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The stamps applied to
first day covers of the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/08/is-this-cunning-plan-to-sell-more.html" target="_blank">second tranche of King Charles Definitives</a> were found to
have no security cuts; Royal Mail did not admit it was an error (although it clearly was) and no reprint was necessary because the stamps
were not made available to anybody in mint condition. In other words, there was no operational effect, so they didn't change them.<br /></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The third error of the
year to escape scrutiny (I understand that others were caught with closer scrutiny after the first two) was
the appearance of a sheet of <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/11/amazing-error-on-new-christmas-stamps.html" target="_blank">2nd class Christmas stamp</a> with no datamatrix code.
Unfortunately these were publicised by the postmaster who found them
before issue and as yet none have appeared for sale either to the
public or from dealers. </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Forgeries </b>
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Forgeries of many new
stamps were reported regularly, including the datamatrix Machins (not
just the NVIs but the airmail values), and the country defintives. I can't make up my mind whether the forgers are producing some stamps
to sell to collectors, or for use as postage, because the next to
appear were the 1st and 2nd class Aardman
Animations stamps and many Christmas stamps. <br /></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After that the
Classic Children's TV (Bob the Builder, Postman Pat etc) and other commemoratives appeared, along with Smilers Sheets! It's been suggested that this is because there is no doubt that these are valid, as only the Machins and Country definitives were invalidated. Whether this is true or not, who knows. <br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I have seen, but haven't had occasion to report yet, the forging of the limited use stamps issued by Universal Mail UK.<br /></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I was asked to
contribute to several radio programmes and newspaper articles; I
provided the journalists concerned with ample information but
declined to go on air. (Jeremy Vine? - no thanks!)</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Post and Go</b></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Stalwart reporters
continued to provide information for everybody else on what was
happening both at </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBnaJDSLRF5a21eJAAhtIltp8foIBv0yj80l9w7qCPCWdtHJ7ZttVycetlpMyBSgOLRGOCJ7b4-AugJg9lam3GJmW13cOCpp3kmT7fdhWDfep_wX_6nGGdaFow-gG3kiSlCI6s6igJzFjgbcwNtmuXXVYQwZJxzoCMwY1L88eT5b-5wrsOmnw3Ap-cCys=s400" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBnaJDSLRF5a21eJAAhtIltp8foIBv0yj80l9w7qCPCWdtHJ7ZttVycetlpMyBSgOLRGOCJ7b4-AugJg9lam3GJmW13cOCpp3kmT7fdhWDfep_wX_6nGGdaFow-gG3kiSlCI6s6igJzFjgbcwNtmuXXVYQwZJxzoCMwY1L88eT5b-5wrsOmnw3Ap-cCys=w140-h200" width="140" /></a></div>museums and branch self-service kiosks. My thanks
to Malcolm, Trevor, Chris, Stuart, Robert, and Anonymous
contributors.
<p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The shock news from
Royal Mail in September that Post and Go was to end was tempered by
the confirmation that this did not apply to Post Office branches,
where at least the machines are likely to be used by people actually sending mail (when the machines are
functioning, that is).</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Three years ago I
reported on a Post Office initiative to introduce the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2020/12/new-self-service-machines-cominng-to.html" target="_blank">Next Generationof Self-Service machines</a>. Nothing moves quickly, and while some
machines <i>may</i> have been trialled, there is no sign of a
wholesale replacement of the existing NCR machines.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tariff changes usually
affect Post and Go stamps if only to increase the cost! This year
the redundant Worldwide 20g designation was still in use many months
after the weight step was eliminated.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Slogan postmarks.</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In 2022 we recorded 26 different slogans. By my count there have been
only 18 </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">reported in 2023 </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">– and that includes the Wales and Northern Ireland variants
of the NHS75 slogan. Adding interest, though, has been spotting late
usages, with the Windrush and Coronation slogans seeing isolated use
months after they originally appeared. A few other interesting postmarks and postal markings have been reported.<br /></span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style>
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Postboxes</b></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Only two occasions led to Royal Mail's street postboxes being decorated. The first was the Coronation, and the second was Christmas.</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Royal Mail Operations and Philatelic Services.</b></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Following a <b>cyber
attack</b> at the beginning of the year, Royal Mail suspended all
international mailings as they could not provide customs information
to destination postal authorities, or use the internationally linked track and trace system. But
fortunately the industrial action which caused them so many problems
in 2022 was stopped after agreement of some sort was reached between
the company and the union.</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In 2022 those problems
prevented Royal Mail from attending <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/08/deja-vu-no-royal-mail-stand-at-autumn.html" target="_blank">Autumn <b>Stampex</b></a>. No such
problems prevented their attendance in 2023, however, they simply
decided not to go. “following a strategic review”. <br /></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b> </b></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The Post Office
Horizon IT Scandal</b></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Statutory Inquiry
into this scandal continues. That, and Freedom of Information
Requests have </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNK0_AZxrolo_eKS08_zJTx6Hw2g17VavUtNJ5YZZaMaHGJxseyYDVxB0ROPQ6Xv7sJflAPnfV_XbthEF2xdF7c1Joc-2qZg7KZKxHd9_DdYkLwEloGdKhxjxR27pQE8J7zmZkdhcke4/s320/IMG_3840.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNK0_AZxrolo_eKS08_zJTx6Hw2g17VavUtNJ5YZZaMaHGJxseyYDVxB0ROPQ6Xv7sJflAPnfV_XbthEF2xdF7c1Joc-2qZg7KZKxHd9_DdYkLwEloGdKhxjxR27pQE8J7zmZkdhcke4/w200-h134/IMG_3840.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>produced some shocking headlines in mos of the
mainstream media. The role of inhouse and external lawyers has drawn
comment from academics and other lawyers and is likely to lead to
action from their professional bodies/regulators.
<p></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">More and more evidence
from Post Office prosecutors points to the possibility of charges for
perverting the course of justice. 2024 will continue to be
interesting. (And more still, since I drafted that!)<br /></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Mr Bates v The Post
Office</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">: <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2023/12/mr-bates-vs-post-office-coming-to-your.html" target="_blank">an ITV drama series</a>
begins its run on 1 January at 9pm, and will be available on ITVX. Staring
Toby Jones as Alan Bates, and Will Mellor as Lee Castleton, the
series continues with three more episodes on consecutive evenings,
and on 4 January an ITV documentary will be aired at 10.45pm.
“People watching may need to remind themselves that the story is
based on fact not fiction.” </span></p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The Business and the Blog</b></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In August the number of
page views on this blog passed <span style="color: red;"><b>6 million</b></span>. One of our readers pointed
out that it was 3.3 million in January 2019 and 5.5 million in
November 2022.
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Looking at the
'all-time' statistics, the posts which are of interest <u>outside</u>
the philatelic community (and therefore appear on search engine results) attract most visitors overall, with the 2014 new
tariff hitting the peak at 51,200 visitors. The Swapout scheme has
naturally attracted attention as well. The biggest hit for new
issues was for the 2018 programme (11.4k).</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style>
</p>
<p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }</style></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Although I haven't reported as often on this blog in the last year, I have taken the opportunity to explore the postal history aspects of modern philately <a href="https://machins-on-cover.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">"Modern British Postal History"</a>. I hope regular readers of this blog find the other one interesting. </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">As more of you stop collecting new issues of stamps that you don't like, but still visit stamp fairs and clubs, I hope this will encourage you to look inside the box and see what dealers have to offer by way of stamps doing the job they were invented for. Try and build up a collection of Machins on cover, solo use. Not easy, especially all the variants of the security stamps!</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"> </p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">We hope all our readers have a happy Christmas holiday whatever religion you follow (if any). <br />We think especially of those in the care and health sectors who are working while we are relaxing; those who are no longer with us, especially those who have passed this year; and we think about those who have died awaiting justice.<br /></span></b></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">We hope that you
and your friends and loved ones stay safe and healthy. </span></b></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">Remember those who are less fortunate than you and if you can help one person - try to make it two! Don't forget the postal workers who we rely on, and who are working harder while so many of their colleagues are leaving for a less stressful life.<br /></span></b></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhqy_o9AMNyHlqvDo99NMYpzvN6T7HzheHJOM8t_nsMqryq3f5ppB6L9gcZlEmp8F83C4AFwCniT285n5BGYOuuJxszLCUbblTjgR0SNF_Mxc9uhJPRmv7aomhpWZiQ6jOcRUspTaq5p_Y-CiNZRqmvmfxV96ZN4hSB9O0cWwvrxU34uanQFhQG4IzFc/s1543/4mar05_17.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1543" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhqy_o9AMNyHlqvDo99NMYpzvN6T7HzheHJOM8t_nsMqryq3f5ppB6L9gcZlEmp8F83C4AFwCniT285n5BGYOuuJxszLCUbblTjgR0SNF_Mxc9uhJPRmv7aomhpWZiQ6jOcRUspTaq5p_Y-CiNZRqmvmfxV96ZN4hSB9O0cWwvrxU34uanQFhQG4IzFc/w640-h472/4mar05_17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61379575088648114.post-52029430054887548372023-12-14T17:23:00.005+00:002023-12-19T09:19:06.707+00:00Mr Bates vs The Post Office: coming to your TV from 1 January.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfqDIJY31ek5aaNlSJtYvuXnsAs5IgndfWkitPbwAWDB_om4zg2KupaOE3G2pTBPVN2FKjbchiBHXw35gvreSRlZpWv_oNoWAWf-Mh5Gjbim8VYs2JkqSu6gudtQOHgwLD_CV1mvkFJw/s320/PostOfficeTrial_Sketch+v3+medium.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="320" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfqDIJY31ek5aaNlSJtYvuXnsAs5IgndfWkitPbwAWDB_om4zg2KupaOE3G2pTBPVN2FKjbchiBHXw35gvreSRlZpWv_oNoWAWf-Mh5Gjbim8VYs2JkqSu6gudtQOHgwLD_CV1mvkFJw/w200-h146/PostOfficeTrial_Sketch+v3+medium.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>I haven't written much of late about the <a href="https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2019/12/final-bates-v-post-office-group.html" target="_blank">Post Office Horizon Scandal</a> because the <a href="https://www.postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/" target="_blank">Statutory Inquiry</a> is continuing and all hearings are broadcast live or available very soon thereafter on YouTube.</b><br /></p><p>Suffice to say progress continues at a pace slower than the average snail with many SPMs still to be offered anything like recompense and compensation for the false prosecutions.<br /></p><p>The Inquiry has heard from many of those postmasters affected and in some cases their families, and has questioned politicians, civil servants, managers in Fujistu Ltd, and many staff at all levels to middle management in Post Office Ltd, although as yet not the Directors or Former Directors.</p><p>Reporting continues in Private Eye, Computer World, and Nick Wallis' blog, and the story has gained a lot of traction in the mainstream press including The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, and others, as more remarkable and unbelievable revelations have been made. </p><p>Post Office Ltd has continued to find it difficult to provide email and written evidence that has been requested by The Inquiry, frequently finding more just as key witnesses were to be examined, causing their examination to be postponed, in some cases several times.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdEs-wSiBvzmoSNTzmiz-hqb8rTy2OCNmkYZimtZpvVdZ5673SOzgtrFNJESditUYX1-azOJKXEaH6XcVcDwjqmojQ2LCZ8wu0ya9Jbeo6_uloLR6HEkdrxRO-qE9cxLG2cPUmwqieasC88Rb_i4fGL8oqZQLj2vrjxPDR6a_guYUfEShLWZ8I90Gc78/s804/Alan%20Bates.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="804" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdEs-wSiBvzmoSNTzmiz-hqb8rTy2OCNmkYZimtZpvVdZ5673SOzgtrFNJESditUYX1-azOJKXEaH6XcVcDwjqmojQ2LCZ8wu0ya9Jbeo6_uloLR6HEkdrxRO-qE9cxLG2cPUmwqieasC88Rb_i4fGL8oqZQLj2vrjxPDR6a_guYUfEShLWZ8I90Gc78/w320-h234/Alan%20Bates.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toby Jones plays Alan Bates in the ITV drama.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Now a 4-part television dramatisation called <b class="text-strong">Mr Bates vs. The Post Office</b> will air on ITV and ITVX on four consecutive evenings from 9pm on 1 January 2024.</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Written by screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes – whose previous credits include
Tom Jones, Honour and Vanity Fair – and helmed by Broadchurch and Vigil
director James Strong, the four-part drama promises to tell "the story
of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British legal
history." </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">According to an official synopsis: "Many of the wronged workers were
prosecuted, some of whom were imprisoned for crimes they never
committed, and their lives were irreparably ruined by the scandal."</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Speaking about the case as the show was announced, Alan Bates himself
described it as "one of the most egregious scandals the country has
ever seen" and added, "thankfully this has now been exposed and the
victims are finally on their way to finding the justice they deserve."</p><div class="ad-placement" data-count="1894" data-paragraphs-left="4" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="x_xmsonormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, Jones said he was "proud to be a part of this shocking, unsettling but ultimately inspirational drama.”</p><div class="ad-placement" data-count="2008" data-paragraphs-left="3" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"></div><p class="x_xmsonormal" style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">And
speaking about the star-studded cast, ITV Commissioning Editor Helen
Perry said: “We are so grateful to the extraordinary cast that have come
together for this show. Their talent will help shine a spotlight on one
of the most important and unbelievable stories of injustice in recent
British history.” (Radio Times online May 2023)<br /></p><p>For viewers in Ireland it's appearing on Virgin Media One at 21:00 on January 1st. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj4mjqOY2X60vLrxaS5YMV5TxyIEBG1FKs_QPZGCboHt17xbvgdLu1zhy4K2_6mRe_BBEYFdRKcBm153q17AbDMgiKsSfk3J0e0f23TH0fP1cZsXlKB_F50T0WNlmvXQFKheEL0dwtHDkhWjiTh511Gig5IrWXJKGYLCB7rvC8GTP3zGvfT1Ltjp6gfw/s610/Screenshot%202023-12-14%20at%2016.50.42.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="610" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJj4mjqOY2X60vLrxaS5YMV5TxyIEBG1FKs_QPZGCboHt17xbvgdLu1zhy4K2_6mRe_BBEYFdRKcBm153q17AbDMgiKsSfk3J0e0f23TH0fP1cZsXlKB_F50T0WNlmvXQFKheEL0dwtHDkhWjiTh511Gig5IrWXJKGYLCB7rvC8GTP3zGvfT1Ltjp6gfw/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-14%20at%2016.50.42.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Will Mellor plays Lee Castleton.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>From "<a href="https://ukcampaign4change.com/2023/12/08/deeply-affecting-itv-drama-series-on-post-office-it-scandal-may-lodge-in-the-national-psyche/" target="_blank">Campaign4Change</a>", by Tony Collins* and Davie Bicknell <br /></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">“To my shame I didn’t know very much about this,” said actor Toby Jones. He was speaking at a press screening at BAFTA of “<i>Mr Bates v The Post Office</i>“, a star-studded ITV drama series on the Post Office IT scandal.</p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">The series has prime-time TV slots. Some scenes in the episodes may lodge in the national psyche, in a
way that news stories on the scandal rarely have, however influential
they were at the time. </p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Also being aired in the first week of January is an ITV documentary on the scandal <b><i>Mr Bates vs the Post Office: The Real Story.</i> It will go out on the same evening as the final episode, 4 January, at 10.45pm. </b></p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">The series has a a focus on how a respected state-owned institution,
the Post Office, intervened in the normal family life of branch
sub-postmasters, sub-mistresses and their staff, in ways that had
lasting effects on young children, grandparents, wives, husbands and
partners. </p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">People watching may need to remind themselves that the story is based on fact not fiction. </p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">“You can’t believe it’s true,” <a href="https://virginradio.co.uk/entertainment/128150/will-mellor-mr-bates-vs-the-post-office-unbelievable-story">said cast member Will Mellor</a>
who plays former sub-postmaster Lee Castleton. “Even when we were
filming it, I just kept saying ‘I can’t believe they’ve actually done
this to these people.’”</p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">
</div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">At one level it’s a mystery story. Why did the Post Office’s
corporate executives and others at a senior level, including auditors,
investigators and lawyers, seem to try and outdo each other in
demonstrating inhumanity towards sub-postmasters and their families? </p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Although this is on prime time television, starting on New Year's Day may not be the best, so watch it on catch-up at ITVX. There's no indication at this stage as to how long it will be available. Readers outside the UK will probably not be able to watch it on the app unless using a VPN.</b></p><p><b>I shall probably watch it earlier in the evening a day behind: although I know much of the story, as regular readers so, I would like to sleep after watching it. </b></p><p><b>I hope Post Office Diretcors, Executives and their in house and external lawyers watch it, along with current ministers and civil servants. I hope they don't sleep until they have firmly decided to do something to recompense the thousands of people affected before any more die. Over 60 have died already, waiting for justice.</b></p><p></p><br /><p></p><hr /><p></p>Ian - Norvichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16436130277706268046noreply@blogger.com7