Another post office has managed to release some special stamps not only early, but before Royal Mail has even sent their publicity leaflet First to collectors, and before anybody but the cover producers has been able to show the stamps (see here).
DP is a keen Dennis fan, and has sent this picture with the picture as shown in the original comic strip! The cover was received last Saturday (19 June) with the stamps not due for issue until 1 July.
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| 1 July 2021 Dennis & Gnasher stamp used 18 June in Gatwick Mail Centre catchment area. |
As you can see, the stamp - although reproducing the original accurately - is only showing a detail of the original frame in the strip. Maybe they learned from the clutter of Fools & Horses that you can only miniaturise so far before it becomes ridiculous?
UPDATE 24 June: Two more examples from DP, again with the original comics. These are postmarked 22 June at Medway Mail Centre.
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| Two more examples of the 1 July 2021 Dennis & Gnasher stamps, used 22 June in Medway Mail Centre catchment area. |
Stamps Packs and booklet ........... AND FDC already on ebay.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ian that Royal Mail has learnt to avoid the Scandinavian mistake of making stamps too small to appreciate the images on commemoratives. I once went on holiday to Malmø & bought some modern art commemoratives to stick on my postcards. This mistake was compounded by sticking them on in haste, so only when I posted them did I notice that they were upside down! The miniature sheets, as so often now, have more attractive stamps, and like Alan Fisk, I am not a real collector and stick stamps on post so I may get the miniature sheet; or; go for the Prince Philip sheet which has more useful denominations on it.
DeletePicking up on your mention of the "first" magazine, once upon a time us collectors received that 1-2 weeks before the issue was released, now it arrives usually 1 day before or even on the day of issue, as yet I have not received my issue for the HRH DoE miniature sheet, it really is with RM's embargo policy a complete waste of RM's finances.
ReplyDeleteWhy would the Post Office need them any earlier than the day before release?
ReplyDeleteWe've seen situations in the past where collectors have tried to buy on the day of issue only to be told that "they're locked in the safe and the manager has gone to ... for a meeting. Come back this afternoon or tomorrow."
DeleteOf course this only means that they aren't needed until the day before issue but it's as well to have them a week before so that all the staff know what they are and where they are.
Swindon supplies depot has reasons for distribution as they are. If you ask you will find that most sub-POs only get delivery of ordered stamps etc every two weeks, so I guess the workload has to be spread and new issue distribution fitted in as and when.
Dennis and Gnasher are starting to appear on the RM website. There are no images at the moment, so it's still a work in progress.
ReplyDeleteJohn
I just rang them to order the stamps by phone as the Stamp set are not available online to order, they told me they will be available from midnight tonight. Usually I like to order my stamps early as sometimes I can't get online the next day to order them, which means I could lose out on them, in my opinion, that's a bit silly. The reason behind is to honour The Duke of Edinburgh this month, that's what the RM agent said on the phone to me.
DeleteMartin I had the same excuse a very poor one in my opinion
DeleteNot had the Dennis & Gnasher 1st magazine yet, so I expect the stamps to be in the shop on Wednesday, oh I got my HRH DoE 1st magazine the day after I received the mini sheet, well done RM haha.
ReplyDeleteWell I am very disappointed in Royal Mail, I spoke to them today, & they said that the delay with Dennis & Gnasher 'First' magazine was down to the rush to get the DoE mini sheet out, and to respect the event. I have lodged a complaint though, even now the issue due tomorrow is still not in the online shop how can they expect to make any money with bad policies like this, well that was my rant to Royal Mail, I don't expect it will make any difference but made me feel better enjoy your break Ian have fun in York
ReplyDeleteMy 'First' for the Dennis issue and The Bulletin all arrived on Friday afternoon the 2nd July. Interesting that the Bulletin has the main full feature as the Duke of Edinburgh issue. Then there is the Dennis feature. All a bit late really. If you can build a good relationship with the counter staff it is quite interesting and you can get all the info well in advance. I know of one PO where the Dennis presentation packs were on display nearly 2 weeks before issue. Doug (Enfield)
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone collect PHQ FDCs? Dennis and Gnasher is a joke. Have you seen the size of the miniature sheet vs the size of the PHQ? It is imossible to put the stamps on without doing a collage of the artwork. Absolutely aweful. The colours of the PHQ are not good either. I have put in my complaint to Royal Mail. Does no one realise that size does matter?
ReplyDeleteAfter the next issue i am getting ready to send in my final complaint and stop my stamp collecting.
Brian
Brian's comment has been repeated on the correct post (1 July). No replies here please.
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