Monday 8 January 2024

Post and Go News 2024

This post and its comments will hold all news on Post and Go stamps, machines, and PO SSKs.   

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

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 2023 blog post. Please continue to make comments there or send me news/images by email.

Self Service Kiosks

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 late November 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.

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

However, as per usual they were not switched on for public use. The FAD no. for the shop is 247340.

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. 

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).

(Unfortunately only photos are provided but I have enhanced them to show the results to their best.)

Post and Go output from new location at Charles Street, Sheffield, 04/01/2024.

Chesterfield Post and Go SSK67 02/01/2024 Machin Anniversary strip 2nd class in error.

Chesterfield Post and Go SSK67 30/12/023 errors SSK68, 1st class on blue stock, and 2nd class on brown stock.



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.  



38 comments:

  1. Two locations at Southall and Clapham Common are on the consultation website as proposed for closure without replacement due in February / March.
    These Crown branches have NCR kiosks.
    I will check Wood Green when it opens later this month but very much doubt there will be NCR kiosks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. "The Staff do not want to turn these machines on because they have to deploy a Staff Member to supervise them."
    That sort of suggests why I've only had several of these labels during the past fifteen years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it depends where you go, most WHS branches I've been in recently (Woking excepted) have someone minding them, 'real' PO branches seem to let them fend for themselves and deal with issues as they arise. As an aside the regular users I see are people posting multiple items (eBay presumably) who know how the machines work!

      Delete
  3. Robert
    Sometime last year the Paignton,(Devon) Crown Office had a meet and Greet Staff member but it was stopped as a cost saving (I don't figure that out as it has 3 Kiosk so I would have thought it was saving 2 other Counter Staff) it might be due to the stopping of all but Sign For & Special Delivery Services.
    Now any overseas Signed/Tracked Mail has to be done over the counter due to another Computer Mess up! with the Royal Mail/Post Office.and has to use a different CN22 Customs Label(without Bar Code) and add a Bar-Code Label.RW.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The following Rolls are in the PAIGNTON Post Office as of 13th January 2024
    Kiosk 67 : 1st R20YAL - 2nd CL19
    68 : 1st R18YAL - 2nd CL19
    69 : 1st R20YAL - 2nd CL19
    RW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry should have also added that the Stock was Machin Head Stamps, RW

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
    3. The situation was made clear to me from the start.
      The supply of Machin50 stock was maybe not sufficient to meet demand and that if that came to pass Machin head stock would be used in the kiosk.
      The final reel of Machin50 (not full roll) was inserted at approx 1400 just before I left the museum after 4 hours there.
      I have seen a scan of the receipts for the stock purchased and am therefore aware of the value of sales made although of course I will not disclose it here.
      The mail by bike stock was also exhausted but this reel was then switched out of service.

      Delete
  6. Durham today has

    Kiosk 67:
    1st class ‘16’ Machin, 2nd class ‘19’ Machin
    Kiosk 68:
    1st class ‘17’ Machin, 2nd class ‘17’ Machin
    Kiosk 69:
    1st class ‘20’ Machin, 2nd class ‘19’ Machin

    ReplyDelete
  7. on Tuesday: none of the machines at Mount Pleasant PO switched on (and no special stamps at the counter); all on at Eastcheap with Machin/Machin anniversary in the machine I tried.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Here's another good example of suspected 'manipulation'. I doubt the Post Office was actually open at 0709 in the morning as per the receipt!

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355394492412?hash=item52bf2997fc:g:oSkAAOSwzqllqrj8&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwPYmp5xaueLb%2BprkRXg1IcNoMqQFrAzScfolKMjf8064YIsO9F9Uvy9b0a99qRGILxPYV2sBk5kOi22Wyb%2FPrqckUtmPnkTCOSK7UdkeA9pF2nzaVEFFazA2Uli%2BltA%2Bpr4ahybmG9YChaDeLJeOEKrCXkQ6NmhL8U8CgO%2FbfLoIsR4A3d94vyuc%2FYzU9na%2FBq1tpx8L9Lim8%2B6KyhM7K4oYeaaQDnI%2BUwoEM0FX92C86TOQmgmG6aU%2Fl2UXDQP7wg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6zTnsOlYw

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yesterday I did visit the new office at Wood Green and as I suspected there are no NCR kiosks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. St Albans 31st Jan
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R17YAL & Greenery CL21S
    SSK70 Greenery R20YAL & Machin CL19S

    Harpenden 31st Jan
    SSK67 Machin R19YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R17YAL & CL17S

    Luton 31st Jan
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK71 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    Kettering31st Jan
    SSK67 OOS
    SSK68 OOS

    Leicester 31st Jan
    SSK67 Greenery 21
    SSK68 Greenery 21
    SSK69 Greenery 21 & Machin CL18S
    SSK70 Greenery 21

    Nottingham 31st Jan
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL18S
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK71 Machin R20YAL & CL17S


    Derby 31st Jan
    SSK67 OOS
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 OOS
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & CL18S

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm told Derby keep SSK67 switched off as it's not visible from the counters and with no meeter-and-greeter now, that's considered more secure.

      Delete
  11. Kettering seems to be a regular OOS and adding to my earlier comment above Clapham and Southall both close after trade on the 6th March.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Now 'Post & Go' have slipped off the page 1 news site, would it possible to have a direct link to P & G news? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you are referring to the blog, this is not possible.

      If you are referring to the Norvic Philatelics website, the detail there is a software feed from the blog powered by feedwind, so that is not possible either.

      You can either bookmark it in your web browser in the traditional way, or use the January blog archive entry in the navigation system at the right hand side (on desktop machines). Given that most of the information is in comments, that will be the best place to find it.

      Delete
  13. I have it bookmarked on my browser. The URL is https://blog.norphil.co.uk/2024/01/post-and-go-news-2024.html?showComment=1705688408128#c7672290189460934241
    John G

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wokingham 2nd Feb
    SSK67 Greenery R21YAL & Machin CL19S
    SSK68 OOS

    Sittingbourne 15th Feb
    SSK67 Greenery R20YAL & Machin CL17S
    SSK68 Greenery 20
    SSK69 OOS

    Faversham 15th Feb
    SSK67 Machin R18YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R18YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 OOS

    Canterbury 15th Feb
    SSK67 OOS
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    Folkestone 15th Feb
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R19YAL & CL18S

    Ashford 31st Jan
    SSK67 Machin R18YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Greenery R21YAL & Machin CL17S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & Greenery 21

    Maidstone 15th Feb
    All Kiosk OOS

    Leeds (The Markets) 17th Feb
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin MA16 & CL18S
    SSK69 Machin MA16 & CL17S
    SSK70 OOS

    Leeds (St Johns) 17th Feb
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL16S
    SSK68 OOS
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & MA14

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ashford was 15th Feb, apologies for typo!

      Delete
  15. Barnstaple today, both machines had notices stating out of order on them However it was lunchtime and only one counter was open, the two may be connected!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trevor according to a local collector friend of mine these kiosks are often OOS and not just at lunchtimes.

      Delete
  16. With the closure of Union Street Aberdeen 436801 no additional kiosks have been added to St Nicholas Centre 401801.
    Today all three kiosks were R20YAL and CL19S Machin.

    I did ask the question on the 2023 thread but can anyone confirm whether Stamford 004230 still has NCR I did hear rumour they had been withdrawn.
    If they have been withdrawn any info on a date would be appreciated for the historical record.

    ReplyDelete
  17. One late report from Perth on 5th May both kiosks Machin
    k67 R20YAL and CL19S
    k68 R20YAL and CL17S

    Although not on consultation website yet local press says WH Smith in Slough 062946 will close on the 11th May the cost of lease renewal given as reason.

    ReplyDelete
  18. My apologies Ian yes 5th March nothing like apologising for reporting late on something that has not happened !!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Manchester Spring Gardens 23rd March
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & MA14
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & CL16S
    SSK71 Machin R18YAL & CL16S
    SSK72 Machin R19YAL & MA15

    ReplyDelete


  20. Basildon 28th Mar
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL18S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S

    Dartford 30th Mar
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & MA13
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    Lewisham 30th Mar
    SSK67 OOS
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL16S
    SSK69 OOS

    Orpington 30th Mar
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    Bromley 30th Mar
    SSK67 Machin Anniversary & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK69 Machin Anniversary & CL17S

    ReplyDelete
  21. Gloucester 4th Apr
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 OOS
    SSK69 Machin MA16 & CL17S

    Bristol Galleries 5th Apr
    SSK67 Machin CL17S & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & CL18S
    SSK69 Machin CL18S & CL19S
    SSK70 OOS
    SSK71 Machin CL19S & CL19S
    SSK72 OOS
    SSK73 Machin R20YAL & CL19S

    Bath 6th Apr
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & MA14
    SSK69 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK70 Machin R20YAL & CL17S
    SSK71 Machin R20YAL & MA14

    ReplyDelete
  22. Exeter 9th April
    SSK67 Machin R20YAL & CL19S
    SSK68 Machin R20YAL & Greenery CL21S
    SSK69 OOS
    SSK70 Machin R19YAL & CL19S
    SSK71 Machin R19YAL & CL19S

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sevenoaks visited yesterday 10th April unfortunately all kiosks OOS.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Just 2 kiosks checked at Aldwych today because of time restraint all Machin code does remain 008010.
    The use of 009010 must of been specific to the label trial.

    CL17S and R18YAL in K69
    CL17S and R19YAL in K70

    ReplyDelete
  25. Eastcheap 24th April
    k67 R20YAL and MA14 Machin
    k68 R20YAL and MA14 Machin
    k69 R20YAL and CL17S Machin
    k70 Machin50 and CL17S Machin
    k71 Long Term OOS probably social distancing
    k72 Machin50 and CL16S Machin
    k73 R20YAL and MA13 Machin

    Hayes 26th April
    k67 R20YAL Greenery and CL17S Machin
    k68 R20YAL Greenery and CL18S Machin

    ReplyDelete
  26. On consultation website two further Crown offices with NCR are to close without replacement.
    Manchester in August and Victoria in September 2024.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Now on consultation website is the proposed move of Dorking post office in June / July, as the premises are smaller I would guess once again no NCR kiosks.

    ReplyDelete
  28. 3 offices checked yesterday all were Machin

    Victoria 002011
    k67 OOS
    k68 cant find stamps !!!!
    k69 R18YAL and CL17S

    Strand 0550120
    k67 R20YAL and CL19S
    k68 R20YAL and CL19S
    k69 R20YAL and CL19S
    k70 R20YAL and CL17S

    Aldwych 008010
    k67 R18YAL and MA13
    k68 R18YAL and MA14
    k69 R18YAL and CL17S
    k70 R19YAL and CL17S

    ReplyDelete

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