Royal Mail 2017 stamp programme announced - plenty of Machins

As promised, Royal Mail have now released their 2017 programme and many lucky people have already received the January Philatelic Bulletin.  On the back page is a list of 2017 issues (see left), and a selection of pictures which may or may not be used for stamps - no promises given that one of them shows a 2015 post and go stamp!


The programme (updates highlighted in yellow,):

17 January	Ancient Britain
6 February	65th Anniversary of the Accession - £5 Machin definitive We're told that Tallents House customers with regular orders will NOT get this stamp unless they have high value definitives as part of their regular order.
15 February	Windsor Castle set and miniature sheet PSB* and retail booklet
15 February	Post and Go Postal Heritage: Mail by Rail
14 March	Music Giants - David Bowie
end March	New Tariff Machin and Country Definitives
6 April	Racehorse Legends
4 May	Songbirds
24 May	Exhibition Generic Stamp Sheet Finlandia
5 June	Machin Anniversary including PSB
5 June	New Style Machin Anniversary Post and Go 1967-2017
20 June	Windmills and Watermills
13 July	Landmark Buildings
31 July	World War I including PSB
22 August	Classic Toys
13 September	Post and Go Royal Mail Heritage: Air Mail
13 September	Postal Museum Opening stamp sheet (Generic/Commem?)
14 September	Ladybird books
20 October	To be advised
7 November	Christmas
16 November	Lunar New Year of the Dog
20 November	To be advised

* The four panes in the Windsor Castle PSB contain
a. 2x 1st (external) and 2x £1.52 (internal) views
b. single 1st (external) and single £1.52 (internal) views
c. Eight Machin definitives: 2 x 2p, 2 x 10p, 3 x 1st class, 1 x £1.05, so only one set - again!
c. Eight Machin definitives coded MCIL M16L: 2 x 2p (new), 3 x 1st class deep scarlet (new), and 2 x 10p and a single £1.05 as already issued in Beatrix Potter PSB.  So TWO sets of the new stamps. 
d. 4 stamps from miniature sheet in different positions
The retail booklet contains 1st class deep scarlet Machins coded M17L MCIL

Post and Go News for 2017 from the January Philatelic Bulletin
a. More Enquiry Office machines countrywide from April
b. More static sites
c. Exhibition programme

Spring Stampex 15-18 February
Scottish Congress Perth 21-22 April
MIDPEX Warwickshire Exhib Centre 8 July
Autumn Stampex 13-16 September

Confirmation of 2016 developments which impact on 2017: Pictorial stamps used in Enquiry Offices in parallel with those at Post Office SSKs, new labels introduced at PO SSK machines for parcel/packet barcoding, 'Post a Parcel' tested at the party political conferences - although it is unclear how much of a test this was given the limited access: one can imagine only those who actually wanted to post a parcel from the conference would actually do so whereas collectors with access would have tested it anyway!

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Royal Mail 2017 stamp programme - first Europa stamp for years!

I'm sorry to disappoint all of you who expect that this post will show the programme, but it doesn't!

In years gone by (not so long ago) Royal Mail distributed the stamp calendar at Autumn Stampex but no more.  Although they announce the programme to the stamp trade at that event, with details of the first six months, all information is now on strict embargo.  And even if it wasn't, the last list I saw showed at least two 'To Be Announced' entries with not even the month known!

I've been told that the programme will not be announced until January.  All I can do is repeat what was printed in the October edition of the Philatelic Bulletin (and reprinted in some magazines):

- Ancient Britain
- Royal Mail Heritage - Mail by Rail
- Racehorse Legends
- Windsor Castle
- Post and Go

I expect Mail by Rail to be a Post and Go issue, and Windsor Castle to be similar to Buckingham Palace - so 6 sheet stamps, 4 in a miniature sheet and an expensive prestige stamp book.  I also expect there to be a 10 x 1st class set in March or April just before the postage rates increase.

To find out more about new issues readers should look at the websites of first day cover producers.  Restrictions by Royal Mail Stamps and Collectables mean that cover producers and others can often promote their own products 10 weeks before the issue date.

However I can't now publish pictures of any of the Royal Mail products (stamps, FDCs, etc - even if I was using a special postmark on my Royal Mail FDCs) "until the stamp images are released by us via our website or in mailings to regular order customers".

Typically Royal Mail will undertake PR on the day of issue with a “buy them now” notice.

So I'm sorry, I'm not going back to first day cover production just so that I can provide the pictures and other details at the earliest possible time.  And you can't rely on the philatelic press either because they have never had the '10 week' rule even though they have long printing lead times.

The Royal Mail Philatelic Bulletin costs £18.95 (UK and Europe) or £24.95 (rest of world): you can ask for a sample copy but I leave it to you to decide whether it is value for money, given that some of the details of new issues have, in the past, been omitted or inaccurate.

UPDATE 7 DECEMBER
I've been told that there will be a PR announcement for 1 January about (all or one of) next year's new issues, but I have no details.  This may mean that - as last year - the first you read about some of the new stamps will be in the national press on that day, if you can be bothered to go and get a newspaper!   Again, look at the websites of majors, like The Telegraph.

2nd update: if you follow my twitter account you can see the Windsor Castle stamps which will be issued on 15 February https://www.twitter.com/Ian_norvic/status/806612388539748357 
Thanks also to Mia who pointed out that one of the 1st class stamps carries the PostEurop Europa logo (top right on the FDC).

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Which is the odd one out?

As previously announced, the theme for PostEurop's 2016 Europa issue is 'Think Green'.  The design from Cyprus Post artist, Ms Doxia Sergidou, was chosen amongst 24 outstanding entries.

“The impact of our activities on the Environment is an area of high priority for European postal operators and the multitude of initiatives across Europe inspired the theme linked to Europe’s ecology - Think Green.  Once again the designers pulled through taking on this challenging theme and produced some magnificent entries.  A lot of thoughts have gone into the designs and we would like this special 60th issue of EUROPA stamp to help build a legacy for the future generations” exclaimed Anita Häggblom, Chair of the PostEurop Stamps and Philately working group from Ǻland Post.

Here are the interpretations from a number of member countries: which is the odd one out?

A number of commentators have said that they dislike the cluttered design.  Well, I can see what they mean, but at least this is design not just a stock photograph of a bridge, or a bird, or other wildlife. 

The stamp motif is the work of Ms Doxia Sergidou who explains that “the main purpose was to show that it is in our hand to create a greener planet.  Thus, I have placed a hand on the top side of the stamp which basically represents anyone of us, actively replacing the grey colour (the environmental pollution) with the green colour which symbolizes environmental living and hope, and in turn inspire us for a better world.”
“The left side of the stamp represents the polluted side and is painted grey showing us the tremendous disaster caused by the industries, automotive vehicles, power generation and inefficient waste.  It also shows how the human activities are negatively influencing the environment. In contrast on the right side of the stamp, is the green side which shows us how using renewable energy resources, acting in a more environmental way and becoming more environmentally aware could positively affect the environment. This will not only have a positive effect in our generation, but it will also help the future ones to co-exist in harmony” adds Ms Sergidou.

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Will this be the design of Royal Mail's 2016 60th Anniversary Europa Stamp?

With the United Kingdom's 'Toys' Europa stamp issue for 2015 still to be revealed - although look at the gap in the calendar in October - PostEurop has revealed the common design chosen for 2016.  And this may be the first common design that Royal Mail has followed since 1984.


PostEurop is proud to announce Cyprus Post as the winner of the “Think Green” joint design competition.  The design from Cyprus Post artist, Ms Doxia Sergidou, was chosen amongst 24 outstanding entries. Posta Slovenije and Magyar Posta followed in second and third place respectively.

A total of 24 designs were submitted based on the chosen theme, to compete for the honour of having their image on the 2016 EUROPA stamps.  Up to 216 confidential votes were received from 36 PostEurop members whose designs were anonymously published.

The stamp motif is the work of Ms Doxia Sergidou who explains that “the main purpose was to show that it is in our hand to create a greener planet.  Thus, I have placed a hand on the top side of the stamp which basically represents anyone of us, actively replacing the grey colour (the environmental pollution) with the green colour which symbolizes environmental living and hope, and in turn inspire us for a better world.”

“The left side of the stamp represents the polluted side and is painted grey showing us the tremendous disaster caused by the industries, automotive vehicles, power generation and inefficient waste.  It also shows how the human activities are negatively influencing the environment. In contrast on the right side of the stamp, is the green side which shows us how using renewable energy resources, acting in a more environmental way and becoming more environmentally aware could positively affect the environment. This will not only have a positive effect in our generation, but it will also help the future ones to co-exist in harmony” adds Ms Sergidou.

“The impact of our activities on the Environment is an area of high priority for European postal operators and the multitude of initiatives across Europe inspired the theme linked to Europe’s ecology - Think Green.  Once again the designers pulled through taking on this challenging theme and produced some magnificent entries.  A lot of thoughts have gone into the designs and we would like this special 60th issue of EUROPA stamp to help build a legacy for the future generations” exclaimed Anita Häggblom, Chair of the PostEurop Stamps and Philately working group from Ǻland Post.

“In the last 60 years, Europe has gone through a tremendous change but the initial concept still remains.  We are happy with the outcome of this design competition and would like to thank all 24 entrants for taking the time to articulate in a special design what is quite complex in today’s world.” concludes Mr Botond Szebeny, PostEurop Secretary General.

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The Europa theme in 2017 will be Castles and in 2018, Bridges.... which makes Royal Mail's choice for March this year slightly unfortunate.  Doubtless they will restrict their Europa issue to one stamp to avoid further collector criticism that "bridges are being overdone".

UPDATE 22 May
One of my twitter followers writes:
"I tweeted on the 20th asking RM stamps about the Europa toys issue - had a direct message reply - RM are not participating this year."
So no Europa stamp this year, and from what I was told last week, "there's no way we would go with that design from Cyprus even if it is the common design for the 60 years". 
Well, if Royal Mail stop producing Europa stamps that will benefit Europa collectors who normally have to buy a complete set/block for one stamp, or pay a high price to get a set split.

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Seaside Architecture stamps commemorate multiple events, and 2014 Europa theme

The Seaside Architecture stamps and miniature sheet are issued on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Trinity House, the body responsible for all UK lighthouses and lightships. (wikipedia, official site)  The first pier in the UK was completed at Ryde on the Isle of Wight on 26 July 1814, so celebrating it's 200th anniversary tomorrow.

The Eastbourne Bandstand 1st class stamp, with its brass band, includes the EUROPA logo, which is Royal Mail's nod to the Post-Europ 2014 theme of 'National music instruments'.

Royal Mail's set of 6 stamps depict:
1st class - Eastbourne Bandstand, Tinside Lido, Plymouth
97p - Bangor Pier, Southwold Lighthouse
£1.28 - Casino at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Bexhill-on-Sea Shelter

The miniature sheet contains 4 stamps, against a backdrop of the pier at Southend-on-Sea, the longest in the country (so we can expect a special postmark for Southend!):
1st class - Llandudno and Worthing Piers
£1.28 - Dunoon and Brighton Piers

The stamps and miniature sheet are designed by Why Not Associates using photography by Lee Mawdsley.  The stamps are printed by ISP and the miniature sheet by Enschede.

As well as the usual products there will be a coin cover to mark the Trinity House anniversary, the coin being a £2 commemorative.

More details and first day postmarks on our website.

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Merchant Navy issue also honours Arctic Convoys

The subject of the Autumn Stampex issue on 19 September is the Merchant Navy, and consists of a set of 6 stamps, and a miniature sheet.  We believe that there will also be a prestige stamp book, and would not be surprised to see a mixed retail booklet.

If you are a veteran or descendant of the Merchant Navy? Royal Mail want your help celebrate their 200th anniversary!   Click here for more.

This stamp issue looks at 200 years of the British merchant fleet, from the age of sail to the modern bulk carrier and marks the contribution made by the Merchant service. Some famous ships are included such as the Cutty Sark and the Queen Elizabeth. Also featured are Royal Mail Ships, including the renowned Britannia, propelled by both steam and sail, it famously made inaugural voyage for the Cunard line which had the contract to convey the mail.

The stamps show:
1st class - East Indiaman Atlas 1813; Royal Mail Ship Britannia 1840; Tea Clipper Cutty Sark 1870
£1.28 - Cargo Liner Clan Matheson 1919; Royal Mail Ship Queen Elizabeth 1940; Bulk Carrier Lord Hinton 1986.

The stamps will be printed in sheets of 30, being 2 pairs of se-tenant strips of 3 x 5 rows, and individual stamps can be ordered from Royal Mail in vertical strips of 5.

Update 19 August.  We have been told by Royal Mail each stamp is, in fact, printed in separate sheets.


The miniature sheet, titled The Atlantic and Arctic Convoys, focuses on the Merchant Navy’s vital role and sacrifice during the Second World War, when military supplies, foodstuffs and people were transported in large convoys to avoid being sunk by the enemy.

Four black-and-white photographs offer a look at the daily life at sea during this time.  2013 is Year of the Convoys – noting the year when the Battle of the Atlantic reached its height and the German U-boat menace began to be defeated. The mini sheet will be a tribute to the courage of the personnel of the convoys and the harsh conditions and terrifying risks they faced.

The quote on the minisheet, from Winston Churchill, is a chilling reminder of these risks – The only thing ever that really frightened me during the war was the U Boat peril.

UPDATE 2 July
The four 1st class stamps depict:
- Escorting destroyer HMS Vanoc in an Atlantic convoy;
- merchant ship passing the Naval Control Base in the Thames Estuary;
- naval convoy of 24 merchant ships in the North Sea;
- sailors clearing the decks of HMS King George V in Arctic waters.

Technical details:
Stamps printed in lithograhy by Cartor Security Print, 41 x 30 mm in sheets of 60 (2 x 30)
MS by Joh Enschede in lithograhy, 115 x 89 mm with stamps 41 x 30 mm.


A prestige stamp book will be included in this issue. Click on the images to see much larger versions. 

Pane 1 contains 4 x 50p and 4 x 5p Machin definitives - we don't know at this stage whether they will have conventional gum or be self-adhesive, but all panes are printed by Enschede, which will mean new stamps with security codes MA13 and MPIL

UPDATE 30 August:

Royal Mail have confirmed that FDCs will be accepted bearing just the 50p, or 5p and 50p stamps from the PSB.  (See further down for scan of actual pane)

  

Panes 2 and 3 have 1st class and £1.28 Merchant Navy stamps - we believe pane 2 will have the 1st class stamps.

 

As you can see Pane 4 has the miniature sheet stamps but with a new background which means that these stamps should be listed individually in the catalogues - and preprinted albums.

There will also be a retail stamp booklet containing 4 x 1st class red Machin definitives, and the 1st class Cutty Sark stamp - and, for the first time, a stamp from a different stamp issue, the 1st class Postal Van from the British Auto Legends issue on 13 August

In case anybody hadn't noticed, this is Royal Mail's 2013 Europa stamp, so the self-adhesive version will be a must-have for all collectors of Europa/CEPT stamps!

Official first day of issue postmarks are available from Tallents House and Clydebank:

There will be many special postmarks for this issue, the first will be added to our webpage soon.

UPDATE 28 August 2013
We can now show details of the retail booklet and the Machin pane in the prestige stamp book.  The colours of the Post Van stamp in the retail book are quite different to those on the original MS.  As is not uncommon, colour registration on the Walsall-printed booklet is also a bit hit-and-miss!

This is a scan of the actual Machin pane, but it shows the stamps darker than they are.  However, the elliptical perforations are at the upper end of the sides of the stamp, rather than the lower.  This suggests that the perforating frame was set up inverted in error.   But all the ones I have seen are the same, so I'm not expecting that this will be a scarce variety.

UPDATE:
Royal mail have confirmed that the error affects all production:
"Enschede made a late perforating equipment change – they have two different machines. However, each feeds the sheets in different ways i.e. 180 degrees in opposition. They didn’t consider the impact of the change on the product anddidn’t identify the error during subsequent checking operations. The only ‘fortunate’ part is that all production was affected in this way rather than a small volume."

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British Classic Auto Legends includes 2013 Post Europ (Europa) issue

On the anniversary of the birth of Henry Royce (of Rolls Royce fame) and the centenary of the foundation of car-makers Aston Martin, Royal Mail are issuing a set of six stamps featuring classic cars.  The theme of the Europa stamps 2013 is postal vehicles, so Royal Mail have added a miniature sheet to this issue, with one stamp showing a Morris Minor postvan.  The stamps will be issued 13 August 2013.

The three 1st class stamps show a Jaguar E-type, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Aston Martin DB5.  The three £1.28 stamps show the MG MGB, Morgan Plus 8, and Lotus Esprit.

The 4 x 1st class stamps in the miniature sheet show workhorses of the British car industry. It features a Royal Mail Morris Minor van, a distinctive feature on British roads from the 1950s right up to the 1980s. Next the world famous London Black Cab with this version featuring the Austin FX4, and the original blue and white Police Panda cars, this a Ford Anglia 105E.  More up to date, the Land Rover Defender 110 is a Coastguard Vehicle, first produced in 1990.  As this is the PostEurop Issue the logo is shown in the bottom right of the Post Van stamp.

The stamps are designed by Why Not Associates, the Miniature Sheet by Robert Maude and Sarah Davies, and all are litho-printed by Cartor.

UPDATE: The issue date on the stamp sheets is incorrect - see here.

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50th Anniversary of WWF - and a nudge to Europa

Royal Mail is issuing a set of stamps, miniature sheet and prestige stamp book to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of WWF – the Worldwide Fund for Nature.  

Forests are the Post Europ theme for 2011 so the WWF Miniature Sheet depicts the Amazon Rainforest where the WWF are involved in a number of projects to protect and conserve the forest and its plants and animals. The 1st Class stamp will bear the Post Europ logo in addition to the WWF logo.

 
Other products include a Prestige Stamp Book, presentation pack, first day covers, stamp cards, and a coin cover.

Full details, eventually including special postmarks, will appear on our website.

Another change to the 2010 GB stamp programme

Announcement from Royal Mail:

Due to circumstances beyond Royal Mail’s control, the issue dates for some stamp issues later this year will be interchanged and a stamp issue planned for 2011 will now be issued this year. 

2010 and 2011 changes
The Musicals * issue originally scheduled for 19 August will now be issued on 22 February 2011.
The Great British Railways stamp issue originally scheduled for 16 September will now be issued on 19 August 2010.
The Medical Breakthroughs issue that was planned for February 2011 will now be issued on 16 September 2010. This stamp issue does not feature an anniversary.

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* As advised in the preview briefing in February, this is to feature publicity posters of current West End musicals.
This is the latest change to the programme, in a year which has seen unprecedented variations to the original published programme, the first of which delayed distribution of the usual annual booklet from January until March!
The Britain Alone set just issued last week was originally slated for September (Battle of Britain time) and the Railways issue was originally listed for issue during London 2010.
The House of Stuart issue was originally listed for 12 October but was moved to 15 June, switching with the Children's Books Europa issue.

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