STAMP UPDATE
PURPLE POSTBOXES, BARCODE VIDEOS, AND POSTMARKS
It has been a busy time for Royal Mail, with a series of novel campaigns intended to promote the business, its services and stamps.
Back in July, Royal Mail unveiled five special postboxes across the UK decorated in vibrant pink and purple, which included graphics and encouraging messages to teams participating in the Commonwealth Games. The postboxes were located across in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
Royal Mail were sponsors of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and as part of the deal exclusively delivered all official Birmingham 2022 merchandise from the Games’ website.
In August, Royal Mail announced the launch of a new video that enables recipients of mail featuring a barcoded stamp to receive birthday wishes from children’s animated character Shaun the Sheep and his friends.
The video was created exclusively for Royal Mail by the multiaward-winning British animation studio, Aardman and is the third in a series released by Royal Mail, with more to follow during the year.
The Happy Birthday video sees Shaun and the flock create mischief behind the Farmer’s back, by sending him a card that he mistakenly thinks is musical.
Royal Mail explained: ‘To choose and view the video, both the sender and recipient will have to download the Royal Mail App. The sender can select the ‘Happy Birthday’ video for the recipient to watch just by scanning the stamp barcode — giving that someone special something extra to smile about.’
Royal Mail, also found time to pay tribute to England women’s national football team being crowned European Champions for the first time with a special postmark, though it seems no stamps are to be issued to celebrate the historic win.
Natasha Ayivor, from Royal Mail said: ‘It’s a fantastic achievement that we feel is deserving of a special postmark. It’s been amazing to watch this group of talented footballers bring the nation together. We congratulate the manager, the players and all of the backroom staff on the win!’
Following the release of special stamps to celebrate other sporting achievements, including the England women’s cricket team winning the World Cup in 2017, some collectors and sports fans have expressed their disappointment, claiming
