Are the Olympics becoming a soap opera?

As we hit 2012, the Royal Mail have begun their bombardment of the unsuspecting public with a wide range of collectibles with which to decorate their loft space for many years to come. The Olympic and Paralympic "definitives" hit the post offices on 5th January, to be followed by commemorative "coin covers", pin badges, key rings etc. etc. etc...

The dilemma they now face is how they will manage the marketing of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee stamps in Olympic year? The resolution has been to send out an edict to postmasters that they should withdraw the Olympic and Paralympic "definitives" from sale at the end of January - prior to the issue of the Diamond Jubilee issue - to be reissued at some point in the summer!  

A recent press release from Royal Mail announces that they have created a new E20 postcode district to cover the Olympic Park. Key venues will have their own postcode, and the Olympic Stadium will be E20 2ST. The aim of the new district will be to help the Docklands delivery office sort the mail for delivery at the site during and after the games. A new pictorial postmark featuring the Olympic Stadium, available for the whole year is inscribed with the new E20 postcode district. When I entered the E20 postcode in the Post Office branch finder on their website, I was directed to an area north west of Lancaster, about 250 miles from the Olympic Park. Oh well... still six months to get it right! 

Why E20 when there is no E19? The highest eastern postcode district prior to the introduction was E18. Maybe they are planning a "Ghost Town". Another interesting point about the E20 postcode district is that it was allocated to the fictitious " London Borough of Walford" which features in the long running (far too long in my opinion) BBC TV soap opera Eastenders. I wonder if the Olympics will follow the script?  

                                                  

Following the Australian stationery envelope I received the other day, today's post brought me an attractive aerogramme from Malaysia featuring cultural dances. Sent by my friend Adeline, a native of Singapore, who has been "on tour" around Penang. What a nicer way to send a message!

2003 issue aerogramme Malaysian Cultural Dances

       

Royal Mail recruit budgerigar squad!

Having announced losses of £120 million, the Royal Mail are preparing to meet the challenge of further staffing reductions and industrial action by the recruitment of cut -price temporary workers. Purchased from Australia Post on the "cheep", the birds have settled into their new aviary and have commenced initial training.

Budgie Bill get to grips with his induction training

A spokesperson for Royal Mail said that they are very pleased with the initial responses from their trials, but are considering changes to the Pricing in Proportion (PiP) structure as many of the birds have difficulty with carrying larger packets and greetings cards.

Budgerigar team leader Bill Bird stated "...most of the group have acclimatised well to the cooler climate in the UK and we have already formed a cricket team with the intention challenging the Royal Mail's carrier pigeon squad..."

Statement of Intent

I purchased some of the Thomas the Tank Engine stamps from my local post office yesterday afternoon. "I think this will be a very popular issue" said the counter clerk enthusiastically as I placed my order.
I couldn't help notice that only two stamps had been removed from the oddly arranged sheets of 24 despite five hours of trading.  Maybe her enthusiasm would have been shared with a wider audience had there been some indication in the office that the stamps were on sale.
At home I examined the purchase and began to prepare my covers and cards. The local evening newspaper arrives and I take a break and return to the real world.

Front page headlines..." Letters slump leads to £120 million loss..JOBS AXE AT STRUGGLING ROYAL MAIL". This follows yesterday's "135 Post Offices to close". I depressingly return to the stamps.

The news plays on my mind. Mail volumes down by 20% over 5 years..further reductions of 5% a year predicted...texting accounts for 50% of all personal messaging... How does philately fit into the restructured future?

   The fat controller tells Toby that Royal Mail has reported a £120 million loss over the year

This calls for action! Something must be done!

I make a three part pledge:

1. I will call on everyone I know to encourage them to send more mail.
2. I will seek innovative ways to promote the hobby of philately.
3. I will canvas and harrass public authorities to make sure they meet their obligation in providing an effective public mail service.

Let's go!