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Royal Mail have revealed five new stamps to celebrate the Christmas season this winter. The stamps feature cathedrals across the UK but sadly, none of those featured are in the West Midlands.
Instead, they are in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Armagh, Bangor and Westminster. The stamps were illustrated by British artist, Judy Joel, whose popular paintings have been sold worldwide over the last 50 years. Royal Mail worked with Canon Janet Gough, OBE, one of the UK’s foremost experts on cathedrals and church buildings on the stamp issue.
Canon Gough said: “These special stamps are a reminder that for centuries past, cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy and wonder at the birth of Christ. And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our cities.
“All the UK’s cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of all faiths and none. For services, prayer and celebration, to find peace, or to enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture and treasures, visit a cathedral this Christmas!”
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy, said: “Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities. They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas.”
(Image: Royal Mail)
Royal Mail described each stamp below:
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, designed by Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott, boldly harks back to upwardly soaring medieval Gothic cathedrals, with its three spires dominating Edinburgh. Consecrated in 1879, St Mary’s is the largest cathedral in Scotland today and maintains the tradition of regular choral worship, never more elaborate than at Christmas.
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Church of Ireland)
The Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Patrick in Armagh traces its origins to a hilltop sanctuary founded by St Patrick, and worship has taken place on this site since the 5th century. At Christmas, the cathedral’s hallowed walls echo with the sound of carols and all find a warm welcome within.
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool acquired an immense new cathedral for the 20th century, designed by the young architect Giles Gilbert Scott. Consecrated in 1924, the cathedral was not completed until 1978. In what is often called the ‘people’s cathedral’, breath-taking heights and a sense of space combine with beautiful craftsmanship.
St Deiniol’s Cathedral, Bangor / Cadeirlan Deiniol Sant ym Mangor
Bangor Cathedral stands where St Deiniol established his Celtic monastery in the 6th century. Battered by medieval wars between the princes of Gwynedd and the English kings, the cathedral now celebrates the languages, cultures and landscapes of Wales. Every Sunday and on Christmas Day, Welsh and English coexist in worship and prayer.
Westminster Cathedral, London
Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. It was designed by John Francis Bentley in a neo-Byzantine style and built between 1895 and 1903. Candlelit Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve ushers in the celebration of the birth of Christ.
A spokesperson for Royal Mail added: “We also want to remind customers to remain extra vigilant during the festive season. Often at this time of year we see an increase in online scam attempts, as fraudsters look for opportunities to steal money and valuable information from people expecting a delivery. Click here for some helpful tips on how to determine if an email, text message or phone call is from Royal Mail, and how to report anything suspicious.
“Royal Mail has launched a stamp scanner to provide extra reassurance to customers who may be unsure about whether a stamp is counterfeit or not. Customers who download the app can use it to check whether it is a known counterfeit, preventing them from inadvertently becoming victims of fraud.”
Last recommended posting dates for Christmas 2024:
- For 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For, the last recommended posting date is Wednesday, December 18.
- For 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 48, it’s Friday, December 20.
- For Royal Mail Tracked 24 the last recommended posting date is Saturday, December 21 and for Special Delivery Guaranteed it’s Monday, December 23.
Click here for more information.
Child poverty is soaring in Birmingham and without urgent change, will only get worse. Having worked with charities and community groups, BirminghamLive is campaigning for the following changes to start to turn the tide:
- End the two-child benefit cap
- Provide free school meals to every child in poverty
- Create a city “aid bank” for baby and child essentials
- Protect children’s and youth services
- Create permanent, multi year Household Support Fund and give more Discretionary Housing grants
- Set up child health and wellbeing hubs in our most deprived neighbourhoods
- Appoint a Birmingham child poverty tsar
- Provide free public travel for young people
You can see why in more detail here.
Read our full report Birmingham: A Child Poverty Emergency here.
What you can do to help.
