DESIGN CLASSICS SET THE BENCHMARK FOR ROYAL MAIL’S 2009 STAMP PROGRAMME

GROUNDBREAKING designs and great themes have always been the hallmark of Special Stamps programmes.  Unveiled on 29 December 2009 and continuing this trend, British Design Classics will be the first set of special stamps to be issued by Royal Mail in 2009. Britain is world renown for its creative talents, and so it is fitting that the stamps showcase some of the finest designs of the 20th century. The issue represents a taster of what the public can expect to see in Royal Mail’s Stamps programme next year (2009).

In February 2009, Royal Mail pays tribute to one of the world’s greatest poets and Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns. To celebrate his 250th birthday, a special Miniature Sheet will be issued in time for the annual Burns Night celebrations, a date which is eagerly anticipated by Scots around the globe.

Celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin, one of the greatest scientists of all time and the 150th anniversary of his seminal book On The Origin of Species: By Means of Natural Selection, the stamps show Darwin’s areas of study that helped to contribute to his ideas: Zoology, Ornithology, Geology, Botany and Anthropology, as well as his inspirational travels around the Galapagos islands.

The contributions of eight pioneers of the Industrial Revolution are showcased in March. Between them, they built the roads and canals that were the catalyst behind the United Kingdom’s Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th Centuries. 

Other stamp issues to look forward to in 2009 include:- Celebrating Wales, The House of Tudor; Endangered Plants; Mythical Creatures; Post Boxes; The Fire & Rescue Service; Royal Navy Uniforms and Christmas. Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail, said:- “Special stamps mark unique moments, great anniversaries and vital cultural themes. Next year’s programme will take stamps further than before with a unique collection of fascinating images and subjects. For many, stamps are seen as one-inch square works of – we are confident that the 2009 stamp programme will live up to our customers’ expectations. By subscribing in January, the public can ensure they receive each of these unique works of art in the format of their choice – mint stamps, presentation packs or first day covers – on every day of.”

The credit crunch hits disabled children

DISABLED children across the UK are emerging as some of the largest victims being hit hard by the credit crunch. The UK’s leading child disability charity, Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, has reported an alarming increase in requests for help from struggling parents refused assistance by the government funded statutory services, turning to the charity.

New figures reveal a demand for Newlife’s services has increased more than 400% in just three months*, a crucial period as the UK braces itself for a recession. Calls to Newlife Nurses have heard of families putting wheelchairs on credit cards, in some cases the debt will long outlive the child.

Families that have to take children to multiple hospital appointments or distant special schools are suffering from fuel increases. Many families report worries about winter cold as immobile and sick children need more heating. Special diets and the additional cost of continence supplies are also creating serious problems for families of disabled children.

Victims of the credit crunch are facing financial hardship - rising living costs, increased household bills and fuel costs are leading concerned parents to turn to reliable charities to provide essential equipment and advice. Newlife, a national charity that focuses on health, research and care into children with disabilities, has said that it fears thousands of children refused equipment by statutory services and now under pressure from the credit crunch, will cause real problems for carers. This will result in families being forced to go without essentials unless funding for charities giving direct services improves.

Newlife’s Chief Executive, Mrs Sheila Brown OBE, says:- “We understand that everyone is feeling the pinch of the credit crunch, including us, however there are a quarter of a million children across the country desperate for essential equipment. Statutory services often spend a pitiful amount on equipment for each disabled child and some charities are now unable to offer any support or have waiting lists of up to two years, so desperate parents are turning to Newlife for help. Last year we spent £1.2 million on equipment for disabled children.”

The major increase in calls for help and information shows the dramatic level of concern. Sheila added that:- “Unfortunately with the current economic climate, poverty levels in the UK are continuing to soar, however those with disabled children are struggling more than ever as costs continue to rise yet more doors are being closed on their calls for help. 55% of disabled children grow up in, or at the margins of poverty** with the average income of families with disabled children standing at just £15,270, 23.5% below the UK mean income of £19,968. Shockingly, 21.8% of families with disabled children have incomes that are less than half the UK average**.”

If you are experiencing trouble receiving equipment for a disabled or seriously ill child, please contact a Newlife Nurse via the website newlifecharity.co.uk or call 0800 902 0095 for further information on how Newlife can help disabled children.

* 1 September, 2008 to 12 December, 2008.

** Source: Contact A Family, 2008

British Heart Foundation’s Unwanted Gift Appeal

WHETHER it’s an oversized jumper, two copies of your favourite CD or yet another pair of fluffy rabbit slippers, chances are that this Christmas most households will receive a few unwanted gifts. But all needn’t be wasted, as the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is offering an alternative home for these unsuitable gifts, by asking people to kindly donate them to their local BHF Shop.

In December 2008, BHF Shops often experience a drop in donations as people are busy preparing for the Christmas festivities. This year in particular, December 2008 and January 2009 are crucial periods for shops to receive much needed stock and donating your unwanted gifts to your local BHF Shop will help provide a real boost.

BHF Shops would gratefully accept good quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, videos, toys and bric-a-brac.

British shoppers spend a staggering £2.3billion on Christmas presents that are unsuitable or not wanted. But, instead of feeling guilty for not using your presents and leaving them at the bottom of your wardrobe gathering dust, turn them in to a lifesaver and donate them to your local BHF Shop.

Ken Blair Chief Executive for BHF Shops says:- “Christmas is a time of giving and receiving presents, but occasionally we get a gift that we can’t find a use for, perhaps items we already have, things that we don’t need, or clothes that are the wrong size or style.

We’d like to ask people to make their first New Year’s resolution a visit to their local BHF Shop to donate unwanted items so that we can give them a new lease of life.

We can find a perfect new home for all gifts and at the same time raise vital money to help fight heart disease.

So, start the 2009 in a positive way by donating to the BHF.”

Donating your unwanted Christmas presents could not be easier, you can help by either by drop them into your local BHF Shop, or calling 0844 412 5000 to discuss collection options.