For each label shown there is/was a Welsh ‘Bilingual’ version available and two label overprint types- Thin and Thick lettering as well as two Machin gold label types (Original and the “August 10” type).

This makes 44 label overprints (22 English 22 Welsh)  in 2 print styles (Thick and Thin)  on 2 different gold Machin label types as well as the existing white labels whose stocks are currently being rundown ~ who said that ‘The modern collecting alternative’ of UK Postage Label collecting was boring, easy or without variation?..

Don’t forget, however, that many of these labels already have a limited lifespan of future availability- The original white labels are no longer available for Post Offices to order , the ‘Thick’ style (From the original Horizon software) overprint only has a matter of weeks left before it is completely removed – the first variant of the Machin gold label will be not replaced and rumors of plans (apparently)  to remove some of the ‘rarer’ indicators before Xmas ’10 have been circulated…So..fill those gaps now!

Some of the UK’s favourite garden birds will appear on new Post & Go pictorial stamps available from 17 September in 30 Post Office® branches across the UK and Tallents House.

The Garden Birds Post & Go stamps are the first in the Birds of Britain series of pictorial stamps issued by Post & Go terminals, a self service facility which allows customers to weigh their letters and packets, and pay for and print postage labels.

Initially the Garden Birds Post & Go stamps will be available from Post & Go terminals in 30 branches –as wells as at Autumn Stampex  – with the second set in the Birds of Britain series being available from all Post & Go terminals from next year.

The first Post & Go machine was installed at The Galleries Post Office in Bristol in 2007; since then over 170 terminals have been installed in around 100 branches.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail Stamps spokesperson, said: “Birds have long been one of the most popular thematic subjects and for this first set of pictorial Post & Go Stamps we wanted to celebrate the beauty and variety of the UK’s birdlife, starting with the birds that are frequently seen in gardens.

“To assist our selection, we referred to the results of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch to choose six of the most commonly seen birds, which best reflect the wide range of species gracing both rural and city skies.”

Kate Stephens was commissioned to produce the designs which were illustrated by wildlife artist Robert Gillmor.

Location of Post & Go machines selling Garden Birds pictorial stamps  :-

SOURCE: Aawaz Communications on behalf of Royal Mail

There is no end to some peoples ingenuity in ‘Manufacturing’ covers that should not actually exist. Here is a cover that appeared on Ebay , with the vendor suggesting someone actually producing it on the first day in Camden Town – but only Special Delivery items were processed on the first day ,suggesting the item has been backdated.

Post and Go at London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition.

The 8-day London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition featured the finest competitive exhibits from collectors around the world, plus stamp dealers, auctioneers and postal administrations, including a major presence from Royal Mail and the Post Office. This show takes place in London just once every ten years, and the 2010 show was a great success.

7^th May 2010-Friday

The Post and Go Kiosk was commissioned by Wincor engineers and went in operation early afternoon and was accessible to dealers and volunteers.

First label printed was numbered 0025 – the postage labels it produced used a trial roll which is on a shiny paper the label is rectangular with rounded corners.

The inscription “ROYAL MAIL” which runs top to bottom on the left of the label is set 4 mm away (Shown on Right) and is in different format compared to the currently used on machines in UK (Shown on Left).

The receipt consists of WINCOR NIXDORF logo and company address of Wokingham where this prototype machine is based.

The office ID number of 002010 (which denotes London 2010 Festival of Stamps exhibition) and machine number of “0” was printed on the label.
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8^th May 2010 – Saturday

Machine went live to public as from 10am still producing labels from trial roll and receipt as per 004 till midday when the machine developed a problem. This was resolved by a member of Post Office staff. The machine was reset and printed receipt now had Post Office logo with Wincor Nixdorf address of Wokingham.

Around 2.30pm the trial roll ran out and a new roll was installed. This had standard rectangle labels with serrated top and bottom

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11^th May 2010 – Tuesday

Between 10.30 – 11.15 a member of Post Office staff decided to change the address of Wincor Nixdorf, Wokingham to read Festival of Stamps, Islington on the system.

The last label printed with Wincor address was at 10:23am and the first one with Festival of Stamps was 11.15am.

As part of the London 2010 exibition the Post Office has provided counter facilities – using the Gold Machin Labels!

This item and similar can be purchased here:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170483626262

As part of the festival of stamps taking place from tomorrow, Royal Mail have provided Post Office facilities which include a Post Office counter facility.

As well as the counter there is a Post and Go machine with labels specially configured with a ‘2010’ codes:-

Further to earlier reports, I now have examples of Gold Horizon Machin Labels, issued in Kent in the BR5 postcode area, in error.

It has been reported today that a distribution of the Gold Machin Horizon Labels has taken place outside of Wales!-to some Branches in Kent – Further details to follow- in the meanwhile-check with your local PO to get some before they are withdrawn..