Dear People of the World,
Last year you really helped us to make a lovely celebration of Penny Black Day on 6th May for the 185th Anniversary and I wondered if you would like to do the same again this year for the 186th. It’s really simple to take part. Here’s the poster to explain:
Feel free to copy and laminate and tie to your local postboxes to spread the word. Here’s a photo from last year…
The Penny Black was invented by Sir Rowland Hill and revolutionised the postal service. Here’s some information from The Postal Museum which explains about why it was such a brilliant invention:
Last year we went on a special pilgrimage (of sorts) to Westminster Abbey to find Sir Rowland’s grave. Click HERE to read my letter to Sir Rowland Hill about our wonderful adventures up in London.
This year we are delighted to be running a competition across social media with Pigeon Posted to give away some Pigeons, a Penny Black Day stamper and some Royal Mail Queen Victoria stamps to treat one lucky winner. We’re hoping they will arrive before 6th May so they can be used on the day. Competition deadline is 12 noon on 1st May.
If you missed the competition but would like a stamper click HERE to buy one from The English Stamp Company (THLAS get 10% commission on the stampers), or click HERE for a pack of beautiful Pigeons or click HERE for some Royal Mail Queen Victoria stamps.
Feel free to use the template below (copy into Word) to make into Penny Black Day envelopes to use on the day.
Also if you can’t afford a stamp, you can still take part if you’d like to by using this FREEPOST address to Royal Mail HQ (the Penny Black is just a sticker – no stamp needed). Write and tell them what a brilliant job our posties do or how affordable stamps are really important or tell them about your day or whatever you fancy.
It would be lovely to see any letters you’ve sent if you wanted to share them on 6th May. Just add #PennyBlackDay and tag us in @letterappsoc. NOTE: be careful not to show any addresses!
Let’s make Rowland Hill proud!
Dinah