Since Monday 31 July 2023, it is no longer possible to send mail using any of the old definitive stamps. Every time these old stamps are used, we are fined up to £2.50, which adds to our postage expenses each month. 

This decision about stamps applies to all definitive (every day) stamps issued by the Royal Mail from 1970 to 2022. Most are simply the standard small size single colour stamps with the Queen’s Head. However, this also applies to regional stamp issues from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, high value stamps £1 to £10, and most Europe and Worldwide rate stamps, which were classed definitive issues.

Above are a few typical examples of definitive stamps no longer valid, there are many hundreds of them. If you do use these stamps there is a risk your recipient will be given a minimum surcharge of £1.10.

Stamps classed as definitive stamp include:
• Machin definitive stamps e.g. 1st & 2nd Class and 1p to £10;
• Regional stamps from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Small European & Worldwide stamps from sheets and booklets (Post & Go
stamps are still valid.
• Basically, any small (Machin sized) stamps from Sets, Miniature sheets,
Booklets and from Smiler Sheets, we are treating as definitive.
• HIGH VALUE STAMPS including all Machin’s, Castle stamps and the £10 Britannia stamp from 1993.

Royal Mail are happy to swap these old stamps like for like. Instead of using them on envelopes, please simply send your old stamps free of charge to “Freepost SWAP OUT”. Make sure your address is added too and they will send new ones to you. 

Please note – all new stamps have a barcode, please make sure that remains on the stamp or otherwise we are fined again.

Thank you for your understanding. 
 

www.stjudeshrine.org.uk