Christmas issues 2013

For immediate release - 5 November 2013  

Guernsey Post is delighted to announce the release of its Christmas stamps for Guernsey and Alderney, which this year celebrates much-loved Christmas music (issue date 13 November).

Originally a folk song, the popular 'When Santa got stuck up the chimney' features on the Guernsey issue, whilst the story of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' is depicted across the Alderney issue.  Both issues have been designed by talented artist Nick Watton.

On the Guernsey stamps, images include Santa gliding past the window of a sleeping boy, his sleigh being pulled by his faithful reindeers (35p); the moment when Santa realises he is stuck in the chimney (53p); and, free from the chimney, Santa waving as his sleigh packed full of presents once again takes off into the starry night sky (79p).

First in the Alderney series, the 35p stamp shows Santa tending to Rudolph.  He is watched by one of his elves and Mrs Claus is in the background attending to the others in the herd. Other images include Rudolph's wonderful red nose in all its glory as he is pictured with two jolly snowmen (53p) and Rudolph at the head of the reindeers as he leads the sleigh, illuminating the night sky and ensuring Santa's annual task is completed without a hitch (79p).

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, said: - "Christmas is a time of year when our stamps can help to deliver good cheer and put a smile on people's faces.  Nick has imaginatively brought the lyrics of the songs to life for each of our beautifully detailed stamps."

Both sets of Christmas stamps are available to order online now at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on (01481) 716486.

From 2nd to 21st December inclusive, Bailiwick residents can benefit from using Guernsey Post's reduced rate (35p) stamp. The stamp can be used for sending Christmas wishes to friends and family within the Bailiwick. Further details and Christmas posting dates will be released shortly.

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Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, Amies PR, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic, Guernsey Post   01481 733524

Note to editors:

Specification Details

Date of issue: 13 November 2013
Designer: Nick Watton
Printer: Cartor Security Printing
Values: 35p, 40p, 53p, 55p, 63p, 71p, 79p
Process: Offset Lithography
Stamp sizes: 30mm deep x 40mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked/PVA Adhesive
Perforation: 13 x 13.25
Sheet: 50
Cylinder: A

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