Context for question: I have been working on a collection of Machin definitive stamps with fully dated CDS cancels, used in period. Over many years, I have been building calendar collections, mostly first- and second-class basic rates between 1971 and 1978, but also some through the 1980s and 1990s to the year 2000 -- and a few beyond.
I have yet to come across a cancel dated either December 25 or December 26, and have only ever seen two dated January 1 -- in 1973, and 1974.
My first question then, is this: Does the Royal Mail close all mail cancelling operations on Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26)? Can anyone give me a definitive answer, or point me to a source that can do so?
Secondly, is there a similar closure on New Year's Day (January 1)? If so, are January 1 cancellations errors?
If the answer (s) are no, have any members come across cancellations on December 25, December 26, or January 1? I am particularly interested in the period 1971 to 1978, but would be interested in seeing any examples of Machins clearly bearing cancellations on any of those dates.
I am interested in knowing for certain whether cancellations bearing those dates are merely elusive or whether they are simply not to be found.
re: History questions - Royal Mail non-operational dates?
I cannot give a definitive answer, but maybe it helps to understand the situation when I mention that Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day are among the so-called bank holidays when most business rests in the UK. There are more such days, but the three named ones are those with fixed dates, and New Year's Day was only proclaimed a holiday in 1974. This may at least explain the relative dearth of UK postmarks of these dates.
For a definite answer I suggest contacting Royal Mail themselves.
