Vintage Cricket Elegance: Exploring the 1980 Royal Mail PHQ Postcard

 For many of us, the joy of collecting is found in the intersection of art, history, and a personal passion. In my collection, some of the most cherished pieces are those that capture the essence of British culture through the lens of the Royal Mail. Today, I’m thrilled to share a deep dive into a beautiful acquisition from my archives: the 1980 Sport (Cricket) PHQ Postcard.

This postcard is more than just a piece of stationary; it is a reproduction of a postage stamp, part of a set celebrating British sports. Whether you are a philatelist, a deltiologist, or a lifelong cricket fan, this card represents a golden era of both graphic design and the "Gentleman’s Game."

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The Beauty of the PHQ Card

PHQ cards (Postal Headquarters cards) are a specific delight for collectors. They are official postcards issued by the Post Office that feature enlarged reproductions of commemorative stamps.

This specific card, numbered PHQ 47 (d), was released on October 10, 1980. What makes this series stand out is the quality of the printing. Produced by The House of Questa in London—a legendary name in security printing—the colours remain vibrant and the texture of the cardstock feels substantial, even decades later.

Postcard Illustration of a British Postage Stamp Featuring Cricket Players

Artistic Mastery by Robert Goldsmith

The artwork featured on the front is the work of Robert Goldsmith. In the 1970s and 80s, stamp design was a prestigious field that required a unique ability to convey movement and detail in a very small square.

Goldsmith’s depiction of the batsman is masterfully executed. The style is painterly and impressionistic, using a vibrant palette of "cricket greens."

• The Action: The batsman is caught mid-stroke, his bat raised high, showing a sense of dynamic energy.

• The Details: From the traditional white flannels to the classic wooden stumps and the wicketkeeper crouched in anticipation in the background, every element evokes the atmosphere of a sunny afternoon at a local cricket ground.

• The Iconography: In the top right corner, the gold silhouette of Queen Elizabeth II anchors the card in its official British heritage.

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A Glimpse into 1980s Philately

Looking at the reverse of the card, we see the technical details that excite collectors. At the time of issue, the postcard itself was priced at 17 1/2p

The 1980 "Sport" set was a significant release. Alongside cricket, the set included stamps for other quintessentially British activities like rugby and athletics. By reproducing these as postcards, the Post Office allowed enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate artwork on a larger scale, making it a favourite for those who find stamp-sized art a bit too small for the naked eye.

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Why I Love This Piece

Collecting these cards is like holding a time capsule. When I look at this cricket card, I don’t just see a stamp reproduction; I see the cultural significance of 1980. This was an era before the digital revolution, where sending a postcard was a common way to stay in touch, and the "Sport" series celebrated the physical prowess and community spirit found in British sports.

The House of Questa, mentioned on the back, was known for using lithography to achieve stunning colour accuracy. This dedication to craft is why cards from this era have aged so gracefully. The whites of the cricketers' uniforms haven't yellowed, and the green of the field still feels fresh and inviting.

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Tips for Collecting PHQ Cards

If you are looking to start your own collection or have recently discovered a stack of these in an attic, here are a few things to look for:

1. Condition is Key: Look for sharp corners and a lack of "foxing" (brown spotting caused by age).

2. The "Mint" vs. "Used" Debate: Some collectors prefer "mint" cards (unused), while others love "first day of issue" (FDI) cards that feature the actual stamp and a commemorative postmark on the back.

3. Printer Marks: Cards printed by The House of Questa or Harrison & Sons are often highly regarded for their print quality.

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Final Thoughts

Cricket is a game of patience, strategy, and beauty—qualities that are reflected in the design of this 1980 postcard. It remains a standout piece in my collection because it marries the technical precision of the Post Office with the artistic vision of Robert Goldsmith.

Every time I flip through my album and land on PHQ 47 (d), I’m reminded of why I started collecting in the first place: to preserve these small, beautiful fragments of history.

Echoes of Steam: A Journey to Mytholmes Viaduct on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

 There is a specific kind of magic found in the tactile nature of a vintage postcard. It isn't just a photograph; it is a frozen moment of social history, a physical link between a traveller’s experience and a loved one’s mailbox. Today, I’m diving into a beautiful piece from my collection: a postcard featuring the Mytholmes Viaduct on the legendary Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR).

This isn’t just a scenic shot of a train; it’s a window into the "Brontë Country" of West Yorkshire, carrying a personal message that helps us pinpoint a specific era of British rail preservation and domestic travel.

Mytholmes Viaduct, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

The Scene: Mytholmes Viaduct and USATC 2-8-0 No. 5820

The front of the postcard captures a powerful image of industrial heritage set against the rolling, verdant hills of the Worth Valley. The locomotive at the head of the train is instantly recognizable to rail enthusiasts: the USATC S160 Class 2-8-0 No. 5820.

Affectionately known by enthusiasts as "Big Jim," this locomotive has a fascinating history. Built by Lima in the United States in 1943 for the war effort, it eventually found its way to the KWVR in the late 1960s. In this image, we see it in its grey "transportation" livery, crossing the Mytholmes Viaduct. The viaduct itself sits at the picturesque confluence of the River Worth and Bridgehouse Beck, positioned between the stations of Oakworth and Haworth.

Behind the locomotive, the train consists of vintage carriages, likely "Suburban" stock, trailing steam into the Yorkshire sky. In the background, the looming presence of a traditional Yorkshire textile mill serves as a reminder of the industry that originally built these valleys and the railways that served them.

Dating the Moment: When was this sent?

Dating a postcard involves a mix of postal evidence and visual clues. Let’s look at the "detective work" for this piece:

1. The Stamp: The postcard features a light green 12½p Machin stamp. In the UK, the 12½p rate for first-class inland letters (and postcards) was introduced in January 1981 and lasted until February 1982.

2. The Postmark: While slightly faint, the circular date stamp (CDS) shows a "27" and "JUL" (July). Given the stamp price, this points strongly to July 27, 1981.

3. The Content: The message mentions a "thunderstorm" following a trip to Haworth and the railway. A quick look at historical weather records for West Yorkshire often reveals stormy summers during the early 80s, fitting the narrative perfectly.

Based on the 12½p stamp and the 1981/82 rate window, we can confidently date the mailing of this card to July 1981.

A Message from the Past: "Sampled the K&WVR Today"

The reverse of the card contains a charming, handwritten note from "Mum and Dad" to Mr. Nigel Thomas in Sevenoaks, Kent. It reads:

"Dear Nigel. Sampled the K&WVR today, but not before we did the Brontë culture bit at Haworth. Still hot, but got a bit damp in a thunderstorm just as we got back from our railway trip. Save the card for Douglas to see – we thought he would like it. Love from Mum + Dad."

This short note perfectly encapsulates the quintessential British summer holiday in the 1980s. Haworth, famous for the Brontë Parsonage Museum, remains a "culture" staple, while the KWVR provides the nostalgic "sample" of steam travel. The mention of "Douglas" suggests a child or perhaps a fellow rail enthusiast who would appreciate the technical prowess of No. 5820.

The Significance of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

The KWVR is one of the most famous heritage railways in the world, largely thanks to its starring role in the 1970 film The Railway Children. By the time this postcard was sent in 1981, the railway was firmly established as a premier tourist destination.

The Mytholmes Viaduct, where this photo was taken, is a favourite spot for photographers. It represents the engineering challenges of the Victorian era, where stone arches were required to span the steep, erratic becks of the Pennines. Seeing a massive American-built locomotive like the S160 traversing this English landscape highlights the wonderful "melting pot" of history that preserved railways represent.

Why We Collect

Postcards like this are more than just paper; they are survivors. This card travelled from the rainy hills of Keighley to the "Garden of England" in Kent, survived over forty years in a collection, and now serves as a digital record of a summer day in 1981. It reminds us of a time when we communicated through ink and stamps, and when the whistle of a steam engine was the highlight of a family holiday.

Whether you are a railway enthusiast (a "basher" or a "spotter"), a local historian, or a collector of "deltiology" (postcard collecting), this piece from the Mytholmes Viaduct is a beautiful tribute to the enduring power of steam.

A View from the Heights: Princes Street in the 1930s

 The front of the postcard features a stunning elevated perspective, captioned "Princes Street from Scott Monument, Edinburgh." Taking this photograph would have required the photographer to ascend the 287 steps of the Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.

Princess Street from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh

Architectural Landmarks

The composition is a masterclass in urban landscape photography:

• The Royal Scottish Academy: In the foreground, the unmistakable Doric columns of the Academy stand prominently. To its left, we see the lush greenery of the Princes Street Gardens, which separate the New Town from the Old Town.

• The Skyline: In the distance, the spires of St Mary’s Cathedral pierce the horizon, while the dome of the Usher Hall or perhaps the West End buildings can be spotted against the backdrop of the Corstorphine Hill.

• The Street Life: If you look closely at the street level, you can see the hustle and bustle of 1934. Trams—a staple of Edinburgh life until 1956 (and famously returned in the 21st century)—line the tracks. Vintage automobiles and pedestrians in cloche hats and overcoats populate the sidewalks, many gathered under the distinctive striped awnings of the grand department stores like Jenners and Forsyth’s.

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The Human Touch: Postmarks and Personal Notes

While the image provides the historical context, the reverse of the postcard provides the soul. It was mailed to a Miss M. Welham at "Hill Rise," Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton, Surrey.

The Postmark and Stamp

The card features a crisp Edinburgh postmark dated April 21, 1934. The postage used is a classic red One Penny stamp featuring King George V. In 1934, a penny was the standard rate for inland postcards, a reminder of a time when daily mail was the primary "social media" of the era.

The Message from Nancye

The handwriting is fluid and casual, written by someone clearly enjoying her holiday despite the famously fickle Scottish weather. The message reads:

"Am having gorgeous time, in spite of weather. Have been here since Tuesday & return end of week. Thanks for letter last received. I have forgotten what it said now, but never mind—my love to all & you. Nancye"

There is something incredibly relatable about Nancye’s note. Her admission that she has "forgotten" what the previous letter said, but is writing anyway just to send love, bridges the 90-year gap between her world and ours. It reflects the "wish you were here" sentiment that has defined travel for over a century.

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The Maker: Valentine’s of Dundee

The card bears the hallmark of Valentine & Sons, a prolific Scottish printing company. Founded in Dundee, Valentine’s became one of the world's leading producers of postcards. By the time this card was printed in the 1930s, their "Real Photograph" series was highly prized for its clarity and depth compared to cheaper lithographic prints. The logo featuring the two globes and the slogan "Famous Throughout the World" was a point of immense civic and corporate pride.

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Why This Postcard Matters to Collectors

For a deltiologist (a postcard collector), this item is a "triple threat":

1. Topographical Interest: It documents the specific layout of a UNESCO World Heritage site before modern renovations.

2. Social History: It captures the fashion, transport, and communication habits of the Great Depression era.

3. Condition: The card is remarkably well-preserved. The "Real Photo" finish has kept its contrast, and the stamp and postmark are legible, which adds significant value for those interested in postal history.

Then vs. Now

If you stood on the Scott Monument today, much of this view would remain recognizable. The Royal Scottish Academy remains a cultural pillar. However, the shopfronts have changed, the horse-drawn echoes of the previous century are long gone, and the sea of umbrellas Nancye likely encountered would now be joined by thousands of smartphones capturing the same iconic vista.

This postcard is more than just paper and ink; it is a time capsule. It reminds us that while the "weather" in Edinburgh might be a constant struggle for tourists, the beauty of the city and the urge to share it with loved ones at home is timeless.

Vines and Vistas: An Overgrown Beaumaris Castle and a Personal Plea

 Postcards often capture a fleeting moment in a landmark's history. This sepia-toned card from my collection, showing the Banquetting Hall at Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, Wales, illustrates a time when nature had almost completely reclaimed the medieval fortress. More than the image, the handwritten message on the back offers a beautiful, heart-aching glimpse into an early 20th-century family separation.

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Banqueting Hall, Beaumaris Castle

The Front: Beaumaris Reclaimed

The image shows a section of the castle, specifically the Banquetting Hall, in a heavily overgrown state.

• A Romantic Ruin: Dating from the Edwardian period (c. 1900–1910s), this photo reflects a popular aesthetic of the time: the "Romantic Ruin." The stone walls are almost completely covered by thick ivy and other foliage, giving the castle a wild, ancient, and picturesque appearance.

• Beaumaris Castle: Begun by Edward I in 1295, Beaumaris is famous for its nearly perfect concentric design. This image, however, shows the structure not as a military masterpiece, but as a monument subsumed by the Welsh landscape, waiting to be rediscovered and restored.

The Message: A Plea for a Speedy Return

The message, addressed to Mrs. J. Curtis in Barry, Glamorgan, is postmarked from Harborne, near Birmingham, and carries a red One Penny stamp, likely dating the card to around 1911–1918.

The writing, while difficult to decipher in parts, conveys a profound sense of missing someone:

"Harborne forgot my bag was gone... I wish I was with both of you. But I must finish what I began so talk over those things. Don't you think of moving the little ones home. No sleep much. I expect to come home soon. Being afraid to lose you... hope to find myself fit to get to Harborne as then we shall be able to look after the nine small... all are well, as I hope you. Kindest hugs and kisses..."

The Context: Separation and Anxiety

• "The little ones" and "nine small": This suggests the writer, possibly a husband or parent, is separated from his wife/family. The mention of "nine small" might refer to nine small items, nine days, or perhaps even a large number of children or family members, depending on the full context.

• "No sleep much" and "afraid to lose you": This conveys intense anxiety and loneliness, possibly due to health issues, financial stress, or even military service (though the Harborne postmark makes a holiday unlikely).

• "Finish what I began": The writer is clearly working or carrying out an important task that prevents him from being home, but the need to see his family is paramount.

This postcard is a deeply personal and touching artifact—a historical image of an overgrown castle serving as the backdrop for a message of enduring family love and the profound difficulty of being apart.