RSPB Used Stamp Appeal Closed

The RSPB has been forced to announce that we will no longer be accepting  donations of used postage stamps.

The Stamp appeal has helped us to raise thousands of pounds for the Albatross, a magnificent bird found in the southern oceans. The Albatross task force will still continue to do amazing work but without this source of income.

This follows the statement the charity commission posted in November which highlighted the illegal removal of franking from used stamps and them being sold on auction sites and to the general public for reuse.  It seems the illegal cleaners were purchasing the used stamps collected by charities and intended for sale to foreign stamp collector.  There is no suggestion the charities were aware of this illegal trade.

The RSPB are now focusing on rare and collectable items for auction including stamp collections, first day covers and albums, coins and medals.

Red fire above the river?

Album cover.  Ronnie Harr

Here's something different for you all.

A selection of songs inspired by birds. Easy on the ear ,catchy, observant lyrics, somewhat beatle-esq and a  great incentive:  a percentage of sales will go towards 'Saving the Spoon-billed Sandpiper' and supporting the 'Save Albatross campaign'. 

Spoonbill Sandpiper chick.  RSPB images John o'Sullivan

You can buy the CD or download selected tracks on Mp3

Don't you get lonely on that desolate moor?..
Get your headphones on............

Dear bird and wildlife enthusiasts,

As someone who studies and appreciates the beauty of birds and nature, I wonder if I could interest you in my CD 'Songs about Birds', an album of 12 self-written, species-specific songs inspired by birds and birdwatching, in which I try to capture the moods, emotions and landscapes associated with the birds. There are songs about the swift, kingfisher, red kite, starlings at Brighton, gannets at Bempton Cliffs, and more. A percentage of sales will go towards saving the spoon-billed sandpiper and supporting the 'Save the Albatross' campaign.

Available in physical format with a 16 page illustrated booklet from http://www.nhbs.com/songs_about_birds_tefno_187179.html or from http://www.wildsounds.com/products/3454-Songs-about-Birds.shtml  or in digital format from itunes or from amazon at

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Songs-About-Birds/dp/B009P6AYGK/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357392433&sr=301-1

You can listen to some of the songs  on my website www.themusicalbirder.com   or below:

http://www.reverbnation.com/ronniehaar/song/14208320-curlew

http://www.reverbnation.com/ronniehaar/song/14208359-blackbird

http://www.reverbnation.com/ronniehaar/song/14208346-red-kite

Ideal for listening to in the minibus/car on field trips, in the evening after a day out in the field, or as background music in the nature shop or office.    'will make you take a closer look at the wildlife around you'

(Birdwatching Magazine, Dec 2012)

Ronnie Haar

haarhaar@hotmail.com

Happy listening folks

Laura

Christmas Appeal

When Christmas cards arrive don't just bin your stamps. 

Help Save The Albatross with the RSPB. 

In 2011 your stamps helped us raise £15,000!

Bring your stamps to the indoor meetings in 

December  & January.

(Just tear off the corner with the stamp, ideally 

 with no more than a quarter of an inch border).

Or

Send loose stamps to: RSPB Stamps, PO Box 6198, Leighton Buzzard, 

 Bedfordshire LU7 9XT


Laura