Harry Potter and stamp of gloom
FOR the folk of Muggleswick, the key to enjoying remote rural life lies in embracing the magic of tranquillity and isolation.
But residents of the County Durham village fear the peace of their picturesque idyll will be shattered by the arrival of busloads of Harry Potter fans after the Royal Mail linked the hamlet to the children’s books.
The postcode and name of Muggleswick has been used as the official franking for a set of stamps celebrating JK Rowling’s wizard. Royal Mail assigns first-day cover issues with a location that has some connection to the stamps’ theme. Muggleswick was chosen because a “muggle” in the series describes a nonmagical person.
The move has dismayed Mike Seeley, the chairman of Muggleswick parish council. “We’re a bit surprised. It is not even in Harry Potter,” he told his local newspaper. “We hope it doesn’t lead to us being inundated with thousands of Chinese tourists lining up to take pictures because we don’t have any infrastructure.”
Last night, the Royal Mail apologised. A spokesman added: “This process has never before caused any concerns from residents of the numerous locations previously selected.”
Dr Sheila Severn Newton, a local historian, said: “There’s absolutely nothing to do with Harry Potter here.”
However, the Rev Helen Savage, who holds a monthly service at Muggleswick’s All Saints Church, added: “We would be thrilled if we had coach loads of tourists. We are in the process of funding a new roof, so they could make donations.”