ALWAYS on the lookout for opportunities to reinforce the ''post

early'' Christmas message, the Royal Mail yesterday announced a

sponsorship package of #25,000 for Glasgow 1990.

In a ceremony at its headquarters in George Square, against a backdrop

of posters reminding us that December 19 is the last possible date for

ensuring on-time delivery of Christmas cards, Mr Bob McCall, district

head postmaster for Glasgow, presented a cheque for #25,000 to festivals

director Mr Bob Palmer.

Most of the money has been allocated to sponsor three events chosen by

the Post Office in 1990. Mr McCall said that the Royal Mail is

considering proposals for the use of the rest.

In addition, the Royal Mail announced that at regular intervals,

letters sent in Glasgow during 1990 will be franked, at no cost to

Glasgow, with the message ''There's a lot Glasgowing on in 1990''.

The money will be used to construct a permanent giant chess set in

Pollok Park. The commission for the piece will go to Scottish-based

artists. It is hoped a personality from the chess world will inaugurate

the set with an opening match.

Also sponsored will be the Saaba dancers and singers from the west

African country of Burkina Faso. The group has received world-wide

acclaim for its performances of traditional music and dances.

The third event to receive sponsorship is a concert by the Scottish

Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of James Loughran.

The concert will be on February 28, and the orchestra will perform

works by Bartok, Mozart, and Schubert.