Lewes pound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewes pound |
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The Lewes pound is a special kind of money used in the town of Lewes, East Sussex, in England. It's a local currency, which means it's only used in that specific area. The idea for the Lewes pound came from other local currencies like the Totnes pound. It was started in September 2008 by a group called Transition Town Lewes. They wanted to help the community deal with big challenges like climate change and a future where oil might become scarce. The town council even supported the idea!
Contents
History of the Lewes Pound
Lewes actually had its own money a long time ago, starting in 1789. But this old currency stopped being used in 1895, along with many other local monies.
Bringing Back Local Money
The Lewes pound was brought back in September 2008. This event was so interesting that it was even talked about in national news! On July 3, 2009, the people behind the Lewes pound announced that they would make more types of notes. They started printing new notes for £5, £10, and even a special £21.
The Special £21 Note
The £21 note is unique because five pence from every Lewes pound bought goes to a local charity called the Live Lewes Fund. This helps support good causes in the community.
Different Lewes Pound Notes
As of 2017, there were many different Lewes pound notes being used. They came in various colors and years:
- 1 Pound, green, undated
- 1 Pound, green, 2009
- 1 Pound, green, 2017
- 5 Pounds, blue, 2009
- 5 Pounds, blue, 2013
- 5 Pounds, blue, 2017
- 10 Pounds, yellow, 2009
- 10 Pounds, blue, 2014
- 21 pounds, red, 2009
A special version of the notes was also printed in mid-2014. This was to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes, an important historical event.
How Much is a Lewes Pound Worth?
The value of a Lewes pound is exactly the same as a regular British pound (£1 sterling). So, if you have one Lewes pound, it's worth the same as one regular pound.
Where Can You Use It?
In January 2023, you could use Lewes pounds in about 100 shops and businesses in Lewes. This is a lot more places than people first thought would accept it! Sometimes, local businesses might even give you a small discount if you pay with Lewes pounds. This encourages people to use the local money.
Collecting Lewes Pounds
Some of the very first Lewes pound notes were sold online for much more than their face value. This happened because people wanted them as collector's items. Because of this, the group that manages the Lewes pound started selling special collector's packs. This helps them get money to keep the local currency going. They also believe that having a unique local currency like this helps bring more visitors to Lewes. These visitors then spend money in local shops and restaurants, which helps the town's economy.
What Do Lewes Pound Notes Look Like?
The Lewes pound notes are designed with local history and landmarks.
Front of the Note
The front of the notes shows a picture of the South Downs, which are beautiful hills near Lewes. It also features an image of Thomas Paine, a famous writer and thinker who lived in Lewes. Below his picture, there's a quote from him: "We have it in our power to build the world anew."
Back of the Note
On the back of the notes, you can see a picture of Lewes Castle, a historic landmark in the town.
Security Features
The notes are printed on special paper, just like regular banknotes. They also have several security features to prevent fakes. These include unique numbers on each note, watermarks (pictures you can see when you hold the note up to the light), and heat marks that change when warmed.
Why Some People Criticize Local Currencies
While local currencies like the Lewes pound are meant to help communities, they have also faced some criticism.
Helping Everyone in the Community
Some people have said that the Lewes pound and the Transition Towns movement haven't done enough to help everyone in Lewes. They worry that these efforts might not fully support people from all different backgrounds, especially those with less money.
Impact on Local Spending and Environment
Other criticisms of local currencies in general include that they haven't always been very successful at getting people to spend more money locally. Also, some people question whether these currencies are truly an effective way to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change.
See also
- Bristol pound
- Stroud pound
- Totnes pound
- BerkShares
- Toronto Dollar
- Brixton pound
