Stroud pound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stroud pound |
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The Stroud pound was a special kind of money used in the town of Stroud, Gloucestershire, in England. It was like a local version of the regular British pound, but it could only be spent in Stroud at certain shops. It was launched in 2009 to help local businesses and keep money circulating within the community.
The Stroud Pound Story
The Stroud pound started on September 12, 2009. It was an idea from a local group called Transition Towns. These groups help communities become more sustainable and support local economies. The Stroud pound was inspired by a similar local currency in Germany called the Chiemgauer.
When it first launched, people bought over 1,000 Stroud pounds! By April 2010, about 30 businesses in Gloucestershire were taking part in the program.
Why the Stroud Pound Stopped
Even though it started well, the Stroud pound faced challenges. In 2011, only about £4,000 worth of Stroud pounds were used. Some local businesses found it a bit complicated to use. Customers also preferred using regular British pounds.
One of the people who helped start the Stroud pound, Molly Scott Cato, said in 2016 that the currency "was never viable." This means it didn't really work out as planned in the long run. As of November 2019, the Stroud Pound website hadn't been updated in many years.
What the Stroud Pounds Looked Like
Stroud pounds came in four different values: £1, £2, £5, and £10. Each note had special designs.
On the front, all the notes showed a mural from 1972 called "Buildings of Stroud" by Philippa Threlfall. They also featured a Fuller's teasel, which is a plant.
The back of the notes had different pictures. These included local famous people, beautiful landscapes, and local plants and animals. For example, the highest value note, the £10 note, showed a picture of Laurie Lee, a famous writer from the area. The notes were printed in bright colors on special security paper to make them hard to copy.
