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“Some … imagine the aim of economic localisation is complete self-sufficiency at the village level. In fact, localisation does not mean everything being produced locally, nor does it mean an end to trade. It simply means creating a better balance between local, regional, national and international markets. It also means that large corporations should have less control, and communities more over what is produced; and that trading should be fair and to the benefit of both parties. … Localisation is not about isolating communities from other cultures, but about creating a new, sustainable and equitable basis on which they can interact.”
Ed Mayo in Douthwaite (1996:ix)
Old Lewes Pounds are no longer valid
Old Lewes Pound notes expired on the 31st August 2009. You can still change them in for new ones at the Town Hall, High Street Lewes until the end of 2009. Or alternatively, hang onto them for posterity.
Traders meeting and redeeming Lewes Pounds into sterling July 21st 2009
At a meeting held at the Lewes Arms on the 21st July, Lewes traders where invited to discuss their concerns about the new mechanism, specifically in relation to the 5% donation on redemption of Lewes Pounds back to sterling. A number of traders felt that while the aims of the 5% donation were very honourable, its practical application meant that traders would be struggling to pay this contribution, especially in the current financial situation.
The aim of the meeting was to find a way forward that would be of benefit to the Lewes community and its traders. After a constructive meeting it was agreed that the 5% donation was not sufficiently supported or workable and that going forward one Lewes Pound will remain exchangable for one pound sterling.
We would like to thank those traders who kindly give their time to come to the meeting, and Ruth O'Keefe who represented some traders that were unable to attend.
The Lewes Pound is an initiative intended to help support the local economy, your input or feedback on how to improve how it works is always welcome.
The new notes
Following the success of the first issue of The Lewes Pound, launched in September 2008, higher denomination notes are now available. There are now 5, 10 and 21 pound notes along with two new versions of the One Lewes Pound note designed by local students. These new notes will help make Lewes Pounds easier to use. The new notes are backed by Sterling, as before.
What is it?
Essentially the Lewes Pound is a voucher or token, redeemable for goods or services with local traders and anyone that wants to use it. It is complementary to sterling, and by using it, we can all help support local producers and traders and raise awareness of the importance of shopping locally.
Lewes Pounds can be bought or redeemed for sterling at any of the issuing points. Click here for a full list of traders and issuing points.What else?
Unlike sterling, the Lewes Pound can also be used as a tool to help reconnect and rebuild the once vibrant web of local businesses and traders in the community, by bringing people together.Here are just a few examples of how it's being used creatively to encourage trade:
- Cliffe traders are currently running a prize draw whereby each Lewes Pound in circulation is effectively a lottery ticket. Three lucky serial numbers are selected at random once a month and the first person to hand in one of the winning numbers wins a great przie. See our website and Harveys window for details.
- Some local traders are offering discounts and deals for payment of goods in Lewes Pounds. A complete list of current offers can be found on the Offers page of our website.
- Other traders and suppliers have truly embraced the Lewes Pound and are using it to good effect, for example, by paying their own suppliers in Lewes Pounds, who in turn spend them with other Lewes businesses, thus creating a virtuous circle that benefits the town.