The Lewes Pound loves freedom

 The Lewes Pound is delighted to be sharing in the growing excitement in the build up to the commemoration of the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes in May 2014. We are working to bring out the new issue of our notes slightly early so as to coincide with the beginning of the fortnight of Battle-related events starting on 3rd May and hope the designs will reflect some of the themes.

Thomas Paine – a much later battler for freedom – will still feature on the front of the note, though the great quote from him – “We have it in our power to build the world anew” – will move to the reverse to make room for a reference to the Battle of Lewes and a related strap-line – “local power reclaimed”. We are currently running a competition for battle related designs for the reverse of the new LP1 notes, but also hope to feature local businesses, bonfire and Lewes’s new role in the South Downs National Park on other denominations.

The Lewes Pound seeks to support our local economy by keeping money local and to promote a strong sense of community by giving Lewes its own currency. This is indeed freedom and power reclaimed for Lewes residents. Back then the battle was between barons and the king to gain dominion, which led eventually to our parliamentary democracy. Now we have our battle between small independent businesses and huge corporations over the future sustainability of our town and indeed our planet. It seems more than a coincidence that Lewes has been – and will be – in the forefront of both battles.