The Lewes Pound – more than just money

During the Covid crisis it hasn’t really been possible to spend Lewes Pounds, either because businesses that accept them have been closed or because businesses have preferred contactless payments, rather than paper, to reduce the potential spread of infection. That doesn’t mean, though, that we have given up on our local currency; we hope it will be back in circulation as soon as possible. We believe that the Lewes Pound is a vital tool in supporting a thriving local community that is more sustainable and fairer for all. Furthermore, our designs send out an important message about what kind of town we are and what kind of town we want to become. That’s why we say that the Lewes Pound is ‘more than just money’.

The current notes expire shortly and even before lockdown, we had been discussing themes for the new notes and connecting with people who might work on the designs. The text on the reverse of the new notes will say that the Lewes Pound:-

• Celebrates Lewes
• Supports Local Traders, Social Justice and
 UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Helps Combat Climate Change
• Keeps Money Circulating Locally

These are the topics that all the new designs we have commissioned reflect in one way or another. We really want our new issue to tell a story about our town and some of its concerns relating to these matters in 2020. We can say that our overriding theme is about ‘Celebrating Lewes’ and that we want each note to reference one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

All in all, we are very excited by the themes and designs of our new notes. The print-ready versions are steadily coming together and we hope it won’t be too long before everyone can see them, use them and celebrate Lewes with us.