The Stroud Pound Explained from History to Present Day

The Stroud pound is a unique currency that's been making waves in the town of Stroud, Gloucestershire. It was launched in 2002 by the Stroud Pound Project, a community-led initiative.

The idea behind the Stroud pound was to keep money local, with 90% of its value being spent within the town. This approach aimed to boost the local economy and reduce reliance on national banks.

The Stroud pound is pegged to the value of the British pound, but it's not a physical note – it's a voucher that can be used in participating businesses.

The Stroud pound is a private currency introduced in the British town of Stroud, Gloucestershire, in September 2009. It was launched to support the local economy by encouraging consumers to buy local produce and other goods and services, thereby encouraging the development of local businesses and jobs.

The Stroud pound was specifically designed to keep money within the local community, reducing the amount that flows out of the area to larger towns and cities.

By using the Stroud pound, consumers can help boost the local economy and create new jobs.

The Stroud pound is a private currency, issued on a one-for-one basis with British pound sterling (GBP). It's administered by the Stroud Pound Co-operative, a non-profit run by volunteers.

The Stroud pound is not intended to replace the United Kingdom's official currency, but rather to be a complementary currency. It's designed to work alongside the national currency, not to replace it.

The Stroud pound is issued in four denominations: £1, £2, £5, and £10. The physical designs of the notes emphasize local imagery to foster greater consumer identification with the currency.

The Stroud Pound has a fascinating history that's worth exploring. Launched on 12 September 2009, it was an initiative of the local Transition Towns group.

The scheme was based on the Chiemgauer, a community currency circulating in the Chiemgau region of Bavaria, Germany since 2003. This was a deliberate choice to create a unique and local currency.

On the day of the launch, a significant amount of local currency with a face value of over 1,000 Stroud pounds was sold. This was a promising start to the scheme.

However, by 2011, the momentum had slowed down, and only £4,000 worth of Stroud pounds were issued. This was a significant drop from the initial launch.

Some local businesses complained about the hassle of using the Stroud Pound and said customers still supported them but preferred to use sterling. This was a major setback for the scheme.

A discussion on a possible re-launch was held in 2015, but it didn't seem to gain much traction. One of the founders, Molly Scott Cato, even said in 2016 that the currency was "never viable".

As of November 2019, the website had not been updated since 2012, which suggests that the scheme may have stalled. Despite this, Stroud Pound Co-op Ltd still exists.

The Stroud Pound currency features a unique design that showcases the town's character.

Stroud Pounds are available in four denominations: £1, £2, £5, and £10.

The front of each note features Philippa Threlfall's 1972 mural "Buildings of Stroud" and a Fuller's teasel on the front.

The back of each note showcases various images of local significance.

The highest denomination features a notable local figure, Laurie Lee.

The designs are printed in bright colours on watermarked security paper.

The Stroud pound is a private currency, which means it's issued by a private firm or group as an alternative to a national currency. It's backed by physical commodities, such as British pound sterling, to increase security and limit inflation.

The Stroud pound is not meant to replace the UK's official currency, but rather to be a complementary currency. This means it's designed to work alongside the national currency, not in place of it.

The Stroud pound is issued in four denominations: £1, £2, £5, and £10. The physical designs of the notes feature local imagery to help people connect with the currency.

To keep the Stroud pound circulating, the system has a few features in place. One of these is that the Stroud pound loses 3% of its value every six months.

The Stroud Pound is more than just a local currency, it's a tool for building a stronger, more sustainable community. By using a local currency like the Stroud pound, a community can better gauge its true economic performance.

Fiscal localism, the practice of buying locally, is at the heart of the Stroud pound's success. Supporters of fiscal localism believe that it helps communities grow organically and more efficiently, keeping wealth inside the community.

The Stroud pound is a complementary currency that exemplifies the concept and adoption of bioregionalism. Bioregionalism encourages citizens to become more intimately familiar with and dependent on local food, materials, and resources as a way to become more self-sufficient.

An example of bioregionalism in action is an individual who establishes a local farm or garden at home, rather than buying vegetables at a big grocery store.

The Stroud Pound is more than just a local currency, it's a symbol of community spirit and a way to support local businesses. It was launched in 2009, with the goal of keeping money circulating within the local economy.

One of the key features of the Stroud Pound is that it's backed by a pool of funds from local businesses and individuals. This means that when you spend a Stroud Pound, the value is guaranteed by the community.

You can earn Stroud Pounds by shopping at participating businesses, volunteering, or even by doing odd jobs for your neighbors. It's a great way to get involved and support your community.

The Stroud Pound is not a replacement for the UK pound, but rather a complementary currency that can be used alongside it. This allows people to make a clear choice to support local businesses when they can.

So far, over 500 people have signed up to use the Stroud Pound, with many more on the waiting list. It's a testament to the power of community-led initiatives and the desire for a more local economy.

As a local resident, I've seen firsthand the impact that the Stroud Pound has had on local businesses. They've reported increased sales and a more loyal customer base, which is a win-win for everyone involved.