New leaflets and window stickers

The new leaflet and window stickers are now out. We think that the leaflet is making using the TP much easier; you can tell from a glance at the map which are the participating businesses. Also the window stickers are blossoming like flowers on various shop windows. These are also designed to inform shoppers where TPs are accepted.

Totnes Pound usage

Usage of the TP seems to be steady at the moment with varying amounts of activity amongst the member businesses. The Tourist Information Centre were recently relieved of 50TP by someone who wanted to give them as a wedding present. This is not the first time that we have heard of people giving Totnes Pounds as a gift. It is a great idea which (we would argue) is more thoughtful than simply giving someone cash!

We see the Totnes Pound as a 20 year project but are keen to build the number of notes in circulation so that we can start to ‘diversify’ the asset that backs the currency as soon as possible. Please make a commitment to the Totnes Pound (say 20TP) and aim to always have around this number on you. When you spend a few, make sure you get some more from another participating business in the scheme. This will enable us to build the circulation and take the project forward.

Discounts

A good reason to have some Totnes Pounds on you is that you never know when it might able to pick up a bargain.

River Link are offering a discount on boat trips to Dartmouth if paid for in TP’s. Other businesses offering discounts including Salago, Indian Connection and Prismatic. Don’t forget that you can also pick up a copy of the A Celebration of Local Food 2008 from many outlets around town from the bargain price of one Totnes Pound.

New business members

The number of participating businesses is also steadily increasing. Recent additions include

• The Barrel House

• The Totnes Jewellers

• South Hams Glass and Glazing

Chris from the Totnes Jewellers said that he completely understood what the Totnes Pound was trying to do in encouraging local trade. He said that there was an old saying that if one trader spends his money with another business, and then he spends it with someone else, then all of them will do well. Building economic links of this kind is exactly what the Totnes Pound is trying to do. Not only that, but in the longer term it will also invest in new businesses.

The Lewes Pound – following in our footsteps

Some of you may have seen that Lewes are launching their own currency, inspired by our experiment here. See a report about it here.

Volunteers

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