Stroud Pound will honour our Laurie
Stroud's new alternative currency is to feature an image of the late Laurie Lee in honour of his devotion to the Five Valleys.
The notes for the Stroud Pound will depict the writer set against a backdrop of his home – Slad Valley.
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Slad author Laurie Lee will feature on the Stroud Pound
It follows the agreement of Laurie's widow Kathy and daughter Jessy.
"We're thrilled the family is supportive of the local currency idea," said Molly Scott Cato, one of the organisers of the Stroud Pound and a green economist.
"We all felt it would have been in keeping with his principles and we all share his love for this area. That's why we want to make sure its economy and its community remain strong."
Laurie Lee was born in Stroud in 1914 and grew up in the Slad Valley, which he described in his book Cider with Rosie.
He died in 1997 and is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Slad.
"Laurie absolutely loved Stroud," said his wife Kathy. "I think he would have liked the idea of being on the currency."
The Stroud Pound will be available in £1, £5 and £10 denominations. The designs are being finalised and will be unveiled at the launch in September.
Businesses are signing up to be among the first to accept the money. Star Anise cafe, Stroud Bookshop, Stroud Brewery, Land Care Services, and Earthspirit in Nailsworth have all agreed to take it.
The Stroud Pounds will be printed during August and launched at the Stroud Festival on September 12.
4 Comments
by Richard, Stroud
Thursday, July 23 2009, 12:04PM
“The Slad valley is beautiful - as are all the 5 valleys - we live in one of the nicest places in the UK.
However, in my experience the Woolpack isn't a nice place to eat - one man's "rustic" is another man's "rough" - the food is expensive, poor quality and my party of 4 had to share the room with 2 huge stinking dogs - ughhh. The Chef ran out of cream and had to send out to the local co-op to get some more. We still poke fun at the relative who recommended it as an example of bad judgement!
As for a Stroud Pound - gimme a break - what a looney idea - someone has had too much of Laurie Lee's cider surely.”
by Ann, Shurdington,-- Cheltenham
Wednesday, July 22 2009, 10:37AM
“I read his trilogy of books, and then passed them on, -- now I wish I hadn't, -- I loved the way he describes the Slad Valley where he lived. I took a friend to the Woolpack pub Laurie's local, -- the meal was delicious, -- out of this world, -- unfortunately I am unable to get there now, -- there is something beautifully inspiring about the Slad Valley, A PLACE ONE WOULD BE HEARTBROKEN TO LEAVE FOR TOO LONG.
.”
by kevin, gloucester
Wednesday, July 22 2009, 10:00AM
“What's the point of taking the time and trouble to comment on a story, when the people at the other end, can't be bothered to post it ?”
by kevin, gloucester
Wednesday, July 22 2009, 8:46AM
“What a wonderful idea and a good way to remember Laurie, not that he will ever be forgotten. I must have read his book, Cider with Rosie dozens of times, I even too it with me when I emigratated to Australia. And we can all understand his love of Slad and Stroud because my own childhood memories of Stroud in particular will stay with me forever. And I still visit the place most weeks. I've also walked the Laurie Lee way with the late Jim Fern, a few times and on my own. What he did for Slad and the whole valley and indeed his love of poetry has inspired folk like me to put on their walking boots, admire the scenery and even compose the odd poem. Here's to Laurie Lee. Thank you and God Bless you sir.”