Holmfirth woman Norah Hamill’s idea for Huddersfield’s own currency
Aug 25 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Bank note
A CAMPAIGNER thinks Huddersfield should turn back the clock – and bring in its own currency.
Banks in the town produced their own banknotes more than a century ago.
But now Norah Hammill, who has already introduced a bartering system to the area, believes “local money” could help beat the recession.
She is trying to drum up support from local people and businesses who agree the town should have it’s own exclusive cash.
If she gets enough support, Norah will take the idea to Kirklees Council to help get the new currency printed.
Norah, 38, has been inspired by the Devon town of Totnes which launched its own currency in 2007.
She believes the new Huddersfield money would encourage shops and customers to buy local produce, reduce their fuel consumption and beat the recession.
The Holmfirth woman said: “Local currency has popped up throughout history and has proved successful in times of need.
“It would need some organisation – there could be collection points for the money and it could be in conjunction with the national currency as well.”
Norah went along to Colne Valley High School to speak to pupils about their opinions of the Huddersfield currency.
Norah said: “We were exploring things like national money and who owned it and decided its value.
“If there are government cuts or a local business goes bust then national money isn’t replaced and it just leaves the system.
“The thing about a local currency is that it stays local and money doesn’t go out of the system.”
Norah said she and the group Incredible Edible Huddersfield also want to build on the popularity of a bartering system in Huddersfield.
A trial scheme in part of Honley has worked really well, with people exchanging fruit, vegetables and dairy products.
She said: “The exchange system is a very sustainable way of living. It’s self-sufficient and not dependent on money which is important in these uncertain economic times.
“People barter and swap things, so you could pay someone with a bag of apples.”
Norah, who is currently unemployed, said she and her neighbours swap everything, from fruit and vegetables to eggs freshly laid by their chickens.
She said: “It’s important that children learn where food comes from and why we now go to work.
