Banknotes: questions and Band 8 answers

Hardly ever, to be honest. I tend to rely almost entirely on contactless payments with my mobile phone. That said, I usually keep a small emergency note tucked behind my phone case, just in case a street market stall doesn't take digital transactions.

I think it was last weekend at a local farmers' market. I bought a loaf of sourdough bread and some fresh apples, and the vendor's card machine had lost its signal. Fortunately, I had a ten-pound note in my pocket, so it saved the day.

Yes, quite often actually. Whenever my grandparents came over for my birthday, they'd slip a crisp banknote into a greeting card for me. I used to save those up to buy comic books or treats at the corner shop.

I do, yes. The current polymer notes are quite vibrant and feature prominent historical figures and scientists. I think the intricate artwork and clear security windows look genuinely modern compared to the old paper versions.

Probably not entirely, though its use will definitely shrink. Electronic payments are incredibly convenient, but cash is still vital for elderly people and in areas with poor internet connection. So, I reckon it'll stick around as a backup for quite some time.