Paul Lewis writes…

Dear Listener

Ker-ching. Is that the sound of the till tolling for the end of cash? Or of the banks making more money by replacing note and coins with new electronic systems? We report from a new system in Edinburgh that let’s you use a debit card instead of cash for those small items like a newspaper or coffee. But PayPal wants to replace old fashioned plastic by letting you buy things instantly with a text on your mobile.

Sometimes a story on Money Box just lends itself to bad puns – and occasionally I give in. Will investing in wine be a corker - or put you in the red? We report from an auction at Sotheby’s where someone paid a total of more than £6822 for just 12 bottles of wine – well plus the original wooden case. And we are told that the 2005 Bordeaux vintage is going to be so good, investors would be mad to ignore it. I talk live to a financial advisor to ask if putting money into wine is pouring money down the drain. I warned you!

From the end of next year no-one will be with the Woolwich. This week Barclays – which owns it – announced plans to close 373 Woolwich branches or convert them to Barclays during 2007. What will it mean for customers – especially those with Woolwich savings accounts? We talk to the woman in charge of the change.

As I write we’re still discussing the fourth story. All I can promise is that it will be interesting or amusing – possibly both. And the perfect accompaniment as you get ready to watch Wimbeldon/World Cup – delete as applicable.

Whichever ‘W’ you go for later, Money Box is at 1204 BST on Radio 4 and ends in good time at 1228.

PS Don't forget you can find further information about all the items and listen online live or any time over the next week at the Money Box website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/moneybox

e-mail Paul Lewis