THE GRASSHOPPER PENSIONERS’ CLUB

Website: www.martinsbank.co.uk © gut informiert! SECRETARY: David Baldwin, Lower Windle, Windle Royd Lane, Warley, HX2 7LY. 'Phone: 01422 832734. email: [email protected] CHAIRMAN: Bernard Lovewell TREASURER: Robert Bunn WELFARE OFFICER: Susan Sutcliffe Easter Edition 2021 NO MATTER WHAT IS THROWN (and subject to unforeseen circumstances) our AT US AND AT OUR BANK, 2021 Lunch programme will resume as follows: 29th JUNE DESPITE THE RENAMING OF ONE KEIGHLEY 14th JULY OF OUR BRANCHES*, WE STILL SPRING 9th SEPTEMBER HAVE: LONDON 25th NOVEMBER MANCHESTER 1st DECEMBER

Without your continued support we will be unable to both function and provide our lunches. We urge you to continue to support our efforts to provide our subsidised lunches where you can meet your former colleagues but only when it is safe for us and we are free to do so. (More details follow on Page 11)

(JOKINGLY) DID A NORTH/SOUTH

WE HOPE THAT YOU ARE ALL DIVIDE EXIST IN 1958? KEEPING FIT AND READY TO ENJOY These photographs, of the Liverpool v London ATTENDING OUR LUNCHES AND Districts’ rugby match, were published in the December edition and Peter Noble ‘phoned, as I MEETING YOUR FRIENDS AGAIN. was putting the finishing touches to the Spring (JUST LIKE THIS LITTLE FELLOW). Newsletter, to identify himself (second left, front row). Although Peter recognised some of his team-mates he couldn’t recall their names with the exception of ‘Chalky’ White. Can you help to provide the names of both teams, which were not mentioned in the original publication?

LUNCHES UPDATE Following the various announcements by the Government on 22nd February, about the easing of COVID restrictions, which will hopefully

allow us all to return to a ‘normal’ life. The more recent infection rate statistics, at the time of Whilst the London team appear to be the writing, and the statement made by the UK ‘complete unit’ being ‘graded’ by height and Government on April 5th, we can confirm that professional, check the Liverpool team

* Please see Page 3. photograph and you will see why I passed the Shortly after the merger I went to be an comment. Assistant District Manager at

Manchester District Office where Alan Bradley was one of my colleagues. Regards, Mike Darlington. AND ALAN’S CONFIRMATION Hi David, I was honoured to be featured in the recent issue of ‘connection’ on the cover and again on the front page of the last Grasshopper Newsletter! I’m the one front left in the photo of the Liverpool Remembrance Lunch. Kind regards Alan ANOTHER MYSTERY SOLVED? No doubt, you will

Bernard Lovewell writes: When I joined the remember this photograph. bank in August 1961 at Soho Square, Peter Bill Webb did and writes: Noble (second left front row) was a The gentleman standing cashier. What a great character, who I next to Ron Ebeneezer is remember Norman Turner (I think). I very well and played a few games of cricket with so does him in the London district team. To be Marilyn, who certain you may wish to send him a joined a year brief note as I believe he is still on our later, and we database. If he has not been in touch would love to having received the Newsletter you can see why meet him I am hesitating. Best wishes, Bill.

again*. I can YOUR HELP IS REQUIRED YET AGAIN. recognise Peter now in the (front page) picture We appear to have lost contact with our but no-one else. I remember that he was a great following members and I wonder if anyone can rugby enthusiast and I recall some good social help us to re-establish contact so that they can events we used to attend with him at the Old start to receive their Newsletters once more: Rutlishians Rugby Club. Remembered through Mrs A Brain Mrs June Foster an alcoholic haze, I think. Mr Roy Foster Mrs Carol Gill

Mr PG Whitehead BEING FEATURED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF ‘CONNECTION’ HAS SOME BENEFITS RETURNED ENVELOPES Dear Mr Baldwin, the receipt of the Barclays The latest edition of the Newsletter addressed Retired Employees ‘Connection’ Magazine, Issue to Mr HC Grice was returned with the simple 77, Winter 2020, caused me to comment: DOES NOT LIVE HERE. Do any have a further look at The members know where Mr Grice lives since this Grasshoppers 2020 Spring is his first Newsletter to be returned? Newsletter ‘Remembrance Lunches Issue’. CONTACT RE-ESTABLISHED The Connection Magazine Some good news at last! With Graham Kerby’s featured a photograph of assistance, contact has been re-established with members attending the Malcolm Sly and his son, Chris. Many thanks Grasshoppers Lunch in Graham.

Liverpool. I turned up the article and the DEATH NOTICES photograph in the 2020 Spring Newsletter. All It is with regret that we advise you of the deaths were mentioned by name apart from No 1, front of our following former colleagues: row left where there was a red th question mark. You may already Bartlett, Sheila (née on 5 March 2021 have had the omission corrected Towell) Curtis, Richard J on 18th January 2021 but if not, I believe it is a Davies, Howard on 29th October 2019 aged 79 photograph of Alan Bradley. Davies, John in February 2021 aged 91 At the time of the merger, I was Assistant Halliwell, Bill On 5th April 2021 Manager at Martins, Bolton Deansgate Branch. Scorah, Tony on 16th December 2020

2 OBITUARIES for our former colleagues can be the Manager who was a delightfully fair and found later in this Newsletter. true ‘gentleman’ in every meaning of the word. A LOST BRANCH! He was followed by a manager Unbeknown to whose name I have forgotten but Jonathan, on whom who sadly died at his desk. Mr I rely for certain Thompson and then Mr information, our Freddy Marsh (left), Bruton Street Mr J P Costigan branch was closed (right); Mick Reidy and another on 22nd February gentleman whose name also 2019. Apparently, escapes me. Muriel Harrison was the branch was renamed ‘Mayfair’ on 30th also there until she also left to get married. I October 2009 and this is the reason why there is eventually. as you know, finished up by working no closure date for ‘Bruton Street’ in his records. for 10 years for Mr Weatherell in Chief Overseas branch; a delightful very thoughtful, kind man 49, OLD CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, who had a great sense of humour and only in BOURNEMOUTH latter years do I appreciate how lucky I was to It is strange to only have ‘semi’ photographs of have worked with Peter Cawsey, John some of our Bull, Jim Fraser and Graham Mather. branches but I do have some photos taken in Mr Allison’s day here we do. and will look in the archives and try and get ‘Semi’, because them photocopied and forward them to we usually you. Some of this will be boring but perhaps a have a full little of this could be used. We are all sorry that photograph or everything has come to a standstill but hopefully none at all. it will not be long before some friendships can Here, we have be rekindled. Hopefully if the end of year only been able luncheon goes ahead will be able to meet up to find two again. Best wishes Jean halves but the I forgot an important person; the Assistant photographs Manager Mr W B Mason, (right) are of the same for whom I worked as his half, despite them being from different angles. Jean Lovering (nee Vince) writes: After moving Secretary and Sally for the to Bournemouth Manager I had good training before Christmas, I from Mr Mason. He was have only just found meticulous and every letter had time to read the to be perfect; one mistake and he latest Newsletter would bring it back and it had to be done and was interested to again. If you made a mistake when on the see the part post, even one penny, you had to find it. Though photograph of my old young, we also were able to take instructions to branch. Before my stockbrokers etc. on the telephone which, of marriage, my maiden course, would name was Jean not be Vince, I worked with allowed these Sally Elliot (nee Hantsch), Hazel days. I Honeybun (nee believe that Jefferies). We were Sally passed all very happy working together at all of her 49, Old Christchurch Road. Hazel Institute of was the first to leave after her Bankers marriage. I followed, when I moved exams in one go, much to the upset of one or two on to work as an au pair near chaps... I think that sums it all up. Jean. Munich, and Sally also left when (Above) Old Christchurch Road branch as it is today. she married. At that time, Mr Allison, (left) was An update from Jean with photographs (which will 3 be published in the next Newsletter): ‘49 still There was Bob with three other gentlemen standing – unchanged! Hazel Jeffries, now Honeybun claiming to be Inspectors – Bob, Gerry Bindless and Sally Hantsch now Elliott are both 90 this year and two others. I asked for ID, which they could and are amazingly active. Thank you and your not provide, so I shut the door and said I would Committee for all the work you do to keep speak to the Manager, Ken Grasshoppers alive. Pearson (Left). He was very (Editor: Thankyou Jean for your kind comments and angry with me and rushed to great memories. There must be more members who open the door. In contrast, and have similar recollections which we hope can be fortunately, Bob was quite shared. Please feel free to let me have your memories) amused, my card wasn’t

SOME MORE MARTINS’ MEMORIES “marked”, two years later, I from DEREK McRONALD regularly joined him on “away” Inspection trips. The recent references by Richard Mashiter to In 1968 I had 8 consecutive weeks in delightful Settle stirred up some largely forgotten places such as Douglas, Llandudno, Keswick, memories of my early banking days in Martins. Cockermouth, Carlisle, Halifax, mostly led by I had no connection with Settle, other than a Bob Evans. He was a great guy, loved playing visit there in 1968 for a cash count as the junior cards in hotels at night, almost as much as he member of an Inspection team led by Bob Evans. enjoyed talking about his beloved Everton FC. My abiding memory is of the Manager handing My allegiances were to the Reds which makes it out unissued and, therefore, supposedly all the more surprising he took me on board. worthless Craven Bank £10 notes dated 18.. At the end of 1967 Roger Brocklehurst and I were seconded to work on the Annual Report and Accounts, largely proof-reading under the auspices of Basil Rowbotham (right) in Secretary’s Office. This also involved one of us being entrusted to take the Year End Financial Statements to 68 Lombard Street for release on the morning of New Year’s Day. I took the Midnight sleeper from Liverpool to Euston, then a taxi to the City where I presented them to the Stock Market. New Year’s Day 1968 was adorned with the Craven heifer. The notes had a Monday, so the figures were compiled and been in the branch safe for many years, “cooked” well in advance. I had to keep the Press untouched, possibly dating back more than a releases with me at all times, and deliver them century when I understand Settle was the Head on the dot, on pain I suspect of instant dismissal! Office of the Craven Bank. Why were these notes But I was paid overtime for the whole journey – not preserved, there were hundreds and the only time I was ever paid overtime for hundreds of them, just being thrown out, so sleeping on the job. someone more astute than I probably picked up Before the end of 1969, I moved on from Martins handfuls. (Editor: The Craven Bank was founded in to Barclays Local Head Office in Windsor. There 1791 in Settle, North Yorkshire to provide banking was just the one Martins branch in the Windsor services in the area before being moved to Skipton in District, in Southall, which was soon closed. 1880). There was no-one else with any Martins I had first connections so it was a new start for me in every come across sense. Bob Evans on After this, in the early 1980s, I was shipped into September an ailing subsidiary and found myself reporting 19th 1966 at directly to a fellow Martian, Chris Brockbank, as Birkenhead AGM at Head Office. The exercise itself was a Park, my bit traumatic, attempting to rescue the business, first day in but it was great working with and for Chris. the bank. When it was all over he passed on to me some Shortly after Martins memorabilia, including his 400th closing the doors at 3 o’ clock, the bell rang, I anniversary grasshopper 1563-1963, now a went to the door and opened it on the latch. prized possession. Derek McRonald February 2021 4 (Editor: I also remember Bob Evans when, during an alcoves with very comfortable armchairs, so it inspection, I was the junior at Keighley and he asked: was not unusual to be late returning from lunch! “What would make your job easier Mr Baldwin?” to Richard had a social conscience and I persuaded which I replied: “A franking machine”. I can’t him to join the City Committee of Martins Staff remember Bob’s response, but I didn’t get one (unlike Association. He attended the six-monthly all of the other banks in Keighley) and had to continue going to the Post Office to buy stamps every conferences as our representative and week and lick and stick them on our mail before eventually became the Assistant General entering every letter in and balancing the infamous Secretary when Eddie Gale was General ‘Postage Book’. Secretary. Soon after retirement, Richard moved to RICHARD J CURTIS 1939-2021 Whitby, North Yorkshire and it was there that John Peters writes: I have known Richard since he set up “The Little Book Shop”. He spent many the 1960s when he was in “Waste” at 68 happy years providing a friendly service to both Lombard Street. I was in the same building but locals and visitors alike. a different Department. We had mutual friends, Richard’s grit and determination manifested John Randall and Alan Earl. The latter was itself in the latter years, when one realised he idolised by the female customers because of his was coping with dialysis (3 times per week), immaculate turn- out and courteous demeanour. partial leg amputation and heart problems. I Alan was frequently assumed to be in charge of spoke to him on the ‘phone every Thursday for the Branch, as he was often in smarter attire many years and he could still enjoy a joke AND than the real Management. a robust political discussion. At the end of the 1980s, the three of us would HOWARD AND SHEILA BARTLETT occasionally meet up for a coffee at a very nice Jeremy Bartlett, Howard and Italian café in Leadenhall Market. We would Sheila’s son, contacted me often discuss what we would do in retirement. following the death of his mother I had mentioned my dabbling in second-hand (Sheila) and I wondered if his books, something that had been a hobby for me father’s death had been covered ever since three or four of my other friends and previously. In case it had not, myself had spent so much of our time drinking then we can (continued on Page 10). in various Hampstead and Highgate pubs, that someone suggested we could, perhaps, be doing HOWARD DAVIES something a bit more constructive. Richard Davies writes: My Father joined The chats with Richard, John and myself Martins Bank in 1959 after moving from covered the subject of “second-hand” books. Gorseinon to London and left Barclays Bank in At the time, Richard was enjoying his job as all- 1991 after being offered early retirement. He round “fixer” in City Regional Office. This was a represented the United Banks at rugby and was job, which he took to like a duck to water. If any very proud of his “Martins roots”. Branch faced any sort of emergency – flooding, My apologies if this is a duplication and having staff disputes or any other daily difficulty, they read some of the latest newsletters, I am certain would contact Richard who batted on their that your Newsletters must remind many of the behalf – often against awkward odds. He members of fond memories. My father passed invariably emerged with the correct solution. away on 29.10.19 following a long battle against Richard did his National Service in the Royal Parkinsons. He always talked fondly about his Tank Regiment and served most of his time in time at Martins, particularly living in London in Libya, North Africa. He subsequently swore he the late 50’s / early 60’s when he met my mother. would never go abroad again. And he never did! They moved to Oxford in c1964 having married The other Bank job he enjoyed was “The Walks”. in Bexhill prior to that time. He continued to This involved presenting large Town cheques work for Barclays until c1991, when he took (identified by large T next to the Branch sort early retirement, allowing him to spend more code) to various City Banks and receiving their time assisting the local rugby and cricket club as cheque in exchange. This little number enabled their Treasurer. During his time with Martins, Richard the flexibility to pop in to one of the he represented the London Banks at rugby, cafes for a coffee. which being a Welshman, was his great sporting Across the road from “68” the Institute of passion as well as playing for London Welsh Bankers in Post Office Court, was another RFC at weekends. favourite spot at lunchtime. They had little

5 TONY SCORAH The following photographs were scanned from Although a non-member, Tony Scorah was a well-known and liked ‘ex-Martian’ throughout our former Manchester District (and latterly in Barclays’ Leeds District) serving in what was known as ‘The Heavy Woollen District’ of the former West Riding of Yorkshire. Tony joined Martins’ Manchester District at Dewsbury branch in 1953 before being transferred to Elland in 1955 from where he started his National Service. On completing his National Service, he returned to the bank in 1957 at Market Place, Huddersfield branch. Other branches, in rapid succession, at which Tony worked included Skelmanthorpe and Cleckheaton before joining the Manchester District Relief team in 1963 for two years before returning to Cleckheaton. Tony’s first ‘Appointment’ was as ‘Pro Manager’ at Batley branch in 1968 whilst his final branch in Barclays’ days was Featherstone. John Gaukroger continues: I last saw Tony in the summer of 2019, when his wife was quite poorly. Tony subsequently did not like to leave her alone at home, so, since then it had been regular emails and phone calls. Strangely, the branch where I met Tony was in the Spring copy: A few months after I got married, I was transferred to Cleckheaton branch. Despite working with Tony for only a few months, we kept in touch for the next 56 years. The last meeting that we both attended in Leeds LHO was to see a film and talk given by a fireman; the moment that the lights went out in the room Tony, who was sitting next to me, uttered in a loud voice; “Gerroff”. He could be very funny.

WE’VE RECENTLY READ SEVERAL MEMORIES OF THE INFAMOUS ‘MRS BONDI’ BUT HERE ARE OUR OTHER UNSUNG HEROINES OF OUR STAFF CANTEENS

the Spring 1958 edition of the Bank’s Magazine 6 “I joined Martins Bank in March 1947 as a temporary junior clerk – salary £3.10.3d. per week at age 17. My preliminary interview was with Mr D. D. Lynch, a military style gentleman who was Assistant Chief Accountant of the bank, based at London Office. My first posting was to London Office waste department.” From there he went in November 1947 to Edgware Road branch – then a small office with seven staff. The manager, Denis McNair, was instrumental in fostering his career and love of banking. Mr McNair was a Yorkshireman who had joined Equitable Bank in Huddersfield in and covered only several of our canteens. 1922 at the age of 14. During his four years at Readers were advised that the remainder would the branch John completed his Institute of be included in the Summer edition which I do Bankers exams, and the first part of the not possess, but Jonathan Snowden does and Chartered Institute of Secretaries exams. The they will be included in the next Newsletter. branch doubled in size of its premises and the staff rose to 12. John was now Second Cashier. In 1951 the bank took over British Mutual Bank, which provided banking facilities on the SS Halladale, the cross-channel ferry, from March to October. The opportunity to join the ship was advertised to staff and John successfully applied, along with Ted Farrell, Sam Brookes and Michael Harbison. This was a very pleasant change from the routine of London banking and John did this for two years, interspersed with working on the relief staff of Chief Foreign Branch. In October 1954 John was posted to 68 Lombard Street Loans Department. Little did he know that he would spend 27 years at 68 Lombard Street until its closure in April 1981, or that at

At the time of going to print, I received another the end of that time he would be Manager of the letter containing memories of Mrs Bondi which branch at the sign of the Grasshopper. I will also include in the next Newsletter. John continues: “In the later seventies we were told of the plan THE LAST MANAGER OF 68 LOMBARD to eventually merge 68 and City Office in the old STREET BRANCH DIES HSBC Head Office at 9 Gracechurch Street. Ros Edwards writes: This was to be a new flagship branch and it was I am sorry to tell you that a legend of Martins modernised to a very high standard at great Bank, John Davies, has died at the age of 91. He expense. The merger process took several years spent most of his time working at 68 Lombard to complete, with City Office moving in late 1980 Street and grew to know the post-war banking and 68 following after the close of business on 3 scene in the as well as any other April 1981. The very last customer to use our banker of the period. counter at 3.00 pm that day was Ted Smith, an John wrote an interesting account of his 43 old friend and colleague who had worked in years in banking, some of which I included in the London District Office and was then poached by newsletters I wrote for the Grasshoppers. I will Don Bardsley to join Hill Samuel, the merchant now send the whole manuscript to Jonathan bank. Snowden for his archive. John spent the last 8 years of his banking career Typically, John remembered every detail of his at 9 Gracechurch Street, a huge branch with a early life in Martins and began thus: staff of 400, one of a team of no less than 13

7 Corporate Managers. He retired in August 1989 holidays on at the age of 60. the Isle of For almost 30 years he spent an idyllic Wight, I retirement travelling the world on steam trains don't know as much as possible. He had an encyclopaedic how much knowledge of trains, tracks, services, dining cars cash was and special excursions. In the loft of his taken but bungalow he ran Hornby-Dublo train sets, the young keeping over 300 engines in their boxes along girl with carriages in the appropriate livery. Every member of so often he would change the engines in use, and staff was no doubt added to the enormous track when the taken as opportunity arose. He was a great lover of good hostage. She was released from the robbers’ car wine, whisky and brandy. John was a great not long after somewhere on the character, who never said an unkind word about tops nearby to Cross Hills (next anyone, and is remembered with affection by all column) and the two men were who knew him. caught within a couple of days. MEMORIES OF CROSS HILLS (Right: Mr AS Petty, Sub-Branch Manager Pam Pennington (nee Thomas) at the time of the raid). writes: Reading Julian Taylor's I also have memories of Colne memories of being a sub-branch branch in the mid 60's having been sent there for clerk at Keighley reminded me of a week on relief. when I was sent for cashier Unfortunately, I had to go there for the week training for a couple of weeks that was known in West Yorkshire as ‘Feast along with Frank Feather, then Week’. This was the beginning of the 2 weeks sub-branch and ‘rems’ clerk. Had a great time, when all the factories and mills closed down for Oxenhope was the best with its big open coal fire the workers paid holidays, and Keighley was a blazing away and seeing the locals do their ghost town by noon on the first Saturday of the banking and stay for a while for a chat in the annual holidays. Keighley branch only opened warm. Frank was a great cricket fan and would for half days all week but I missed all that as I sit and listen to all the games on his small was over the border (down Lancashire way ….) portable radio whilst listing the rems. They working in Colne. always balanced, don't know how he did it. (Editor: Perhaps somebody else might remember the Cross Hills robbery?) My official Cashier's Course was in Liverpool at Castle Street branch, just a few yards from Head AS PETER COOK AND DUDLEY MOORE Office. This was SANG; ‘Now is the time to say ‘Goodbye’ in 1964, when Liverpool was ‘Goodbye, Goodbye ……’ and it is THE PLACE TO with GREAT SADNESS BE for music. We that we have to say took the ferry ‘Goodbye’ to Keynsham across the branch: Spelled (as Mersey twice a people of a certain age day, and the two will remember) as: weeks passed too quickly. We certainly had ‘K’.‘E’.‘Y’.‘N’.’S’.‘H’.‘A’.‘M’ excitement in When Keynsham branch the early part was opened our of the 60’s! Magazine also featured There was a the above ‘Happy bank raid on Families’ based advert. our sub-branch Mr. King was appointed Manager when the at Cross Hills, branch was opened the Keighley and helped to Manager Eric secure our south Ellison was west toehold. called back from his 8 A RIGHT photograph and featured in close-up at the ROYAL INSTITUTE of BRITISH bottom of the previous column? ARCHITECTS North Eastern District’s annual Dinner MYSTERY Dance, Old Assembly Rooms, Newcastle in Can anyone, and especially those who worked in December 1960. our Head Office building, ever remember seeing Left to right - Lilian Aubrey, Sylvia King, Sheila Duncan, Meda these two magnificent uplighters? According to Grant, ?, Joan Clark the RIBA, they are credited as being designed by Herbert James Rowse, the architect who designed our building and located inside our Liverpool Head Office building. The ‘Subject Date’ and ‘Image Date’ are both 1932, which ties in with the date of the building’s construction, but where were (or are) they?

MARTINS’ MEMORIES FROM THE NEWCASTLE SPREADEAGLE CLUB Tyne Dock staff (mid 1960’s)

left to right back: Walter Arbon, Vivienne ?, Pat ?, John Stewart, Gordon Urwin, Charlie Bradbury, Front: Virginia Hopkiss (nee Lee), Vivienne Smith (nee Dewhurst), Sheila Pagan (nee Lane), Dyllis Henry (nee Robson), Thelma ?, Ann Pollock, Pat Cunningham. My apologies for incomplete names but can you help to identify them?

MEMORIES OF DECEMBER 1969 Please don’t strain your eyes attempting to read this little gem as it will be publised in its entirety in the next Newsletter. So, ‘What is Back row left to right: Clive Nicolson, Bob Reed, Jim it?’ you might ask. Well, I will tell Shotton, Martin Williams, Alan Spain, Sam Cross. Front row left to right: Jackie Pitt, Valerie Croft, you; it is a lament to the demise of Winsome Harris, Brenda Chalmers, Jacqueline Watson. our Bank, but is/was it the only one? Does anyone know of any others? Please let me know Do any of our former North East staff have if you do and forward me a copy so that I can memories of Tyne Dock or the Annual Dinners publish it in the next Newsletter. and/or any of their former colleagues featured in the above of following photographs? If you do BILL HALLIWELL then please make contact with Bill’s wife, Rosemary, has your memories so that they can emailed to advise me that, sadly, be shared. Bill has been admitted to a There is, however, one missing nursing home as his condition name. Can you identify the has deteriorated recently. Bill’s Mystery Lady’ who appears next first appointment was as Pro to the right on the staircase in the following Manager at Waterloo Place

9 (1960-62) then Assistant Manager of Ludgate deals with the early years of the Bank and in Circus (1962-64) before becoming the Manager particular, the original Martins and London of Hampstead branch, where, in 1964 the activities, whilst Volume 2 deals with the many Magazine caught-up with Bill in which the takeovers, particularly of northern banks, to following background information was provided: create a truly nationwide bank in the 20th Hampstead is a cheerful, friendly place made century. Richard has another set so he will friendlier by our Manager, Mr W. A. C. happily give away both volumes which are Halliwell, and his staff. Mr. Halliwell, a surplus either together or separately on a first Cambridge M.A., has the lively mind so come first served basis. (Editor: If you would like the essential for books but don’t have internet access then please contact me and I will contact Richard on your behalf). starting a new business in an HOWARD AND SHEILA BARTLETT area which, (Continued from Page 5) despite its both resolve and apologise for the omission. Heath and its golf, has no real centre but a full Howard joined the share of money, enterprise and shopping bank at Chislehurst facilities. Hampstead is no place for a country branch in 1947 before gentleman and Mr Halliwell’s experience which, his transfer to 68 since completion of the graduate training course, Lombard Street the has covered signing authority at Waterloo Place following year; where and assistant managership at Ludgate Circus he first met the then should be of considerable value. Miss Sheila Towell who became Mrs. Sheila DID YOU WORK, OR Bartlett in 1951. KNOW ANYONE WHO WORKED, Sheila had joined Martins at our London Office AT HIGH WYCOMBE BRANCH? (68 Lombard Street) in 1947 and remained The reason for asking there until their marriage when, as was being that Jonathan required at the time, she resigned. Howard Snowden’s recent continued his career at ‘68’ following their research has marriage and received his first ‘appointment’ as unearthed what could ‘Pro Manager (Internal Authority)’ in 1955 be an interesting before being appointed ‘Pro-Manager (Internal conundrum and Authority)’ of New Issues and Registrars in 1961 and finally as ‘Pro Manager’ of New Issues and writes: In 1967, a Registrars in 1965. young lady joined the I know that some of our members will remember service of the Bank at Howard and some will no doubt remember High Wycombe: Miss L Sheila. The following photograph is of New A Shrimpton. As High Wycombe was also the Issues Department might rekindle some home-town to the World famous memories. If they do then please let me know. 1960s pin-up (and muse of photographer David Bailey) the model Jean Shrimpton (right), I wonder if there might be a family connection? So, once again, it’s over to you: ‘Was Miss AL Shrimpton related to (or even have been the sister of) Jean Shrimpton? might remember the family and 1961 - New Issues and Registrars Department could confirm or deny the link? Front Row (left to right): D J Hack G L Barrett K A Williamson H G F Bartlett Miss K M Powell L H Wilson Miss A Pretty Mr F V Donne (Manager) Mrs P A Wilson W Cowan Miss P A FOUR CENTURIES of BANKING Longstaff E J A Salmon P J L Drummond M V Stevenson N C R Richard Mashiter ([email protected]) Lee Second Row: A Whitmey Miss E M Edwards G C Walls Miss M K Morton N S Wise Miss M Holland D A F Sonfield Miss P J has made contact as he has both volumes of Woodward J R Howard Miss P Baker H W Cowlev Miss J A Reid J P Chandlers "Four Centuries of Banking" Massey Miss A E Watson J I Holt Third Row: I M Ward Miss M C Dawson RJ Heaton Mrs I Jackson D A Mitchell Miss D Jones J L M available to give away. For those not familiar Short Mrs J Wiles D H Barrett Miss M Wallers N Stuart Fourth Row: with these books they were published in 1968 to R Elliott C AllenMiss E M Cussen Mrs L Abley Miss R P Herbert A L celebrate 400 years of Martins Bank: Volume 1 Hill Miss P Friend Mrs P P Winner I D Williams T Jones 10 MORE HIDDEN GEMS! On this occasion we have discovered a new drawing of Cocks Biddulph branch on the ‘Archiseek’ website which, if you are interested, can be viewed at: https://www.archiseek.com/2011/1874-cocks- biddulph-cos-bank-charing-cross-london/ The image is accompanied by the following description: Front elevation published in The Building News, February 27th1874, Cocks Biddulph & Company was acquired by the and Martins in 1919, when the pattern of banking was changing. Martins Bank later became part of Barclays …the building is now a wine bar. Now, just over a century later and the pattern of banking is changing yet again: what goes around comes around …..

LATE (SAD) NEWS Rosemary Halliwell has emailed to advise me of Bill’s death. If any of our members have memories of having worked with Bill could I ask As I have previously written, I am never ceased you to email or post them to me? to be amazed at the information and images that OUR MUCH-POSTPONED LUNCHES are held in the ether of the internet and which are finally on track to resume and we hope that we would have never been aware just a few years you will give them your support just as you have ago. On this occasion, on the RIBA’s website, done over the years. there are several images of our bank and banks By now, or by the dates of our planned with which it merged to form MARTINS BANK. programme, you will all have received your This image is described as being; The Design for second dose of whatever vaccine you have front to temporary premises for Martin's Bank, already received. This, coupled with social 182 Euston Road, London: perspective sketch distancing measures at the venues, will ensure and can be viewed, with several other images of that every possible measure has been taken to various branches of our bank over three pages minimise the potential for infection and your at: safety. https://www.architecture.com/image- These factors have necessitated the library/ribapix.html?PageIndex=3&keywords= implementation of a cap on the number of martins%20bank attendees which are: COCKS BIDDULPH BRANCH LIVERPOOL 80 and we urge you to KEIGHLEY 40 submit your reservation LONDON 80 slip as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please remember that you can always cancel your reservation before the published deadlines and your cheque will not be presented for payment. An example of how ‘social- distancing’ will work is that tables normally seating 8 will, where appropriate, be reduced to seating 4.

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