We know from our own observations and after talking to Mr. Beeby who opened our branch there in temporary premises in 1959 that Watford is a thriving and active town. After talking to both Mr. Beeby and his new second-in-command Mr. Catchpole we also know that property prices are alarmingly high: whether this is due to an appreciation that Watford is near enough to London for both work and play or whether it is due to the apparent rigidity of the green belt which in other areas is proving to be so disturbingly compressible we cannot say.
Striking – The Banking Hall
A further three things we know. Our branch is every bit as striking outside as inside. Secondly, Mr. Harry Beeby is not in the least dismayed at having fourteen branch banks in Watford the largest of which has more than fifty on the staff. Thirdly, we actually visited the branch thus convincing ourselves there is no jinx. Were Mr. Beeby anything but a hard-headed son of the Manchester District he might have suspected that the cancelled visits in the past four years were due to supernatural causes, but early days at Waterfoot branch are not conducive to flights of fancy and valuable experience over six years at Manchester District Office on a variety of duties prior to becoming Clerk-in-Charge at Moss Side in 1956 have given him an outlook and tenacity which enable him to overcome the frustrations and disappointments of pioneering and to face facts. His time both inside and outside the office is fully occupied and we were very sorry that Mrs. Beeby was unable to join us for lunch at short notice owing to the current production by the Women's Institute of a play in which Mrs. Beeby was called upon to wear a beard! Mr. R. Catchpole had been at the branch for only three weeks and was looking forward to the day when he could bring his family from Southampton to join him, for he spent most of last winter away from them in London on the Domestic Training Scheme. He entered the Bank in 1944 and worked at Sittingbourne until called for National Service. On his return he had a period on relief, returning to Sittingbourne in 1949 and going to Southampton in 1955. The second position at a new branch can never be a sinecure and Mr. Catchpole's experience and his approach to his new duties were most encouraging.
Pop in for a chat – The Manager’s Room
Mr. I. T. Mather is yet another 'displaced person', his home being in Brighton where he entered the Bank in 1957. He has adapted himself quickly to his new surroundings and duties and from what we saw and heard at the counter we think he will soon have his own clientele among the customers—a good pointer to the future. The two most fortunate members of the staff, whose homes are already close by and who therefore have no wish to join the London rush hour battle, are the young ladies—Miss S. Randolfi who entered the Bank in January 1962 and Miss J. M. Guy who joined the staff in February this year. As we left for London we knew that our visit had delayed the work of these girls but there was no hint of this in their farewell. By train or road one tends to by-pass or go through Watford on the way to somewhere else. We are glad we called there and we can assure anybody who takes the trouble to make a detour that they will receive an equally warm welcome.
Assessing liquidity?
			A fluid situation arose at Watford F.C. on January 28 when heavy rain soaked the pitch on the eve of their match with Manchester United in the Cup replay. Eric Press, our manager at Watford and a football referee, was called in by the Football Association to examine the ground and he decided to call off the game. And the worried faces with Mr Press? Of course, Sir Matt Busby and his assistant, Mr Murphy
Mr H Beeby Manager 1963 to 1966	Miss J M Guy On the staff 1963			Mr I T Mather On the staff 1963	Mr R H Catchpole On the staff 1963
Miss S Randolphi On the staff 1963	Mr E L J Press Managaer 1966 onwards
Title:		11-08-90 Watford
Type:		Main Branch
Address:		36 High Street Watford Hertfordshire
Hours:		Mon to Fri 1000-1500
		Saturday 0900-1130
Telephone:		Watford 29035 / 43910
Services:		Nightsafe Installed
Manager:		E L J Press Manager
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