|
 West Bromwich Branch is opened in August 1949, at 292
High Street. Fewer than fifteen years
after that, the branch is demolished to make way for this much more
futuristic building and a tiny change in the street numbering to 290
High Street.
In what, however, should have been a relatively
straightforward knock-down and re-build, the Branch staff are “homeless” for
more than eighteen months due of all things to a shortage of cement! The
first of our two features from Martins Bank Magazine visits the staff during
the re-build in 1965.
|
In Service: August 1949
until 6 October 1978
Image © Barclays Ref 0030-3128
|
|
Then we will
turn our attention to the retirement of West Bromwich Manager Mr Edgar
Conning in 1960…
 Following our visit to HANLEY, it was a surprise to find everybody at West Bromwich working within
normal speaking range, but in temporary premises this can be expected.
However, eighteen months is a long time to live in such confined conditions
but in June the cement shortage prevented the new office becoming much more
than a hole in the ground. Mr T. McLeod who came here from the Manchester
District quickly adapted himself to the outlook and demands of this area
where back-yard businesses thrive and where bluntness and straight dealing
mean business.
|
|
 And the business at this branch
is richly assorted: pig rearing, funeral furnishing, boat building, box
making as well as steel. The town is due for big planning changes and when
our new office is completed it will be very well placed in relation to the
local 'golden mile'. Already in two branches we had noted the youthfulness of the
staff and how the experience and expertise of the seniors linked with the
energy and enthusiasm of the younger members to make a formidable team. In
this square, box-like office we found the mixture as before, with everyone
making the best of what they have despite securities at Dudley and the
bonking of steel-hammers outside.
  At the
end of March, Mr. Edgar Conning retired after 40 years' service and at a
gathering of over forty past and present colleagues of the Midland District
at the New Inns Hotel, Mr. Bardsley, Midland District General Manager, wished
him good health and a long and happy retirement, declaring that in the loss
of “George” we were all losing a remarkable character who would be much
missed in the Midland District. On
behalf of Mr. Conning's friends, Mr. Bardsley presented him with a barometer
and a cheque as a mark of the high esteem in which he was held and Mr.
Conning was asked to pass on the good wishes of everyone to Mrs. Conning who,
unfortunately, could not attend. In characteristic light vein Mr. Conning
replied that having come to the end of the course he was now ready to put
aside his cares and enjoy his leisure hours to the full. After the
formalities had been concluded Mr. Conning provided suitable refreshment for
his friends and a pleasant evening was spent by everyone. Mr. Conning
entered the Bank in January, 1920 and served at Head Office, East, Liverpool
City Office, Blundellsands, Formby and Heywoods prior to going to Birmingham
in 1936. He was appointed Manager at West Bromwich in August, 1949.
|
