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 What makes the Midland and South Western Districts of
Martins Bank unqiue, is that they comprise, almost exclusively, Branches
that have been opened AS NEW by the Bank. In a departure
from the Northern traditions of Martins, the Bank has built these districts
from scratch, rather than by inheriting them as batches of the Branches of
other banks. Midland District starts with Birmingham City Office at 98
Colmore Row in 1935, followed a year later by a sub-Branch at Warwick Road,
Tyseley. Birmingham Five Ways follows in 1954, and Hockley Hill in 1956.
Sadly there are currently no period images to be found for this branch,
either inside or out, so if you can help, please do get in touch with us at gutinfo@btinternet.com.
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In Service: Thursday 10 May 1956 until Friday 12 December 1969
Image © Martins Bank Archive Collections –
Keith Mason
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 Someone who did just that is Friend of the Archive, Keith
Mason, whose contemporary photo shows the Branch in a fitting role as a
lock and key company. We are also pleased to see the Night Safe is still
intact. Hockley Hill Branch is not required by Barclays, who already have
their own office at 175 Hockley Hill, and on the last working day before
the 1969 merger, Martins Branch at 7 Hockley Hill is closed. A year or so before this, the staff say
goodbye to their Manager Mr Armitage, who is retiring from Hockley Hill
after forty-two years with the bank…
 A large gathering of banking and other
friends met in the Masonic Hall, Walsall on November 29 to say goodbye to
Wilf Armitage. The
formal proceedings began with the presentation of a bouquet to Mrs Armitage
by Miss Lesley Trivett, and Mr Turnbull then handed a cheque and a list of
contributors to Mr Armitage. He referred to their close association over
many years in the Midland District. He paid a tribute to his loyal service
over 42 years and to his success in developing Hockley Hill branch since
its opening in 1956.
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Birmingham Daily Post 4 May 1956
Image © Trinity Mirror/Findmypast
Image created
courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Image reproduced with
kind permission of
The British Newspaper Archive
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 Speaking
of Mr Armitage's reputation as something of a character, Mr Turnbull said
'He has always spoken his mind when he felt justified in doing so and has
been guided by the strongest principles in his dealings with the Bank, his
customers and especially the Staff Association'. After thanking Mr
Turnbull, Mr Armitage acknowledged the help and support of his wife and
then thanked his staff, past and present, for their keenness and help,
adding a plea for loyalty from the Bank's staff to further the best
interests of the institution which they serve.The gathering was then entertained
to an excellent buffet meal by Mr and Mrs Armitage. Prior to his retirement Mr
Armitage was entertained at District Office by Mr Turn-bull and the Local
Board and later to luncheon by the Chief General
Manager. He joined the Halifax Equitable Bank, subsequently working at
Yorkshire branches before moving to Liverpool in 1938. He served as a P.T.
instructor in the R.A.F. during the war and his first appointment was as
Assistant Manager at Walsall in 1951.
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