11-12-70 Reading

A branch of Martins Bank is opened in Reading as part of the first wave of Southern expansion, in the late 1930s. The bank’s expansion policy at this time is to open anywhere remotely suitable, in order to establish the bank in the local psyche, before moving to better or larger premises at a later date.

No-one, least of all Martins, will know just how much the Second World War will disrupt their business plans, and whilst some branches in the South are successfully moved into bigger or purpose built premises BEFORE the war, Reading branch has really only just been established at 6 STATION ROAD when the War begins in 1939.

In Service: 1960 until 1979

Branch Images © Barclays Ref 0030-2395

Consequently, the business remains there until 1960 when suitable premises are found the move to 160 Friar Street is completed. Martins Bank Magazine visits the new branch in 1961…

1961 03 MBM.jpg Our branch in Reading was opened in 1939 in what were intended to be temporary premises. Owing to the war and its aftermath the temporary premises almost became permanent and were occupied for 21 years. The business was transferred to the new branch last year and a very handsome office it is with a much better potential for extending the Bank's business in this important town once the problem of staff shortage has been overcome.

Mr. N. Hunter is the third manager the branch has had, and he is a Northerner who entered the Bank in 1925 at Grange-over-Sands. He did not remain long at Grange, however, for, after a short spell there he was transferred to Ulverston where he remained until 1931 when he entered the London District. He served at Hanover Square, Bexley Heath, Sittingbourne and Richmond before gaining his first signing authority, at Tothill Street in 1940. Then came five years in H.M. Forces, 1941-1946, after which he returned to Tothill Street. He was appointed Pro Manager there in 1947 and Assistant Manager at Kingsway in 1948. In 1950 he went to London District Office and was appointed Sub Manager at Ludgate Circus the following year.

1961 Reading Staff MBM-Au61P09.jpg

Following the death of Mr. Swain he was invited to become Manager at Reading in 1958. His second-in-command is Mr. E. L. J. Press who is now well-known in the London, Liverpool and Manchester Districts by virtue of his success in the world of sport as a professional football referee. He has made many friends at the various inter-District sporting functions. He entered the Bank in 1947 and spent all his time at Lombard Street until he joined the staff at Reading in 1959. Mr. G. J. Hoey started his career at Chief Overseas in 1954. After his National Service, 1956-1958, he went to Bexhill, and joined the Reading staff this year. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr. P. R. Punter, who was on holiday at the time of our visit. He entered the Bank in 1955 and has been at Reading all the time. Neither were we able to meet Miss C. A. Galloway, who joined the staff at Reading in 1959, as she was away through illness.

The other members of the staff are Mr. R. S. Cooper who entered the Bank at Reading in 1954, Mrs. W. A. Thomas who was at Heswall from 1956 until this year and has joined the staff at Reading in order to be near her husband who is stationed at Tidworth, and Miss J. Foster who entered the Bank last year. Mr C Gisborn was also at the branch on the day of our visit, 5TH July, on relief duty from Lombard street. We were pleased to note the very good spirit among the staff, despite the rather long hours which they are putting in.



*Miss J Foster* *On the Staff* *1960*	*Mr R S Cooper* *On the Staff* *1960*	*Mr E L J Press* *Branch Second* *1960 to 1962*	*Mr N Hunter* *Manager* *1960 to 1968*	*Mr G J Hoey* *On the Staff* *1961*	*Miss W A Thomas* *On the Staff* *1961*



*Mr R T Insull* *Limited Authority* *1962 to 1965*	*Mr I H W King* *Pro Manager* *1965*	*Mr W Pearson* *Manager* *1968 onwards*	*Mr R A Clark* *Pro Manager* *1969*