11-05-60 Millom

The long and winding road…

The Furness Peninsula is staggeringly beautiful, and incredibly varied – from the dangerous quicksands of Morecambe Bay, to the delightful Duddon Valley and the bleak western coastline, for visitors, the area can be both intriguing and challenging. The biggest challenge for those of us who have been posted on relief to the many branches and sub branches in this area, is the long and winding road to Millom, the furthest outpost that Martins Bank operates in the county of Cumberland.

In Service: 1894 until 1986

Image © Barclays Ref: 0030-1913

Just when you feel that you must surely be getting there, you realise you are only half way. A rainy day can double the journey time, and not even a fairground roller-coaster would be so unforgiving in its twists, turns, and sheer drops. Martins Bank’s branch at Millom has two sub branches serving the village of Bootle. This unusual state of affairs is caused by Bootle’s railway station being a significant distance from the village, making a branch in both locations a useful addition to Martins’ helpful service in the area. In addition, the Bank of Liverpool used to operate a further two Agencies at Millom - Silecroft, and The Green. Very imposing (but somewhat difficult to photograph), Martins Bank’s Branch at The Square, Millom has been parent to a number of sub-Branches over the years, including the two Agencies which operated at the turn of the twentieth Century…

Queen's Gold Medal…

1969 01 MBM.jpg Guard at Millom branch, Mr J. L. Moyle, has been awarded the Queen's Gold Medal for long service and good conduct in Millom's fire service. Mr Moyle, who joined the voluntary fire brigade in 1947, received his award from the chairman of Cumberland County Council Fire Brigade Committee at a presentation in December.

Forty-Three Years of Service…

1968 03 MBM.jpg entering the Bank during the General Strike and retiring amid the upheaval of the railwaymen's 'go slow' Norman Darvell completed 43 years' service at the end of June. Mr W. O. Davies journeyed to the Miners Arms, Silecroft, to present, in cheque form, an electric lawn mower which had been subscribed by many friends and colleagues, some twenty of whom were present at the pleasantly informal function. Many others unfortunately were prevented from attending due to balance work. Mr Davies thanked Mr Darvell for his loyal service over so many years and wished both him and his wife better health in their well-earned retirement, not forgetting some happy hours of lawn mowing. Mr Darvell began his career at the top - Alston branch, 1,000 feet above sea level - and subsequently served at branches in the Northern District, undertaking the sad duty of closing our Workington branch in 1930. Having started at the top it was appropriate that he should work his way down to sea level and complete his career at Millom, where he was appointed Manager in 1960, and where in close proximity to the beautiful Duddon Valley he is to spend his retirement.

DISTRICT BANK LIMITED

Millom

Bootle Station

MARTINS BANK LIMITED

The Square

Bootle

Bootle Station

MIDLAND BANK LIMITED

The Square



*Mr G Park* *On the Staff* *1915 to 1928*	*Mr J W Bargh* *Manager* *1935 to 1939*	*Mr J H Jarvis* *Pro Manager* *1939 to 1945*	*Mr T E Askew* *Manager* *1939 to 1948*	*Mr E O Driver* *Manager* *1948 to 1960*	*Mr J G Scurr* *Joined the Bank Here* *1949*



*Mr Norman Crellin* *Joined the Bank Here* *1951 to 1953*	*Mr D J Crellin* *On the Staff* *1952*	*Mr W Long* *On the Staff* *1952*	*Mr Forbes A Hoyle FRGS* *On the Staff* *1960*	*Mr A N Darvell* *Manager* *1960 to 1968*	*Mr J P Coman* *Manager* *1968 onwards*