11-10-90 Liverpool Wavertree

The Bank of Liverpool opens this fine Branch in December 1886, and service is maintained for more than one hundred years before Barclays finally shuts the door on this part of Wavertree in 1991. This images dates from around the 1940s, and we love the convenience of there being a gents hairdresser next door to the Branch. Someone who may, or may not have taken advantage of such nearby hair care is Wavertree Manager Mr Mathias (pictured below), who retires from the Bank at the end of 1964 after forty-four years’ service. Starting and ending his career in the North West, Mr Mathias has also worked at some of the Bank’s most southern and western outposts in his time, as this article from Martins Bank Magazine’s Spring 1965 issue explains…		In Service: december 1886 until 8 November 1991 Branch Images © Barclays Ref 0030/1691
*'quiet,* *unassuming and friendly'. So Mr I. Buchanan described Mr Mathias, Manager of Wavertree branch, Liverpool, at a presentation ceremony at the branch on December 29th.* The assembly of past and present colleagues who had earlier been welcomed by Mr D. B. Scott, second-in-command, also heard the District General Manager speak of Mr Mathias's career. A native of Formby he entered the Bank in 1921 at Waterloo and served at several branches in the area before moving to Taunton in 1938. Four years' war service were followed by a further spell at Taunton and then in 1948 Mr Mathias moved onto a bombsite *—the temporary home of Plymouth branch where he was appointed Manager. In 1952 he returned north to the managership of Wavertree branch.* *Of Mr Mathias's sporting prowess Mr Buchanan mentioned his transition from footballer to tennis player to golfer—and a very successful golfer.* He was captain of the Liverpool District of the Bank's Golfing Society in 1963.** Before presenting the cheque which is to be used to buy a wheelbarrow and garden tools Mr Buchanan referred to Mr Mathias's unique distinction: not only is he treasurer of one church but he is trustee of three others. Mr Mathias responded with sincere thanks for his colleagues' generosity and said he was glad of the opportunity to thank everyone, including the General Management with whom he had recently lunched, for their good wishes. His career had been a happy one and he was grateful for the help and loyalty given by his staff. Before the company resumed their enjoyment of the excellent refreshments, Miss Edwards handed a bouquet to Mrs Mathias who was accompanied by her daughter and by their son and his wife, both of whom are on the Bank's staff. In retirement Mr and Mrs Mathias may move house to Taunton but not before Mr Mathias is sure that his keen support of Tranmere Rovers has helped to ensure the team's promotion to Division Three.
	Once again we can take a look at a Branch that made the change to Barclays, but from just a few years on from the 1969 merger. Here, Wavertree looks pretty much intact apart from the new signage and Barclays decal fitted to the archway above the door.


Branch Images © Barclays Ref 0030-1691



*Mr H Dickman* *Joined the Bank Here* *1905 to 1906*	*Mr H S Hayes* *On the Staff* *1914 to 1919*	*Mr A D Gollifer* *Joined the Bank Here* *1915 to 1916*	*Mr Alec R Ellis* *On the Staff* *1923 to 1923*	*Mr T A Grimes* *Manager* *1929 to 1935*	*Mr A Tunnington* *On the Staff* *1931 to 1934*



*Mr R M Shaw* *Manager* *1935 to 1950*	*Mr H F R Boothman* *Branch Second* *1937 to 1942*	*Mr F A Robinson* *On the Staff* *1946 to 1946*	*Mr D W Hall* *On the Staff* *1946 to 1950*	*Mr H F Mathias* *Manager* *1952 to 1965*	*Mr D G Telfer* *On the Staff* *1960 to 1962*



*Mr G A Corkill* *On the Staff* *1961 to 1963*	*Mr A E Male* *Manager* *1965 onwards*