|
The Mercantile Bank of Lancashire
is established in 1890, and operates for only fourteen years before being
amalgamated with the much larger Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, a future
source of many Martins and Barclays Branches such as Ashton under Lyne. The Mercantile Bank marks an important
stage on the journey to the modern day Martins Bank, as it has possession of
six Branches on the Isle of Man.
Martins Bank’s Branch at Ashton under
Lyne is not visited by Martins Bank Magazine, but they do carry a couple of
stories about staff who work there, and these form our feature articles
below.
In the first we meet Mildred
Livesey, who has earned a special role in town of Ashton under Lyne. The
second takes us to the retirement party for Mr Henshall, who has managed the
branch for around eight of his forty-three years’ service with Martins Bank…
|
In Service: Between 1890 and 1904 and 14 September 2019
Image © Barclays Ref 0030-1065
|
|
 Congratulations
to Mildred Livesey, who was chosen to be Centenary Queen of Ashton in
September. The ceremony of the crowning was carried out by the Mayoress in
front of the Town Hall, the proceedings being followed by a pageant, the main
feature of which was the “Black Knight”.
After the pageant she attended a civic function in the Town Hall and a
Pageant Ball. During the following week she made a short appearance at the
local theatre where a cavalcade of local history was enacted. After
completing her school career at Ashton-under-Lyne Grammar School she joined
our staff at Ashton in December 1943.
  After
43 years' service Mr. F. Henshall (Manager, Ashton-under-Lyne), retired at the end of November and many past
and present colleagues gathered at the Lounge Cafe in Ashton to say farewell.
On behalf of the subscribers, Mr. R. Tanner (Manchester District Inspector)
made the presentation of a pair of electric garden shears. The formal part of
the proceedings was opened by Mr. C. B. Fletcher who welcomed the guests and
paid his own tribute to Mr. Henshall. A bouquet was then presented to Mrs.
Henshall, whom everyone was delighted to see, by Miss H. Warren. Mr. Tanner thanked Mr. Henshall on behalf of the General
Management for his long and valued service and expressed the good wishes of
everyone for a very happy retirement. After Mr. Henshall had suitably replied
in a speech embellished with one or two spectacular anecdotes, the company
settled down to the enjoyment of some excellent refreshments. Mr. Henshall began his career with the Lancashire &
Yorkshire Bank in 1919 and served at Manchester City Office, Oldham Street,
Ashton, Harpurhey, All Saints, Levenshulme, Portland Street and on the
Visiting Inspection staff, before receiving his first signing authority at
Stockport in 1947. He was appointed Manager at Broadheath and Timperley in
1952 and Manager at Ashton-under-Lyne in 1956.
|
