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The Bank of Liverpool opens a branch in New Brighton in
1897. The image above shows the branch
about forty years after it was opened.
This part of the Wirral Peninsuala has a total of seven
branches of Martins Bank over the years, the same number as nearby Birkenhad.
Of these, only one branch is still open today.
Martins Bank Magazine never visited New Brighton, but
luckily for us, it does provide report on the retirement in 1962 of the
Branch’s larger than life Manager, Basil Williams, whose role in MARTINS BANK OPERATIC SOCIETY really is legendary… You can read much more about the Society and its many
and varied productions, by clicking on the link).
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In Service: March 1897 until 29
May 1998
Image © Barclays Ref 0030-1975
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  At
the end of November a well-known personality on Merseyside retired. Mr. Basil
Williams was known not only as Manager of New Brighton branch but also for
his many years as a principal and Musical Director of the Bank's Operatic
Society, and latterly as Musical Director of the Birkenhead Amateur Operatic
Society. At a cocktail party held
at the branch, Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the hosts to colleagues, friends
and customers who had gathered in his honour. Mr. N. N. Jobling, Liverpool
District General Manager, in making the presentation of a cheque on behalf of
the subscribers, wished Mr. Williams a long and happy retirement and thanked
him on behalf of the General Management for his loyal and efficient service.
Mrs. Marjorie Milner, the senior lady, then presented Mrs.
Williams with a bouquet. Mr. Williams commenced his reply by paying a tribute
to Mr. Jobling, whose qualities of leadership, courtesy and kindness he so
much admired. He said he had had an
interesting and rewarding career in the Bank, and made reference to his
musical interests which he hopes to widen on his retirement. In welcoming his
colleagues and friends and thanking everybody for their present, he said he
was delighted to see among those present Mr. William Corlett, Producer of the
Birkenhead Amateur Operatic Society, and some of his customers. He concluded
by congratulating his successor, Mr. F. A. Clayton, and made a very kind and
appreciative reference to each member of his staff in turn for their support
over the years. Mr. Lock, a customer whose family had banked with Martins for
80 years, then added his warm appreciation of Mr. Williams's help and
kindness to him during his managership. Mr. Williams
entered the Bank at Wrexham in 1917 and six years later he went to Chester
where he remained for five years. He then spent varying periods at Head
Office, Liverpool City Office, Charing Cross and Lower Bebington, prior to
entering the R.A.F. in 1942. On his return, after a short spell in Chief
Accountant's Department, Head Office, he became Manager of New Brighton
branch in 1946.
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