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The
Equitable Bank yields a number of key branches when it amalgamates with the
Bank of Liverpool and Martins in 1927. Amongst them is what becomes Martins
Bank’s office at Westgate, Huddersfield, one of two full branches that the
Bank have in the town. By the mid 1960s, decades of soot and grime have taken
their toll on the building, and it’s time for a clean-up and a makeover, as
part of a major refurbishment plan for many of Martins Bank’s older
Branches.
The images
below show the difference on the outside, and on the inside, a photo is
published in Martins Bank Magazine to showcase the modern DESIGN work that goes into the new and
re-fitted branches. A somewhat spartan
font has been used to pick out the Bank’s name across the building. We have
so far only seen one other example of its use on a building, and that is at
the completely re-built Branch at CHELTENHAM High
Street in 1966.
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In Service:
ca.1920 until 6 November 1981
Image © Barclays Ref
0033-0286
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Image ©
Barclays Ref 33-1386
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Image © Martins Bank
Archive Collections
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In 1966
it is the turn of Mr Willie Hanson to retire, and amongst the assembled
well-wishers enjoying a buffet meal at the branch are the usual crowd from Martins
Bank Magazine to capture the event for posterity…
  at
the end of September ‘Willie’ Hanson, Pro Manager at Westgate,
Huddersfield, for the last 14 years, retired after 44 years' service. Some
fifty of his colleagues were entertained to a buffet meal at the branch
prior to which Mr E. G. Morrell (Manager) welcomed Mrs Hanson who received
a bouquet from Miss Christine Helliwell. He then made reference to the
loyalty and support which Willie had shown to all, but in particular to him
during his years as Manager. He also mentioned the innate kindliness which
was behind all Willie's actions. Mr A. B. Stevens (Assistant District
Manager), in the unavoidable absence of Mr Lister, added his own
appreciation of Mr Hanson's sterling worth and presented him with a tape
recorder. Prior to
his appointment as Pro Manager at Westgate Mr Hanson had been Pro Manager
at Vicar Lane and for five years Inspector at Leeds District Office.
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Image © Martins
Bank Archive Collections - Stephen Walker
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Still proudly bearing the livery of the Equitable Bank, this
cheque covers several important stages in the history of Martins Bank and
refers to THREE of the Banks that are part of that process: The Equitable
Bank, The Bank of Liverpool and Martins, and of course Martins Bank
Limited. The cheque itself was printed
in September 1927 and our thanks go once more to Friend of the Archive
Stephen Walker, for this image of another beautifully preserved cheque from
his collection.
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