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By the time that the
much loved symbol of the Grasshopper is being removed systematically from the
North East in 1969, there are or have been a total of nine Sunderland
Branches. Monkwearmouth is one of the
oldest, having been opened by the North Eastern Banking Company in 1894.
Although the branch is
kept on by Barclays, it sadly does not make it to 100 years old, being closed
in 1983. In happier times, back in
1964 we drop in on the celebrations as Monkwearmouth Manager, Mr Harry
Smurthwaite hands over the reigns of the branch he has managed for sixteen
years. He entertains his friends and
colleagues at a local hotel, and as usual, Martins Bank Magazine provides a write-up
of the festivities…
 Mr
Harry Smurthwaite ended his banking career on March 31 st after 43 years'
service, the last 16 of which had been spent as Manager at Monkwearmouth. Prior
to his retirement he lunched at Head Office with the Chief General Manager
and at North Eastern District Office with his District General Manager.
Mr Smurthwaite's interest in freemasonry, rotary and music
earned him many friends in the district. On his last day in the Bank, he
received many calls and expressions of good will from customers and friends.
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In Service: 1 May 1894 until 25 March 1983
Image © Barclays Ref 0030-1925
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 On
the first day of April he and Mrs Smurthwaite entertained the staff of the
branch and former colleagues to tea at the Roker Hotel where Mr K. O. Wells
(District Superintendent of Branches), representing the District General
Manager, was among the many guests.Although the proceedings were quite informal
a presentation was made by Mr J. Rundle, Mr Smurthwaite's second - in
-command, on behalf of the staff and former colleagues, of photographic
equipment as a memento and an expression of the affection and esteem in which
Mr Smurthwaite was held. Miss E. K. Taylor
presented a bouquet to Mrs Smurthwaite and Mr A. D. Scotson, the new Manager,
proposed the couple's health. Mr
Smurthwaite, in his reply, stated that he had given this part of the
proceedings considerable thought, and had visuliased a speech covering his
whole banking career, but when it came to actuality he was quite unable to
say more than 'thank you'. Stress was laid on this being the start of a new
career, and a suggestion made that a
'domestic' training course might prove beneficial. A very convivial evening followed which was obviously
enjoyed by everyone as there was a marked reluctance to say farewell. Mr Smurthwaite's career, which began in 1920, took him to
Durham, Newcastle and Darlington branches before he received his first
signing authority at Sunderland in 1944. He was appointed Manager of Monkwearmouth
branch in 1947.
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