11-70-40 Birmingham Hockley Hill

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Martins Bank 1928+

What makes the Midland and South Western Districts of Martins Bank unqiue, is that they comprise, almost exclusively, Branches that have been opened AS NEW by the Bank. In a departure from the Northern traditions of Martins, the Bank has built these districts from scratch, rather than by inheriting them as batches of the Branches of other banks.

Midland District starts with Birmingham City Office at 98 Colmore Row in 1935, followed a year later by a sub-Branch at Warwick Road, Tyseley. Birmingham Five Ways follows in 1954, and Hockley Hill in 1956. Sadly there are currently no period images to be found for this branch, either inside or out, so if you can help, please do get in touch with us at:

martinsbankarchive@btinternet.com

In Service: Thursday 10 May 1956 until Friday 12 December 1969

Image © Martins Bank Archive Collections – Keith Mason

Someone who did just that is Martins Bank staff, and Friend of the Archive, Keith Mason, whose contemporary photo shows the Branch in a fitting role as a lock and key company. We are also pleased to see the Night Safe is still intact. Hockley Hill Branch is not required by Barclays, who already have their own office at 175 Hockley Hill, and on the last working day before the 1969 merger, Martins Branch at 7 Hockley Hill is closed. A year or so before this, the staff say goodbye to their Manager Mr Armitage, who is retiring from Hockley Hill after forty-two years with the bank…

1968 01 MBM.jpg A large gathering of banking and other friends met in the Masonic Hall, Walsall on November 29 to say goodbye to Wilf Armitage. The formal proceedings began with the presentation of a bouquet to Mrs Armitage by Miss Lesley Trivett, and Mr Turnbull then handed a cheque and a list of contributors to Mr Armitage. He referred to their close association over many years in the Midland District. He paid a tribute to his loyal service over 42 years and to his success in developing Hockley Hill branch since its opening in 1956.

Birmingham Daily Post 4 May 1956

Image © Trinity Mirror/Findmypast

Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Image reproduced with kind permission of The British Newspaper Archive

1956 to 1968 Mr W Armitage Manager MBM-Sp68P45.jpg Speaking of Mr Armitage's reputation as something of a character, Mr Turnbull said 'He has always spoken his mind when he felt justified in doing so and has been guided by the strongest principles in his dealings with the Bank, his customers and especially the Staff Association'. After thanking Mr Turnbull, Mr Armitage acknowledged the help and support of his wife and then thanked his staff, past and present, for their keenness and help, adding a plea for loyalty from the Bank's staff to further the best interests of the institution which they serve.The gathering was then entertained to an excellent buffet meal by Mr and Mrs Armitage. Prior to his retirement Mr Armitage was entertained at District Office by Mr Turn-bull and the Local Board and later to luncheon by the Chief General Manager. He joined the Halifax Equitable Bank, subsequently working at Yorkshire branches before moving to Liverpool in 1938. He served as a P.T. instructor in the R.A.F. during the war and his first appointment was as Assistant Manager at Walsall in 1951.

BARCLAYS BANK LIMITED

MARTINS BANK LIMITED

MIDLAND BANK LIMITED



*Mr D E Lewis* *On the Staff* *1956 to 1960*	*Mr W Armitage* *Manager* *1956 to 1968*	*Mr J T Parsons* *On the Staff* *1957*	*Mr K D Mooney* *Joined the Bank here* *1959 to 1961*	*Mr W Alderton* *Limited Authority* *1960 to 1966*	*Mr B W Evans* *On the Staff* *1961 to 1965*



*Mr W E Pemberton* *Limited Authority* *1966 to 1968*	*Mr M D Ellison* *Manager* *1968 onwards*