Branch Openings: 1927 to 1928
The Bank recorded each of the official openings of its permanent branches with a series of photographs.
This series normally included views of the branch's exterior and interior; a copy of the commemoration tablet affixed to an interior
wall of the branch; a record of the dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony; and photographs of the assembled crowd. Selections
of photographs from these events are included in individual branch entries - this page portrays other aspects from opening
ceremonies in the years 1927 to 1928.
Nechells -
May 7th 1927:
The opening ceremonies frequently attracted large crowds - the advertisement in the window behind
the street
lamp may have helped to stimulate interest. Attendance was probably assisted by the fact that the vast majority of opening ceremonies
were held on a Saturday
Witton -
September 3rd 1927:
The Bank's Chairman (Percival Bower) and the Lord Mayor (Alderman A H James) arrive for the opening of
the branch.
The Lord Mayor performed the ceremony
Witton -
September 3rd 1927:
The attire of the local population contrasts markedly with that worn by Messrs Bower and James, above.
The
large number of children present at the event was undoubtedly due to an offer made by Mr W J Adams, JP, who had offered to add two
shillings to the accounts of the first 250 children who opened an account with one shilling
Moseley -
September 10th 1927:
Just one week after attending the ceremony at Witton, the Chairman and Lord Mayor arrive for a repeat
performance at Moseley. On this occasion, Percival Bower has the honour of opening the branch - together with his wife, the Bowers
opened
more branches than anyone else
Kings Heath -
June 2nd 1928:
This was the second formal opening for Kings Heath - the original branch on the same site having been officially
opened on April 24th 1922
Selly Park -
September 15th 1928:
The Lord Mayor (Alderman A H James) crosses Pershore Road from Selly Park Council Schools. On his
left is the Bank's General Manager, J P Hilton.
After a tea provided for distinguished guests, the Lord Mayor is walking the short
distance to the new branch in order to perform the opening ceremony