Branch Openings: 1929 to 1932
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 1929 to 1932.
Little Bromwich -
June 8th 1929:
The Lady Mayoress (Mrs W Byng Kenrick) arriving to perform the opening ceremony. She is accompanied
by the Bank's Chairman, Sir Percival Bower
Horse Fair -
May 3rd 1930:
most of the early opening ceremonies attracted large crowds. This record of the event also illustrates a
typical street view of the 1930s - tram lines run down the centre of the road, and a tram is visible in the distance
Billesley -
July 5th 1930:
the crowd assembled for this opening ceremony have been recorded by the Bank's photographer enjoying a warm
summer's day
Billesley -
July 5th 1930:
The Lady Mayoress (Mrs M L Lancaster) performed the opening ceremony, and is seen here, receiving a bouquet
of flowers
Wheeler Street -
May 9th 1931:
The Lord Mayor (Alderman W W Saunders) arrives for the branch opening, accompanied by the Bank's General
Manager (J P Hilton)
Perry Common -
July 4th 1931:
on this occasion, less than two months after the Wheeler Street opening, the photographer has chosen to
record the same Lord Mayor entering his limousine to leave the event
Sandwell -
July 18th 1931:
an unusual aspect has been utilised to record the crowd at Sandwell's opening. The branch occupied a large
corner site, and the photographer appears to have taken this view from the a first floor window (facing Holyhead Road) above the adjoining
Electric Supply Department
Oldbury -
April 30th 1932:
on this occasion, the approaching dignitaries arriving for the ceremony, are in the background, rather than
being in the foreground of the photograph