It was party time as two of the Cumberland Building Society’s Cumbria branches celebrated landmark birthdays.
Customers were treated to birthday cake as the Longtown branch marked 40 years since it first opened in 1984, while the Carlisle Rosehill branch hit 35 years since it greeted its first customer in 1989.
And as they blew up balloons and cut the birthday cake, it was a double celebration in the Longtown branch because customer service assistant Liz Ward celebrated 40 years since she started working there.
Liz said: “Of course, banking has evolved over time and it’s a completely different work environment now. I think the office has been completely refurbished and changed around about three times. I love it and the customers are lovely.
“As a place to work, it’s changed an awful lot, particularly over the last 10 years, but it’s always been good. The management look after staff really well and I’ve worked with some lovely colleagues.”
As well as strong relationships with customers, Liz has enjoyed the branch’s connection with local charities, highlighting volunteering at the Oak Tree Animal’s Charity at Wetheral last year.
Barry Ridley, cluster manager for Brampton, Dalston, Haltwhistle and Longtown, said he was delighted to put up the balloons and celebrate with the team.
“It’s a really proud moment for the Cumberland to have had a branch here for 40 years. Not just for us but also for the community – we have been part of that community for so long it is more than simply a place for banking transactions – there’s a strong social connection.
“We have outlived all the major banks that were here in Longtown and we’re continuing to be an important part of the community and are here to support the local people and businesses.
“Over the years, we’ve seen a massive change in banking from the days of ink on paper. Now, in a world of digital, we’re still here in our communities and we still have real people to talk to in Longtown.”
In Carlisle’s Rosehill branch there will also be birthday cake to mark 35 years.
Carlisle Cluster Manager Victoria Rose said: “It shows our commitment to the service we provide in Carlisle. Rosehill is especially important because of its location on the outskirts of the city.
“We want to be able to help people without the need to travel into the city centre to speak to us. We are committed to supporting our communities wherever they are.”
Celebrations continued north of the Border as Scotland’s oldest Cumberland branch Annan marked 50 years since it opened, and Dumfries enjoyed a party for its 40th birthday.
