I feel sure the many old friends and colleagues of Mr George Herbert Humphries would not like the occasion of his retirement from
the service of the Bank on the 31st January after the completion of over forty years in the Corporation's service to pass without
some tribute being paid to him through the medium of "Contact".
He started his career in the Corporation in 1915 with the Gas
Dept. at Edmund Street where he and I were old colleagues together. After a few years there during which time incidentally he joined
up and did his bit in World War I, he left in 1927 and entered the service of the Bank, and soon became appointed a Manager.
During
all that time he has always seemed to be the same calm genial George with a friendly smile for everyone, and a merry twinkle in his
eye on numerous occasions which has made him so popular with his colleagues and also depositors. He will always be remembered for
the active part he took in the Bank's Social events, particularly on the Sports side. He was a regular playing member of the Golf
Association since its inception, and used to play in the Tennis Tournaments with Mrs Humphries.
The happy daily association with
him will be greatly missed, but the memory will not be forgotten, and we hope to meet him again even if it is only on an occasional
visit.
He has left Birmingham, I understand, to live at Staunton, Gloucestershire, amid the beautiful scenery of the Wye Valley
with Tintern not far away, where he and Mrs Humphries hope to enjoy the peace and quietness of the countryside after the rush and
bustle of city life. We all hope that they may both enjoy the best of health in the years to come, and wish them cordially a long
and happy retirement.
L H Hurdman
Letter received by the Magazine Editor from George Humphries:
Arbour
Cottage,
The Post Office,
Staunton,
Nr Coleford,
Glos.
Dear Sir
I should like to express my grateful thanks to the many members
of the Staff who subscribed to the present to me on the occasion of my retirement from the service of the Bank on January 31st last.
As
most of you know, I have not only retired from the Bank work, but also have moved from my abode, after 35 years, from a home near
the Lickey Hills, a pretty enough spot, to a very rural spot in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, where the countryside is even
more beautiful. My venture in to Post Office work and small store is proving interesting and peaceful. The proximity of so many beauty
spots is delightful. I find the local people most friendly and am assured that the spring and summer months are really worth waiting
for.
Although I shall miss my many contacts with the Bank I am hoping that some may call to see me when out on their travels. We usually have the kettle on the boil on our Raeburn stove in the kitchen - Again thanking you all,
Yours very sincerely,
George H
Humphries
[NOTE: George Humphries retired as the Manager of Northfield branch - a branch he also managed at the start of his managerial career)