21 Maney Corner, Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B72 1QL 021-354 1981

The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield is located approximately 6 miles north of Birmingham, and was merged with its larger neighbour in 1974 - thus officially confirming its de facto status as a dormitory suburb of Birmingham. Its popularity as an upmarket residential suburb increased after the town was linked to Birmingham by rail in 1862, and the previously small rural town gradually attracted the middle classes and the wealthy during the 20th-century. Following negotiations in 1935, the Bank purchased a freehold plot of land fronting to Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield - near to the junction of Holland Road. The site comprised approximately 472 square yards, and cost £575. The Bank then commenced the building of a permanent branch, in the meantime, temporary premises were utilised on a daily basis at the nearby St Peter's Hall. The branch was formally opened on July 13th 1936, by the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield (Councillor W A Perry). Sutton Coldfield was the second permanent branch (after Oldbury) to be opened outside the City's boundaries. Managers: 1963 to 1965 - C E Harper 1966 to 1967 - H E Whitehead 1969 to 1972 - F C Batstone Temporary premises: St Peter's Hall, Maney, Sutton Coldfield The new premises: 1936 The Mayor of Sutton Coldfield speaking at the official opening of the branch on July 13th 1936. To the Mayor's right are the Bank's Chairman (Councillor A H Cooper) and General Manager (J P Hilton) Councillor Terry addressing the assembled crowd in the branch after the opening ceremony Business progressing on the branch's opening day Branch interior: 1936