ON Thursday, November 4, Mr Alan Hayhurst, a retired bank manager, gave a humorous dissertation entitled Banking in a Gentler Age to members of Ramsbottom and Tottington Probus Club.

Some of his tales brought to mind the TV series Are You Being Served? As a young trainee with a bank, Alan was addressed as Mr Hayhurst. This was in 1954 when starched shirt collars and cuffs were the norm, as were suits.

A five-and-a-half day week was worked and overtime, if required, was done for nothing. In those days, the bank did not have a calculator and as such, all statements were added up in the head and woe betide any mistakes as the manager, nicknamed Mr Pickwick, would insist on a complete new document alterations were not permitted.

Alan talked about the flooding of the strong room, burnt holes in kettles, and a cart load of coinage falling over and spilling onto the road, yet Alan climbed the executive ladder eventually.

Absent members missed out on an hilarious talk. After question time, Edward Wilson gave a vote-of-thanks on behalf of the members.

The members' dinner is today.

Bernard Wilson will present Digital Magic on December 1.

G.A.V.