Bank staff cash in and take retirement
Two of Reepham’s most familiar faces over the past decade are retiring from behind the counter of the HSBC in the Market Place. Jeanne Flett and Julie Smith have clocked up around 70 years of banking between them as they have decided to call time on their financial services careers.
Left to right: Claudia Lowe, treasurer, Reepham Chamber of Commerce; Jeanne Flett; Julie Smith; and Brenda Gostling, chairman, Reepham Chamber of Commerce
“Of course, there have been ups and downs as in any job, but we’ve generally had a fun time,” said Mrs Flett. “I can honestly say that Reepham has been my favourite branch of any that I have worked in, and we’ve always managed to have a laugh, whatever the situation.”
Mrs Smith added: “After 27 years in London, Reepham was a real culture shock. But I think we have been appreciated by our customers, many of whom we have got to know over the years.”
Both admitted the theft of the ATM in May 2012 was a difficult time with the bank closed for around five months while repairs were carried out. The building had to use special bricks as it is in a conservation area, and installed CCTV and bollards in front of the cash machine. Staff were, however, able to offer limited non-cash services in the Bircham Centre for a couple of hours, twice a week.
“Customers were very supportive and have appreciated what we’ve done. And, as we’d like to give back something to the town, we will be holding a farewell buffet later in April,” said Mrs Smith. “Reepham is certainly a very special place.”
Claudia Lowe, treasurer of the Reepham Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’d like to thank Jeanne and Julie for all their hard work over the years and for everything they have done for the people and businesses of Reepham, particularly after the ATM was stolen. “We then realised how much we appreciated them when they weren’t there. And on both a personal and professional note, it has been a pleasure doing business with them.”
Earlier this month, the ram-raiding thieves and their accomplice, who ripped out a dozen cashpoints across the east of England with stolen diggers, were sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court for a total of 22 years in jail.
The gang netted more than £300,000 by using JCBs to smash through shop and bank branch walls in the middle of the night. The damage from their raids was estimated at £250,000, as well as causing untold misery for towns such as Reepham, where shops were particularly hard hit by the loss of banking services.