Family fun was the focus at the official re-opening of a branch of the North East’s biggest building society.The event saw customers enjoy a family treasure hunt, face painting and entertainers at the Newcastle’s new Manor Walks branch in Cramlington.
A gift tree, displayed in the branch since it opened its doors on 21st September, encouraged branch visitors to nominate a friend or family member to receive a small gift, with recipients to be chosen by the branch staff.
Visitors to the re-opening were given the chance to win a family cinema pass and a £100 Love2Shop voucher in a free prize draw that formed part of the opening celebrations.
The charity the branch has supported for several years was also in attendance; the ‘Nitty Knatters’ are a group of volunteers from the area that knit all sorts of wonderful items for premature babies and support other areas of their local hospitals including knitting blankets for the geriatrics unit. The new branch also has a dedicated community area that local good causes can use free of charge to promote what they do.
The event marks the completion of a 12-week refurbishment programme at the Cramlington branch.
The project has been designed to improve the experience customers have when visiting the branch, and to provide the most appropriate facilities for anyone wanting to discuss their personal finances on site.
This reopening is further evidence of the Society’ investment in the branch network and its commitment to building and improving its distribution and follows the recent Chester le Street launch which occurred in September. Work to refurbish our North Shields branch has also recently started.
Kelly Beattie, manager at Newcastle Building Society’s Cramlington branch, said; “We’ve been in a temporary branch over the past couple of months and our customers have been asking us when the new branch was going to be ready and we’re excited to be able to share it with them.
“There was a lot for everyone to see and do at our official opening event, and our guests and entertainers really helped to make the day special. It was great to see so many people join us to celebrate and enjoy the attractions we had.”