The wife of a North East TV legend has cut the ribbon at the official re-opening of Newcastle Building Society’s upgraded Whickham branch.
Pam Neville, widow of much-loved news broadcaster Mike Neville, is a long-standing Society customer and was invited to do the honours at the re-opening ceremony for the Front Street branch.
A group of singers from the charity Music In Care entertained customers and invited guests at the opening event.
The refurbished 1,000 sq ft branch provides Society customers with better access to services, information and advice in a open plan environment, as well as additional space for their transactions.
A small community space also forms part of the new design, offering a comfortable, bright venue overlooking Front Street in which local people, groups and good causes can hold meetings and events free of charge.
The creation of enhanced facilities at the Whickham branch are the latest stage of a continuing multi-million pound investment programme across the whole of the Society’s branch network.
Branch improvement work or moves into new premises are planned in 13 different locations across the network during 2019.
Stephen Pattison, manager at Newcastle Building Society’s Whickham branch, says: “It was great to see so many people coming along to view the improvements we’ve made to the branch and we’re very grateful to Pam for carrying out our official opening ceremony.
“We’ve had a really positive reaction to the new facilities from our customers and the branch team is enjoying settling into our brighter and better surroundings.”