Cookstown Royal Bank celebrates 100 years
by Susan Stein

Mayor Brian Jackson presented a certificate to Royal Bank Manager Brian Bourne at the Anniversary celebration. photo by Susan Stein

On Wednesday, June 7, the Royal Bank's Cookstown Branch celebrated their 100th anniversary.

Thanks to the staff it was done in great style, appreciated by the many faithful clients, by former employees and managers, by area managers, who attended the open house, held from 5 8 p.m.

The focal point to the Bank's past was provided by a video, made from tapes received through Donna Jebb and from photographs taken by historian Joan McLean.

While nibbling on the delicious goodies, made by Mrs. Bourne (the Bank Manager's mother) and sipping the punch, shared experiences in the life of the bank, of present positions and aspirations, of retirements were exchanged by the visitors.

It was a time to meet former managers Peter Staniforth, Mrs. Pearl, Sandra Tait, Jane Roach and to join in celebrating the Royal Bank's involvement and contributions to C o o k s t o w n ' s community at large.

Cookstown Branch Manager Brian Bourne welcomed and thanked clients and the community, served by the Royal Bank since 1906 with the number of present day clients at 4200.

Brian Jackson, Mayor of Innisfil, presented the bank with a Certificate of Appreciation for the continuous service over so many years and remarked what a rarity that is. For her help with

the historic display, Joan McLean was presented with a bouquet of roses. A bouquet of roses was also presented to Brian Bourke's mother for her goodies. Grace Cooper, had an urn with plants delivered to her home in tribute to having been a client since 1930.

Anna Cheaney, Royal Bank Area Manager, spoke on the importance of a bank's clients, whose loyalty makes the bank prosper and of the evolvement of the bank in all areas

To bring into focus the bank's role in the community, supporting organizations was made by the presentation of a cheque of $500.00 to Brian Haas, representing the Cookstown Co-op Playgroup and a cheque of $1,000.00 to Trans Canada Trail's committee Frieda Baldwin for projects, such as making it wheel chair accessible.

Over the past 100 years, there have been momentous changes in the bank. The managers do not live in the upstairs apartment

any more, computerized entries and the updating of books have replaced the hand-written entries, simple investments are replaced with many diverse financial possibilities, handled by a knowledgeable

financial adviser, as well as providing assistance in loans and mortgages.

But one thing has not changed: the sincere, honest, dedicated service given by the staff of Cookstown's Royal Bank. Thank You!