HSBC has been celebrating 120 years since first opening the St Peter Port branch in Guernsey by holding an event for its longstanding customers and colleagues on Thursday 8th October.
Customers who were awarded bouquets of flowers were Don and Pat Mckay, and Christine Weaver as the longest standing personal customers, and Randalls of Guernsey as the longest standing commercial customer. The longest serving employees who also received bouquets of flowers were Steve Bates, who has worked at the Bank for 51 years, and Sue Kilvington, who has worked for HSBC for 44 years.
In addition to these recognitions, the family of Henry Le Pelley, the Bank’s first Guernsey Manager, were also celebrated. Simon and Jim Le Pelley were presented with a framed photograph of the record of their Grandfather’s employment as the first bank manager in 1900.
Henry Le Pelley was the second cashier at the Guernsey Commercial Bank and at the age of 26 he was one of the youngest managers the Bank had appointed with a salary of £250 per annum. Over time and with the assistance of two employees, Henry Wrighton and John Le Couleur, he oversaw the opening of over 100 accounts in the branch’s first year including Smith’s Groceries and Randall’s Brewery.
Commenting on the Bank’s 120th year in Guernsey, Ed Bloor, Head of Private Banking in Guernsey, said: “We are incredibly proud of our 120 year history in Guernsey and our commitment to the local community for all these years. The Bank has a rich history and has played an important role in the development of the Island’s economy and culture. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate those who have stayed with HSBC for so long as customers and colleagues, and we thank them for their loyalty.
“In addition, we were so pleased to be able to celebrate with Henry Le Pelley’s family – if it wasn’t for Henry’s hard work and persistence, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’re very much looking forward to many, many more years on the Island and continuing to embrace the community which we serve”.
