Personal banking advisor retires on Christmas Eve after 35 years of serving local community

After 35 years of serving Heywood and Rochdale as a personal banking advisor, Val Brannigan has called it a day and retired on 24 December 2021.

In February 1986, Val, then aged 30, started her career at the-then N&P National and Provincial based in Heywood, which became Abbey National and then Santander through acquisitions.

She remained there for 27 years before moving to the Rochdale branch after the Heywood one closed eight years ago.

Her job as a personal banking advisor saw her serving customers face-to-face on the counter and on an appointment basis to open bank accounts, savings accounts and offer a wide range of products and solve any problems for bank customers. 

Throughout her role, Val has made many friends and loyal customers over the years. Throughout the pandemic lockdowns, Val contacted vulnerable customers to make sure they could access their money and that they were okay.

Now she has retired ahead of her 66th birthday in January – and she was surprised with a bouquet of flowers at the end of her last day by her granddaughters Jessica and Ella.

 

 

Her sons, Laurence, Lewis and Lloyd Brannigan, said: “We wish mum a fantastic retirement which she will enjoy with her grandchildren, family and friends.

“As children we remember shopping in Morrisons Heywood, and Asda Rochdale and you couldn’t go from one aisle to another without mum being stopped by a customer from the bank. 

“We’ve heard many tales over the years but what stands out the most are the stories of mum being in contact with vulnerable and elderly customers during tougher times like the lockdowns to ensure they can access their finances and not missing the basics like food shopping because the branch was closed.

“Mum spent a lot of time on this, especially knowing so many of the customers having met them regularly in the branch. Sometimes she would spend 30 minutes on the phone with some of the customers because they hadn’t had contact with many other people during the lockdown, so mum was a welcomed friendly voice at the end of the phone. 

“It’s mum’s caring and diligent nature which has carved a fabulous 35+ years career with the banking giant and over that time they have repaid their gratitude by supporting mum through her own personal challenges and losses for which we are all grateful.”

In a speech at Santander, Val said: “I have been on a long journey the past 35 years. My son Laurence was five months old when I began my career at National and Provincial, all from chatting in a pub to Pat Humphries who worked in Rochdale. I wasn’t even looking at jobs at that time.

“It hasn’t been just a job. I have been able to provide for my family; building relationships with customers was a major part in my 27 years at Heywood. Lots of fond memories.

“I’m proud of what I have achieved and everything it has meant to me. I feel like I’m leaving at the right time and my journey here is now complete.

“I’m looking forward to spending even more time with [grandchildren] Jessica, Ella and Bruno. Who knows what the future will bring for me.

“You are all amazing individuals and I wish you all bright futures and happiness.”