Customers joined The Cumberland in celebrating its 175th anniversary last week with cake and a special birthday card.
The Carlisle-based building society, which is one of the oldest still in existence, has served the community since it was formed in the city on 16th April, 1850.
Carlisle mayor Chris Southward was among the first to join the celebration at the flagship English Street branch and to sign the card wishing The Cumberland a happy 175th birthday.
He said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the celebrations. The Cumberland has always been part of life here. 175 years is a great achievement.
“When we get all the town centre finished, it’s right at the heart of the new developments in Carlisle.”
Customers also added their signatures throughout the day – and enjoyed birthday cake laid on for the occasion.
One of them, Ruaridh Kennedy, said: “To reach 175 years is amazing actually. The Cumberland has come a long way since I joined 10 years ago.
“You can tell it’s happy, buzzing with lots of smiling faces. I was surprised walking in and seeing this, it’s nice to be part of something. It feels very local, and a part of Carlisle.”
Another Cumberland customer, Colin Brown, said: “It’s quite an achievement and it’s still going strong in new premises.
“We’re happy to have our money in The Cumberland and support it as a local enterprise. And the cake is a bit extra!”
English Street branch manager Victoria Rose said the atmosphere last Wednesday was amazing with balloons, bunting, party hats and the cake went down a treat.
She said: “Six months ago we reopened our flagship branch at English Street and it’s great to have another celebration.
“It’s a day to reflect on how far The Cumberland has come and myself and all the colleagues look forward to supporting our customers and communities for many more years.”
Claire Deekes, The Cumberland’s chief customer officer, added: “This is a proud day for The Cumberland.
“While always embracing modernisation we have never lost sight of our founding principles – to look after the interests of our members, the savers and borrowers, and to support our local communities.
“With these values at our core I am confident The Cumberland will celebrate many more milestone birthdays in the future.”
Jackie Arnold, chair of The Cumberland board, said: “We always strive to do the right thing and that’s encapsulated in our purpose to create a banking experience that is kinder to people, planet and community.
“I want to thank everyone who has had a role to play in creating an organisation with such a strong heritage.”
