THE Andover branch of Newbury Building Society celebrated 50 years last week, marking the momentous milestone with cake, balloons, and a special hamper competition for local members.

Andover residents were invited to join the celebrations with employees at the branch, located at 35 High Street.

The guests of honour were Mr and Mrs Colbourne, the branch’s first ever mortgage customers, who took out a mortgage with the Newbury in the 1970s to build their own bungalow.

When asked about their experiences with the Society over the last five decades, the couple said: “We were building our own house, and no one would give us a mortgage for it. Newbury gave us our first ever mortgage and since then we have stayed and opened other accounts with them. It’s a nice place and they always provide good service.”

Andover Advertiser: Mr and Mrs Colbourne, the branch’s first ever mortgage customersMr and Mrs Colbourne, the branch’s first ever mortgage customers

Andover’s senior branch banager, Cliff Osborne, added: “We were delighted to invite long standing customers to join our 50th anniversary celebrations. Mr and Mrs Colbourne took out what we understand was the first ever mortgage with the Andover branch 50 years ago and they still had a copy of the mortgage agreement, which is now displayed in the branch.

"They still live in the same property and are still members of the society, although as savers now and not borrowers!

“I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ on behalf of the branch to everyone who came along to celebrate 50 years of NBS in Andover.”

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