The Watford Observer is again delighted to be teaming up with its friends at Watford Museum to take another journey back to the past to recall the key events and dates that helped shape the town’s future.
The tenth part of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford’ takes us back 60 years to the opening of a bank - and a sign of things to come.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "A new branch of the National Westminster Bank, in Station Road, was opened April 1961.
"It was not their usual type of branch as it also featured a drive-through service area which allowed motorists to use the banking services without leaving their car.
The interior of the bank
"This was probably the first drive-through facility in Watford and must have seemed a strange concept.
"All the usual counter services were available too. The interior banking hall, unlike today with high security glass screens and emergency shutters, was open plan. Sadly this branch will soon be closed."
Watford Museum is currently closed for essential electrical work. It hopes to reopen on November 12.
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