Look after the pennies - Saver keeps passbook for 80 years

David Wheatley was two-months-old when his grandfather opened the account for him at the West Bromwich Building Society's High Street branch in 1932.

The deposit was five shillings (25 pence). Born and bred in the town, he has been a member of the West Brom ever since, saving for a deposit for his first house in Romsley, near Halesowen, where he and wife Shirley still live 50 years later.

A lifelong West Bromwich Albion fan, David, 80, has even kept his first passbook for sentimental reasons. It is in pristine condition with entries made in ink and blotting paper inserted between the pages to prevent smudges.

He said: "I kept the passbook for sentimental reasons because my grandfather opened the account for me as a present two months after I was born.

"I have continued the tradition and opened savings accounts for my own four grandchildren.

"I've had various passbooks down the years but this is the only one I have kept as a memento.

"It's quite different to my current West Brom passbook."

Educated at West Bromwich Grammar School, David worked as a sales rep for pub company Mitchells & Butlers for 10 years, with a two-year break to do his National Service.

He married in 1957 and continued saving to raise the £2,000 deposit for the couple to buy their home which cost them a total of £4,375.

He said: "I realised in my late teens or early 20s that if I wanted my own home I would have to save regularly.

"I had a good job and was able to put down a reasonable deposit and get a mortgage with the West Brom because of the savings already set aside.

"I know times have changed but I still believe that saving is important at whatever age you are.

"People will benefit if they get into that habit of putting something by regularly."

David went into business with his late father-in-law who ran a Birmingham-based cycle accessories company.

He continued to develop it and sold up and retired from work when he was in his 60s.

Retirement has given him and Shirley more time to spend with their two children and extended family and to pursue a range of interests.

Both are keen bridge players and enjoy walking in the Clent Hills.

He also plays bowls and his woodworking skills are in evidence around the house through various items of handmade furniture.

"This was our first house and we still love it and have never wanted to move. It's in a wonderful area with all the amenities we need and our friends are here,"?he said.

"Buying it was one of the best investments we have ever made."

Have you got an older paybook? Contact us at newsdesk@expressandstar.co.uk