Ballynahinch was founded on 04th April 1965 and initially business was carried on in a room within the parochial hall attached to St Patrick’s Church.
The original common bond was defined as the parishes of Ballynahinch and Magheradroll and to become a member the individual had to work or live within the common bond. Within a year The Credit Union moved to St Patrick’s PS and business was transacted on a Friday evening and there was a further move to a room above the Athletic Bar.
During the early days the Credit Union was run entirely by volunteers and it was only when the Dromore Street office was opened that the first paid staff were appointed. In 1993/1994 the business became computerised and there was a further move to Windmill Street.
The concept of the common bond remains very important for our Credit Union, however over the years the common bond was extended to take in Drumaness and on Friday nights members in the Drumaness area could visit the Dan Rice Hall to transact their business. The common bond was further extended to take in the Crossgar area and in the early days in Crossgar business was transacted door to door. Eventually permanent premises were secured to serve members in the Crossgar area and we continue to operate at our office at 68 Downpatrick Street.
The move to our current office (previously the White Horse Hotel) was a significant milestone when the property was purchased in 2003 with the new refurbished property opened to members in 2004. In 2012 the credit union became regulated by the uk financial services.
The credit union is continually trying to expand the business to new members but the aims remain the same as they were when the Credit Union first opened in 1965. Strive to bring a service to members that allows them to save regularly and to borrow at low rates of interest while keeping to the basic principles of the worldwide credit union movement.
In Celebrating over Fifty years of trading a note of thanks to the first officers of the Credit Union and to Gerry Walsh for his help in preparing this history of your Credit Union. Also, a vote of thanks to all the many volunteers who over the years have delivered the benefits of the Credit Union to all the members.
Want to find out more?
Visit the Ballynahinch Credit Union website, or get in touch with their team:
Telephone – 028 97563057
Email – info@ballynahinchcu.co.uk
Copyright British Credit Union Historical Society 2018 – All rights reserved
British Credit Union Historical Society 