South Yorkshire Times January 4, 1969

Obituary – Mr Walter Murray Banks

Well-known Swinton businessman, property owner and builder, Mr. Walter Murray Banks of “Beechlands,’ 44, Station Street, died on Monday after a long illness. Mr. Banks, only son of the late Mr. W. M. Banks, founded his building and household accessories business in Station Street, Swinton, in 1940.

He later opened his “Modern Homes”- stores in premises further down the street, and was sole proprietor of both shops.

Mr. Banks succeeded his father, who was in business as a cabinet maker and undertaker. He undertook several notable con-tracts in the area, including the modernisation of Mexborough’s National Provincial Bank premises and the complete rebuilding of the Studio 7 cinema in Sheffield, and other contracts for Star Cinemas.

Mr. Banks had one burning ambition: to carry out modernisation work on a city bank, and this dream could have been realised, as he was offered one such contract only recently. He had to turn this down, however, due to ill health.

Mr. Banks was an active member in the Claremont Tennis Club.