Community banker farewelled

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 573, 14 February 1995, Page 3

Community banker farewelled

Family and friends of Lou and Robin Brider gathered at the Hobbit last week to farewell the couple. Lou has been promoted to manager of Trust Bank Central's Taihape branch. The evening was as much a celebration and tribute to Lou for her successful career achievements as it was a farewell to the Brider family. During the more formal part of the evening, the tributes were many and were paid to Lou with heart-felt sincerity. In spite of not attaining School Certificate, Lou has had a terrific capacity to "go-get-and-attain" with plenty of determination, commitment and all the family support for make it to this promotion, said well-wishers. On leaving school Lou worked at Waimarino Hospital as a nurse and later for Dr Perera and a nurse-receptionist. 'Goose' Grossart recalled Lou's early banking career with the Raetihi Post Office in the days when post offices were responsible for not only mail, but telegrams, Telecom and banking, Eventually she moved over to the Ohakune branch of Trustbank. In spite of her budding career she found time to get involved in the community, in cultural activities and in various fund-raising activities particularly for the school. In between times, she and Robin both shared in the caring for her grandmother, while caring

for their children and nieces and nephews. As her brother in law, Rado, put it Lou and Robin will be Raetihi' s loss and Taihape' s gain. Not content to sit back, Lou has just attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management, graduating in the next few months. The evening ended on a high note with action songs from the cultural club she worked with,

together with a heart-stopping haka performed by her nephews. "This is Lou's night so I'll let her do the talking," Robin Brider said in reply to those gathered. In her speech, Lou said "Our door is always open." Robin will continue to work at the Tangiwai Sawmill.