As far back as 1989 the subject of Credit Unions was on the Federation's agenda. In June of that year a motion to the annual conference was defeated. Another attempt to introduce a credit union was made at the Federation's conference in 1997. On this occasion the motion was successful.
Research was undertaken by the Federation's Business Manager which resulted in a paper being presented and accepted by the Central Committee of the Police Federation with financial assistance given towards the necessary setting up and registration costs.
The volunteers and founder members trained over the weekend mentioned enabling them to fill the various roles and offices required. The Harp and Crown Credit Union was establish with registration being made on 9th June 1998.
On 1st October 1998 the Harp and Crown Credit Union commenced business.
The members of the first Board of Directors were as follows:
President Mr. Les Rodgers MBE,
Vice President Mr. Jimmy Spratt,
Secretary Mr. David McClurg MBE OBE,
Treasurer/Manager Mr. Leslie Nixon,
Assistant Treasurer Mr. Drew Buchanan MBE.
Assistant Secretary Mr. Fred Boyd and Mr. Steven Beverland.
The Credit Union Board of Directors at the registration meeting. Back row from left: Fred Boyd, Steven Bevenland, Drew Buchanan, Leslie Nixon, front row from left, Jimmy Spratt, Les Rodgers, David McClurg.
The members of the first Credit Committee were:
Mr. John Stratton,
Mr. Bob Wilson,
Mr. Sam Dempsey
and Mr. Fred Doogan.
The members of the first Supervisory Committee were:
Mr. Billy Brown MBE,
Mr. Billy Rogers
and Mr. Stewart Ashenhurst
Members of the Credit and Supervisory Committee. Front row from left; Fred Doogan, Sam Dempsey, back row from left; John Stratton, Stewart Ashenhurst, Steven Bevenland, Bob Wilson.
The Harp and Crown Credit Union office moved from Garnerville to a new address at Newforge Sports Complex in January 2019.