25th Anniversary Story by David McClurg

ALL of whom have been INSTRUMENTAL in the SUCCESS of the Harp and Crown Credit Union over the past 25 YEARS. 

NEXT UP…we hear from David McClurg MBE OBE, former Secretary, Harp and Crown Credit Union and FIRST EVER MEMBER (the infamous NUMBER ONE!). 

David recently retired from Edwards & Co having started out as their first practice manager in 2003.  Thoughout his career, David pioneered the establishment of several police institutions both nationally and internationally. 

BUT DID YOU KNOW? We would have been celebrating our 40TH ANNIVERSARY next year, if it weren’t for David? :) David tells all below.....

"The history of the Harp & Crown Credit Union lies with the Police Federation of which I was proud to have served as a representative and full time official for 23 years from 1979.

I must be honest and disclose (someone will remember) that as a young representative at the Federation Conference in about 1984 I spoke against the motion to start a credit union and the motion was lost. Otherwise we would be celebrating our 40th anniversary next year.

By the time a conference motion was brought again I had been exposed to how successful police credit unions had been around the World and this time fully supported it. The motion was passed and we brought the decision to a meeting of the Police Association (a body representing all ranks in the RUC) where it received full support.  The Federation Staff under the business manager Leslie Nixon made the necessary preparations. Following an intense weekend training course provided by a UK based credit union for all those who had volunteered to fill the necessary positions I was appointed Secretary.

I remember the launch day very well, I was in my office when one of the staff phoned to say “we are open for business”. I immediately went down to the new office shouting in to Les Rodgers and Jimmy Spratt who followed me down but I was first and hence got account number one.

The Board and staff deserve tremendous credit for all that has been achieved particularly the recent developments."

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us David!

The Harp and Crown Credit Union provides safe, secure, flexible finances for the wider police family in Northern Ireland.