Difficult and frustrating. That is how Ranfurly Evergreens secretary Karen Munro sums up banking these days for many of the group’s members.
"Some really struggle with using technology so we go down and help them out with the money machine and one or two help each other out too. It gets even more frustrating, though, if they lose a card."
Some opt for regular trips to the bank in Alexandra — a 180km round trip — instead of embracing technology.
"It’s quite an upheaval, but you still need to go to the bank for some services anyway," Mrs Munro said.
"And not all our members are that mobile. Some don’t have driver’s licences any more so they have to work in with others to get to a bank."
Stuart Hore (78), of Naseby, said he was probably the fourth or fifth generation of his family to bank with Westpac and its predecessors.
The closure was "b... inconvenient but you get used to it, I suppose".
He enjoys visiting the bank’s Alexandra branch.
"I love going in and talking to the staff in there, so come over to Alexandra to do my banking business.
"It’s not an ideal solution but then, what is ideal in this world?"
He does not like using technology for banking: "Not everyone knows how or has the wherewithal to do electronic banking."
Bessie Pearson, of Ranfurly, also misses the contact with bank staff. She turns 101 on November 14 and has no intention of learning internet banking at her age.
"I do miss the bank but its closure hasn’t really affected me too much. I’m lucky that I can get cash from one of the shops here, every week or two, so I don’t have to worry about using the money machine."
