Exhibit 99.1

                                                   CONTACT:  Mary K. Talbot
                                                             401.245.8819


                     SLADE'S FERRY BANK OPENS IN ASSONET


SOMERSET, MASSACHUSETTS, March 18, 2005:  Slade's Ferry Bank opened a new
full-service branch at 58 South Main Street (Route 79) in Assonet today

"We're excited to be here in Assonet," said Slade's Ferry Bank President
and CEO Mary Lynn D. Lenz.  "We are a community bank that is committed to
the SouthCoast, and this most recent expansion demonstrates the fact that
we're here to stay.  We look forward to providing best-in-class customer
service to our neighbors in Assonet to demonstrate why Slade's Ferry Bank
is pleasantly different from the competition."

The new 2,000 square-foot branch features five experienced, full-time
bankers, a drive-up window, an ATM, and investment services, in addition to
the full array of Slade's Ferry Bank's products and services.

Slade's Ferry Bancorp was founded to serve community-banking needs with
both personal and commercial products and services.  With more than $525
million in assets and 10 retail branches in Southeastern Massachusetts,
Slade's Ferry Bancorp is a trusted community partner.  Traded on the NASDAQ
Small Cap Market as SFBC, Slade's Ferry Bancorp can also be found on the
web at sladesferry.com and in seven Massachusetts communities - Assonet,
Fairhaven, Fall River, New Bedford, Seekonk, Somerset and Swansea.

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