HISTORY

Borough 19 Motor Club was initially formed in the Spring of 1963 and took its name after Bromley and Beckenham became the 19th London Borough. It was formed by schoolmates, workmates, customers and friends of Stoneham's Garage at Eden Park, Beckenham, Kent who were fed up with the snobby and clicky attitudes of members of existing local motor clubs. They also had the idea of helping each other if any of their cars broke down. The Club's first event was a Sunday treasure hunt in September 1963.

The expansion of the Club developed when nearby New Addington lost its ambulance service and the local Red Cross Society decided to raise money for its own vehicle. Mrs Stoneham was the Red Cross commandant and a fund raising event was held in the New Addington Community Centre to promote the Club followed by a rally and a dance. The proceeds raised were enough for Stoneham's garage to provide the Special Body Unit needed for the replacement ambulance.

As a result of the promotion customers and colleagues at the West Wickham (1936) Garage and Squires Timber joined the Club. Meetings were held at the Eden Park Hotel as were meetings of Eden Park 100 Motor Club. This latter club collapsed and most of its members joined Borough 19 as did several members of the Bromley Motor Club which was soon to suffer a similar fate. Borough 19 Motor Club then became affiliated to the Royal Automobile Club.