The history of 63 Bayswater Road
In the early post war days of 1946 the Board of Governors of Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) decided to recommend to the Federation AGM that a property should be purchased as the headquarters of the SIGBI and to provide hotel accommodation, catering and cloakroom facilities for Soroptimists and their friends. Such a project was ambitious and visionary. In post war London premises were scarce and expensive but our forebears were undaunted and set themselves a target of 1948 for premises to be bought and up and running.
It was agreed that the premises would be held in a company formed under the auspices of the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts. Members would be able to subscribe to shares so that the property would be owned by Soroptimists and controlled by a Management Committee of 9.
The AGM of 1946 endorsed the decision and a committee was formed to oversee the development. In 1948 the Silver Jubilee of the Federation, an appeal was launched for subscribers to the new company for the purchase of the property.
In the meantime the committee searched the capital for suitable premises and found 63 Bayswater Road, a Victorian property with an unrestricted freehold, which was a rarity in London. A beautiful Italian window designed by the renowned architect WA S Benson adorned the front of the building. Part of the building was let as flatlets which provided some income in the early days, but there was sufficient space for Federation offices and provision for catering. As the rooms became vacant they were turned over to bedroom accommodation. SIGBI and also Soroptimist International became tenants of the Residential Club. The original appeal target of £25,000 was sufficient to purchase and alter the building. Half of the money had been raised by the Convention of 1948 and all of the appeal target by March 1949. In today’s terms it is probably the equivalent of £3 million. One can only wonder at the time, energy, expertise, talent and sheer hard work which went into the purchase and transformation of the Club and admire the generosity and support of the members in raising the funds so quickly.
Many members were involved in getting the Club up and running but as a token of appreciation for her work as liaison officer for Soroptimism during the second world war, Miss Elizabeth Hawes was asked to choose the decorations and furnishing for the building. Elizabeth’s photograph hangs in the Club today as a tribute to her work.
In 1949 Number 63 became the focus of activity and friendship for the Federation. Very soon members became aware of the privilege of having a home in London and together fostered the spirit of friendship and goodwill which characterises the building today.
Soroptimist history was played out at Number 63. The Federation Executive Council received hundreds of petitions to Charter Clubs; the Federation of South West Pacific was created at 63; and the structure of today’s Soroptimist programme work was designed and reported on in the meeting room at 63. In the 25 years from its founding until the Golden Jubilee of Soroptimism in 1966, the Club had indeed become a world focus for the organisation. Supported only by its paying visitors, generous gifts from members and the headquarters tenancy, Number 63 had realised the vision of its founders.
By 1966 a well used and much loved Club was ready for complete refurbishment and updating. In celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Soroptimism, an appeal was launched and once again a willing band of Soroptimists with the support of the membership and a talented architect set to work to make the best possible use of the building whilst retaining the interesting and historical features.
Office space for Soroptimist International and for SIGBI was provided on the top floor, a lift installed and the meeting space refreshed. By 1971 Club premises were providing pleasant accommodation in London and meeting space for the Soroptimist Clubs and other organisations in an up to date setting to meet the changing requirements of the 1970s.
By 1986 the development of Soroptimism meant that the Federation office needed more space. New legislation was imposing fire regulations and plans were discussed to reaccommodate the office and to include the fire precaution work within a new appeal which would update the Club to meet the needs of the 1990s. The Ruby Appeal was launched in 1986 and members dug deep to raise sufficient funds to completely reorganise and refurbish the public rooms. The Federation had moved from the building in 1989 thus releasing space for reorganisation but taking with it the regular rental income, making for a difficult period of financial planning and supervision.
During the 1990s successive management committees worked ceaselessly to keep faith with the Club’s founders to maintain the Club and develop its facilities. Members of SIGBI supported this with inventive fundraising schemes and gifts and the opportunity to own shares was extended to members across Soroptimist International. Reports of the chairmen at the time talk about “reawakening and transition” and “we are now on an up”.
In 2002 the President of Soroptimist International and the SIGBI President were invited to become Patrons of the Club signifying the link with Soroptimism and the esteem and affection in which the Club is held.
Over the years members of SIGBI have given generously of their time, expertise and donations to keep developing the Club and for all that it stands. In the writing of this “snapshot” it is impossible to mention all the members, supporters and committee members individually – let it be said that the present building and service offered does honour to each and all. 63 is still managed by the Management Committee of 9 as it was in 1948. It is run as a small business to make a profit which can be used to constantly improve facilities.
There have been many generous legacies and gifts over the years, including two large bequests in 2004 which have enabled the upper floors of the building to be renovated so that all bedrooms have private facilities.
Do come and stay at the Club and share in the friendship and benefits which have been handed down to us by the Club’s founders.
63 Bayswater Road
London
W2 3PH
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7723 8575
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7723 1061
Email: info@soropclub63.org.uk