Our History
Here we tell a brief history of the club, how and why we started, how we have survived for such a long period, what we are about and where we are now. If you want to know any more I am sure one of our long standing members would be delighted to have a chat - just email us on admin@the39club.uk
If you would like to see more pictures from the club's past please take a look at the Archives page
Nearly seven decades ago the “Commercial Travellers” of the menswear industry working in the West End and City of London decided to form a club. To meet socially once a month with annual dinners and dinner dances to include guests and of course, the wives.
To ensure the membership maintained a high level of integrity, discretion and professionalism, the decision was made that membership could only be gained by invitation. The total would be limited to just 39 members.
The founding members were Albert Brigden, Fred Kerby and Jock Munro – sadly all no longer with us, but their legacy remains with The 39 Club. The trio were good friends from before the second world war. As the country, and indeed London, continued to rebuild itself it offered both challenges and opportunities alike. They felt that working together would help them (and others) all deal with and maximise the situations they were regularly facing.
After 67 years the passion for this trade, and this attitude of camaraderie in the menswear industry is still as strong as ever and so the need for this elite club continues. Kamla Patel, Sales Manager for Gabicci, is the current Chair and first female Chair in the clubs history – in fact Kamla also holds the title of being the first female member as well. Kamla is supported by a well known and very experienced group of colleagues, currently in, or retired from, the menswear trade.
Today it is hard to imagine that in the 50s and 60s there were around 20 independent department stores in London alone. There were also buying offices for John Lewis, Austin Reed, Burberry, Marks & Spencer’s to name but a few. So The 39 Club members were kept busy and had many tales to tell, but due to a strict “behind closed doors” policy, what is discussed at each meeting is often not released to the outside world. However, over time there have been some amusing anecdotes that have escaped the ring of steel.
Denis Hanks, one of the longest serving and fondly remembered members, recalled going to see a long-gone menswear shop in Pinner, known as Harry Reed Menswear. On his arrival at his first appointment there, he was promptly told to look in the mirror. Denis was baffled as to what was wrong, but eventually he was told that as he represents a headwear company he should be wearing a hat!
Another fondly remembered member (and twice Chairman) was Trevor Tompsett – sadly again no longer with us. He recalled on several occasions, times when he was visiting Harrods and was approached by their customers on the assumption that as he was so snappily dressed and wearing The 39 Club tie and lapel badge, he must surely be a member of staff or manager!
More recently Brian Winterbourne, a long standing club and committee member, remembers a time when he once shared a showroom with two other members of the club, one being Mel Rogers. One day the Chairman of the Coates Viyella Group was visiting their UK showroom next door to Brian & Mels, when along with his UK Sales Director, on entering their showroom they found a man snoring on their comfy sofa. It was Mel Rogers - fast asleep between appointments!
The modern world is very different now. The friendships and fond memories of many years selling menswear, and the strong menswear bond still endures, as does the camaraderie they all share.
The 39 Club today has a loyal base and a strong following within the trade, and as younger members join the club the baton is constantly being passed on.
The 39 Club continues to evolve and to move with the times. It regularly posts news and information on it’s website and through social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This year we have hosted another one of our famous Spring Luncheons held at the prestigious Victory Services Club in London’s West End. It was extremely well supported as usual and a good time was had by all. If you are ‘in the trade’ it’s almost a rite of passage to attend at least one of these wonderful events.
Like the menswear trade today the Club faces it’s challenges, but Kamla and her posse are determined to keep moving forward and facing these trials head on and optimising on the opportunities that arise. If you want to find out more about what we do and are currently in the menswear community please do get in touch by email on admin@the39club.uk
