The Reverend William Shergold The Club started originally as a youth club at the Eton Mission in Hackney Wick, London in 1959 and was led by the Reverend John Oates. Later, being that he was a motorcyclist himself, Father William Shergold decided to hold a church service for motorcyclists in 1962. He finally plucked up courage and visited The Ace Cafe on the North Circular Road and handed out leaflets about the service. He had an immense reaction. The church was full of 'Rockers'. Even some of their 'bikes were brought into the church to be blessed. As this had never been heard of before, the press had a field day! A 'bike section was added to the youth club and was so popular that it overtook the club and premises. Hence The 59 Club was born. Father Bill moved to Paddington in North-West London and the Club moved with him. Even though the premises were a lot larger, the Club was full to bursting every night. Father Bill, Father Graham Hullett, Mike 'Cowboy' Cook (paid youth worker) and a large work force of volunteers were needed to run the Club. Again the Club moved to Hackney and Father Bill moved on to start the 69 Club in Dover. The 59 Club carried on under the mantle of Mike Cook for many years with voluntary Club Leaders (as they were known) to help him. Over the years it has been a privilege for many members to have Father Bill marry them. Others have been christened by him as can be seen here in Bill's church in East London. Undoubtedly one of natures genuine gentlemen, Bill has always been ready and willing to officiate at these events and this is just one more reason why he is, and has always been, held in the highest esteem by everyone who knows him. Father Bill Christens one of the newest 59 Club members Due to lack of council funding, Mike retired. This coincided with the Club's lease on the building expiring so the Club moved yet again. This time to Plaistow in East London. Mike Cook and Father Bill Father Bill and Mike Cook are still involved with the Club and we now have another motorcycling vicar, Father Scott Anderson, on the management team. The workforce now is a lot smaller and are all hard working volunteers who are committed to keeping the Club up and running