2016 marks the centenary of the Chamber
This website is about celebrating that history
Throughout 2016 we’ll be updating this site with more and more content from our archives, so that, over time, this website will provide a comprehensive incite into the history of the Bournemouth Chamber and of Bournemouth.
Come back regularly to catch the latest interesting updates from our archives or follow the #bctchistory hashtag on Twitter.
Watch the video of our Centennial Celebrations held on March 10th at the BIC Bournemouth or view our photo gallery
With continued thanks to all our 100th celebration sponsors

Our next event: AGM 2017
BCTC History Timeline
Scroll through our history
Bournemouth Tradesmens Baron of Beef Association formed in 1885
March 7, 1902
The Bournemouth Tradesmens Baron of Beef Association was set up in 1885 whose main purpose was to meet quarterly for “the discussion of public matters affecting the general welfare of the Town” and also to hold annually a Baron of Beef dinner on the third Thursday of February. Annual membership was five shillings…
Read moreChamber formed 15th February 1916
February 15, 1916
It was at a meeting held on February 15th 1916 at St Peter’s Hall that a decision was reached to form a Chamber of Trade for Bournemouth. At the time of Mr Maurice Plomer’s appointment as “General Secretary” in May 1916 there were 56 “direct” members; within ten years this total had reached four…
Read moreBET Magazine feature of our President Mr Arthur J Playdon
August 6, 1928

The August 1928 edition of BET (“Bournemouth Electric Theatre / Best Every Time”) Magazine paid tribute to the 1917 Chamber President, Mr Arthur J Playdon, a confectionery entrepreneur in the Boscombe area.
Read moreWhy on Earth join the Chamber?
June 1, 1948
If you’ve ever wondered “Why on Earth Join the Chamber of Trade”, here’s some reasons from 1948 – “An answer to the doubtful”
Read moreAnnual Dinner & Dance
November 8, 1967

We held our Annual Dinner and Dance on 8th November 1967 at the Pavillion in Bournemouth. You can view the menu and guest list and see that we toasted Her Majesty the Queen, ourselves and the Past President.
Read more100th Celebrations
March 10, 2016
On March 10th 2016 we celebrated our centennial celebrations in style at the BIC in Bournemouth with Samba Panache, Max Stone, the Bournemouth University Big Band, Stagewise Theatre School and of course Andy Brenan on MC duties. You can view the photos from the night (thanks to Louise Jolley Photography) or…
Read more