TSSA125 – Celebrating 125th anniversary of founding of TSSA in 2022

TSSA was founded as the National Association of General Railway Clerks at a meeting in Sheffield on 9 May 1897, renaming itself the Railway Clerks Association in 1899, and the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association in 1951.

With one year to go, plans are now being made to celebrate this momentous anniversary, which will be referred to for short as TSSA125.

On Monday 9 May 2022, an event is planned in Sheffield that will be open to all members to be a part of this special occasion. So make a note of the date, and put it in your diary!

It is envisaged that the event will consist of an exhibition covering TSSA’s history, as well as ‘stalls’ (or other means) presenting current TSSA campaigns and initiatives. It is also envisaged that live entertainment will be provided at certain points during the day, with proceedings interspersed with speeches from both prominent TSSA and external figures. It is also envisaged that a special TSSA125 video/film along with selected clips will be shown at various points during the day. The day will of course be an opportunity for TSSA members past and present to meet socially.

A booking has been secured at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel in Sheffield for the 2022 Annual Conference to take place commencing on Saturday 7 May 2022, convening again on Sunday 8 May 2022, and then adjourning until Tuesday 10 May 2022 when it will conclude its business.

The Grade 2 listed Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel was built adjacent to the now closed Sheffield Victoria Station in 1862 for the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway which then became the Great Central Railway. It passed to the London North Eastern Railway in 1923, and to British Railways in 1948. It stands around 200 metres from and overlooks the site of the former Wilberforce Café on The Wicker where TSSA was founded. The 2022 Annual Conference will be held in the original and spacious Victorian ballroom.

The adjournment of Annual Conference on Monday 9 May 2022 will allow the use of the ballroom for the 125th anniversary celebrations.

TSSA125 Working Party

The Executive Committee has established a TSSA125 Working Party, comprising of:

• Mick Carney (President), 
• John Haynes (EC member for Wales & Western Division), 
• Melissa Heywood (EC Member for Midlands Division), and 
• Nicola Jukes (EC Member for North East Division). 

The Working Party has already met on several occasions since its establishment.

The Executive Committee has agreed to the making of a film/video to mark TSSA125.

Other decisions made so far are:

• That a commemorative hard copy souvenir publication and commemorative badge be produced for those attending the TSSA125 Sheffield event and/or Annual Conference
• That the possibility of a plaque being unveiled at the site of the Wilberforce Café, and/or a train naming ceremony.
• That suitable volunteers be sought to form a Reception Committee for the TSSA125 Sheffield event and Annual Conference.
• That TSSA125 promotional sale goods should produced and be made available to members.
• That a Facebook page and a dedicated TSSA website page be set up (the Facebook page is already set up).
• That a TSSA125 logo should be used for hard copy and online materials.
• That the EC Diary Working Party be asked to ensure that the 2022 diary is one that marks the anniversary.

Branches, Divisional Councils and SOGs may wish to consider how they may wish to mark TSSA125.