History of the Club
How it all started
During the Second World War the Ministry of Transport road haulage organisation set up in Berekley Square, London with the appointment of ‘unit controllers’ throughout the Country. These persons were usually Managers of the largest haulage companies.
Bill Irons (our founder) was one of those appointed in the South East Division, whose headquarters were at Kelvin House, Victoria, London. (pictured above) Meetings were held there once a month, the main job was the control of petrol, tyres etc. to ensure priority of movement of all Government department’s traffic during the war.
A number of those that attended these meetings had been fierce competitors for business over the years particularly between North and South of the River Thames. During the war, all competitiveness was put aside as each company strived to serve the Ministry.
During the war all ‘unit controllers’ had to register the name and telephone number of an ‘out of hours’ contact. Most of these ‘contacts’ were of course their wives. From these humble beginnings the Transport Managers’ Club was born. A set of Aims and Objectives and rules were drawn up, which have changed little since that time. Having established an ‘area’ in London, other areas were soon established. Sadly the area closed in 2000.
And then !!
In 1946 areas were formed in:
The Midlands but closed in 2013 and on Merseyside which closed in 2017.
In 1947 Manchester was formed.
In 1948 East Lancs (now Lancashire) was formed.
Over the years these areas continued to increase membership and an interchange of visits took place. An AGM was held in Blackpool over a long weekend with member’s wives attending.
In 1953, the rules were changed to admit Managers who were employed by ‘C’ Licence operators. From this change membership again grew and new areas formed.
In 1961 Newcastle was formed but closed in 2000.
In 1962 Northampton was formed.
In 1964 Teesside was formed.
In 1967 Notts and Derby was formed but closed in 2011.
In 1970 Sussex was formed.
In 1972 Stoke was formed.
In 1975 South Lincs and Bristol were formed.
Sadly the areas that no longer exist is mainly due to changes in the industry and loss of members.
So Where are we today ?
The Club is still “Very much Active” and each area hold Monthly meetings and once a year a Special ‘Black Tie’ Ladies’ Evening with each Lady receiving a small gift in appreciation of their support to the members.
Monthly meetings continue to be held, often dinner meetings with a guest speaker, upholding the ‘Clubs’ aims that were set back in 1945.
Today we are embracing Social Media to raise awareness of the club Nationally, in an effort to increase membership, and if possible, start new areas where the transport industry is pro active.
