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Mon 16th Jul 2007

Former pumping station Blackburn House hosted a celebration on Saturday 7th July 2007 to celebrate the fact that the building is 100 years old. Blackburn House is a magnificent Edwardian Grade II listed building that was built to supply water to the city of Nottingham and during recent years has undergone major internal renovation work.

The celebration was attended by over 100 guests who were treated to entertainment in the by the Cantamus group TrioAnon. A choral trio who were part of the Cantamus choir, whilst enjoying a champagne reception within the beautiful grounds.

Following a 4 course dinner, guests were then entertained by celebrity speaker Martin Bayfield. At 6'10", former British & Irish Lion and England International, Martin Bayfield could legitimately be described as one of the biggest people on the after dinner circuit! Martin combines after dinner speaking with coaching, broadcasting for BBC Radio 5 Live and Television and writing for the Daily Telegraph. When Martin was offered the role of stunt/body double for Robbie Coltrane in the first Harry Potter film - spotted by a Warner executive during an after-dinner speech - he gave up coaching and added another string to his bow.

Martin Bayfield proved to be a ‘huge' hit with the guests when he recalled hilarious and insightful stories from his Rugby days. Standing at 6'10" all eyes were on Martin as he provided inspirational anecdotes about team work, building a career and how that career can lead to something quite should you have drive and ambition and be willing to take a chance.

Linda Shepherd, Nottinghamshire Enterprises Chief Executive said: "I am delighted that so many people were able to join us to celebrate the centenary of Blackburn House. The building lends itself really well for business dinners, parties and celebrations and hope that this will be the first of many events that we host here. I am very grateful to the organisations that have sponsored and supported us with this event, many of which are local businesses themselves, they all played a part in helping us to make it a success!"

This event is sponsored and supported by the Centre for Technology Excellence, General Service Midlands Ltd, Pellacraft, Upbeat Design, Sharpline Decorators, The Flower Room, Quartet Catering, Blitz Hygiene and Emagine.

£132.00 was raised during the evening, which will be donated to the charity Cancer Research UK.

Blackburn House are taking bookings now for Christmas parties and dinne