Journey Through Time' Marks Chamber Centenary

Hundreds of South Yorkshire business people embarked on a unique 'journey through time' on Saturday evening - marking the centenary of the Chamber of Commerce in Rotherham.

Around 400 guests experienced the sounds, sights and sensations of the past 100 years at the Centenary President's Ball at the Magna Centre, sponsored by Harworth Estates, the property division of UK COAL PLC.

All profits raised on the evening will be donated to local charities as the Chamber's charity work continues - around £50,000 has been donated to worthy causes since Rob Hannon commenced his term of office as Chamber President in Rotherham three years ago.

Rob said: "We are delighted to celebrate the centenary with so many local businesses and we are very grateful for the superb support of our sponsors and guests, all of whom dug deep to help raise thousands of pounds on the night.  These funds will support those local charities and communities with projects that benefit Rotherham people."

Perhaps the most special guest on the evening was Beatrice Marshall, who was born just a short hop from the Magna Centre and celebrated her own centenary in March.  Mrs Marshall received a standing ovation from the guests and was presented with bouquet of flowers by John Wainwright, the Chamber's past-present in Rotherham.

Beatrice's daughter, Zena Hine, who accompanied her on the night, said: "It was a very generous decision to tie in Beatrice's centenary with this event and I am sure that the many photographs of her attendance, and the good wishes which were heaped upon her, will rate as one of the most pleasurable events of her long and eventful life.

"The meal and the ongoing entertainment were a high standard and Beatrice asked us to pass on her sincere thanks for such a superb evening."

In addition to their trip through the past 100 years, guests enjoyed live music from Dave Brennan's Jubilee Jazzband and the Keith Peters Big Band; and entertainment provided by the Gillian Banks Theatre School (sponsored by J P Glasby).