NCTJ celebrates milestone birthday

More than 100 guests from the media and education joined The National Council for the Training of Journalists in celebrating its 60^th birthday at a party last night in London.

To mark more than half a century of providing quality journalism training, the charity hosted a celebratory bash at Devonshire Terrace. The diverse guest list included regional and national press, broadcasters, journalism trainers and a number of NCTJ student council representatives.

Speaking after the party, NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “It was wonderful that so many people were able to join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary. I am glad that the celebrations were such a great success and that everyone had an enjoyable evening.

“The NCTJ remains the respected ‘gold standard’ thanks to the hard work and support of all those involved in our work. With their help we look forward to achieving even more in the future.”

As a national organisation based in a rural area, the NCTJ was keen to support local business so guests were able to enjoy birthday treats supplied by Love Little Cakes and The Saffron Ice Cream Company. All the guests also took away goody bags provided by House of Fraser Oxford Street.

The NCTJ was established in 1951 with the aim of delivering the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK. The organisation is dedicated to providing a world-class education and training system that equips journalists with the skills needed in a fast-changing multimedia industry. Since it was founded the NCTJ has helped thousands of journalists enter the world of journalism through its training and support.

To coincide with last night’s celebration, a number of the NCTJ’s alumni and supporters have offered birthday congratulations which can be viewed here.

To view the NCTJ chief executive’s blog from the party click here.

Image gallery from the party, click on ‘show info’ to view captions: