13/03/2026
Norman Eric Blackbourn (03/02/1939 - 13/10/2006.
Although today marks 20 years since his passing, it seems like just yesterday that we said “see you later” for the last time to our father and founder of Blackbourn TV.
Most knew him as Eric, some as The Teleman, but to us, he was just Dad. A generous, kind and witty man who worked tirelessly to build this business from nothing and giving us the building blocks upon which Blackbourn TV is very firmly sitting after nearly 50 years. Having started “Blackbourn Rentals” in 1978, Dad’s dream to have a shop with his name above the door became reality in 1986 when he opened his first “Blackbourn TV” shop in Park Road, Sittingbourne. In 2001 having out grown Park Road, the business moved to its current location at 31 High Street, Sittingbourne.
Although Dad is no longer with us, he is ever present in our thoughts and memories. We are also very grateful that many, many of Dads early customers are still our customers today. Often we chat and remember him. Jobs he did, the funny one liners he would come out with. The invaluable advice he would give us as we learnt our trade. “If you start falling, just give me a shout and get down as quick as you can!” and “ falling doesn’t hurt, it’s the stopping you need to worry about”.
So to those of you who knew Dad. Spare a thought today. Feel free to comment if you have any memories.