The board of trustees of County Durham Community Foundation took part in a special photo opportunity this week in preparation for a review document celebrating 20 years of the charity.

The trustees meet once a quarter, and decided to hold their September meeting at the Active Life Centre in Coxhoe to see how grants made from the Community Foundation had made a difference.

Following a tour of the building, which was an asset transfer project from Durham County Council taken over by the local community, the trustees tried out some of the equipment.

Mark I’Anson, chair of County Durham Community Foundation was first to hop on a bike as he has recently celebrated a big birthday by cycling up the Alps. Lady Nicholson and the other trustees were all up for testing their strength and agility including Gerry Osborne, former High Sheriff.

At the start of the meeting, Michael Lavelle, Chief Executive of Active Life gave the trustees an insight into the journey of the local community, coming together to save the centre from closure and Melanie Adams highlighted the changes they had made and how they had become a sustainable model.

One of the grants provided to Active Life by the Community Foundation, was equipment for their main hall which included a marquee which has allowed them to generate further income by holding weddings and other special events.

As well as celebrating their 20th anniversary, County Durham Community Foundation is also celebrating a record breaking year, both for income generation and grant-making. Over the course of the last 20 years, the charity has given out almost £30 million in grants to individuals and community groups on behalf of its donors. It has also recently advertised for a Chief Operating Officer as the organisation continues to expand and grow.

The photo will be used in a 20 year review document of the impact made on groups and individuals and how it has helped them to reach their potential and build thriving communities. It will be published later in the year.