County Durham Champion continues to serve (From The Northern Echo)

County Durham Champion continues to serve

10:45am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

IN her regular column, County Durham Community Foundation chief executive Barbara Gubbins pays tribute to outgoing Lord Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson

 

THIS month will see the retirement of Sir Paul Nicholson who steps down from his position as Lord Lieutenant of County Durham after serving the area for almost two decades.

Sir Paul and his wife Lady Sarah have done an incredible job during that time, championing a county they are passionate about.

This role is such an important one, as it can carry influence at high levels through relationships developed in Government, the Royal Household and the business sector.

This beautiful part of the country still has considerable challenges to deal with, so having the right person as Lord Lieutenant is crucial.

However, this time-consuming job is just one of many activities that the Nicholsons are involved in as they support numerous charities, causes and issues.

Local people really matter to them and the encouragement they give to individuals they meet on a day-to-basis is welcomed and valued.

However, County Durham Community Foundation is fortunate that Sir Paul is not retiring as president of our organisation.

Sir Paul was one of the founding members of the charity which was set up in 1995 and is our Life President.

Lady Nicholson is an extremely active trustee and between them, they have been steadfast in their efforts to raise the profile of our Community Foundation, increase the value of the endowment for grant-making and deliver key messages about the needs of County Durham and Darlington.

The charity has given out more than £22m since it was established in 1995 and the Nicholsons must share in this achievement.

Although community foundations are sometimes referred to as a ‘best kept secret’, we continue to expand the movement across the UK and the world.

Having champions like Sir Paul and Lady Nicholson, who have influence and standing in the local community is a massive asset.

So the county will continue to benefit from their involvement in our organisation and all the other good causes they give their support to.

Fortunately, the next Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon has the same commitment and enthusiasm for the county and – although a hard act to follow - I am sure she will do a fantastic job for us all.

• County Durham Community Foundation promotes lasting charitable giving, by bringing together donors with their chosen causes, through well targeted grants that make a  difference to the lives of local people.

For more information visit cdcf.org.uk; call 0191-378-6340 or visit Barbara Gubbins Blog on The Northern Echo website.

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