Equal Arts director meets the Queen

GATESHEAD charity director Alice Thwaite met the Queen in recognition of her work with the arts.

As director of development at Equal Arts, Alice provides creative opportunities for older people and those living with dementia.

In her role as a fellow of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Alice attended Buckingham Palace and met the Queen to mark the trusts 50th anniversary.

Read more about the work of Equal Arts here.

Alice said: "It was fantastic to have the opportunity to discuss the work of Equal Arts with other Churchill Fellows and raise awareness of the important work we are doing to improve older peoples wellbeing here in the North East."

For more than 20 years Alice has been at the charity developing innovative arts projects and exploring the link between the arts and peoples health and wellbeing.

In 2010 her outstanding achievements in the field were recognised when she was made a lifetime fellow of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

Launched in 1965 the memorial trust was set up as Sir Winston's living legacy giving people the opportunity to explore fresh ideas and new solutions to todays issues for the benefit of others.

Jamie Balfour, Director General of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, said: "We were delighted and honoured that the Queen hosted a reception to mark our anniversary year. "Sir Winstons legacy lives on through our Fellows - individuals who, like him, have vision, leadership, a passion with a purpose, and a commitment to help their fellow citizens."

To find out more about the work of Equal Arts in care settings across the North East visit http://po.st/EA3