My name is Vera B., I live and work at the Park. You might know me through singing, council, or pott(er)ing away in my ClaySongs Studio at East Whins.

In my 20 years here I’ve seen the community grow and change into a complex village. My impulse to join the NFA council came as a result of the “fringe” 50th birthday celebrations. I saw for myself what a small group of people with creative ideas and a passion for community can do.

I decided to continue my engagement in the NFA council – a more unfamiliar territory for me as I don’t see myself as someone for ‘local politics’. I do however feel a big passion for my community (way beyond the boundaries of the Park). The 2 years on council have been a learning curve, but also really inspiring. Looking back, I think the essence of what we’ve done is to work towards a more suitable structure that honors the growth of our community – one that will make it easier for people to connect, and add their gifts to the pot of potential.

I see this next phase as crucial: to birth a new structure that will bring our potential out – to be a planetary village, where our diversity becomes a gift to the whole. For this I am standing for election for another year.