Welcoming the new Board Pt. 2

Today, we are excited to be holding our first board meeting with the new board. We will be discussing the updates on the activities for the last two months and details of how the board will run over the coming year. 

You can see the list of all the Board members on our website at https://www.bearwood.cc/team/. This is the second of three blog posts where you can find out a little bit more about them all! 

Next up - Holly, a regular coworker with a wealth of experience across different types of organisations, Alexandra, a committed volunteer who makes delicious pastel de natas and Andrea, who has been a long-standing board member and agreed to carry on to support our transition to the new Board. Thanks to them all!

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Holly Turpin

1. What qualities are important in a board for a community organisation?

The capacity to consistently support staff members and an awareness and respect of the concerns of the wider community

2. What is your favourite place to eat in Bearwood?

I do love a Vada Pav from Shree Krishna Vada Pav, and also love Mr Greek Giro

3. Please provide a little about your previous experience

I have previous experience as a Researcher researching homelessness, co-creation, social enterprise and cultural policy. I also have previously worked for arts organisations, local council cultural services and for a membership based charity for volunteer-led community cinema. 

4. What do you do for fun?

I love going to the cinema and I enjoy reading. I also took up lino printing during the COVID19 lockdowns.

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Alexandra Benain

1. What qualities are important in a board for a community organisation?

Transparency, problem solving, availability

2. What is your favourite place to eat in Bearwood?

Favourite place to eat in Bearwood: BrasilPortu or Cafe 520 - because it’s table service and it’s Portuguese food. My husband likes a good steak so the grill is perfect for him and I don’t manage to eat a lot so the small plates suit me. Desserts are different to what you can get anywhere else, they are proper cakes!

3. Please provide a little about your previous experience

I help out on Wednesdays at the hub and on Tuesdays at Places of Welcome at the Baptist Church. Helping other people in different ways if I can.

4. What do you do for fun?

Knitting, sewing, crocheting and volunteering!

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Andrea Walters

1. What qualities are important in a board for a community organisation?

Teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion. A strong community board should work together effectively, value different perspectives, and ensure that everyone in the community feels represented and heard.

2. What is your favourite place to eat in Bearwood?

My favourite place to eat in Bearwood is A La Mexicana, although it was difficult to choose as there are so many great restaurants and coffee shops in the area that I enjoy. Bearwood has a really vibrant local food scene, and I enjoy supporting independent places in the area.

3. Please provide a little about your previous experience

My previous experience includes governance roles, including serving as a Chair of Governors where I developed experience in leadership and strategic thinking.. I also have a background in teaching, education, and coaching, which has helped me build strong communication skills and a passion for supporting people to learn, grow, and achieve their potential.

4. What do you do for fun?

For fun, I enjoy spending time outdoors, particularly going on long walks in Warley Woods. I also love reading, as it allows me to relax and explore new ideas and perspectives.