Eleanor Thompson

What is something you enjoy about the St. John’s/Scotia Heights/Luxton/North End/Point Douglas neighbourhood?

Dudley and I have lived in the North End for 45 years. I loved raising our two sons here and being close to my workplace. I love the neighbourhood, the people, the sense of community, the beauty of our parks and our rich history.

Why are you a member of Bannerman Green?

I love our home, but it’s time to start planning for the time when we will find the house more than we can manage. The idea of being able to remain in our neighbourhood as we age, and to be part of an intentional community is so appealing. I am also filled with hope that we will be able to create something together that will be an example of sustainable, affordable housing in existing urban neighbourhoods.

If you plan/want to live at Bannerman Green, what are you most looking forward to?

I have a deep-seated belief in the power of cooperation both as a way to enhance the quality of life and as an agent of social change. While I value solitude, I embrace the choices and opportunities that cooperative living will provide…musical gatherings, shared gardening and processing the fruits of our collective labour, taking part in wider community events and initiatives that build and support community.

What is your favourite band or musician?

Hard to choose a favourite! I love classical music, especially J.S. Bach’s piano and choral music. I also love folk music, jazz, and blues. I grew up in a musical family and it is a life-force for me.

Have you started any new hobbies during COVID19?

My Mom moved into a personal care home just a year before the outbreak of COVID-19 and I have been going through all her memoirs…letters, photos, historical documents dating back to my great great grandparents. The isolation of the pandemic has created the space to do this and I’m grateful Mom is still alive so I can ask her questions about aspects of her life and our ancestors that I want to understand and preserve for our kids, nieces and nephews.

What is your favourite season?

Spring. I’m not sure there is anywhere on earth that outstrips the breath-stopping beauty and surprise of springtime on the Prairies.

What is a TV show that you loved to watch as a kid or teenager?

I loved all the Disney movies!

Would you rather wear only one colour each day, or have to wear 7 colours each day?

I’m all for bright colours, but maybe not all at once.

Would you rather host a large gathering, or attend a large gathering at someone else’s house?

I love potlucks and shared hosting.

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself/selves to the other members of Bannerman Green? Work? Family? Pets?

I come from a large extended family and from grandparents and parents who were part of Manitoba’s Co-operative movement in rural Manitoba all their lives. I worked with Indigenous women in Winnipeg for my entire career and continue to learn so much from the wisdom of the Elders, the grandmothers and grandfathers. So many of those teachings fit well with my own familial teachings that continue to nurture my spirit. As well as the joy of supporting our grown sons and being supported by them in these challenging times, I am grateful on a daily basis to share the love of our beautiful Husky/Shepherd dog, Maya.