Our Community

“The people who come here, make this place what it is. It’s the people and the vibe and the positive energy that people bring with them. Of course, there are some sad moments as well, because people sometimes have difficulties and you know, that comes out too. But that’s part of coming here.” 

Vimala

The meaning of community

The Salisbury Centre is the oldest community-owned building in Edinburgh. So, before we introduce you to who is at the core of this community, we’d like to open by saying what the community means to us.

When asked to describe the Salisbury Centre in three words in the interviews for the 50th Anniversary Film, people used words like:

nurturing, hopeful, expansive, oasis, community, belonging, beauty, connection, opportunities, exploration, solidarity, personal development, spirituality, and, finally… home.

The Salisbury Centre is a spiritual home to many who come here.

This is why facilitating new relationships, connections, collaborations, and a sense of belonging is at the core of everything the Centre provides. We believe that when people feel safe and invited, they tap into their potential, and are free to grow.

This is encapsulated in The Salisbury Centre vision:

To offer a place of welcome, safety, warmth and community for all those who are seeking to grow and develop spiritually, psychologically and creatively in the company of others.

Now, who is involved in the practical implementation of the vision? Meet our core team and community members!

Our Trustees

The Board of Trustees is a group of people who have the responsibility to keep the Centre in line with all the legal requirements, and financially stable. You may not see them in the building very often – but that’s because they are working hard behind the scenes to maintain the framework in which the rest of us can work and play. Each Trustee is responsible for an area of the Centre, such as finances, policies, building maintenance, and more. They also support the work of the Subcommittees. Meet our Trustees!
Patrick Poon

Patrick Poon

Trustee

My connection with the Salisbury Centre dates back to the early 1990s when I enrolled in Taiji, overtone singing and other classes. My early career centred on the research and development of writing aids for people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) because they have little or no speech. I also developed educational software and toys in partnership with special schools and AAC centres in the UK and Sweden. My interest in Taiji and Qigong led me to study Shiatsu. On qualifying, I helped to set up and run a Shiatsu clinic in the New Town with other practitioner partners.  Latterly, I was the manager/administrator of Communication Matters for 15 years; Communication Matters is a UK-wide charity supporting people who use AAC and the professionals who work with them.  Most days find me outdoors with my camera, aiming to capture and share something of the beauty in this extraordinary world of ours.

Richard Payne, Trustee

Richard Payne

Trustee

My name is Richard, son of Ray and Olive, dad to Molly and Ted and husband of Liz. My day / paid job is as an NHS Psychologist, in both NHS Forth Valley and NHS Education Scotland. My recent unpaid work has been as a dad and a poet and now as a Trustee. I love entering the Salisbury Centre, seeing the values above the door and on the heart of those I meet there. When I had a tap on the shoulder to ask if I would consider being a Trustee I hardly hesitated – it was an honour to be asked.

Gavin Gray - Trustees

Gavin Gray

Trustee

I first came across the Salisbury centre over forty years ago as a student. It helped open my eyes to new modes of spirituality with its wonderful library and regular sitting meditations. A few years of travelling followed before I finally settled down back in Edinburgh where I’ve lived and worked ever since. During that time I’ve attended various classes and events at the centre which have enriched my life and the lives of those around me. It’s an amazing resource for curious souls in Edinburgh and beyond. As a trustee, I hope to be able to help the centre continue to thrive.

Mika Moriyama, Trustee

Mika Moriyama

Trustee

I’ve been involved with the Salisbury Centre since 2020 when I joined the staff team after having just arrived in Edinburgh from Australia. My role was to support the centre’s eco and community engagement work, which I loved! Nowadays, I work in equality, diversity & inclusion in the higher education sector, and am delighted to be able to give back to the centre’s community in a different capacity.

Iddo Oberski, Trustee

Iddo Oberski

Trustee

“The healthy social life is found when in the mirror of each human soul the community finds its reflection and when in the community the virtue of each one is living.” (Rudolf Steiner).

My first encounter with the Salisbury Centre was when I just arrived in Edinburgh, in 1988. I discovered the wide range of spiritual offerings at the Centre and took part in courses on the Alexander Technique and the Kabbalah.

A few years ago, I reconnected with the centre as a volunteer for the Seed Library. I love the openness of the Centre to a wide range of offerings that aim to foster spiritual, psychological and physical wellbeing through community and through its unique and beautiful house and gardens.

In 2019 I retired from my roleas Senior Lecturer in Learning and Teaching at Queen Margaret University. Currently I am also a trustee for the Garvald Trust, the Edinburgh Steiner School and Anthroposophy in Edinburgh. Recently I developed ‘Balancing in Freedom’, an autobiographical performance piece and intend to bring this into several theatres over the next two years or so. I hope to be able to contribute positively to the wellbeing and sustainability of the Salisbury Centre and our community.

Avinash Bansode, Trustee

Avinash Bansode

Trustee

My connection to the Salisbury Centre goes back to 2008, when I began training and teaching mindfulness to our local community in Edinburgh. The serene gardens where we practiced — with all-day retreats, mindful movement and tai chi — continue to inspire many to this day.

I am a medical doctor by training, an ordained Buddhist, and a mindfulness and compassion teacher with over two decades of experience in healthcare, education and community wellbeing. It is an honour to return now as a trustee and give back my service to this amazing centre of spirituality and healing.

In my role, I hope to hold and nurture the vision of healing and wellbeing, working alongside the dedicated team of trustees, staff and volunteers who sustain the everyday life of the Centre.

If you’d like to connect, I would be delighted to meet for a tea or coffee in our inspiring gardens.

Looking forward to seeing you.

The Staff Team and Residents

It’s our staff team who do the day-to-day running of the Centre. From managing room bookings and building maintenance, to community events and volunteer coordination, to garden and seed library – they make sure everything is running smoothly and there are diverse opportunities for you to get involved!

Depending on what you’re looking for at the Centre, you’ll get to know some of the team members more than others. But you can e-meet them all reading their bios below!

Jim Bennett, Interim Director

Jim Bennett

Interim Director

My first connection to the Salisbury Centre was c.1975 when I attended a garden party here. I was only ten, so can’t remember much about it, other than loving the garden. I’m delighted to see that it is still wonderfully lush! I’m delighted to be here for up to the next year. My passion in life is connecting people with their potential. I’ve found my way of doing this by working with people and organisations to help make themselves as effective as possible in delivering positive social change. You can find out more about me here.

My interests outside work include Hibernian Football Club, photography, and regular extended stays in Istanbul. Istanbul is my second favourite city; my favourite, Isfahan, is unfortunately largely inaccessible to me now.

Andrea Raspolic

Facilities Manager and Engagement Administrator

I moved to Edinburgh in 2021 to do an MA in Arts, Cultural and Festival Management. My involvement with Salisbury Centre started with a poetry reading around the fire for the 2022 Spring Equinox. I immediately felt the warmth and connection to this beautiful place and its community. Soon after I started running the Community Movement and Theatre Workshops, as well as helping with admin work. With the completion of my studies, the role of the Facilities Manager became available in the Salisbury Centre and I saw it as an opportunity to learn from and grow with the Salisbury Centre community. I feel privileged and excited to be working in this place, and I hope to contribute to the accepting, vibrant and colourful community life at the Centre.

Roxy Hrushyna

Office coordinator

I’m Roxy (Roksolana), originally from Ukraine, with a lifelong passion for music and literature. Before Covid-19, I played the cello, organised diverse events, including concerts and festivals, and managed two small concert agencies. However, life took a turn during the war in Ukraine, leading me to Edinburgh, where I discovered a new home. The city’s architecture, diverse community, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Fringe Festival captured my heart. I greatly value the ambiance of my surroundings. Joining the Salisbury Centre team was an easy decision for me, and I’m thrilled to be part of this wonderful community, contributing to unique projects.

Gray Davis - Garden Coordinator, Buildings Coordinator, Facilities Manager

Gray Davis

Garden Coordinator, Buildings Coordinator, Facilities Manager

Come to me for: room or garden bookings, Airbnb reservations, tours of the building, checking availability, advice on organising your event at our premises or any questions regarding the office and the Centre.

One of the things I’m most passionate about in my work at the Salisbury Centre is community. When I first arrived in Edinburgh in 2022, I didn’t know a single person. It was a time of big changes and challenges, as I’d been displaced and was trying to find my feet in a new place. The Salisbury Centre was one of the first spaces where I felt a real sense of belonging.

What makes this place so special for me is the diversity of people, the inspiring energy of the team, the Spirit of the Centre and the meaningful purpose behind the work we do. I started out as an Office Administrator and later became the Office Coordinator. Along the way, I’ve also covered the Facilities Manager role, helped out as Engagement Admin in the CEP department, and even pitched in with Airbnb changeovers and garden volunteering — I like to get stuck in wherever I’m needed!

It’s really important to me that everyone feels welcome here, whether you’re a visitor, volunteer, workshop facilitator, participant, trustee, staff member, or resident. You’ll usually find me in the office, but if the weather’s good, I might be working from the garden. I  also enjoy attending workshops at the Centre — you might see me there too, as I am always open to new experiences and embrace the adventure that comes with trying something different.

Looking forward to crossing paths with you at the Centre!

Francesco Benvenuti, Community Manager

Francesco Benvenuti

Community Manager

One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times‘ – (cfr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes)

Hi, I am Francesco and I strive everyday to become a better version of myself. Originally from Italy, I have completed a degree in Ecology at Edinburgh University and dedicated the past 15 years contributing to social-environmental activism and community building. I also have had many years travelling, training and working across Central/South America, Asia & Australia, becoming deeply inspired by grassroots networks and by tribal spiritual traditions, Natural laws and Shamanic practices from all around the World. In the process I have studied to become a Shiatsu Practitioner, Movement Instructor, Singing voice facilitator, Ceremonial space holder and a Carrier of the Sacred Fire. I am currently the co-founder of the international Lotus Consciousness Network and share my passion for rituals & group mantra chanting with my partner Katie in our Inner Cheile duo. I am now deeply honoured and committed to be helping the Salisbury Centre to thrive, and to help narrowing the gap between Spirituality, Creativity and Activism.

Marta Brzosko

Community Development Lead, Volunteer Coordinator

My name is Marta and I have a few roles at The Salisbury Centre. I’m a member of staff (Community development and Volunteer coordination), a resident, and a community facilitator. At this point in my life journey, The Centre is my home and a big source of nourishment, inspiration, and learning.

I try to see my work here holistically, with the focal point of it being building good relationships based on authentic communication. Over the years, and especially in my time at The Centre, I learned that this is the foundation to pretty much anything else. Good community is the aftermath of healthy, meaningful relationships. So is health, wellbeing, growth, and many other things human beings chase after.

I feel very fortunate to be part of The Centre and its community, but especially the Staff Team. I reflected recently that this is the first time in my adult life when I feel that much resonance with the people I work with in terms of our values. I have a lot of respect for The Salisbury Centre’s long standing tradition, all the people who came before and who will come after me. I am hoping that my contribution as a staff member and resident can add something meaningful for the years to come.
If you want to say hello, you can email me on [email protected]. Or, we may also bump into each other at the next Community Supper or in the garden – see you around! 🙂

Lorraine Davies Development Manager, and Interim Centre Manager

Lorraine Davies

Development Manager and Interim Centre Manager

I joined the staff team in mid 2020 as Centre Manager. Following maternity leave I’ve returned in a very part time capacity which I’m grateful enables me to make the most of daily life with my toddler Rose. I mostly write funding bids and policies and you can occasionally find us both enjoying events at the Centre, with a particular love for music, food and animals.

Hannah Brazil, Seed Library Coordinator

Hannah Brazil

Seed Library Coordinator

Ever since I can remember I’ve had seeds in my pockets, loved following bumble bees and learning from the worlds of plants, their multi-species communities, and the ecosystems we share. My research and work revolve around human-nature (dis)connection and planetary health, focusing on regenerative culture, community food growing and access to land, seed saving and the stories we tell of who we are in relation to nature. I started volunteering in The Salisbury Centre garden and eco-projects in 2019 and ran the first seed saving workshops soon after. We set up The Salisbury Centre Seed Library in 2021 and I’m absolutely delighted to re-join the staff team now to continue the project and grow our relationships with seeds, plants, people and other local community projects.

Ayana Levy

Resident

I found my way to the Salisbury Centre almost immediately after moving to Edinburgh in March 2024 and it has been a huge part of supporting me to feel connected and grounded in a new place. I moved in to the Centre as a resident in December 2024 and have also been facilitating a monthly workshop here called Life & Drawing. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to immerse myself in such a diverse, inclusive and heart-centred community.