“All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey; I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day; I’d be safe and warm if I was at Oasis”. Whilst it is full of melancholy, The Mamas and The Papas California Dreamin’ is a favourite winter song of mine. What’s yours? Send a request to Lilly’s Punky Reggae Party Show on Radio Oasis (Somewhere In The North Sea, 208 AM), with a dedication to your favourite leader of Oasis. Also, don’t forget to listen to Jaqui’s Metal Mania on a Friday night and Theresa’s Mind Expanding Psychedelic Meander (tablets not included). Enough of this Radio Oasis nonsense, on with the news….
Introducing The Quilt from Aunt Nell. We highly recommend this new podcast series, which takes the listener on a journey across the UK, collecting queer memories, from queer people. The Quilt weaves together all these stories and histories, into a beautiful documentary patchwork series. Episode 1 is based in Norfolk and features our very own Serena and also tells the story behind the wonderful Norwich Trans Pride Quilt. The Quilt is available on The Aunt Nell website and on various podcast platforms including Spotify.
A Life Written. Attention all you budding writers!! Created by The National Centre for Writing in Norwich, A Life Written is a 10 week course specifically designed for LGBTQ+ people aged 60 plus starting in Feb 2025, based in at Dragon Hall in Norwich, and is a life writing course designed for older people, culminating in a printed and digital anthology of work. The course is free and you can book a place here.
The Anthology of HOPE. More for you writers; Esther Lemmens wants your gender stories! Stories about how coming out and living authentically changed your life for the better, despite the challenges. Even if you’re not able to be out fully, but only in certain places, or with certain people, Esther would still love to hear from you for their Anthology of HOPE. Esther is the creator of the Fifty Shades Of Gender podcast series and website. This is an amazing resource of more than a 100 podcasts containing personal stories from across the spectrum of gender and sexuality. It’s well worth investing time to learn more about the nuances of our community.
Stacey has drawn our attention to her local Karate club SESMA which has recently started a LGBTQ+ Class held each Thursday’s 5:30pm at The Phoenix Centre, Upper Hellesdon, Norwich, NR3 2LD. SESMA promises an LGBTQ+ Affirming environment, classes led by the Community, for the Community with experienced Instructors, Flexible Scheduling and Empowerment Beyond the Mat. Full details can be found here.
If you’re trans or non-binary, what’s your experience of GP services? Healthcare England are inviting you to complete a short online survey where you can share your experiences. Why does it matter? Stories that people have shared have also shown that people with diverse gender identities are more likely to face discrimination in healthcare settings, this is a chance to have your say. Everyone should have care from health and care services that meets their needs.
Oasis Resources Directory. Celia has suggested that we compile an Oasis directory of resources and businesses that are friendly to our community, places that we use and would like to recommend. These might include Hair Salons / Hairdressers, Fashion Shops and Boutiques, Beauty Salons, Hair removal specialists (electrolysis and laser), Makeup and Makeover Specialists, Dressmakers, Pubs, clubs and restaurants. If there is somewhere that you would like to suggest, please use the reply form below and include the name, address, contact details (email and/or phone number) and any comments you would like to add. You can use the form multiple times.
Monday 16th December at 7.30pm. This year’s LGBT+ Carol Service will be at St John the Baptist, Timberhill, NR1 3LA in Norwich. This ever popular service includes favourite Christmas carols and readings.
That should keep us busy in the run-up to Christmas. Don’t forget, The Newsroom at Radio Oasis never sleeps and there is something you like included in our next Newsletter, please let me know.
Love
Lilly
(she/her/DJ)
x
oasis norfolk 
It’s a shame that the Healthwatch survey is now closed as I would have liked to contribute to that. Personally I have nothing but praise for the NHS. I have had a lot of contact this year with my own GP and the N&NUH and the Norwich Community Hospital (the old West Norwich Hospital) and they have all been very friendly and helpful.
Rachel
Hi Rachel – thank you for letting us know. Unfortunately this survey is closed, thank you for trying – Lilly x