2025 has been a full and fulfilling year for Oasis, and we concluded with a wonderfully busy final week. On Saturday 13th December 2025, we gathered at Chez Oasis to listen to our very own Jade, who guided us through the finer points of maintaining nails at home; followed, of course, by Lilly’s traditional End-of-Year Quiz, which once again proved equal parts fun, competitive, and chaotic in the best possible way. We welcomed Rebecca V to her first meeting. Then on Tuesday 16th December 2025, a joyful group of thirty two Oasismasers; plus one Oasis dog, assembled at The Old Feathers for our Oasis Christmas meal, celebrating friendship, community, and another year of being there for one another.
Let’s delve into the numbers of our Oasis year. We now have a whopping 199 subscribers following our website, an increase in 12% in the last year. Who will be our two hundredth? Our meetings witnessed the presence of 59 Oasis members, with 18 embarking on their inaugural Oasis meeting. Not forgetting our wonderful partners, friends, family and guest speakers who graced us with their company, meant a grand total of 89 people, one OBE and one mascot attended our 3rd Saturday meetings . Never forget, once an Oasiser, you are an Oasiser forever and you are always be welcome at our gatherings. Don’t be a stranger in 2026. 
This year, Oasis attended Pride events in Bungay, Beccles, Ely, Norwich, Lowestoft, Kings Lynn, Thetford, the Norwich TransPride Summer Picnic and Wellbeing Event in November, plus other events in Norwich organised by QueerFest and frankly, anyone who will have us!. One long wonderful summer of fun and friendship
Oasis made 8 visits to places of interest across the region, with the most popular being our visits to The Mid Norfolk Railway and Stody Lodge Gardens. Ye Olde Oasis carried on Up The Castle in Norwich. Theresa, our Queen of weather usual parted to clouds to ensure memorable days and fab photographs. The team are feeling the pull of a return to East Ruston; where would you like to go?
Oasis is so well named. In a world spinning ever more wildly, Oasis offers a cherished respite, a momentary escape into a realm of friendship, fun, grace and shimmer. 2025 has been the year of Safe Spaces and we are proud to have created the concept of the Oasis Drop-In, with our new meetings in King’s Lynn and Norwich. In 2026 we are delighted to add a new Drop-In in Lowestoft. Oasis Safe Spaces are needed more that ever.
2025 witnessed Oasis growing it’s footprint in Suffolk, by attending event organised by the magnificent Suffolk Pride; with whom we have created the 2nd Saturday Trans Laters meetings in Ipswich. More Oasis Safe Spaces
Rachel has stepped down as Treasurer, and has been replaced by Andrea. 🤝🏽Thank you Rachel for your amazing service to Oasis. 🤝🏽
This is not Lilly’s Oasis; it’s your Oasis. If you would like to contribute in any, have ideas on themes for meetings or activates, or thoughts on how the group should evolve, please come and talk to the Oasis team. Oasis meetings happen if by magic; super big thank you to all of you magical people who do the doing. You are brilliant and your unwavering support is truly appreciated, making our Oasis moments even more memorable. Raise your glasses to a year filled with joy, respect, kindness, camaraderie, friendship and love; the simple ingredients that combine to make the magic that is Oasis!
Finally a few tips to look after those nails of yours ……………..
- Keep nails clean and dry -Dirt and moisture trapped under nails can lead to bacteria or fungal infections. Gently clean under your nails and dry them well after washing.
- Trim and file regularly – Cutting nails every 1 to2 weeks and filing in one direction (not sawing back and forth) helps prevent splitting, tearing, and ingrown edges.
- .Moisturise nails and cuticle – Just like skin, nails need hydration. Using hand cream or cuticle oil keeps nails flexible and reduces cracking and peeling.
- Don’t cut or aggressively push back cuticles – Cuticles protect the nail root from infection. Trim only loose dead skin; don’t cut into the living cuticle or push it back forcefully.
- Limit harsh chemicals and overuse of polish remover – Acetone, cleaning products, and frequent polish removal dry out nails and make them brittle. Wearing gloves for cleaning and using acetone sparingly helps keep nails strong.
- The internet is packed full of nail care advice. Jade recommends TikTok as a good source of information and practical videos or you might like to start with this Info from Nivea
Finally a big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of Oasis 2025; we’ve a had an amazing year. If you have enjoyed this year half as much as I have, you’ve experienced a brilliant time. To all our Oasis members, our partners and our friends, we wish you a safe, happy and healthy New Year. I look forward to seeing you again of 17th January 2026 if not before.
Much Love.
Lilly
xxx
oasis norfolk 