It’s enough to gladden your heart; the days are getting longer and the daffs are poke their little heads through the soil; spring is on it’s way. The Oasis Times editorial team love this time of year, as we look forward to strappy dresses, white sandals and white wine on the terrace, but before get carried away, we must tell you about what is happening right now. In Norwich, this month is QueerFest month, and in our last edition we told you about some of the events where you will find our editor at large. So what else is happening ?????
Saturday 14th Feb 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:00 – Queer Health Matters Conference by Suffolk Pride We are delighted to that Oasis will be front and centre at this exciting event in Ipswich. We will have a stall in the exhibition area and will be taking part in the panel discussions on the health needs of the Transgender and Queer folk. This is an opportunity to meet with members of our wider community and to discuss your needs, and our biggest concerns in accessing health services. Come and join us atThe Hold, Suffolk Archives, 131 Fore St, Ipswich IP4 1LN, for a fun and informative day.
BBC Norfolk: That’s a Queer Ol’ Place. In Episode 4 of this BBC podcast series members of Oasis share their memories of our very own Barbara Ross OBE. For those who are new to Oasis; Barbara created Oasis in the early 80’s if you’d like to know more about Barbara and how Oasis has evolved, why not talk to Carole, our current Oasis matriarch, who knew Barbara very well, and features in the attached photo. Can you spot her? Otherwise why not read our web page on Barbara or listen on BBC Sounds using this link.
💖Thursday 12th February 2026. The ‘2nd Thursday‘ Oasis Drop-In Sessions continue in Norwich, King’s Lynn. and Lowestoft. Looking for an Oasis friendly face, a listening ear, or just a safe space to be yourself? Our Oasis Drop-In sessions are here for you! Whether you are new to Oasis or a familiar face, everyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa, a chat, or simply to relax in a supportive and affirming environment.
💖The Norwich Drop-In from 11:00 to 2:00 with Lilly, will take place at Holland Court, The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DY✨
💖The King’s Lynn Drop-In from 12:30 to 3:00 with Andrea at REST Hub,56 High Street, King’s Lynn, PE30 1AY. ✨
❤️ NEW! Wednesday 19th February 2026. 💖The Lowestoft 3rd Wednesday Drop-In from 11:00 to 2:00 with Lilly, will take place at ❤️ NEW – The Mayfly, 72 High Street, Lowestoft, NR32 1XN✨
Our very own Serena James is the voice of The Log Books in season 4 of this engaging podcast series by Aunt Nell. Hosts Tash Walker and Adam Zmith speak to LGBTQ+ elders and peers about life in Britain, inspired by volunteers’ log books from the helpline Switchboard since 1974.
Each episode features an intimate conversation with an LGBTQ+ person, as they reflect on community, family, volunteering for Switchboard, going out for the night, and the huge shift in LGBTQ+ politics and culture since 1974. Learn how our world has changed, yet stayed the same. How our community has grown from pioneering Gay Men to the wonderful kaleidoscopic rainbow of Queerness we celebrate today.
Talking of Serena, she also features in the first episode of The Quilt; where she tells her amazing story of ‘The Lost Photograph’ in this emotional journey throughout the UK, which starts off with Queer stories in Norwich.
All episodes of The Quilt and The Log Books, are available on Spotify and Apple iTunes.
The Log Book; Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened is now a book available from Faber & Faber. You can reach Switchboard on 0800 0119100
Saturday 28th Feb 2026, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm – Queerfest Art & Makers Market, featuring Oasis!! Held at The Forum, Millennium Square, Norwich, NR2 1TF.
Talented artists and makers will be selling a variety of handmade items, including art prints, ceramics, zines, clothing, original artwork, publications, risograph prints, sculptures, jewellery, textiles, entomology, much more plus our Oasis stall.
Hang out, help with the Oasis stall or simply rejoice in the amazing creativity.
To explore the full programme of QueerFest art, performance and creative workshops and events, use this link. Please note some events are ticketed.
Whatever your journey, Oasis celebrates who you are, just the way you are. We, the Oasis members, come in all shapes and sizes, with a huge diversity of skills and talents. If you spend any time at our meetings, you will hear a wide range of amazing conversations that reflect the breadth of interests of our little band of desperados. In this edition, we want to celebrate Stacey, who has been a member of Oasis for more than 10 years. Stacey posted the following on her Instagram account ……..
‘This past year has brought many new experiences. Although I’m still not out full-time, I feel like I’ve spread my wings more than ever in 2025.
I continued attending my local support group, Oasis Norfolk, who have played a huge role in growing my confidence. Through their support and friendship, I’ve had the opportunity to attend Pride events, as well as go out to restaurants and pubs.‘ Way to go Stacey!
Oasis wanted to take this opportunity to give you advance notice of a very special visit we are making to ReDo of Norwich on Friday 24th April. ReDo are a remarkable organisation, where there is a place for all things sustainable. If you love vintage or recycling, this is the visit for you! Find out more at the ReDo website, and please put this date in your diary. ReDo are based in Carrow House in Norwich.
LGBTQ+ Project Trans Swim
📅 Date: Friday 27th February 2026
📍 Venue: OASIS Pool, California Sands Estate California Road, Great Yarmouth NR29 3QL
⏰ Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
📅 Date: Saturday 21st March 2026
📍 Venue: Wymondham Leisure Centre, 25 Norwich Rd, Wymondham NR18 0NT
⏰ Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
The LGBTQ+ Project is excited to be hosting their next two Trans Swim events. This health and well-being event is open to Trans, Non-Binary and gender-questioning adults- 18+. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just looking to dip your toes in the water, all skill levels are welcome. Grab your swimsuit and towel, and dive in with to the Trans Swim! Tickets are £2.50 and available on Outsavvy here. If you would like more information, please email Sophie- sophie@lgbtqproject.org.uk.
All your sports fans will know The Winter Olympics have just started in Italy. This year Oasis was allowed to enter a team and after an extensive selection process, Serena and Rachel made the Alpine Skiing Team. This photograph shows them at their recent training camp in France, where the snow was good and the après-ski was better. What sports would you like Oasis to take part in? Allez Serena, Allez Rachel
Whether you wish to get out and about, listen or read wonderful stories of our community, there is a lot to do. Don’t forget our February Oasis on Saturday 21st, look out for the invitation in your inbox. However we may meet, I really hope to see you soon.
Much love.
Lilly xxx
oasis norfolk 