Friday 18th September in the year of our Lord 2020 a few Oasis ladies did meet at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham.

Serena, Beccie, Joanna, Lorraine and myself Theresa, was a small enough group to fall within current social distancing rules and at the same time staying safe by meeting at an outdoor venue. The weather was kind to us, plenty of sunshine but the wind was a challenge especially while eating lunch trying not to mix long hair with food.

Meeting at 11:00 am gave us plenty of time to fill up on teas and coffees followed by a light  lunch. During lunch there was still no sign of Joanna but as we eventually found out she was already en-route around the wooded garden trail. Via text we did remind her of our plan to lunch before walking, anyway we eventually set off along one of the woodland trails and met up with Joanna.

The woodland consisted of mapped out walks of varying lengths, I think we chose the shortest route so as not to use up too much tea drink time ️.

The whole area is a privately owned part of the Norfolk Broads, we followed the map in search of water and was not disappointed to find a lovely part of the broads complete with a yacht making good use of the wind. Shame that Covid restrictions meant we could not take a boat trip ourselves.

Well all that walking was thirsty work so we headed back to the cafe area. Teas and coffees all round, followed by another because non of us wanted the day to end, at least until we looked around and could see the place was almost empty and near the 5:00pm closing time.

We said our goodbyes and agreed let’s keep these garden visits going for as long as possible this year, they’re fun and a rare opportunity to socialise in person.

Next outing will be Friday 9th October, venue TBA, many places close at end of September and others have Covid restrictions so choice is limited but it will happen.

These Oasis trips are all subject to Covid restriction in place at the time of the trip.

Theresa x

Friday 21st August 2020 was the date suggested as a chance for Oasis ladies and partners to meet safely in a socially distanced environment. East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens turned out to be the perfect venue, lots of outdoor tables and seating in the tearoom area, ample space for everyone.

Arriving not too long after midday, Lorraine and myself found Beccie sitting on her own with a pot of tea messaging others who were expected to arrive on the day. It turned out that unfortunately Vicky and Nina both had motoring related mishaps and weren’t able to join us as planned. Joanna confirmed she was en-route so we decided to stay seated outside and ordered two ploughmen for lunch, this was quite a challenge trying to stop the food flying off the plates while at the same time maintaining dignity with skirts and hair.

Once Joanna arrived, the Fabulous Four (Joanna, Beccie, Lorraine & myself) set off on our adventures around the garden. It really did turn out to be quite an adventure with something different to be found around every corner, the different gardens and landscapes were amazing. The two guys who built the place certainly have bucket loads of talent and imagination.

While walking around something triggered a thought in my mind, any therapist will tell you, if you’re stressed or racing ahead “don’t forget to stop and smell the roses”, well I took this quite literally and smelled the roses, wonderful.

 

Beccie purchased a brochure containing interesting info about the gardens and included the fact there is an unusual view of Happisburgh Lighthouse. Beccie’s map reading skills were put to the test and we eventually found the Light(house) at the end of the tunnel.

Capturing the lighthouse proved to be a challenge for our phones which were determined to make the image simply vanish???

So what an enjoyable day despite the strong winds, would highly recommend the gardens for a visit in future if anyone has the opportunity. They also sell a good range of plants.

Looking forward to another socially distanced gathering with other Oasis ladies very soon if we can arrange something between us.

 

Theresa x

 

At the last Zoom meeting in July, Theresa wondered if anyone was interested in a day out at Pensthorpe, near Fakenham on Friday 31^st July.

There wasn’t much interest expressed, but I arranged to meet her, Lorraine, Jodie, Theresa’s daughter, and Vicky for a socially distanced get together lunch and walk around the park.  It was a pleasant day and a chance to meet up and chat after such a long separation. Little did we know it would he one of the hottest days recorded in the UK and the world and his wife would be on the roads!

Lorraine was kind enough to put pen to paper and here’s her account of the day:

Just wanted to share a little thought of the day with you. I had a lovely day out at Pensthorpe with Jodie and Theresa. We met up with Vicky and Beccie.

Whilst we were sat together in the outside area of the cafe, I happened to notice a woman staring at our table, I stared her out and she looked away, as they do ! 

I sat there thinking, ” Woman you don’t know these people, These are lovely decent people”

It was an absolute pleasure to be in their company, and who I am extremely proud to call my friends. and I also extend that friendship to the other members of Oasis. 

Oasis is a wonderful group of people and I am proud to be a member. 

Miss you all and hope to see you all in the not to distant future. See some of you at the next Zoom meeting xx

Theresa is looking to planning another get together before the summer is out.

Beccie