On a beautiful afternoon filled with laughter, stories, and heartfelt reunion, Leys CDI marked its 30th anniversary with a truly memorable garden party — one that reflected the spirit, resilience, and community warmth that have defined our journey over the last three decades.
We were honoured to welcome 131 guests, long-standing members, dedicated staff and trustees past and present, cherished partners, generous funders, supportive sponsors, local charities, and friends of CDI from across the years. Their presence alone was a testament to the enduring relationships Leys CDI has cultivated — relationships built on trust, shared purpose, and a passion for creating opportunities across generations.
Among the many moving moments, a speech by Mayor Louise Upton stood out as a heartfelt tribute to our legacy. She, kindly, described Leys CDI’s reputation as “Legendary,” and acknowledged the “huge” long-term impact CDI’s work has made: bringing generations together, crossing cultural divides, and restoring confidence in young people. Her words resonate deeply with CDI and remind us of the value of sustained, grassroots commitment to community enrichment.
The garden echoed with stories of transformation — of summer courses that inspired career choices, of shared meals that built lifelong friendships, and of safe spaces where confidence quietly blossomed. From local artists to youth ambassadors, from founding volunteers to new supporters, every guest brought with them a thread of the tapestry we’ve woven together.
As we look forward, the 30- year celebration gathering reaffirmed our belief that Leys CDI is not simply an organisation — it is a living network of hope, inclusion, and possibility. We are deeply thankful to each guest who joined us in celebration, and to all who have supported Leys CDI throughout the years. This milestone isn’t just a marker of time passed, but of impact lived.
With great pride and thanks, we say: here’s to the next chapter.
