What an afternoon. The Leys CDI Garden Party welcomed well over 150 visitors through the Clockhouse doors. At times in such a steady stream that our “welcome strategy” became a mixture of handshakes, hurried hellos, enthusiastic waving, and the occasional apologetic smile as we tried (and failed!) to be in three places at once.
If we didn’t manage to speak to you personally, please accept our sincere apologies. I promise we were trying. The Leys is clearly a very sociable place.
The garden itself looked glorious, and our senior members were absolutely in their element. They love nothing more than showing off their hard work, chatting about CDI, and discussing local matters with the organisations who support our community so brilliantly. Their pride was matched only by their delight at seeing so many visitors enjoying the space they care for so deeply.
The group garden photo was… well, an adventure. In fact, we could have taken it three separate times and ended up with three completely different sets of people. But that’s the joy of the Leys. Constant movement, constant connection, constant community.
This year is an especially exciting moment for our area, with the announcement of ten years of Pride in Place funding. Seeing so many organisations together, the very people who make the Leys vibrant, resilient and full of possibility, felt like the perfect way to mark the beginning of this new chapter. The biggest joy of the day, as always, was watching people meet, reconnect, share ideas, swap details and spark partnerships that will benefit our community long after the sandwiches have been eaten.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, including representatives from: Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford University, Oxford United FC Community Trust, Oxford Community Rail Partnership, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Active Oxfordshire, Homestart, Low Carbon Hub, Oxfordshire Youth, Targeted Youth Services, Oxford Bowls Club, BBOWT, Wild Oxfordshire, GLAM, Film Oxford, Homeless Oxford, Community First Oxfordshire, CIC, Oxford Food Hub, Oxford Hub, BLAP, Body Mind & Soul, AFIUK, Dovecote, SaveYu, Diocese of Oxford, Elite Pathways, Charity Mentors, local councillors, parish councillors, the Deputy Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant, Peabody, Pride in Place board members, Windale School, CDI Chair, trustees, ex‑staff, current staff, volunteers and of course, our wonderful CDI senior members.
Alongside the cakes, fruit, sandwiches, refreshments, stories and laughter, there were plenty of memorable moments. None more so than Carol from the Dovecote Children’s Centre (a proud Scot!) belting out “It’s Coming Home” while wearing an England hat… which she may or may not have believed was Holland’s colours. The World Cup spirit was alive and well.
To every visitor, every member, and the incredible CDI team and volunteers who made the day possible ‘THANK YOU’. Your support means the world to us, and your presence made this garden party truly special.
