Written by Millie Khisa, Oxford Hub
In late September, I attended the “Coming together for nature” afternoon tea celebration hosted at the Clockhouse by Leys CDI. This was to unveil their newly rejuvenated garden to partners who have supported them in the past, and to reconnect and thank them for their support.
CDI has been in operation for the last 25 years working mainly on youth projects. However, the seniors project came to be when Catalyst (now Peabody) provided the current site to the CDI for community use 11 years ago.
How and why did we get here?
The last time the Clockhouse garden was refurbished/reinvigorated was in 2017 when the now Queen Camilla visited and officially opened the garden.
During that visit, partnerships were forged and new connections made with the intention of fostering discussions and action on what the local community needed. It was a time when the CDI flourished.
The garden which was used by all at the Clockhouse went into decline over the 2 years of lockdown. It was expensive to get the garden back into use, especially where outside contractors were needed for the specialised and heavy work that the senior gardening club members could not tackle.
Danielle from Activate Learning was ingenious in the way she approached the request for funding for this project. They partnered with the CDI and created a gardening course which could then be funded by the college.
The CDI, Activate Learning and Clair, the garden designer worked closely with the seniors in its creation, to have something that lasts long and is sustainable.
They also partnered with Oxford University, visiting the arboretum and Ashmolean as part of their learning.
The gardening club members extended their service to working with the DoveCote nursery children to work on their garden as well as inviting the children to help in the Clockhouse garden.
Testimonials from those involved:
“The aim of CDI, through its team of ‘always welcoming’ volunteers, is to provide a safe, relaxing, well-being area for ALL. A huge thank you to everyone who attended the event and for your continued support of both arms of CDI, the youth and senior projects.” - Kirk Wheeler, Charity Manager
“Thank you for the support and here’s to ‘flourishing’ future” - Aisha Salim, Project Development Manager
Importance of community partnership
Many individuals linked up with old friends and new acquaintances and most importantly celebrated the fantastic partnership work that goes on throughout Oxford and the Leys.
What is CDI’s plan for the future?
CDI would also like to start work in helping other seniors tidy up their gardens at home. The club is seeking for help in this venture (gardening equipment, expertise, e.g. in design, manpower and time etc.)
They would also like to work with organisations or individuals who have experience and time to help enhance the project. What is most important for the members at CDI is that projects have longevity and that will be easy to sustain.So, if you have a particular talent or skill that would be useful either with the seniors or the youth project, please do contact the CDI on;
Address: The Clockhouse Project, Long Ground, Greater Leys OX4 7FX
Phone: 01865 395908
Email: clockhouse@leyscdi.co.uk
#working together #reconnect
