Residents' update on Cherry Fields
***Note that the following News article was published on this site in January 2020. Alison has now retired from her role leading The Oasis, and the project is now overseen by Becky Bee*** Contact Details
If you have wandered down through Cherry Fields and have wondered “what’s it all about?”, The Oasis, (located half way down Cherry Fields) has been developed as a calm and refreshing environment, where children and young people who have faced difficulties in life can feel safe, supported and at peace. It’s amazing to see what positive difference it can make to a young person to be given time by an adult volunteer, to chat and laugh together as they the ground or build a fence. To see some of what goes on have a look at our Facebook page: "Worth Unlimited - The Oasis"
We recently had 2 static caravans gifted to us, one to use as a craft barn and the other for a lunch room, teaching kitchen and site office. It is our intention that when refurbished they will increase our ability to provide therapeutic support to many children and young people. Unfortunately, the extremely wet autumn has meant that these 2 units have been left in full view of the footpath to the river instead of being tucked away on the other side of the garden which is their intended spot. We apologies to all walkers who have to put up with the sight of them as they go past, but if permission is granted by the parish council our plan is to relocate and disguise them to fit in with the surroundings as we have done with our present static van (as soon as the ground is firm enough).
While we lock the gates to The Oasis when we are not there, we do welcome, both groups and individuals to visit, have a tour and hear what we are up to. In the past we have welcomed the village residents at the Community Picnic organised by the Parish Council and to the Community Harvest organised by the 3 churches in the village. We make the toilet available to the public on the community work days and tree planting events as well as providing tea, coffee and hot soup. Young people from the village are welcomed in the school holidays as young volunteers and we have had 2 visits from the children at the primary school.
Being a resident of Cherry Willingham myself, and having been involved in the past in working with pupils in both schools as well as running the youth work for The Vine Community Church, my desire is to be a local resource for the local community as well as welcoming young people referred from Lincoln city and other villages. We are grateful to those of you who have supported us through volunteering regularly or the one off opportunities like our Christmas Tree recycle scheme or the donation of goods and finances.
We’d love more support from residents. As a small charity we always need help, both through different volunteering roles and donations of goods or finances. Please do talk to us or come and see us. You can contact me on alison.merryman@worthunlimited.co.uk or tel 07525 039215.
