FOR MANY it is a quirky festival, but for the gardeners at Elder Stubbs it is much more.
The Elder Stubbs Festival in Rymers Lane celebrates its 20th year tomorrow with its customary mix of live music, performing arts, community stalls, and children’s activities in amongst the allotments and apple trees.
Organisers hope this year will be the best yet as it includes a DJ tent for the first time, a, jazz piano, a bouncy castle and pony rides.
It is the culmination of months of hard work for allotment users. The festival is organised jointly Restore and the Elder Stubbs Charity and attracts about 3,000 people each year. The mental health charity helps people with problems such as depression, anxiety and psychosis recover, regain skills and get back into work by working on the land and getting involved in crafts.
Nick Gill, from Risinghurst, is one such person. The professional jazz musician first came into contact with Restore, and the Elder Stubbs team, when he became severely depressed around two years ago.
Mr Gill, 48, who was referred to the service by a community psychiatric nurse, said: “My situation was down to life circumstances and a very stressful personal situation.
“Right from the outset I found it wonderful here. Elder Stubbs has a very helpful natural feel about it. “It’s a model for how the rest of society could be if you want to make the world a happier place.
”I have been playing as a jazz musician for most of my adult life.
“Elder Stubbs gave me the strength and inspiration to get back into playing again.”
Mr Gill has now become a volunteer with the service and helps other people with mental health needs make the most of Elder Stubbs. He said as well as raising money and being a celebration, the festival offers the chance to raise awareness of mental health issues.
He added: “Elder Stubbs is co-operative, democratic, and very respectful of individuals needs.”
The festival will be held at the Elder Stubbs Allotments (opposite Florence Park), Rymers Lane, Oxford OX4 3LB Entrance is £1.50, free for children. awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk
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