Winter Warmth & Light

Winter Warmer

Friends and neighbours wrapped up well last Friday evening (16th December) to visit Restore’s Elder Stubbs recovery group for the annual Winter Warmer celebration.  

Fire bowls in the courtyard kept visitors warm while they toasted marshmallows or chatted with friends. Inside, everyone could enjoy treats such as mulled apple juice and a spicy soup made from winter squash grown by the group on their allotments. There was live music and the Elder Stubbs shop was open to offer handmade cards and unusual presents, all produced by members.

The Elder Stubbs recovery group is one of several around Oxfordshire run by local mental health charity Restore, to support those on a journey back from mental ill health.  The two-year programmes are designed to help members gain confidence and skills to rebuild their lives and take new opportunities including return to employment. 

“Organising the Winter Warmer enables our members to work as a group, supported by staff and volunteers, and do everything from designing posters to cooking and serving the food,”  says Lesley Dewhurst, Restore’s CEO. “The evening is always a lovely event which connects us with the local community and former members too.”

Winter Lights

Fleet Meadow’s Winter Lights Festival (19th December) was an opportunity for members to show off their creativity, for family and friends to gather together in cosiness, and for everyone to appreciate the sense of community and mutual support that marks this project. 

Much of the artwork was papier mache, with LED lights placed inside and the works suspended from the ceiling. Restore’s woodwork room was turned into an underwater seascape, with a fan gently blowing the creatures to mimic ocean currents and give a sense of movement, while underwater noises filled the auditory space. In another room, a fairy garden, with hand crafted houses and gnome dwellings were lit up from the inside, with one balloon carrying a house into the sky (reminiscent of the film Up). Staff, friends and members purchased handcrafted gifts and walnuts from our tree, raising £160 to support better mental health in Oxfordshire.

Thank you to all who came, purchased homemade treats and handcrafted gifts. Your support makes a great difference.