Our name
The name Maymessy comes from a phrase by the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, who described blossom-filled hedgerows in spring as a “may-mess.” We chose it because it felt true to what happens here. People roll up their sleeves, try new things, and often make a bit of a mess along the way — whether they are baking bread, digging in the garden or chopping vegetables for the first time. The name reminds us that learning is active, progress is sometimes untidy, and there is joy to be found in the doing.
Our setting
Maymessy is based at Garlands Farm in Wantage, surrounded by open countryside and views of the Ridgeway. The calm, rural setting is central to the experience we offer. It gives people space to step away from daily pressures, feel safe and reconnect with themselves and others.
Our garden is part of daily life at Maymessy. It offers a calm, purposeful setting for learning. Participants grow food, learn seasonal skills, and take part in regular outdoor activity. The produce is then used in our cookery sessions.
Our founder
Anna Richards is a qualified teacher with nutritional training from Leiths School of Food and Wine. She founded Maymessy to bring together her experience in education and her passion for food, community and inclusion.
Since launching the social enterprise, Anna has been recognised for both her voluntary and professional work. She received a Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister’s Office, was invited to 10 Downing Street for International Women’s Day, and has been named one of the WISE 100 Women of Inspiration. In 2024, she received the Inspirational Award from the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers for her work with adults with learning disabilities in partnership with Style Acre. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Anna continues to lead Maymessy’s work, building partnerships across Oxfordshire and creating opportunities for people to grow in confidence and independence.
Our team
The team at Maymessy is at the heart of everything we do. Their ability to create a safe and uplifting space transforms practical activities into powerful shared moments. Whether it’s cooking, growing food or learning together, people leave feeling more connected, more confident and more capable — carrying that sense of possibility with them beyond the walls of Maymessy.
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Maia
Our chef and project manager
Maia brings calm leadership, creativity, and a deep love of food to every session — nurturing confidence and connection through cooking. -
Nix
Our therapeutic gardener
With gentle guidance and boundless passion, Nix helps people reconnect with nature, learn gardening skills, and grow in more ways than one. -
Claire
Our beekeeper
Claire opens up the world of bees with infectious enthusiasm, inspiring curiosity and respect for the natural world in every group she meets. -
Our Volunteers
They are the heart of the garden and kitchen. With warmth, care and quiet dedication, they make everyone feel welcome and supported.