Crowds gathered in Peasedown St John on Wednesday 8th September for the opening of the brand new Mercy in Action charity shop in the village.

After being unoccupied for a number of years, the former L & F Jones store at the heart of Peasedown St John's shopping street was re-opened with a new purpose.

The shop was officially opened by local Councillors and community leaders Nathan Hartley and Sarah Bevan, who is also Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council. Joining them was the Director of the organisation Allison Todd.  

 Mercy in Action was launched in 1995 when Allison and her husband John visited the Philippians and were horrified by the conditions that many of the orphaned children were living in.

Following their visit, they then came back to the UK, and started raising funds to change these children’s lives

15 years later the charity continues to support homeless, orphaned children in the Philippines by running drop in centres where they can get food, weekly schooling and have a shower.

Before cutting the ribbon, Cllr Nathan Hartley told those present that he hoped the local community would support the new shop:

“When I heard the news that a Mercy in Action store was opening here I was thrilled because I believe that the organisation’s values are shared by us all.

For instance, most people like to support those who are less well off than themselves and need a helping hand. I think the majority of people also want to be a part of a strong and loving community where we all look out for one another and work together to create a society where we can all make a positive contribution.”

The shop will be run by local residents Mary Warren and Sarah Copsey and aims to benefit the whole community whilst raising money for orphaned children in the Philippines.

Mary and Sarah are looking for residents to volunteer in the shop. If anyone would like to help they can contact Mary on 01761 439244.

Cllr Sarah Bevan has been keen for a charity to take the lease of this building for many years. During the opening she added:

“Here today in Peasedown St John, mercy and truth, the motto of this charity Mercy in Action, have met together for the good of others - locally and globally. I congratulate everyone involved, especially John and Allison Todd, without whose vision and first hand experience of people in need, this shop would not be open today.”

Cllr Sarah Bevan, Charity Director Allison Todd and Cllr Nathan Hartley.

Cllr Sarah Bevan hands over a collection of items for the new shop

Local residents visit the new store on the opening day.

Photo courtesy of Elenity Hisug-Bridges.