Letters of support for the shop
Prior to the final closure of the shop, letters of support were published in the Seavington News in November 1993.
1. From David Pye
When I became Chairman of the Parish Council, from which, having reached my “sell by date”, 1 have reluctantly resigned, 1 wrote to each household urging support for our Village Shop and Post Office. Without such support it was inevitable that it would be forced to close.
For a short period it seemed that the necessary support might be forthcoming. However, over the last eighteen months or so it has dwindled away, so that now the inevitable has happened and the announcement of closure appears in this issue of the ‘Seavingtons’ News.
This is undoubtedly a tragedy and, let us be quite clear about this, one of our own making. In fact, it is a very clear indication of the divisions which, unfortunately, exist in our community. Each individual has his or her activity or charity which he or she may wish or not to support and which may or may not affect this community in part or as a whole. However, our Shop and Post Office affects everyone and its demise is a clear indication of the disappearance of village life as it should be.
There is no village school, The Volunteer Public House is struggling and is, again, on the market, there is no new housing to attract young people to remain here, we have, as yet, no village roll and despite the splendid efforts and sacrifices of certain villagers are unlikely to have for sonic timc, support for the Village church is meagre to say the least, and now, the one remaining centre of communication, the Village Shop, is to close and will not be replaced. This is entirely due to our lack of support and thoughtlessness.
Various excuses, mainly specious, are given for not using the Shop. I cannot get everything I want there: I prefer Sainsburys, Safeways Tescos, Asda, the Co-op etc., where I can get everything, not stamps and pensions - you can’t and you use fuel; I do not like the owners, the stock their attitude and so on and so forth. Not, I fear, 1 am selfish, idle and could not care less what happens to the Shop, the community and, particularly, the pensioners and others for which it is essential for their daily needs and for drawing their pensions and other allowances.
Let us face facts, honestly and sincerely, and forget our personal like and dislikes and put aside thoughts of our favourite charities, good works, etc. and try very hard not to emulate the Pharisees. Our collective, non caring attitude and selfishness have, perhaps not deliberately, deprived the community, that is ourselves. of our most important amenity. Stupidly, we have made life more difficult for the elderly and the pensioners and, of course ourselves. Moreover we have deprived a caring and helpful village family of their livelihood. Be assured, the Shop will not miraculously reappear or be taken over by a new management. It is the intention that it will revert to being a private residence. By our own lack of forethought, we are to lose out. We have only ourselves to blame.
I have not consulted the owners of the Shop and the following suggestion, made without asking them, may offend them or, alternately, could possibly save the situation. In any case, surely it is only sensible to try and save ourselves from our own folly. I propose that each household consider carefully as to whether or not to sign a covenant to the effect that is prepared to spend an average of ,a certain amount (in pounds sterling) for a period of up to, say, three years, excluding any Post Office transactions.
Such a course of action may persuade Alan and Christine Payne to, perhaps, reverse their decision, providing it guarantees our Shop and Post Office a viable future. I do most earnestly and sincerely ask you to put aside your various like, dislikes and prejudices to prevent this very serious loss of a most valuable amenity.
Please, with the advent of Christmas, show a Christian attitude to your village, and fellow villagers especially to the old and infirm and those struggling to make ends meet who will find life even more difficult without the village shop.
2. From Peter, Mary and Dawn Wyatt
How many residents of Seavington feel as sad and angry as we do about the Village Shop and Post Office being forced to close.
Are there enough of its to seek a solution to prevent this disaster ?
Christine and Alan have put so much Of their energy and enthusiasm into these villages they have supported every fund raising event going, giving generously of their time and cash as well as running their business. They have also run their own Citizens Advice Bureau (unpaid) helping anyone who needed it, filling in forms, telephoning councils, banks, doctors or social services. The elderly and house bound could also have their groceries delivered.
Can we as a village afford to let this happen? - once the shop has gone it will be virtually impossible to start it up again then what comes next, does The Volunteer close from lack of support or the Church, they are the only two amenities left.
We appreciate what you’ve done for us. Thank you Christine and Alan.