HOPE FOUNDATION TRUST is a registered Charity        (No. 1128792).  The Trust runs a Charity Shop in Bexhill on Sea in East Sussex. 

 OUR SHOP IS NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR

The Charity Shop at 25 Sea Road, Bexhill on Sea.                        

TALKING SHOP……………… an update on our Shop in Bexhill on Sea from the Manager………     

Our Charity Shop in Bexhill has now been open for over 3 years. When we took over the lease in March 2008 I took a look around the premises and wondered how we could possibly fill the shop by the proposed opening day of April 12^th. I needn’t have worried; God had it all under control. The shop dulyopened, fully stocked and we haven’t looked back since. We may occasionally get low on certain items but our stock room has never been empty.

We were very pleased with the first two years of trading, however at the commencement of our third year in April 2010 our daily takings suddenly increased and that increase was maintained throughout the year. Our first two years takings were very similar but in the third year this increased by in excess of 12.5%.  This has been repeated at the start of the fourth year and we are praying that this will continue for the rest of the year.

One example: we recently had a flute given to us. It had clearly been well used and had seen better days. I wondered if we should attempt to sell it at all. One of our volunteers knew the manager of a local musical shop and offered to show it to him. His suggestion was to try and sell it on eBay. The instrument was placed on eBay by my daughter and the net result was a cheque for in excess of £250. We are grateful to all those who have given goods to the shop, to our volunteers who work for us and to all our customers. Without them we could not support our Indian friends as well as we do.                              BRIAN ALLEN.                                                                                               

Testimony of STUART MACMILLAN. I first became aware of the Hope Foundation Trust, and the work of the Charity Shop through friends at Beulah Baptist Church, Bexhill on Sea. When I was asked if I would consider becoming a volunteer worker at the shop, I was very happy to get involved. Prior to retiring I had spent the majority of my working life as a residential social worker in boarding schools for children with special educational needs. So the idea of shop work was appealing as it was something completely different from anything I had done before. I started in the shop in November 2010 and I thoroughly enjoy it. Indeed I look forward to the two sessions a week I currently do. I greatly appreciate the friendship and support of the other staff, and meeting and talking to customers. Some of the people that come into the shop are regulars and it has been a real pleasure in getting to know them. Often folk come in, perhaps for the first time, and they comment how peaceful the atmosphere is in the shop. That is very encouraging because as Christians we firmly believe that God is at the centre of our fund raising efforts. We also endeavour to make the shop a warm, welcoming and friendly establishment where people can feel at ease irrespective of whether they buy anything or not. On occasions shoppers ask about the Trust, and it is good to tell them about the work currently being undertaken in India. When they enquire they usually seem genuinely interested and supportive. I feel it is a real privilege to be able to work in the shop, and serve the Lord in this way. If you live in or around Bexhill why not drop by and visit us.    STUART

 For directions - from Bexhill Station head down Sea Road toward tha sea front the shop is situated on the left hand side of the road next door to the site of the old Grand Hotel.

BACKGROUND TO THE OPENING OF THE SHOP

Early in 2008 Brian and June Allen began exploring the idea of opening a Charity shop in Bexhill in order to raise funds for the Project. A number of properties were considered but we were eventually directed to the premises at 25 Sea Road. We met together as a group and agreed that this was the way forward - however, we needed funds to make a deposit and set the shop up ready for opening.  We feel that our decision was confirmed because God provided the necessary money that we needed when two people handed very substantial gifts in the way of cheques to Derek.

Fittings were bought, and shop fixtures were given and everything began to fall into place. The shop was eventually opened on 12th April 2008. We were blessed with the presence of a local minister to officially open the shop and the Mayor of Bexhill joined us to wish us well in our venture.   

The shop opening hours are as follows: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri - 10am til 4pm & Sat - 10am til 4pm. (Closed Wed & Sun). For more information you can contact the shop on 07591609529 - shop opening hours only.          

VOLUNTEERS WANTED - we are always looking for volunteers to work in the shop. If you live locally and are able to spare a few hours then why not contact the Shop Manager on the number above or better still call in at the shop.

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God moves in mysterious ways  When Derek moved down to Bexhill he was unemployed and decided to attend an IT training course which was then situated at 25 Sea Road. Some while later Derek found work and the IT Centre ceased it's operations. When we sought out premises for a shop and 25 Sea Road became the obvious choice - the result is that Derek now finds himself operating the till in virtually the same place as he was learning how to do spreadsheets!!