The popular local hub for all manner of treasures will be holding a mammoth end of winter sale this weekend.

All manner of bric-a-brac, clothing and shoes will be on offer as well as some rarer pieces from generous people from across the Hunter Valley.

Parish priest Mother Theresa Angert-Quilter said that the sale had been a year in the making.

“We have so many supporters who understand the mission and ministry of the op shop that they bring really lovely things to us,” she said.

“We have people from Kurri, Mulbring, Heddon Greta and back the other way through Abermain and Cessnock who come and bring high quality goods here.

“We have been saving some of them up for over a year so that we could have this special sale.” 

The shop has been open for 27 years and is staffed by 20 volunteers.

Mother Theresa said that it differed from other stores in that the focus wasn’t on making a dollar.

“It’s a very special place,” she said. “People recognise that when they come to this op shop, first, things are very reasonably priced and second, the people who are really in need are treated with dignity and without any condescension or anything that would separate them from us.”

Churches at Weston, Mount Vincent and Millfield are among those flagged for possible closure and sale as the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle seeks funds to meet redress for survivors of childhood abuse in the church.

The parish of Mt Vincent-Weston has provided a detailed submission to the diocese regarding the future of the op shop and the parish as a whole.

The parish is currently looking at extending its operating hours and is always on the lookout for donations of clothing and other suitable items (other than furniture).

The St Mary’s Anglican Op Shop (40 Second Street, Weston) sale will be on Saturday 8 September from 9am to 2pm.

The shop’s usual opening hours are Thursday and Friday – 9am to 3pm and saturday 9am to 12pm.