bath & wells: mission

World Development

What resources are available?

Development Matters: global justice issues linked to the lectionary - a week-by-week resource for preachers.

Once upon a time - a reflection on development issues.

World Development Representative
Mr Peter Merson
Wardway Farm, Wardway, North Petherton, Bridgwater, TA6 6PE
Telephone: (01278) 662240
E-mail: peter.merson3@btinternet.com

Peter Merson – World Development Representative

Peter qualified as a veterinary surgeon and, after three years in veterinary practice, spent the majority of his professional life with the Milk Marketing Board, where he was responsible for health and fertility in its national cattle breeding service.  In 1995 he was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the Milk Development Council, funding research and development in the dairy industry and the promotion of milk to the public.  Peter has also worked at the Royal Veterinary College, building better links between the UK veterinary schools and veterinary businesses.  In 2004 he became an accredited mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution, and is a member of the Civil Mediation Council.  He is currently training in family mediation.

Peter has 5 years experience as a non-executive director in the NHS, previously with Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust and currently with Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (Musgrove Park Hospital) where he has particular interest in patient and public involvement, in clinical governance and in patient safety.

Peter has had an interest in world development issues for most of his adult life and has been a long-term supporter of Oxfam.  In 2005, Peter and his wife Rowena undertook a sponsored walk along the Thames Path (184 miles) for Christian Aid, engaging many people along the way in discussion of the work of the charity and raising £1,250 in sponsorship.  At the end of 2006, Peter and Rowena returned to his roots at North Petherton, where they have a small family farm.  He is currently a churchwarden at St Giles, Thurloxton. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, windsurfing and wine, but not necessarily in that order!

Peter sees one of his first priorities in his new role as World Development Representative as getting to know those people in the Diocese who already have interests, contacts and links in this field, or who are planning or contemplating events highlighting world development issues.  “I see the role as raising awareness of development issues from a Christian perspective and acting as a resource to facilitate and coordinate activities and events at churches, schools and in the wider community”.

Peter can be contacted by e-mail – peter.merson3@btinternet.com

or by phone or fax on 01278 662240.