FRIENDS OF LEIGH CHURCH
Registered charity number (England and Wales): 1174913
About FOLC
Friends of Leigh Church (FOLC) is a registered charity set up in 2015 with a specific remit to fundraise for urgent repairs to St Giles, the Grade 1 listed parish church in Leigh on Mendip, and to develop the church building for wider community use. It is worth noting that just 2.5% of Listed Buildings are awarded Grade I status, so our building is very special!
We now have over 130 local members as well as supporters across Somerset and the UK, many with family connections to the village spanning many generations.
The historic importance of our church
A church in Leigh was first recorded in the 13th century, as a chapel of ease connected to St Andrew’s, a larger church in the parish of Mells. In the late 14th century, the current parish of Leigh on Mendip was established and the first church, as we would recognise the building today, was built between 1350 and 1390.
Over the centuries numerous additions and changes have been made to the building. During a series of renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries the historical and artistic value of various features was fully recognised. These include a nearly complete set of medieval pews that is now considered to be of national importance, fragments of medieval stained glass and original woodwork.
When this list of treasures is added to the splendour of St Giles’ external appearance, with its distinctive ‘Somerset tower’, one of the very best examples of this local feature, the true importance of our beautiful church becomes clear.
Saving our Church
The Quinquennial report written in 2016 identified that urgent repairs were needed to the church, particularly the 300-year-old roof lead, which was leaking badly. Without immediate action, the church building was considered to be at considerable structural risk from rapid deterioration that would only be exacerbated by bad weather and further benign neglect.
We quickly assembled a project team to meet these challenges, including specialist conservation experts and committed members of the village community, and we acted swiftly to apply for funding to carry out the essential work. Substantial grants worth a total of £300,000 were secured primarily from applications to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, with further support from numerous other organisations.
This funding, with further income raised by FOLC’s own ongoing fundraising programme, paid for the vital work on the roof and nave, helping to stabilise the building.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant also supported the addition of various amenities in the church, including a heritage display area, café facilities and an accessible toilet.
These community-based initiatives have encouraged villagers to make more use of the church, which is now a flexible and well-equipped space for local activities.
New interest from outside the area has also been encouraged with the creation of a village heritage trail, while improved access to church records and other information provides a valuable resource for genealogists and other historians and enthusiasts.
Strong connections have also been forged with the village primary school, helping teachers to develop their pupils’ interest in the history they see around them.
What the future holds for Leigh Church
While the church is now in a better state of repair than in 2015, it remains vulnerable. The next phase of work, to help keep the church dry and weatherproof, is being planned, but we desperately need to secure more funds to make it happen.
Can you help us?
All the money we raise, including membership subscriptions, directly supports our work.
It only costs £12 a year to join FOLC as a member and help ensure the future of our beautiful church. If you would like to become a member, please complete the application form and return it with your payment to the address shown on the form. A link to the membership / donation form is available on the Leigh on Mendip village website, under Groups / FOLC.
All the donations we receive help us protect and preserve Leigh Church and keep it at the heart of the village community.
For more information about FOLC’s work, or if you have any questions about membership or ways you can support us, please e-mail:
FOLC hosts regular fundraising events throughout the year. Please visit the Events page on the Leigh on Mendip village website for the latest information on our activities.
FOLC’s commitment to our church and village will continue for as long as we are needed, ensuring that St Giles remains at the very heart of our community for generations to come.
The FOLC Trustees are:
Alexandra Lee (Lally) – email [email protected] Tel 01373 812268
Caroline Harris – e-mail [email protected] Tel 01373 812889
Dave Mattick – e-mail [email protected] Tel 01373 812734
Jo Carter – e-mail [email protected] Tel 01373 812109
Richard Blaker – email [email protected] Tel 01373 813552