Friends of Leigh Church

Friends of Leigh Church (FOLC) was 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. 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. The 300-year old lead roofs were leaking badly and in particular need of urgent attention.

FOLC acted swiftly to apply for funding and 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 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 with masonry, timber and lead repairs to help prevent further leaks. 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.

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 structurally sound, dry and weatherproof, is being planned, but we desperately need to secure more funds to make it happen.

Thank you for your support.