Parish Prayer Group

The Parish Prayer group meets at 9.30am on Wednesdays, usually at 'Dewlands' .
This is a small informal gathering. We usually start with a short bible passage, sometimes one of us brings our 'daily reading' and we talk over what it means to us.    We spend time in prayer for the needs of the parish and benefice, and matters which may have come up in national and international news stories.
We finish with coffee and biscuits.
All are welcome to join us - for more information ring Anne (873726) or Caroline (873938)

Bible Study Group

This group meets every 2 weeks, moving around the homes of the participants.  Currently we are studying the Epistle to the Hebrews. 

For more information ring Anne (873726)

Family Services  - the next Family Service will be 2nd Sunday in July

History of our Church

Formerly a chapel in the neighbouring parish of Yetminster, it became a separate parish church in 1849 and the churchyard was consecrated then. It is now one of the six parishes of the Wriggle Valley Benefice, which consists of  Batcombe, Chetnole, Hermitage, Leigh, Ryme Intrinseca, and Yetminster and Hilfield (which is a chapel of ease of Yetminster). The Rector lives in Yetminster and is assisted by several retired clergy, the Brothers of the Society of St Francis at Hilfield, and two Sarum Readers.

Parts of the Church date from the 14th Century, with the addition of the Tower and South Porch in the 15th Century, and the North aisle in the 19th Century.

There is an excellent peal of six bells, retuned and rehung in 1995. Bands of ringers visit during the summer months.

There is a memorial near the vestry, commemorating a gift to the children of the Village School, now closed, of a blue coat and a red cloak to the most lovable boy and girl, chosen by their peers.

The main East window shows the crucified Christ between St Mary and St John, dating from about 1850.  This and the chancel south window have been restored in 2009.

The east window of the  North aisle shows the risen Christ with St Mary Magdalene. This was installed in 1900.

In the churchyard to the southeast can be seen the base of a mediaeval cross.  This is a listed ancient monument, and predates the church by some time.  For more about this, see www.leighvillage.org.uk

The Village Cross

One of the last ceremonies that  Bishop George performed in the village was the rededication of the Village Cross on August 14^th.  This was a great community occasion with a good crowd of locals attending.  We were given a brief history of the Cross and some memories of this being the main meeting point of the village.  Read more at www.leighvillage.org.uk

Welcome to Leigh Information Pack

MOVING HOUSE  is high on most people's list of life's more traumatic experiences? However, receiving a pleasant welcome, once you've finally exchanged a familiar neighbourhood for an unfamiliar one, can make all the difference and this was the idea behind the production of the 'Welcome To Leigh' Information Pack. Designed to be given to newcomers to the village- the pack will not only enable them to discover all that goes on in and around Leigh, but also, it's hoped, help them to make them feel at home. 'Welcome To Leigh', initiated by the P.C,C, and supported by both the Parish Council and the village itself, includes a booklet giving a range of local information. - from a mini-history of Leigh and the opening times of the village Post Office & Shop to details of club, societies and church services - and more besides... The pack also contains maps of Leigh and the surrounding area as well as a list of useful telephone numbers, bus & train timetables, a mobile Library schedule and a selection of local interest leaflets - including guides to the Jurassic Coast and nearbye Sherborne. Packs available from Dorothy Baldock

Links: 

www.leighvillage.org.uk