ST PETERS CHURCH
The present church building dates from the end of the thirteenth century. Monuments both inside and outside the church commemorate the Clevland family, who once lived at Tapeley Manor and the Christie family, to whom the house and estate passed by marriage. There are also monuments to the Berry Torrs, who lived in the littler village of Eastleigh. Some restoration work has been done, and more is envisaged in the near future when funds become available.
The present congregation is small and ‘elderly, though there is a much bigger body of people who come on special occasions and are willing to help in practical ways. The church and the pub are the two main focal points for this community.
St. Peters, Westleigh is part of the United Benefice comprising St. Peters, Westleigh, St. Johns, Instow and St. Peters Fremington.
At such times, it is good to remember that the Church is not primarily a building or an ordained minister, but rather the people of God. People have worshipped here for hundreds of years and they do so still. Please pray that others in this generation will come to put their trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour, and bear witness for him in this rural community.
JULY 2026
12th at 09.30am
Morning Praise
19th at 09.30am
Holy Communion
Bird story No 1. – Well ‘Stroppy’ the Swift is back on the scene, and the pile of his visits on the floor of the Church porch, is nearly as big as the nest he (and presumably a ‘she’ as well) have created. Considering that the swift population has decreased by some 40% over the last 5 years, we should be grateful that Stroppy has chosen Westleigh as his ‘forever’ home, and contributed towards the swift population increase!
Bird story No 2. – a bored Raven with nothing better to do, decided to fly in to St Peter’s whilst the bell ringers were practising, and the door was open. So he flew around for a bit, then settled on a high perch out of reach, and decided to stay for a while. The next morning, as the door was now firmly shut, wasn’t so appealing for a long term visit, so he thought he’d wait and see. Well, Sarah Moore, wife of our enthusiastic Curate, has been learning to play the organ, and although an accomplished pianist, found that utilising the foot pedals as well as the keys, took a degree in versatility, to master, including the volume key. In fact, the volume was noted in the Westleigh Inn car park, and locals nodded wisely and said ‘Our Andy’s up there playing the Wurlitzer again’, a tribute to Andy Temple! However, said Raven flying around destroyed Sarah’s concentration, and she couldn’t understand with the door wide open, why the Raven wouldn’t leave. After much conversation with Husband No 1 and yours truly, it was decided that the Raven wanted to stay because he recognised all the hymn tunes Sarah was playing, and that in itself was unusual at St Peter’s. (Oooops, knuckle rap coming)
Well, moving on, yours truly couldn’t persuade the Raven to leave, so it was left to Brian Lees (aka the bird whisperer) to sort it, which he did with admirable speed. Apparently, all he whispered was ‘leave or I’ll shoot you’………problem solved! Thanks Brian
The Coffee/Cake morning courtesy of Mark/Sarah Ansell, raised over £400 towards Church funds, thanks to all who attended, and the ‘Men of Devon’ visit to John Grigg’s field opposite St Peter’s, produced over 50 attendees, and a great congregation on the Sunday following – thank you all, and especially James and Sarah for all their efforts.
Well, I hate to say it but by the time you read this, the longest day will have come and gone, and we’ll be in July. One date I’d really appreciate you putting in your diaries, is Sunday the 5th July. It seems as if all ‘dog collared’ recipients have decided to vacate North Devon, and so rather than cancel a Sunday service, yours truly as a ‘certificated’ Worship Leader, will be leading the Service, which at the moment I am really looking forward to. Any suggestions for hymns, leave a message on 07789 267149, and please support me, it will be really appreciated.
Finally, as I am going to be away on the 13th July, when the next missive has to be written, Brian Lees has volunteered (okay, I asked him) to write August’s edition.
With affection, Roger……….and out!
CHURCH NEWS
SEPT 23
Bird story No 1. – Well ‘Stroppy’ the Swift is back on the scene, and the pile of his visits on the floor of the Church porch, is nearly as big as the nest he (and presumably a ‘she’ as well) have created. Considering that the swift population has decreased by some 40% over the last 5 years, we should be grateful that Stroppy has chosen Westleigh as his ‘forever’ home, and contributed towards the swift population increase!
Bird story No 2. – a bored Raven with nothing better to do, decided to fly in to St Peter’s whilst the bell ringers were practising, and the door was open. So he flew around for a bit, then settled on a high perch out of reach, and decided to stay for a while. The next morning, as the door was now firmly shut, wasn’t so appealing for a long term visit, so he thought he’d wait and see. Well, Sarah Moore, wife of our enthusiastic Curate, has been learning to play the organ, and although an accomplished pianist, found that utilising the foot pedals as well as the keys, took a degree in versatility, to master, including the volume key. In fact, the volume was noted in the Westleigh Inn car park, and locals nodded wisely and said ‘Our Andy’s up there playing the Wurlitzer again’, a tribute to Andy Temple! However, said Raven flying around destroyed Sarah’s concentration, and she couldn’t understand with the door wide open, why the Raven wouldn’t leave. After much conversation with Husband No 1 and yours truly, it was decided that the Raven wanted to stay because he recognised all the hymn tunes Sarah was playing, and that in itself was unusual at St Peter’s. (Oooops, knuckle rap coming)
Well, moving on, yours truly couldn’t persuade the Raven to leave, so it was left to Brian Lees (aka the bird whisperer) to sort it, which he did with admirable speed. Apparently, all he whispered was ‘leave or I’ll shoot you’………problem solved! Thanks Brian
The Coffee/Cake morning courtesy of Mark/Sarah Ansell, raised over £400 towards Church funds, thanks to all who attended, and the ‘Men of Devon’ visit to John Grigg’s field opposite St Peter’s, produced over 50 attendees, and a great congregation on the Sunday following – thank you all, and especially James and Sarah for all their efforts.
Well, I hate to say it but by the time you read this, the longest day will have come and gone, and we’ll be in July. One date I’d really appreciate you putting in your diaries, is Sunday the 5th July. It seems as if all ‘dog collared’ recipients have decided to vacate North Devon, and so rather than cancel a Sunday service, yours truly as a ‘certificated’ Worship Leader, will be leading the Service, which at the moment I am really looking forward to. Any suggestions for hymns, leave a message on 07789 267149, and please support me, it will be really appreciated.
Finally, as I am going to be away on the 13th July, when the next missive has to be written, Brian Lees has volunteered (okay, I asked him) to write August’s edition.
With affection, Roger……….and out!
