The parish of Lydford on Fosse is an amalgamation of three ancient parishes, East Lydford, West Lydford, which are separated by the main A37 road and the tiny hamlet of Wheathill, from which our Benefice takes its name. The population of the parish is about 500. There is a Village Sports field, which accommodates cricket teams. The Village Gala is held here annually, and there is a playground with climbing frames. There is a Parish Hall next to the church which is owned by the Diocese but run by a charitable trust on a long lease The Hall is used by a variety of groups including Gardening Club, Quilting Group, Parish Council and The Fosse Players, who put provide the village with a pantomime in December.
St Peters church, West Lydford was largely rebuilt in 1846 on the site of a medieval church and is Grade II* listed, it stands in a churchyard and has the village war memorial within its adjoining car park. The interior is simple but pleasing with a good Victorian East window and a moderately well sounding organ. The church is the largest in the Benefice seating about one hundred and twenty. It is set beside a large weir on the River Brue, making for an attractive open aspect. There is a footpath through the churchyard which is regularly used by walkers.
The building is well maintained, and it is the intention of the PCC to move forward with the reordering of the interior which will give a building that would be more usable for the general community, and more comfortable for worship. The peal of six bells were rehung in 2000 as a millennium project and a hearing loop/sound reinforcement system has been installed. The church has partial free use of the newly refurbished adjacent Parish Hall. Average attendance is in the low 20’s and is generally aged 50 plus.
St Peter’s Church is the largest in the Benefice and the main Festival Services are held here. These are usually at 10.30a.m. The Remembrance Service begins in the Church and then proceeds to the War Memorial, which is situated in the car park, for the two minutes silence at 11.00a.m. This Service is also attended by the local Beaver and Scout Groups. A special Service is held at the end of June to celebrate the Patronal Festival. Planting the Easter Garden which also incorporates an Easter Egg Hunt is a favourite with the local children from across the Benefice. On Rogation Sunday, after the 8.30a.m Holy Communion Service, we have a village walk which ends with breakfast in the Parish Hall.
Wheathill Benefice 