A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What s On? at the village hall
Saturday 3rd August Flower & Produce Show
Sunday 11th August Pierre s Caf 07545 214940
Saturday 31st August Gittisham Fete
Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm
Our very own Paralympian Rower
Ed s heats are on Friday 30th August and the final is on Sunday 1st September
You can do it Ed!
Make every stroke count!
CHAAA
St Michael s 200 Club
June
1st Joanna Marker 75
2nd Ava Marker Morgan 50
3rd Mrs P Broadhurst 25
July
1st Alan Broom 75
2nd Ruby Marker Morgan 50
3rd Stephen Howe 25
If you would like to join contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator email Tel 01404 45484. At 3 a ticket per month, this is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church open. Currently it costs 100 per day to maintain and keep St Michael s open.
Coffee and Cake for Cancer
Thank you to all those who supported the afternoon of coffee and cake at the village hall on 27th July. We raised 342 for Breast Cancer Now
Parish Snippets
Some years ago when I was walking the postmans path from Kercombe up to Gittisham common, I noticed a drain pipe coming out of the side of the hill. A few days later I mentioned this to Mrs (Rosemary) Marker, ‘ho‘ she said that was to drain the fox hole, for a split second I thought why would anybody want to drain a fox’s hole. Then I remembered that there had been an ammunition dump in the sand pits along Beech Walk during the war. I suppose there are worse places to be on guard ! (Paul Wakley)
Gittisham Parish Council
No meeting in August
Next meeting Thursday 5th September at 7.30pm in the parish room.
The Beehive, Honiton presents
INSIDE OUT 2 (U)
Thu 22 Aug – 11am. Adults 8, U16’s 7, Family x4 26
Teenager Riley’s mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden
demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new
Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.
Village Fete Alex Rowe
Just under a month to go until of Village Fete, a celebration of our fantastic community. Spread the word to your friends and family. Following on from last year we have Honiton Town band playing a medley of pieces once the fete is opened by Honiton s town crier from 2pm.
At 3pm the competitive dog show will be taking place in Will s field keep an eye out for the classes which will be shared out on social media before the fete.
Grab a cream tea in the Village Hall then hitch a pony and trap ride passing the Morris dancers on your way to the church where you can view the flower display and classic vehicles on the village green. Stoll back visiting the stalls along the main village avenue & Will s field in time for the start of the Duck race around 4:30pm.
As always, we are in need of keen volunteers to spend an hour of their afternoon either helping with car parking, cream teas, cake stall (cake baking), ice creams, the bar, tombola, dog show, setup and pack away.
We are very thankful to the Parish Council, The Pig, Vale Vets and Heltor Fuels for their support! This has meant we can maintain prizes for the Dog Show and Duck Race. I ll be knocking on doors over August selling Duck race tickets they are 1. First prize is 100, 2nd 50, 3rd 25, 4th 10
Stallholders and volunteers contact me pitches are by donation so if you know of a local craftsperson that would like have a pitch share the details. Keep an eye on the Village WhatsApp and the website gittisham.org.uk/fete for updates
The Tom Putt Apple Paul Wakley
The apple Tom Putt apple is supposed to have been named for an 18th-century landowner, Thomas Putt of Combe (Gittisham), who died in 1787 and was nicknamed “Black Tom”.
There is a Tom Putt apple tree in the community orchard at the village playground and another in the churchyard.
Some of the Putts were keen gardeners, one, Anna Maria Putt, who I believe lived in Pomroy. Had her paintings, drawings and quotations that she had done, made up into four volumes which she had bound in Honiton in 1789. The books were shown on an Antiques Road Show in 1991 from Darlington. They were then valued at between 3000-4000.
Grain to Cream Russell Hayman
After Helen and I had our trip of a life time in the USA during June which had the added benefit of missing the run up to the general election it is back to good old Blighty. Yes, they have space (directions on the sat nav 200 miles turn left) was not uncommon and a massive hole they call the Grand Canyon which really is big but it did get quite hot 46 C. it s good to be back and see some green. Edmund was keeping the show on the road and confirmed what I already knew. I may be useful but I am far from essential. Silageing has been on the go and we are preparing for harvest so we need some good weather now it does not take long to spoil.
We have wheat and oats this year no oilseed rape which is a good crop to have in the rotation for its soil improvement but it has become very risky to grow and given the horrible autumn we had for sowing last year I am so glad I did not take the risk. We are always looking to how to improve what we do and having a rotation which helps the soil is a major part of that so will have to find a way around it. The wheat and oats are all for animal feed the oats will be all fed to our own stock and about half the wheat is sold rest goes into our animals. It is really difficult to grow wheat for milling in the southwest not impossible but the damp weather compared to the east of the country make it a bit of a lottery plus the bread mills are mostly in the east so any premium is reduced by haulage costs and there is always the risk it may be rejected once it gets there. Animals are so good at making food we can t eat into something highly nutritious plus tasty! ( Angus is so much better than Bison which taste like they look by the way) And what comes out the back in such lovely volumes does wonders for the soil in truth without them the farm would not be sustainable.
We have also been topping the grazed grass, this is to cut off the seed heads which appear during the summer which are not as nutritious and encourage fresh growth to come forward which is both tastier and better feed. The barn owls have done well this year there were six up in the shed this year apparently. I was not here to see them so assuming four chicks usually just see two. I never go to check just what I happen to see as I know my ugly mush will scare them off!!
Pierre s Cafe
For Pierre’s next pop-up caf on 11th August in Gittisham Village Hall he will be serving a Ploughman s lunch with a French twist. The main element is a p t en croute – a French meat pie with pork and chicken, served with a range of tempting salads, raw veg, fruit, cheese and chutney. There will be a selection of home-made cakes and pastries, coffees, teas and soft drinks including Gittisham-grown elderflower cordial served from 10am-4pm. Vegans and coeliacs catered for. If the weather is fine you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your food outside. Please book for lunch if you can, as it helps us with numbers. Call or text Pierre on 07545 214940. Cash and cards accepted.
Environmental Summer Bucket List (Part 2)
Hi there, my name is May and I m a 16-year-old from Gittisham who s passionate about environmental issues, especially the climate crisis. I have just finished my GCSEs and am enjoying a long summer, and thought I d put together a bucket list of some small things you can do to help the planet which make a real difference. (This is part 2, you ll find points 1-4 in the July Gazette.)
5. Attend a local climate march or talk on the issue. I think a really important part of addressing the climate crisis is educating yourself and those around you, especially as in the UK we are currently less affected by the issue than in other parts of the world. I have also met so many like-minded people by attending these sorts of events, which can feel very liberating when it s an issue that few people in power seem to focus on.
6. Planning on going abroad? Research how you can travel more sustainably. Flying is one of the worst things for the planet, with the average plane emitting 340 times more than the average car. I really recommend the Eurostar from my own experience, though there are other ways you can travel abroad too such as by boat.
Have a great summer everyone!
St Michael s Gittisham Julia Barratt
Summertime and the living is easy. George Gershwin s words could be aptly applied to August, when many of us take holidays or perhaps visit our
local beaches just a few miles away, or simply make the most of a break in our normal routines to wind down and take life a bit more easily. However, while
summer is a season, it is also a state of mind. We all have periods in life, which are summer-like but can lead us to forget or take for granted the Giver of all good things. So what better way to remember than in music and song; to come together with friends and neighbours to sing our favourite hymns and relax afterwards with a glass of Pimm s! Especially the day after the Fete in our beautiful flower filled Church.
A reminder also that the Church is usually open every day 10am- 5pm over the summer but we do need a few more volunteers to help keep it open. Please contact Julia () if you able to assist.
Church Services Sunday August 11 th at 11am followed by refreshments
Sunday Sept 1 st at 4pm Hymns and Pimms
A Git in Wales Alex Rowe
Last week I made one of my rare trips out of the county of Devon to help steward the metalwork section at the Royal Welsh Show, much like the Devon County Show the Welsh is on the National Blacksmiths Competition Circuit that tours many of the larger shows, the smiths bring static items that are setup and displayed by us these are then judged and the overall winner and reserve winning 10 & 4 points respectively towards the National competition at the end of the year these are added and the winner becoming the Static National Champion Blacksmith.
I got involved through my time studying in Hereford 5 years ago and it is nice to catch up with the metalwork team each year. We also were fed well with free stewards breakfast and supper over the 6 days!
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On? at the village hall
Sunday 14th July Pierre’s Caf 07545 214940
Saturday 27th July 2-3pm Coffee & Cake for Cancer
Sunday 28th July 12.30-2.30pm Mary’s Syrian Kitchen 07383 104987
Saturday 3rd August Flower & Produce Show
Saturday 31st August Gittisham Fete
Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm
FitforLife class every Tuesday morning
Yoga with Alison 3rd Tues of the month
Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings
Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30
Yoga with Angela Fridays 1pm
Bees in your chimney?
The best way to get rid of a swarm in a chimney is to make a cold fire with lots of smoke and no flame. If the bees have not been there long they will normally exit the chimney. Even if they’ve been there a while it might be worth a go, otherwise it’s a rather protracted job to get them out.
St Michael s 200 Club
If you would like to join contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator email Tel 01404 45484. At 3 a ticket per month, this is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church open. Currently it costs 100 per day to maintain and keep St Michael s open.
St Michael s Services Sunday July 14th 11am Holy Communion
Sunday 28th July 11am Morning Worship
Sat July 20th 10.30- 12 Coffee Together and 200 Club Draw
Christmas Cabaret
Is there a sketch writer in you struggling to get out or perhaps you are a performer? Our Christmas Cabaret needs sketches involving the humorous side of the Gittisham community plus musicians poets etc If you can help, please contact Sarah Agg-Manning on 01404 851177 or
Gittisham Community Land Trust
The planning application has just been submitted for 6 affordable rent homes and 3 Combe Estate owned open market houses on the land with the agricultural buildings to the west of Town House (in the village).
You now have the opportunity to add your comments to those of the Parish Council, which having initiated the formation of the Gittisham Community Land Trust are fully supportive of these proposals. You can reply via the East Devon planning portal or by email to EDDC, with the reference 24/0514/FUL (with your name and address).
The 6 affordable rent dwellings will provide two 3-bed and four 2-bed dwellings and will be developed and managed by a Housing Association. Any person who wishes to apply for an affordable dwelling must be registered with Devon Home Choice and show that they are in Housing Need and that they have a Local Connection. The Allocations Plan sets out the criteria which will be taken into account when allocating the dwellings when they are ready for occupation. A copy of the Allocations Plan can be found on the GCLT web site at www.gittisham.org.uk/clt.
Gittisham Table Tennis Tournament 2024
Now the football is nearly over and we are guaranteed a summer of balmy sunny evenings, last call to join our village table tennis tournament – open to men, women and older children. Message Damian Furniss on 07905 710487 via WhatsApp if you want to join in and then after every game. I’ll invite you to join a GTTT2014 WhatsApp Group so people can organise matches. Round Robin format: everyone plays everyone else once, 3 games of up to 11 points, 2 clear points as per standard rules.
The league will be settled by points won to incentivise playing all your games, playing for every point, and close games.
Whether you call it Table Tennis, Ping Pong or Whiff Whaff – Good luck! The magnificent trophy will be presented at Gittisham village fete on Saturday August 31st.
Environmental Summer Bucket List (Part 1)
Hi there, my name is May and I m a 16-year-old from Gittisham who s passionate about environmental issues, especially the climate crisis. I have just finished my GCSEs and am enjoying a long summer, and thought I d put together a bucket list of some small things you can do to help the planet which make a real difference.
1. Switch to a more ethical bank. Many of us aren t aware that many banks invest in fossil fuels, though actually since 2015 the 60 largest international banks have donated $5.5 trillion dollars to the fossil fuel industry. Some of the worst banks to mention include HSBC and Barclays, whereas the Co-operative bank is known for its more environmental practices. You can use the interactive website Fossil Banks to find out how much money your bank invests in specific fossil fuel practices.
2. Fancy a barbecue? Try veggie burgers. You can reduce your carbon footprint significantly by eating less meat, with one kg of beef having a carbon footprint that s 24 times larger than one kg of pulses.
3. Volunteer locally. One of my goals this summer is to start volunteering for an environmental charity, such as the WWF, or somewhere like a charity shop, which promotes reusing things rather than constantly buying new items, whilst also giving to a good cause. I think it would be really rewarding personally as well to start volunteering (though I m not sure if I ll be saying that when I m behind a counter rather than lazing in the garden)!
4. Try and buy less new clothes. The IPCC recently said that one of the top 3 things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is to buy less new clothes and instead buy second hand. I have been trying to buy less and less new clothes for a number of years now, which I ve found quite hard being a teenage girl, but recently realised that all the clothes I ve bought in the last year have been second hand. I mainly buy from charity shops, though I also love a particular stall at Totnes market where you can find so many bargains. If you prefer to shop online, I really recommend the secondhand apps Depop and Vinted.
To be continued next month Have a great summer everyone!
Mary’s Syrian Kitchen and Pierre’s Cafe
The village hall is hired out to 2 exciting dining events this month: the well known and loved Pierre ‘s Cafe and another event, already very popular in Ottery and in West Hill is Mary s Syrian Kitchen. Here s what they re offering and how to book:
This Sunday 14th July the theme of my caf will be ” This is a Revolution”. England then France decide to vote differently after years asking something need to change. I am proud to have a foot in each countries. My menu will be French ratatouille served with beef or vegan burger, homemade and not as Mc Donald, French countryside way, with an eggs cooked in sauce and lettuce. This is a old way recipe. Lots of cakes, croissants and more. Booking 07545 214940. Bring your own alcoholic drinks. Gittisham Village hall, 10am to 4pm
Hi everyone. Mary s Syrian Kitchen will have a pop up in Gittisham Village Hall on the 28th July. We will have Syrian Food and desserts and tea and coffee. Start from 12.30-2.30. Please call to book 07383 104987 (see Facebook page too)
PARISH COUNCIL JULY 2024 REPORT
Seven councillors met for the July meeting along with Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) and two members of the public.
Hayne Farm walkabout. Mark Sexton from Baker Estates has compiled an audit list of action points, following the walkabout with parish councilors and some Hayne Farm residents on 2nd July. This includes points such as lampposts not working, removal of weeds, filling in fences, trimming hedges and planting trees.
DCC Highways. In his absence, Phil Twiss (DCC) compiled a report to update the parish council on the county s highways. Maintaining and improving the highway network across Devon remains a high priority for DCC, where better weather following a frustrating and prolonged winter period is helping staff to get to grips with the backlog of road surface defects, including potholes. An additional 12m has been transferred in the 2024/25 budget and is being allocated to:
Serviceability repairs and patching across the network (isolated and larger areas of potholes)
Drainage cleaning and repairs (prevention reduces the need for repair)
White lining
Both the serviceability repairs and patching along with the drainage improvements will be prioritised using highways intelligence data, together with input from local members like Cllr Twiss, town and parish councils. A non-safety defect patching order has been scheduled for parts of Old Elm Road.
Finance. Councillors agreed the finances.
Crimes. April 2024: 6 x violence and sexual offences, 3 x anti-social behavior, 4 x public order.
Planning applications.
a)24/0514/FUL – Land adjacent to Town House, Gittisham – Demolition of existing agricultural buildings. Proposed housing scheme for 6no. CLT-owned affordable homes for rent, and 3no. Combe Estate-owned open market houses
b)24/1197/PIP – Land Adjacent To Hamlet House, Nags Head Road, Gittisham – Permission in principle application for the conversion of an existing building into a single dwelling
Councillors had no objections to either application, and said they welcomed the proposals to incorporate renewable energy into the development at a). Regarding b), councillors noted that the land is in a flood risk zone.
Planning. Alasdair Bruce said he would be speaking to EDDC s scrutiny committee to discuss the way in which the Combe Farm shop planning application had been decided.
Lengthsman. Carol Hall said that Len Abbott had resigned as lengthsman. Councillors thanked him for his outstanding service and dedication to the parish. The scope of lengthsman work will be discussed at the September parish council meeting.
Scams. Janet Twist said that new figures reveal more than 32 million suspicious emails have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service, with more than a third of all emails reported in the last year.
Play area. Maggie Walker said the wild area was flourishing, and encouraged all to use the village play area particularly over the summer.
Next meeting. Thursday 5th September at 7.30pm in the parish room.
The GCLT was established in 2018 with the objective of providing an affordable housing scheme to meet an identified local (village and immediate hinterland) need for rented accommodation. The GCLT, in partnership with The Combe Estate, was able to identify a number of possible sites and a preferred site was agreed at a public meeting in May 2019. Then there was COVID. A detailed proposal was presented to a further public meeting in June 2021. There have been many twists and turns over the past 3 years and it has taken much longer than expected to get to this stage but a Full Planning Application has now been registered and validated with the planning department at EDDC.
The application is for the Demolition of existing agricultural buildings. Proposed housing scheme for 6no. CLT owned affordable homes for rent, and 3no. Estate owned open market houses.
The site is the land with the agricultural buildings to the west of Town House.
The 6 affordable rent dwellings will provide 2no 3 bed and 4no 2 bed dwellings and will be developed and managed by a Housing Association. The planning application number is 24/0514/FUL . The application can be viewed in full using the East Devon planning portal or direct by email to EDDC.
The Parish Council having initiated the formation of the GCLT are fully supportive of these proposals. It is difficult to predict a date for completion of the scheme and we still have to find a Housing Association development partner but this is significant milestone in meeting the objectives of the GCLT.
As a reminder, any person who wishes to apply for an affordable dwelling must be registered with Devon Home Choice and show that they are in Housing Need and that they have a Local Connection. The Allocations Plan sets out the criteria which will be taken into account when allocating the dwellings when they are ready for occupation. A copy of the Allocations Plan can be found on the GCLT web site at www.gittisham-clt.org.uk . More information about Devon Home Choice can be found on www.devonhomechoice.com .
David Valentine, Director and Chair of Gittisham Community Land Trust
St Michael s Gittisham Julia Barrat
Around the Parishes
We are pleased to welcome our newly ordained deacon, the Rev d Scott Angell to the Honiton Mission Team and look forward to welcoming him to St Michael’s soon. For more information about services in and around the parishes visit https://honitoncofe.org/ Paper copies are available in the church.
Sea Sunday July 14th
Join us as we celebrate Sea Sunday. A day when we remember and say prayers for all the brave men and women who work at sea and for the work of the mission to seafarers which provides essential services for seafarers working far from home often in dangerous and lonely conditions. As the summer holidays begin we also remember the work of the RNLI and all who help to save lives at sea and keep our coasts and beaches safe.
As I pray also for blessing and safe keeping for all who will be embarking on their summer holidays shortly that it may be a time of relaxation and refreshment and also hopefully not too much rain!
200 Club winners June Please contact Julia Barratt
Financial Year End Report 1 April 2023-31 March 2024
Income: Hall hire, a 7% reduction compared to the previous year. Social events, a 23% reduction compared to the previous year. The Village Hall received a grant towards the Community Kitchen of £992.45 and earned £507.98 in interest on the reserve Account. The Village Hall Committee approved a draw down of £2000 from the Reserve Account. Total income of £9474.10.
Expenditure: Insurance increase of 7% on previous year. Water/gas/electric, an increase of £858.05, a 39% increase on the previous year. Cleaning/grass cutting, £271.05 more then the previous year, 36% increase. Hall/equipment maintenance, £2215.58, up 61% on the previous year, external painting, a new gas water boiler and the removal of an old shed. The stipend paid to the booking clerk and treasurer.
Expenditure increased by £4136.36, to a total of £11597.01.
The meeting agreed the previous year’s AGM minutes.
Chair’s report
Chairman’s Report for the year 2023 to 2024We have a good cross section of regular bookings, including the dance club, yoga, Pierre’s kitchen, and keep fit. We are also very fortunate to have the popular Community Kitchen as a regular weekly booking. Thanks to all regular groups who book the hall and to Sara Trumper and helpers for sustaining the community Kitchen and to Carol Hall for the successful application for £2,244 from Devon’s Growing Community Fund. The committee is very grateful for this funding that supports both the community and the village hall. Through the year the committee have arranged some excellent events including regular quizzes, the return of the ever popular Burns Night, skittles, Father’s Day BBQ – in perfect weather again and with a live band (thank you Nick). A special thanks to Carol Hall for pushing the Hall on social media, resulting in more one-off and regular bookings. Over the course of the year we have seen stable bookings, but with a lower revenue than last year. Unfortunately costs have also grown and the Hall has made a loss over the period, despite the significant grant from Devon. As a result of a second year of loss-making we have had to increase hire charges, which we hope should bring the hall back to at least break even. Hire charges were agreed at the June 2024 meeting. As Chair I would like to extend my thanks to all of those on the committee and those who helped when called upon outside the committee. Particular thanks to Janet who has resigned from the post of Treasurer and has kindly agreed to support the incoming treasurer, Damian Furniss. Janet has improved further our processes and has been exceptionally diligent in her duties, to the benefit of the Hall and the community.
Treasurer’s report
Financial Year End Report: 1 April 2023-31 March 2024 Income:Hall hire, a 7% reduction compared to the previous year.Social events, a 23% reduction compared to the previous year.The Village Hall received a grant towards the Community Kitchen of £992.45 and earned £507.98 in interest on the reserve Account.The Village Hall Committee approved a drawdown of £2000 from the Reserve Account.Total income of £9474.10. Expenditure:Insurance increase of 7% on previous year.Water/gas/electric, an increase of £858.05, a 39% increase on the previous year.Cleaning/grass cutting, £271.05 more than the previous year, 36% increase.Hall/equipment maintenance, £2215.58, up 61% on the previous year, external painting, a new gas water boiler and the removal of an old shed.The stipend paid to the booking clerk and treasurer. Expenditure increased by £4136.36, to a total of £11597.01.The Reserve Account balance was £24811.22 at year end.Janet Twist Treasurer 28 June 2024
Election of officers
Hamish was nominated and re-elected as Chair. Nick was nominated and re-elected as Vice-Chair. Damian Furniss was nominated and elected as Treasurer. The Committee expressed its sincere thanks to Janet Twiss for her diligent work in the role.No volunteer stepped forward to take the Secretary vacancy, so this remains vacant. Gillian Coates was nominated and agreed as the auditor for 2024/25.Carol Hall will continue in her role as Bookings Clerk. With Janet stepping down the VHC Charity has just two trustees, Hamish and Nick. Sue Fallows agreed to step forwards as a third trustee. Action: Janet and Sue to liaise on appropriate steps to add Sue as a trustee.
AOB
The meeting expressed its thanks to all who had supported the hall in the year, particularly Janet as outgoing Treasurer, and the committee members who had supported the weekly community kitchen.
Date
Tuesday 4th July 2023, 7:30pm, Village Hall garden.Meeting opened 1935Meeting ended 1954
The meeting agreed the previous year’s AGM minutes.
Chair’s report
Chairman’s Report for the year 2023 to 2024We have a good cross section of regular bookings, including the dance club, yoga, Pierre’s kitchen, and keep fit. We are also very fortunate to have the popular Community Kitchen as a regular weekly booking. Thanks to all regular groups who book the hall and to Sara Trumper and helpers for sustaining the community Kitchen and to Carol Hall for the successful application for £2,244 from Devon’s Growing Community Fund. The committee is very grateful for this funding that supports both the community and the village hall. Through the year the committee have arranged some excellent events including regular quizzes, the return of the ever popular Burns Night, skittles, Father’s Day BBQ – in perfect weather again and with a live band (thank you Nick). A special thanks to Carol Hall for pushing the Hall on social media, resulting in more one-off and regular bookings. Over the course of the year we have seen stable bookings, but with a lower revenue than last year. Unfortunately costs have also grown and the Hall has made a loss over the period, despite the significant grant from Devon. As a result of a second year of loss-making we have had to increase hire charges, which we hope should bring the hall back to at least break even. Hire charges were agreed at the June 2024 meeting. As Chair I would like to extend my thanks to all of those on the committee and those who helped when called upon outside the committee. Particular thanks to Janet who has resigned from the post of Treasurer and has kindly agreed to support the incoming treasurer, Damian Furniss. Janet has improved further our processes and has been exceptionally diligent in her duties, to the benefit of the Hall and the community.
Treasurer’s report
Financial Year End Report: 1 April 2023-31 March 2024 Income:Hall hire, a 7% reduction compared to the previous year.Social events, a 23% reduction compared to the previous year.The Village Hall received a grant towards the Community Kitchen of £992.45 and earned £507.98 in interest on the reserve Account.The Village Hall Committee approved a drawdown of £2000 from the Reserve Account.Total income of £9474.10. Expenditure:Insurance increase of 7% on previous year.Water/gas/electric, an increase of £858.05, a 39% increase on the previous year.Cleaning/grass cutting, £271.05 more than the previous year, 36% increase.Hall/equipment maintenance, £2215.58, up 61% on the previous year, external painting, a new gas water boiler and the removal of an old shed.The stipend paid to the booking clerk and treasurer. Expenditure increased by £4136.36, to a total of £11597.01.The Reserve Account balance was £24811.22 at year end.Janet TwistTreasurer28 June 2024
Election of officers
Hamish was nominated and re-elected as Chair. Nick was nominated and re-elected as Vice-Chair. Damian Furniss was nominated and elected as Treasurer. The Committee expressed its sincere thanks to Janet Twiss for her diligent work in the role.No volunteer stepped forward to take the Secretary vacancy, so this remains vacant. Gillian Coates was nominated and agreed as the auditor for 2024/25.Carol Hall will continue in her role as Bookings Clerk. With Janet stepping down the VHC Charity has just two trustees, Hamish and Nick. Sue Fallows agreed to step forwards as a third trustee. Action: Janet and Sue to liaise on appropriate steps to add Sue as a trustee.
AOB
The meeting expressed its thanks to all who had supported the hall in the year, particularly Janet as outgoing Treasurer, and the committee members who had supported the weekly community kitchen.
Hamish, Alex, Claire, Terry, Sue, Janet, Steve, Bill, Pierre
Apologies
Cordelia, Stella, Nick, Maggie
Next meet
TBC
This meeting was shorter than usual as it followed the AGM, minutes of which are published separately.
Item
Details
Actions
All actions
All to return at next meeting to discussion of how to make up community kitchen grant shortfall. Stephen to look at advertising the hall as a flexible workspace. Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing. Hamish to replace bathroom tap. Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk. Hamish to schedule Steve M for beekeeping talk in September.Sue to schedule agri-talk in October. Nick to contact cabaret team and get some dates in diary for end of summer. Stephen to approach Villages in Action. Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer.
Finance
Janet updated the meeting with the latest accounts. See annex. We have been successful in receiving a £1000 grant for the community kitchen. Thank you to Carol for progressing the application. Unfortunately this is £1400 less than we bid for and means that the annual costs for the community kitchen hiring the hall will no longer be fully covered by grant payments. The committee discussed potential options to make up for this shortfall without compromising the ongoing sustainability of the village hall. The committee felt it was important, not least in order to meet the guidance of the Charity Commission, for the hall not to lose money in a third consecutive year. Equally the committee recognised the importance of the community kitchen continuing as a weekly event providing valuable social cohesion. Hamish will accept the £1000 grant. This will cover the community kitchen’s booking fees until end of August. We will return to the discussion of how to make up the shortfall at the next meeting. The meeting considered other ways to significantly increase revenue. Options considered included brownies or scout troops renting the hall and offering the hall as a mobile working space. Carol has advertised the first of these and Stephen to look into the last option.
Stephen
Grants
We briefly touched on the South West Water grant and the Locality budget grant. But we need a more detailed discussion about these at the next meeting. Hamish has taken an audio-visual company around the hall. They will provide a quotation for improvement works but will also explore grant options to fund the works. To update at next meeting.
Maintenance
Smart gas meter. Is this still being installed? We didn’t discuss. The flower and produce committee are purchasing tables which they will gift to the hall. Thanks Sue for organising this.
Bookings
See annexe for full list of July bookings.
Future events
Well done to everyone on Father’s Day BBQ. £200 taken. A great day and a great atmosphere. Upcoming eventsIf England reach the semi-finals we will put it on in the hall. No event in August as flower and produce show and fete. Steve M has agreed to do beekeeping talk. Thanks Hamish. Hamish to get in touch and set a September date. Agri-talk to happen in October. Sue to organise a date. Thanks Sue. Cabaret rubber needs to meet the road. Nick to make contact and get meetings in diaries.
Hamish
Hamish
Sue Nick
AOB
None
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Not in hierarchy order.
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Extractor fans in kitchen
Drainage pipe replacement
Internal repaint including / especially ceiling
Loft insulation
Replace all windows, not just front windows
New large range cooker
Bin Store
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
2023/24
01.04.23-30.06.23
1.04.24 – 30.06.24
2023/24
1.04.23-30.06.23
1.04.24-30.06.24
Balance brought forward
3,627.91
Insurance
690.38
0.00
0.00
Non-domestic rates
0.00
0.00
0.00
Hire of Hall
5,588.85
2,729.30
1,545.90
Cleaning/grass cutting
1,019.62
275.00
499.59
Social Events
1,371.36
149.65
359.29
Maintenance/Equipment
5,840.55
548.10
182.96
Interest
0.00
0.00
0.00
Water/Gas/Electric
3,031.87
636.48
599.27
Miscellaneous
2,005.91
5.91
2,244.00
Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)
1,014.59
944.59
725.35
2007.17
Balance
5769.93
Total
7777.10
7777.10
Redwood Deposit A/c
£25,654.20
Includes annual interest of £842.98
Father’s Day event in June
PPL/PRS licence paid under misc. £162.00.
Cleaning Materials and first aid kits purchased £160.01.
Hamish, Alex, Claire, Terry, Sue Janet (left early), Bill, Maggie, Nick
Apologies
Cordelia, Pierre, Stella, Steve
Next meet
AGM: Tuesday 2nd July followed by usual meeting
Item
Details
Actions
All actions
Hamish to circulate new fee structure for approval. – done and to be agreed during the meeting Janet to add signatories to bank account. done Alex to check and amend website re deposit taking. Its on the booking form Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of lease – not done but have copy of lease. However there still needs to be a discussion with the Estate wrt to future grants to ensure we comply and permission to do some more work to the Hall ( windows etc)Nick to progress Victoria Windows quotation – wait until we find out about planning permission needs from EDDC. Hamish has paid and has chased EDDC for a response Alex to lead fix of shed roof – Alex has prepared a quote @£22/sheet – 6 needed. £132 cost OK please proceed. Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing Hamish to replace bathroom tap Hamish to advertise Father’s Day BBQ and liaise with Damien – done needs to be done again. Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk – not done yet Hamish to approach Steve M re beekeeping talk – not done yet Stephen to approach Villages in Action – done Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer – still to be done Alex to progress Gazette MS Forms survey questions – done to be discussed in the meeting
Finances
Janet presented the accounts for the month. See annexe. Thanks to Carol for help with the PRS license. Now need to define income. Janet has submitted. Defined income £1,600 which should reduce cost of the license. Smart gas meter appointment was planned – but it was cancelled on the day – no idea if /when they will come. Alex has been reading the meter so they are not estimated. HSBC actions undertaken to be authorised bank signatories. Hamish to set up a zoom call with Damian and Janet for discussion over the role of treasurer. Hamish needs to put £20 cash into bank for the proceeds of the skittle evening.
Hamish
Hamish
Hall Charges
Following discussion, the following new rates we agreed, based on 2yrs of CPI and rounded to nearest whole number 2024 new rates effective form 1/9/24
Item Parishioners Non Parishioners Hourly rate £12 Non Parishioners £14 9-1pm or 1-5pm £35 Non Parishioners £41 6pm – midnight £48 Non Parishioners £66 9am – midnight £108 Non Parishioners £119 Wedding (set up night before and full day) £247 Non Parishioners £377 Long term lets Price on application
Existing hirer rates comes into place 1/9/24 New hirers effective from 1st July 2024 Booking clerk still has right to use discretion and discuss with committee if need Booking clerk to let regulars know if price increases and report any issues back to committee
Carol
Village Hall survey
Survey agreed during the meeting sand will be circulated on whataspp group and a link provided to Carol to pass on to regular bookers
Alex/Carol
Bookings
See annexe for list of June bookings.
Future events
Skittle – £20 profit – thanks to Steve – lets do again! Fathers Day BBQ Set up from 9:30 SundayMusic planned – Band members eat free ( Thanks Nick)Cater for 70:Meat – 100 sausages, 50 burgers, 50 chicken pieces – Hamish to shop Sara – will make a peanut salad (thanks Sara)Sue veg , veggie & sauce + bread. Wil do all non meat shopping£6 per head with concession if you can persuade the doorman Other events Cabaret – still want to go ahead – organise at the next meeting Tuesday 28th June – live screening of the football? Talks to be arranged Buckerell – may need a venue. Welcome to use village hall at parishioners rates
Steve
Committee members
Hamish
Sue
Hamish
AOB
Ladies toilet window – now closed When is the grass being cut? Bin store? – add to the list of wants Can carol add times to the bookings so Alex can add into the calendar Press officer vacancy – need to advertise in the paper.
Everyone
Carol
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Not in hierarchy order.
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Extractor fans in kitchen
Drainage pipe replacement
Internal repaint
Loft insulation
Replace all windows, not just front windows
New large range cooker
Bin Store –
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On? at the village hall
Sunday 16th June 12noon Father’s Day BBQ lunch and table tennis tournament
Village Hall AGM Tuesday 2nd July
Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm
FitforLife class every Tuesday morning
Yoga with Alison 3rd Tues of the month
Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings
Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30
Yoga with Angela Fridays 1pm
A Gittisham bible is returned to the Church after a long absence
People in the news
Gittisham resident discusses football with the Prime Minister
200 Club winners May
1st Sharon Wensley £75
2nd Mrs K Jackson £50
3rd Peter King £25
Outdoor Church
Sunday 23rd June
Forage in the wild area
Create a collage
Make a bee hotel
Plant a wild flower-seed bomb
Gittisham Fete 31st August Alex Rowe
Dog show, Honiton town band, Morris Dancers, Classic vehicles and much more!
We can always do with more helpers! So I am formulating a spreadsheet rota for volunteers during the fete day. I have a few names up to now but if anyone would like to come forward let me know. I am about to start advertising for pitches so if you know of anyone who would like to sell their craft items or anything else the email is
St Michael’s 200 Club
200 Club The first draw on the new 200 Club draw took place at ‘Coffee Together’ in May. The next draw will take place Sat June 15th so if you register quickly, you are still in with a chance to win the monthly prize of either £75, £50 or £25 with an extra prize draw of £125 in December.
If you would like to join as a new member or have been intending but have as yet to renew your membership please contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator who will be pleased to assist. Email Tel 01404 45484. At £3 a ticket per month, this is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church open. Currently it costs £100 per day to maintain and keep St Michael’s open.
New Curate
We look forward to welcoming the Rev Scott Angell, who, fresh from being ordained as a Deacon on Saturday 29th June at Exeter Cathedral, will be taking part in his first service in the Honiton Mission Community (HMC), Sunday 30th June 11am at St Pauls, Honiton followed by a shared lunch. Scott has already moved to Gittisham Vale and so you may see him around and about before then, perhaps making good use of the Combe Garden Centre and Farm Shop vouchers, St Michael’s contribution to the HMC house warming gift.
Gittisham Village Hall
On 16th June the annual Father’s Day BBQ will be held at the village hall, with a table tennis tournament this year. The sun will shine, the food will be lovely with veggie options and we hope to have some music too. Starts at 12 and then well into the afternoon. Spread the word – all welcome and bringing a father is not compulsory.
This is a fundraising event to help with vital maintenance work at the village hall. Please support your village hall.
If you would like to book the Village Hall, contact Carol Hall
Booking rates start from £10.90 per hour or and £43.15 for an evening.
The Beehive, Honiton
Exhibition On Screen: MY NATIONAL GALLERY
The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It is full of masterpieces, an endless resource of history, an endless source of stories. But whose stories are told? Which art has the most impact and on whom? The power of great art lies in its ability to communicate with anyone, no matter their art historical knowledge, their background, their beliefs.
This film gives voice to those who work at the gallery – from cleaner to curator, security guard to director – who identify the one artwork that means the most to them and why. An assortment of people from all walks of life who have a strong connection to the gallery make surprising choices of both well-known and lesser-known artworks. Finally, some well-known celebrities explain what they head for when they visit the gallery.
Tickets: General Admission £13.00
On a Lane in Spring John Clare (1793-1864)
A little lane—the brook runs close beside, And spangles in the sunshine, while the fish glide swiftly by; And hedges leafing with the green springtide; From out their greenery the old birds fly, And chirp and whistle in the morning sun; The pilewort glitter ‘neath the pale blue sky, The little robin has its nest begun The grass green linnets round the bushes fly. How mild the spring comes in! The daisy buds Lift up their golden blossoms to the sky. How lovely are the pingles in the woods! Here a beetle runs—and there a fly Rests on the arum leaf in bottle-green, And all the spring in this sweet lane is seen.”
How many of us are as observant as Clare? When did we last walk slowly as he did seeing everything in that ‘sweet spring lane’ of his? We miss so much as we rush by these precious places.
PARISH COUNCIL – JUNE 2024 REPORT
Seven councillors met for the June meeting along with Nicole Stacey & Mark Sexton (Baker Estates), Justin Lascelles (Combe Estate) and six members of the public.
Hayne Farm development update. At present the development managed by First Port, but Baker Estates said they could provide advice on how residents could set up a management company made up of a board of directors. This would give residents more control over what maintenance is done there and when. Mark Sexton said he was happy to meet residents for a walk around the estate to look at what needs to be done, and take action on whatever falls
within the remit of Baker Estates. He will suggest some dates for a walkabout which will be circulated in due course.
Hayne Farm play area. Some residents feel that there are many gaps in the provision. Baker Estates said the
playground facilities that have been provided have met the legal obligations with EDDC. If residents would like to see additional equipment in the play area, it will need to be under the management of Hayne Farm residents (directors) before this can happen. Maintenance, insurance and safety inspections of this play equipment will also fall under the authority of the directors. This would be same for bins and dog bins. The parish council will be happy to help advise on funding for new equipment, as was done at the village play area.
Finance. Councillors agreed the finances, as well as the annual accounts and governance statement for 2023/24.
Crimes. March 2024: No reported crimes.
Planning applications.
a) 24/0539/LBC – 2 Riverside Cottages, Gittisham EX14 3AG – Replace existing porch with enlarged lead flat roof porch on south elevation; replace existing extension on north elevation to create bedroom and bathroom and glazed
canopy over rear door
b) 24/0988/FUL – Parkers East Gittisham EX14 3AS – Proposal to repair and preserve existing brick and timber greenhouse within the curtilage of a listed building
Councillors had no objections to either application.
Footpath.
Councillors discussed proposals for a traffic-free footpath to connect Hayne Farm with the village and with the garden centre. Justin Lascelles explained that this would have to be a ‘permissive footpath’, not a legal public footpath and the route would need to minimise impact on the environment and on the tenant farmers’ activities. He said there may be some funding the estate can access through stewardship schemes which could provide for capital works and annual maintenance. He invited the parish council to submit a definitive route which he can put before Combe Estate trustees for discussion.
Public transport.
Peter Orchard said he would follow up with Stagecoach regarding the late arrivals or no-shows noted on the clipboard in the village bus shelter.
Next meeting. Thursday 11 th July at 7.30pm in the parish room.
Hamish to circulate new fee structure for approval. Janet to add signatories to bank account. Alex to check and amend website re deposit taking. Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of lease Nick to progress Victoria Windows quotation Hamish to advertise working party Alex to lead fix of shed roof Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing Hamish to replace bathroom tap Hamish to advertise Father’s Day BBQ and liaise with Damien Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk Hamish to approach Steve M re beekeeping talk Stephen to approach Villages in Action Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer Alex to progress Gazette MS Forms survey questions
Finances
Janet presented the accounts for the month. See annexe. We returned to the discussion of increasing the hall booking fees, last discussed at the March meeting. T he committee agreed that a discounted parishioner’s rate should continue to be part of the new fee structure. Hamish is tidying up the analysis of 2023/24 costs and booking utilisation with year-end figures and will circulate a proposed set of fee increases (parishioner/non-parishioner, hour/longer sessions, weddings) via email for consideration and agreement at the next meeting. We are still searching for a new Treasurer to take over from Janet after the AGM. Hamish remains in discussions with a resident. We need to have more signatories to the HSBC bank account as currently it is just Janet. Agreed that Carol and Hamish should both become signatories (the former to enable the taking and returning of booking deposits), plus the new Treasurer when one is found. Is the website clear that a deposit may be taken at the point of a booking? If not we need this to be made clear to support Carol in taking deposits. Alex to check and amend as necessary? Thank you Alex.
Hamish
Janet
Alex
Grants
Lease. A number of the upcoming grant applications need details of our lease arrangements from the estate. Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of the lease as we have replaced our original copy. Replacement windows. Hamish has written to EDDC and paid £40 for an opinion on whether PVC windows would be acceptable on the front of the hall, given the village’s conservation status. We cannot progress further until we receive a response to this question. We have made some progress on quotations (we now have one quotation from Hani and one from Select Windows) but our third quotation from Victoria Windows is still outstanding despite Nick’s best efforts, so we need to pick up this thread again. Thank you Nick. Range cooker. Alex has applied to the South West Water grant scheme (with a video application!), a £2k application for a new range cooker. Many thanks Alex. If this grant is successful then it may be sensible for Phil Twiss’s £1k top up money to also go towards a range cooker (rather than the replacement windows). Decision deferred until we know the success of the application. Community kitchen. Carol is this week submitting the application to the Devon Communities Fund for the next grant for the community kitchen – thank you Carol.Thermal heating and insulation grant. Alex is scoping this out.
Hamish
Nick
Maintenance
We agreed a date for a village hall working party for outdoor maintenance – Saturday 1st June, 11am. All committee to attend if possible, and Hamish to advertise to the wider village. Aim is to get the hall spic and span before the Father’s Day BBQ. Shed roof has been temporarily fixed with tarpaulin, thank you Claire. But long-term fix still needs to happen. Alex has sourced some galvanised roof sheets from his dad and will tackle – thank you Alex. We have made no progress on the occasional leak in the back porch so rolling on the action: Hamish to get up in the loft above and use caulking gun around the flashing. If this doesn’t fix it then we can go for a specialist.The bathroom tap needs replacement. Hamish to take forwards, thanks Hamish.
All of the above and more could be part of the working party work.
Hamish
Alex
Hamish
Hamish
Bookings
See annexe for list of May bookings.
Future events
Saturday 18th May, skittles. £2 for adults, £1 for children, BYO. Stephen to advertise, including poster.Sunday 16th June, Father’s Day BBQ. £5 a head. We will use June meeting to discuss in detail. Hamish to liaise with Damian about table tennis tournament (entry fees for the tournament to go to a men’s charity; money for the Father’s Day BBQ to go to the Village Hall). Hamish also to advertise. July – Smeatharpe Aerodrome DDay Talk. £2 entry. Carol and Hamish to organise a date on either a Tuesday or a Friday. Should be good! Villagers’ talks. All agreed this was a good idea and would get people in. Hopefully Steve M can kick this off with a talk about bees. Hamish to approach him. Then through the late summer / autumn: Alex – stargazingHamish – flood defencesSue and David – eco-agri farming Live music. No progress on this since the last meeting. It would be good if some of our approaches came good. Villages in action. Stephen to approach about late 2024/2025 bookings. Long list of other options discussed previously but not priogresses: Ceilidh, art exhibition with scones, hosting the pizza van.
Hamish
Carol
Hamish
Stephen
AOB
We need a noticeboard in the foyer and to make better use of the noticeboard outside to advertise village hall events. Questionnaire to the village in the April Gazette did not receive any responses – thank you Alex for trying. We need responses to gather data to support grant applications, but we also want the communication to gather ideas on how the hall can be used and to advertise the community asset. Alex is going to have another go, this time using Microsoft Forms to create a light touch survey that shouldn’t take as long to complete. Please circulate around the committee when ready Alex so that we can comment/add questions.
Everyone
Alex
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
2023/24
1.04.23- 30.04.23
1.04.24 – 30.04.24
2023/24
1.04.23-30.04.23
1.04.24-30.04.24
Balance brought forward
3,627.91
Insurance
690.38
0.00
0.00
Non-domestic rates
0.00
0.00
0.00
Hire of Hall
5,588.85
2,025.95
332.50
Cleaning/grass cutting
1,019.62
125.00
153.90
Social Events
1,371.36
68.00
36.31
Maintenance/Equipment
5,840.55
0.00
98.53
Interest
0.00
0.00
0.00
Water/Gas/Electric
3,031.87
345.00
278.27
Miscellaneous
2,005.91
29.51
2,244.00
Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)
1,014.59
5.80
527.95
1058.65
Balance
5182.07
Total
6240.72
6240.72
Redwood Deposit A/c
£24,811.22
Miscellaneous receipt is the grant received from Devon CC
Miscellaneous includes payments to Hall booker and to accountants for audit check
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On? at the village hall
Sunday 12th May 10-4 Pierre’s Café 07545 214940
Skittles Saturday 18th May
Cake decorating 29th May homeMeadbake
Father’s Day barbecue Sunday 16th June
Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm
FitforLife class every Tuesday morning
Yoga with Alison 3rd Tues of the month
Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings
Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30
Yoga with Angela Fridays 1pm 7-week class starts on 7th June
Grain to Cream Russell Hayman
I can’t really write a farming article without mentioning the weather (it’s sodding wet and it’s causing problems). Yes it’s boring so you don’t need me adding to it!
So what else is going on? Well we do now have animals out in the fields at last – it is getting to be a case that it had to happen. Silaging will start when the yellow thingy in the sky makes a sustained appearance. When it does it will very much be a case of watch out there’s a farmer about we have months of work to catch up on so it will be all systems go. I predict this will happen in the middle of May as we have a TB test then and there is no way we can do both at the same time could well make my hair thinner than ever (hopefully the silver ones will drop out!).
Edmund made his radio 4 day-view on farming today; it was about his pumpkin patch
Diversification. Fiona recorded it months ago but the Prime minister turned up at the NFU conference and the BBC thought we would be more interested in what he had to say so Edmund was bumped down the schedule. I know I’m bias but Edmund held my interest much more than the PM.
Earlier in April we had the opening of the Gittisham farm water park! (our new slurry lagoon unfortunately it has not been finished yet so no poo has gone in but there was plenty of water, which is good as we now know it works). Activities were limited as there was only one paddle board with much disappointment Edmund stayed on. There was a valid reason for this other than a good laugh that was to give some idea of the depth of water. To finish the work on it we have to empty it, which we have just about done as we created a syphon and it has gradually emptied so the water park opened and closed all too soon! Views not too good and the contents in the future will be even less inviting than cold water, so its financial future did not look too rosie.
Gittisham Fete 31st August Alex Rowe
Update on fete progress-
It’s been a little slow whilst I prepare the blacksmithing section & competitions for the Devon County Show after taking it over last year but after this the fete preparations will be in full swing!
We’ve the ever-popular dog show returning bigger and better than last year, the Honiton town band, Morris Dancers, Classic vehicles and much more! We can always do with more helpers! So I am formulating a spreadsheet rota for volunteers during the fete day. I have a few names up to now but if anyone would like to come forward let me know. I am about to start advertising for pitches so if you know of anyone who would like to sell their craft items or anything else the email is
Church Services and Events
Sunday May 12th 11am Holy Communion
Saturday May 18th Coffee Together in the Parish Room
May 21st 7pm APCM Tuesday May in the Church
Sunday May 26th No service
Honiton Beehive
Singalong Encanto 11th May 4pm
Dressing-up as the characters is actively encouraged, with prizes awarded for the most imaginative costumes! Get ready to sing along with Mirabel and all her friends at this fundraising Cinema Event.
The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
Stockland Primary School PTA organises fun events to raise funds for improved facilities and enrichment of the pupils at the school. Our current projects include developing a Forest School and allotment area, and adding exciting new playground equipment.
The new St Michael’s 200 club is now up and running and at £3 a ticket per month, it is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church for all. Currently it costs £100 per day to look after and keep St Michael’s open!
If you would like to join as a new member or have as yet to renew your membership please contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator who will be please to assist. Email Tel 01404 45484
Also, a gentle reminder to those who are intending to renew their membership but haven’t got round to it yet, payment can be made either by regular standing order or cheque either on a monthly or annual basis as best suits your budget. And/or if you would like to explore alternative ways of giving that can be gift aided e.g. through the Parish Giving Scheme, again Janet will be pleased to assist and answer any questions.
And if you register quickly, you are still in with a chance to win the monthly prize of either £75, £50 or £25 in the May draw with monthly prize draws of £75, £50 and £25 with an extra prize draw of £125 in December.
APCM
All are welcome to our Annual Parish Council Meeting in the Church on Tuesday May 21st at 7pm. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of people who have served faithfully on our Parish Council (PCC) for many years but we would really welcome new members interested in bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the table!
Also Janet Twist our Treasurer will be stepping at the APCM. She has done a magnificent job and leaves us with our financial affairs in very good order. Janet estimates that on average it involves about 2-3 hours a month. If you are interested and/or know of anyone either as a Treasurer or Bookkeeper who would like to know more please contact Julia at gshaminister@gmail.com or Tel 07763 111367.
Thank you
A BIG thank you to everyone who helped with our graveyard spring clean in the Church yard! If you are interested in Gittisham history, do come and have a look, especially in the Old Churchyard where much work has gone into recovering the overgrown graves.
And thank you also to Alex and Julian for their repair to the Lychgate!
Gittisham Village Hall
The Village Hall is managed by a committee of volunteers who run events and see to the maintenance of the hall. It has been used for events ranging from quizzes to concerts, discos, the annual flower & produce show and birthday parties.
Every Wednesday night, Gittisham Folk Dance Club meet from 8pm until 10.15pm to dance the evening away (with local bands and experienced callers).
Anyone is welcome to join the committee or the Dance Club. Do get in touch via
If you would like to book the Village Hall, contact Carol Hall at
Booking rates start from £10.90 per hour or and £43.15 for an evening.
Flower and Produce Show
The show is open to all residents of Gittisham parish, which includes Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm. We also welcome entries from those who no longer live in the parish, those who actively support the parish, and those with close links to the parish.
Children must be aged 3-11 on 27th July and Juniors must be age 12-16 on 27th July. Children are welcome to enter Sections A,B,C upon paying the entry fee.
A reminder of the children’s classes
0 – 5 years: A painting or drawing of a garden, An animal made of vegetables, 3 decorated biscuits 6 – 11 years: A painting or drawing of a garden, An animal made of vegetables, 4 cheese scones
A reminder of the Homecraft classes:
Date and Walnut loaf, Bakewell Tart, 2 Traditional Cornish Pasties, 2 Vegetable pasties, A jar of redcurrant jelly, Jar of chutney – any variety, Knitted or crochet baby blanket, Homemade wedding invitation, Homemade Gadget, Photo of a rainbow taken in Gittisham parish – recognisable location
Full details, schedule and entry forms available from 01404 850922
PARISH COUNCIL – MAY 2024 REPORT
Six councillors met for the May meeting along with Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of the public.
Chair & Vice Chair. Carol Hall was elected as chair and Alex Rowe as vice chair for 2024/25, Janet Twist having stood down as vice chair.
Funding for higher energy and food costs Phil Twiss reported that Devon County Council has been allocated a little over £5 million from the government to help households struggling to pay higher bills for energy, food, water, and other essential items. This will be the fifth round of Household Support Funding received from the Department for Work and Pensions, to run between April and September 2024. It will take Devon’s total level of Household Support Funding received so far to just over £30 million. The funding is to support households in most need, but
specifically those that may not be eligible for other support that is already available from the government. Further details will be provided once plans are finalised.
Finance. Members agreed the finances.
Crimes. March 2024: 1 x public order, Meadow Acre 1 x violence & sexual offences, Cypress Close. Members agreed the increase in crime over the past year reflected the growing number of residents in the parish, and a rise in the reporting of crime.
Planning applications.
a) proposed upgrade to the existing radio base station installation at CS_121551, SWEB Tower EX14 3TZ (NGR: E314620, N096545). Councillors had no objections to this application.
Road closures. 3–20 June 2024 road through Alfington is closed for gas works.
4–5 June 2024 Old A30 by Kings Arms farm. Temporary traffic signals for Highways
England works.
Old Elm Road rewilding. Alex Rowe said the parish council would be looking for volunteers to help lay the grass matting that will go underneath a footpath suitable for pushchairs in the rewilded area.
Hayne Farm. Carol Hall said some residents of Hayne Farm had drawn up a list of items they would like to see in the play area. Representatives of Baker Estates will be attending the June parish council meeting to discuss.
Broadband. Phil Twiss encouraged people to register their interest on the Airband website, which appeared to show some Gittisham village postcodes likely to be served by the rollout of superfast broadband at some point in the future. Adam Powell queried this, as he had intelligence that suggested Airband is reassessing the contracts it has with Connecting Devon and Somerset (the rural broadband programme). Phil Twiss said he was waiting for a response from CDS. To share your experience of poor broadband in Gittisham village, please contact or telephone 07535 233558.
Public transport. Peter Orchard said there was now a clipboard in the village bus shelter where passengers should report any late arrivals or no-shows, which helps in gathering evidence to present to Stagecoach.
Village play area. Councillors agreed to attend to the items highlighted in the annual safety inspection report. A table tennis tournament is planned in the play area for Father’s Day.
Next meeting. Thursday 6th June at 7.30pm in the parish room.
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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
