Alex

Flower and Produce show 2026

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2026 Gittisham Flower & Produce Show: A Little Bit of “Dirty” Fun!

Get ready to dig deep and show us what you’ve been growing behind closed doors! Whether you’re a master breeder or a first-time fumbler, we want to see your best bits on August 1st.

We’ve got a category for everyone, so don’t be shy:

  • Vegetables: We know size isn’t everything, but who will have the longest runner or the biggest cucumber?
  • Flowers: Show us your sweet peas and your impressive spikes! (Please ensure your pansies are floating comfortably in clear water).
  • Homecraft: Is your lemon drizzle moist enough? Looking for a date? The Date and Walnut Cake is nutty, moist, and guaranteed to satisfy. Remember, we want to see if you can truly make your pie and eat it.
  • Men Only: Can you handle the Drunken Sunken Chocolate Cake, or will it all end in a soggy bottom?
  • Potatoes: If you haven’t started yet, get your hands on Sue and David’s buckets—everyone loves a good tuber.

Don’t just stand there clutching your walking stick—come and show the parish what you’re made of!

Schedule available here: https://gittisham.org.uk/events-directory/flower-and-produce-show/

Village Hall Committee February 2026

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Date Monday 9th February 2026
Present Maggie, Damian, Nick, Claire, Toni, Bill, Jess & Alex Observers: Becca, Millie, Steve
Apologies Stella
Next meet Next meeting: Monday 9th February 7:30pm – Village Hall
ItemDetailsActions
All actionsNew actions:Acknowledged and showed thanks to the volunteers that contributed to the decoration of the hall (painting, carpentry etc). Stuart was thanked with a gift of wine. Agreed that Jim and Gary should be thanked with a similar gift. Nick to arrange.Claire Contacted EDDC to follow up about food hygiene inspection once the Kitchen is finished. Once the oven is professionally cleaned in April 2026.Stella to continue chasing the Charities commission about the change to our Governance – in Springtime. Stella absent so to be discussed next time.
Old actions: 
Damian to give Alex permission to negotiate with Eon – no updates/urgency.
NickClaire

Committee members and governance

Devon Communities Together Meeting: Alex gathered information about their sound deadening and noted the fortune of our hall being tucked away as opposed to on a main road. Nick Received positive feedback from their chair regarding our coffee and cake afternoons. Yettington will host the next one in April.Discussed recruiting more Committee Members to help with fundraising events. Claire to put it in the Gazette and Alex to post on Facebook calling for new Committee Members. We have 3 new faces around the table this evening!

Policies: Stella has redrafted DCT policies – Stella to run through the Health and Safety Policy with the committee and to run through the financial policies with Damian.
No Action

Claire/Alex
All
FinanceDamian: Circulated this month’s report.Damian gave a detailed recap of the YTD financials. Bookings on the up now we have reopened the kitchen and bookings. The redwood account has been closed down so banking is simplified. Damian has not yet banked the cash from the most recent events but due to soon which will help the bank balance.
Expenditure – insurance has increase and extended cover of the buildings insurance off the back of advice from the estate to meet the same standard. Utilities spend is less due to the solar panels and improvements such as windows, doors and insulation in the hall.
Expenditure on the kitchen is just over £26k. The annual returns were submitted with the Charity Commission just in time and Geraldine deserves thanks for her quick turn around of the accounts for 24-25. Huge thanks from the Committee to Damian, Alex and Geraldine for their work on the accounting with the deadline of the 31st Jan.
This years’ Easter Bingo falls into this financial year and Damian shared his hopes that it will push us into the black and make us break even.
Damian sorted the banking mandates and now Nick, Damian and Jess are mandates of the accounts.

Claire has begun fundraising/find sponsors for the Easter Bingo and successfully secured £500 towards the event. Our Main sponsor is Heltor Oils and supported by Shoobridges.		Damian










Grants

Alex: To meet with EDDC to report back on the grant application. 
Claire has secured a £1,000 grant for £600 of equipment and £400 of Community Kitchen rent. We are very grateful to Cllr. Jeffries to his support in getting this grant. 

Stella to please produce a receipt for £400 worth of CK rent to provide evidence to the Council. Committee discussed the spend of the grant and what items come under the limitations of the grant. Claire to manage the spend of the remainer of the grant.






Alex





Stella/Claire




MaintenanceJim has begun cleaning the hall. The committee are satisfied so far.
Claire raised the gutter at the back and was overspilling when it wasn’t raining heavily. The rear skylight was cleaned by Alex – thank you.
We require smaller grills on the outdoor vents. Claire to purchase in Springtime
Discussed the plaster work on the wall by the stage – the Committee voted and all agreed to repoint and tidy the new exposed brick wall.
Thanks to Bill for doing the boxing in in the Kitchen.
Damage to the wall in the kitchen from a private booking this weekend just gone. A new sign has been put up to not put heavy items on the shelves. Stella has notified the booker of the damage and T&Cs. Nick to inform Stella and to ask Allsop and Pitts to return to iron out a couple of snagging items.
Hallway and back foyer now looks even more worn now the main hall is done. We have all the paint and kit and just need time/volunteers (Stuart/Nick?)






Claire

Alex to arrange Rufus to do the works.


Nick


Nick
BookingsThanks were passed on via Maggie to Alex and to the Committee for the generosity and help in hosting Doris’ Wake today.
We need to make sure that hirers clean up after themselves, perhaps we can make up a checklist that they run through but we could reserve the right to get a professional cleaner if a booking left the hall in a poor state.Stella to liaise with Gary. Still in Progress.
Media team to check out the Wedding Extravaganza at Westpoint and look to promoting the hall for more weddings.







Alex/Toni/Jess
Future events

Kitchen launch party: Evening Drinks on Friday 20th February, to invite the village and all the contractors to celebrate our new kitchen. Went through the invite list and extended the invites to friends of the hall, sponsors, individuals/businesses that have gifted time/gifts/money to the hall. 
Divvied up the nibbles –  Alex to do Cheese and Grapes on sticks, Claire to do Ritz with Smoked Salmon/Philly & Cucumber and Cocktail Sausages. Sure doing goats cheese and beetroot. Mozz, tomato, basil bellinis – Jess. Vegan food from Clare Chapman. Claire to get cordials and fancy non Alcoholic drinks. Millie will bring some food too. Bill making little spinach pies.
Friday 6th March – Environment Talk (Vicky). Toni making a Poster.
Saturday 14th March – Village Halls Week/Mothers day breakfast. Jess to coordinate.
Thanks to Nicky Wakeley for the Orchid talk – turnout of about 15/16 people but received very good feedback all round. Toni suggested doing a follow up in a few months to see improvements in their Orchids.
Future events:talks: Hardy wine talk / gardening talk / Environment talk (Vicky)Coffee and Cake in 28th Feb – for Devon Air Ambulance.  Easter Bingo 28th March 2026 – Commitments made by Toni, Alex, Claire, Jess for the 28th to be present/on the door.
Father’s Day 21st June 2026
11th July – Live Music, Exeter Street Band and BBQ.
Flower and Produce Show 1st August 2026
Gittisham Fete 5th Sept 2026
Bill suggested a Gardeners Question Time. Halloween party for Kids – Jess Hosting.
To be booked Sat 31st October 10-2?
Burns night 2027 – Sat 23rd Jan 2027.  
Nick to book the caller for next year. Claire to book the bagpiper.









All





Jess



All
AOBNone

   MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
Sewerage and drainage pipe replacement
Air to air heat pump 
Re-fit audio visual capabilities
Rewiring of cabling, particularly in the loft
Extractor fans in kitchen
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Internal repaint including / especially ceiling
Boxing in the boiler/electrics in the kitchen – Bill
Bin Store
Sound Deadening Clouds/equipment to make it less echo-ey.
Stage Curtains and for the other end of the hall to sound deaden
Taps in the mens toilets and hooks on the doors in toilets.
Murals in the toilets – Maggie/Claire exploring

Village Hall Committee January 2026

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Date Monday 12th January 2026
Present Stella, Damian, Nick, Claire, Toni, Bill, Jess & Alex
Apologies Maggie
Next meet Next meeting: Monday 9th February 7:30pm – Village Hall
ItemDetailsActions
All actionsNew actions:Painting booked in 19th and 20th Feb for the main hall. Claire Contacted EDDC to follow up about food hygiene inspection once the Kitchen is finished.Stella to continue chasing the Charities commission about the change to our Governance – in Springtime

Formal thank you to be sent to Carla for her amazing support and getting rid of the old kitchen waste for free. Claire sending a card and wine.
Old actions: 

Damian to give Alex permission to negotiate with Eon.
N/A
Claire


Stella

Alex/Damian
Committee members and governance

Devon Communities Together Meeting: Next meeting in Awliscombe on 20th January. Alex will be attending. Claire gave feedback of thanks to the Volunteers of DCT.
Discussed recruiting more Committee Members to help with fundraising events. Claire to put it in the Gazette and Alex to post on Facebook calling for new Committee Members. 
Policies: Stella has redrafted DCT policies – Stella to run through the Health and Safety Policy with the committee and to run through the financial policies with Damian.
Alex
Claire/Alex
All
FinanceDamian: Circulated this month’s report.Damian raised that we need to predict our fundraising target ahead of the year end to aim for break even. Hoping for reduced energy payments to help as it has cost a lot less than last winter (£300 a month down to £100) but it is still close to the line. 
Damian raised that Community Kitchen is no longer funded by our anonymous benefactor and it only just covered the hall hire cost. The subject of Community Kitchen was discussed as we no longer have the grant or the benefactor. All agreed that it is integral for the hall. All agreed as a motion that we will not be charging Community Kitchen for hall hire and making a commitment as a Committee to raise more money to cover the cost of CK. 
The Annual Returns have been submitted with Geraldine Coates. Awaiting notification that Geraldine has actioned this. 
Income/Expenditure, started the year at £5,571.27. Set to complete at circa £5,634. We do need fundraising to keep on track for break even.It was discussed that Alex and Toni will be advertising the hall aggressively once the works are complete and it looks beautiful and finished. To conclude, huge thanks to Damian for his financial management and projections, ideas and concerns raised and for his regular and appreciated hard work as our trusted Treasurer. 
Redwood account is on its was to be shut down and moved to an online-friendly provider. The Committee took a vote on which provider to move to and unanimously decided to proceed with Virgin Money as our new bank for our savings.Insurance has been sorted out – thank you Damian. Full notes on Finance attached below.		Damian
Grants

Alex: To meet with EDDC to report back on the grant application

Alex

MaintenanceFire Assessment: Completed in December and done. Jess as Secretary has the hard copies.
Fire extinguishers have been serviced by Chubb
Cleaning. Some complaints received about the level of cleanliness despite more time being requested from current cleaning arrangements. Agreed to explore other options. Jim? 
Claire raised the gutter at the back and was overspilling when it wasn’t raining heavily. The rear skylight needs to be cleaned. – Russell has a telescopic cleanerA couple of posts have rotted on the rear fence and need replacing. 
We require smaller grills on the outdoor vents. Claire to purchase.
Discussed the plaster work on the wall by the stage – going to get 2 more quotes but keen to cover it for the March wedding booking. To be discussed in February.
Need a hole boxing in in the ceiling of the kitchen. Jess to ask Mike to do it on an hourly rate.





Claire


Claire
BookingsThe committee acknowledged with deep sadness the passing of local ex hall committee member Doris and the contribution she made to the running of the hall and local village life. All agreed should the family wish to use the hall for her wake we would be delighted to offer the hall FOC.
We need to make sure that hirers clean up after themselves, perhaps we can make up a checklist that they run through but we could reserve the right to get a professional cleaner if a booking left the hall in a poor state.Stella to liaise with Gary
Advertising for the Hall needs to restart to boost our bookings once the Hall is picture ready and get more details for wedding vendors (catering/florists/entertainment) to be able to put together. Discussed putting a launch article in the midweek herald. Jess/Toni/Alex to launch Instagram and create a longer term marketing strategy.

We have sadly lost our regular booking of Marjorie Madge as she has now retired – and thank her for her years of custom. We do have a new regular booking that will replace the income we’ve lost.  Stella requested that all bookings please come directly through her to keep things simple.




Stella






Jess/Toni/Alex







All
Future eventsBurns night 24th Jan: Caller is booked for Burns night. Nick has been organising. Toni to make a poster. Nick to provide details of the event to Toni. Last year we charged £8 per head. |We agree to charge £10 this time. BYOB. Alex, Claire, Bill, Nick will be on hand to help.Coffee and Cake on the 31st Jan – Gary and AlexTalks in Feb– Orchids by Nicky Wakeley (6th Feb) and Environmental (Vicky) (27th Feb). Nick to coordinate. Toni to prepare postersKitchen launch party: Evening Drinks on Friday 20th February, to invite the village and all the contractors to celebrate our new kitchen. Toni to make a poster/invitation please. Easter Bingo 28th March 2026 – Commitments made by Toni, Alex, Claire, Jess, Nick to be present/on the door.
Potential future events:SkittlesAutumn talks: Hardy wine talk / gardening talk / glass/– Maggie asking Nic. / Father’s Day 21st June 2026Flower and Produce Show 1st August 2026Gittisham Fete 5th Sept 2026Bill suggested a Gardeners Question Time. 
Toni/Alex to look at targeting local gardening groups for the feb talks. Maybe make personalised invitations. Also investigate Honiton U3A
Last year we agreed the church could have 3 days free for the flower show and harvest festival – majority agreed to do the same again. 
Discussed getting a full bar licence instead of the short term ones we currently do to appeal to more potential customers. 

NickToni
Gary/AlexNick


All














Toni
AOBNone

   MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
Sewerage and drainage pipe replacement
Air to air heat pump 
Re-fit audio visual capabilities
Rewiring of cabling, particularly in the loft
Extractor fans in kitchen
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Internal repaint including / especially ceiling
Boxing in the boiler/electrics in the kitchen – Bill
Bin Store
Sound Deadening Clouds/equipment to make it less echo-ey.
Stage Curtains and for the other end of the hall to sound deaden
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2025 to 31 March 2026Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2025 to 31 March 2026
INCOME11th January 2026EXPENDITURE11th January 2026
2024/2580.5% of 2025/262025/262024/2580.5% of 2025/262025/26
Balance b/fwd£5,571.27Insurance£723.73£582.60£959.73
Non-domestic rates£0.00£0.00£0.00
Hire of Hall£5,828.56£4,691.99£4,361.06Cleaning/grass cutting£1,901.59£1,530.78£832.15
Social Events£5,782.76£4,655.12£6,607.10Maintenance/Equipment£45,022.20£40,745.09£23,855.90
Interest£0.00£0.00Water/Gas/Electric£3,039.75£2,447.00£1,689.19
Miscellaneous£43,476.90£34,998.90£33,768.00Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)£2,457.59£1,978.36£5,151.18
£55,088.22£44,346.02£44,736.16£53,144.86£47,283.83£32,488.15
Balance£17,819.28
Total£50,307.43£50,307.43
Reserves
Redwood Deposit A/C TBC (awaiting access)£15,169.20£10,185.00 transferred
Amount to be confirmed, including annual interest payment and date
Cash Float £90.30 (previously £990.30)£4,257.05

Gittisham Parish Council Local Plan Submission

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EDDC LOCAL PLAN 2nd REG 19 CONSULTATION

SUBMISSION BY GITTISHAM PC

This is the submission that was made on behalf of Gittisham Parish Council.

The consultation period has now expired.

“The Gittisham Parish Council has consistently challenged the allocation of land for residential and industrial development on land to the west of Hayne Lane. The GPC have submitted as part of the 1St  Reg19 consultation a wide range of objections to the allocations Gitti-03/04 and 05.

The lack of detailed and robust infrastructure and viability assessments  to support the delivery of proposed allocations has been an area of concern which has been previously raised by Gittisham Parish Council directly with EDDC. It is clear that sustainability has been sacrificed in order to meet housing and employment targets.

The additional evidence now provided as part of the 2nd Reg 19 Consultation raises additional concerns regarding the allocation of residential and industrial land in unsustainable locations.

It is also noted that an updated East devon Local Plan Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) has been submitted as additional evidence as part of 2nd Reg 19 consultation. 

The opening comments within that document state:

Infrastructure delivery is fundamental to supporting sustainable development. Strategic and well-planned infrastructure ensures that new developments contribute positively to community needs and objectives. Developments lacking appropriate infrastructure risk being suboptimal or unacceptable and may result in environmental harm. Comprehensively understanding infrastructure requirements and establishing robust delivery mechanisms is crucial for substantiating the Local Plan, informing planning documents, guiding Community Infrastructure Levy allocations, and supporting broader council initiatives.

It is against the background of this statement together with the additional evidence to be found in the Waste Cycle Study Nov 2025 (additional evidence to support 2nd Reg 19 Consultation) that Gittisham Parish Council wish to reaffirm in this 2nd Reg 19 Consultation the objections previously made to the proposed allocations Gitti-03/04/05, and to submit that Honiton is not a sustainable location for the level of residential and industrial development being promoted.

Prior to the publication of the Water Cycle Study (WCS) the Environment Agency (EA) in response to the EDDC Sustainability Appraisal (Feb 2025 page 77) expressed concerns about the Sustainability Appraisals “limited focus” on “….sewage capacity”. They also advised policies (in the new Local Plan) should “require proof of sewage infrastructure adequacy prior to any development approval” and also that “policies must explicitly tie development phasing to infrastructure delivery”. These concerns have now been confirmed.

It is submitted that the findings contained within the Water Cycle Study together with the concerns of the EA, seriously undermine the likelihood of the Honiton allocations coming forward within the plan period. Looking in detail at the Water Cycle Study the current waste discharges into the River Otter at Honiton are significantly exceeding capacity and, that to meet the requirements resulting from the housing allocations alone at Honiton (including Gitti-05) would require an increase in capacity at the Honiton STW  of 73%. That capacity would also have to be increased further as a result of the 15 ha industrial allocation at Gitti-03/04.

It is notable that there is an absence of any SWW investment programme to provide any improvements at the Honiton STW. The level of investment required to address existing and future demands cannot be financed from developer contributions alone. Given the current and projected capacity issues at this STW together with the absence of any investment strategy by SWW, and in parallel with other known existing infrastructure deficiencies, it is submitted that Honiton cannot be regarded as a sustainable location for the scale of development that the Local Plan is promoting.

Although the IDP and WCS are not part of the emerging Local Plan the IDP is “crucial for substantiating the Local Plan” (IDP para 1.2). Given its shortcomings the IDP clearly fails to perform this “crucial” task and, consequently challenges the soundness of the Local Plan.

In the absence of there being a clear and robust viability assessment for each of the major Honiton allocations and particularly those allocations Gitti-03/04/05, and in the light of the new evidence, in particular the IDP and WCS, forming part of the 2nd Reg 19 Consultation, the Gittisham Parish Council continues to raise its objections to the continuing allocations of Gitti-03/04/05 for employment and housing purposes and to object in general to Strategic Policy SD03 : Honiton and its development allocations, as the evidence supports the opinion that Honiton is not a sustainable location for the scale of development proposed.”

Cllr David Valentine

February 2026

Welcome Pack for New Residents

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Compiled by Councillor Pester, Gittisham Parish Council is delighted to release this welcome guide for new residents. We hope this helps you settle into our wonderful parish! If you would like a physical copy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Welcome Pack

Village Hall Committee November 2025

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Date Monday 10th November 2025
Present Stella, Claire, Damian, Maggie & Alex
Apologies Nick, Toni, Jess and Bill
Next meet Next meeting: Monday 8th December 7:30pm – Village Hall
ItemDetailsActions
All actionsNew actions:Kitchen Refurb – Kitchen has been ordered, Stella made some small adjustments £16,261.20 is the total cost excluding building works.Deposit to be paid when invoice is received Stella is liaising with builders to get quotes for the building works and obtaining dates for kitchen delivery and how we minimise disruption to hirers.Thanks to Bill & Gary for their work in boxing in the Boiler and Consumer units.New Freezer has been purchased – delivery date tbc 
Thanks to Stuart for painting the kitchen ceiling more coats to take place soon, the committee discussed painting the main hall.

Claire Contacted EDDC to follow up about food hygiene inspectionStella to continue chasing the Charities commission about the change to our Governance 
Old actions: 

Damian to give Alex permission to negotiate with Eon.Claire raised that we expect an inspection to be booked fairly soon regarding the Food H&S Standards. Likely to be in Q3/Q4 2025 – Ongoing

StellaDamianStella
Claire 
AllClaire


AlexDamianClaire
Committee members and governance

DCT Meeting: Next meeting in Awliscombe in January 
DCT VCSE Meeting:  Claire was invited to give feedback to DCT about their help and support.

Policies: Stella has redrafted DCT policies – Stella to run through the Health and Safety Policy with the committee and to run through the financial policies with Damian 

Stella

All
FinanceDamian: Circulated this month’s report.Highlights: Received monies from the Lottery Grant £20,000There has been a transfer of 10,185 from the Redwood account. There are still 15,169.20 in the Redwood.There is a good balance for the Kitchen works but any costs over £23,000 may push us into a loss for the financial year.Open Mic made a small profitInsurance is yet to be paid – Damian to contact Cleaning and Grass cutting is lower this year around which is good. It is difficult to bank the cash as there are limited HSBC banks open these days. Damian to order a bank card for paying- in purposes only.Income includes income from the sponsorship towards the Christmas Bonanza.  
Damain will catch up on his pending actions, and will bring a proposal on bank accounts to the next meeting.Damian to complete the Annual report for the charities commission. Claire asked if the Cleaning time could be expanded 		Damian
GrantsLottery Grant was successful, treasurer and committee to look into the terms and conditions. Quotations are being put together, Damian would like to be contacted if it’s over £20,000

Alex: To meet with EDDC to report back on the grant application
Damian


Alex

MaintenanceFire Assessment: from Chubb would be £500 so Claire found another company that would complete one at a lower price – £280 The whole committee agreed for it to go ahead and the inspection takes place in December.
Fire extinguishers have been serviced by Chubb
Claire raised the gutter at the back and was overspilling when it wasn’t raining heavily. The rear skylight needs to be cleaned. – Russell has a telescopic cleanerA couple of posts have rotted on the rear fence and need replacing. 
We require smaller grills on the outdoor vents. Claire to purchase.


All


AlexClaire


Claire
BookingsWe need to make sure that hirers clean up after themselves, perhaps we can make up a checklist that they run through but we could reserve the right to get a professional cleaner if a booking left the hall in a poor state.Stella to liaise with Gary
Advertising for the Hall needs to restart to boost our bookings.
Some of the hiring prices from Hall master had some anomalies so this has been rectified. 
The Halloween party had great feedback and it was great to have a children’s aimed event. We would like this to be a blueprint for next year.


Stella


Alex/Toni
Stella
Future events
29th November Bingo booked – Xmas crafts in the morning, Xmas cake sale in the afternoon followed by bingo.Some fantastic sponsors arranged by Claire Assistance is needed to Decorate on Friday 28th. Alex to ask Gary about helping with Coffee and Cake?Alcohol free mauled wine Helpers in the Kitchen to be requestedClaire has asked for support or someone to take on Easter Bingo.It was agreed to sell raffle tickets beforehand as long as there is a nominated person to receive their price on the night. All confirmed.
Monday 8th December – Committee Christmas Meal (instead of the December Meeting).Bike Talk – Hamish potentially to give one in the futureNew Years Eve – Community Kitchen plus music 

Potential future events:Skittles?Autumn talks: Hardy wine talk / gardening talk / glass/Orchid talk – Maggie asking Nic. / Environment talk (Vicky) 
Burns Night 24th January 2026Kitchen Warming EventEaster Bingo 28th March 2026Father’s Day 21st June 2026Flower and Produce Show 1st August 2026Gittisham Fete 5th Sept 2026


All
AOBNone

   MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
Sewerage and drainage pipe replacement
Air to air heat pump 
Re-fit audio visual capabilities
Rewiring of cabling, particularly in the loft
Extractor fans in kitchen
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Internal repaint including / especially ceiling
Boxing in the boiler/electrics in the kitchen – Bill
Bin Store

Gittisham Gazette January 2026

by
What’s On
at the Village Hall  
Happy New Year Gittisham!

24th Jan Burns Night. 7pm.
£10 BYOB.
Do book tickets as this
event always sells out!

31st Jan Coffee and Cake
2.30 – 4.30pm.  
We look forward to welcoming
you to this much-loved event!
Cakes and bakes always
gratefully received,
and we are happy to
reimburse costs.

6th Feb. 7pm Evening Talk
by Nic Wakely on the Wonderful
world of Orchids. £3 to include refreshments.

20th Feb. 7pm Kitchen
warming evening..
details to follow

28th March. 7pm.
Easter Bingo
21st June Fathers Day BBQ
1st August
Flower & Produce Show
5th Sept
Gittisham Village Fete

Weekly
Folk Dancing Weds evenings
Community Kitchen Thurs eve
Yoga Friday afternoons                                                                       Church 200 Club December
Draw Results  
1st A Valentine
2nd J Barrett
3rd M Tawse  

The christmas draw winner  
B Garrood  

Natter and Nibbles at
Gittisham Farm
February 14th 10-12 Raffle,
memorabilia of Gittisham and refreshments.
All funds towards our church.  

Holy Dusters Needed
Can you spare
a little time at
your convenience?
Cleaning products are in the
church by the vestry door.
Thank you.    		  As we look ahead to the new year, we’re excited to say that the village hall calendar is already bursting with plans! We have a fantastic mix of events lined up, including quizzes, interesting talks, bingo nights, live music, and plenty more besides — there’s something for everyone, and probably a few surprises along the way too. The hall upgrades are steaming ahead with the final flourishes being added to the brand new shiny kitchen. Work has been steadily progressing over the Christmas period and we are grateful to the local tradespeople for so kindly rolling with the hiccups, and keeping the project on time and reducing the impact to our regular hall bookings. To celebrate, we’re planning a kitchen warming event and would love for you to come along, see the transformation, and enjoy the results of the support that has made it all possible.

Towards the end of the month the actual hall will enjoy a refresh thanks to the generous support of an amazing team of brush wielding painting volunteers. We are all excited to see the hall glowing again! Behind the scenes, we’re a fun, kind and very friendly committee who genuinely enjoy working together to keep the hall buzzing. We’re always happy to welcome new committee members, whether you have lots of ideas, a little time, or just a willingness to get involved. There’s absolutely no pressure to do more than you’re able — every contribution helps — and it’s a great way to engage with the community, meet new people, and build lasting friendships (tea and biscuits are usually involved). gittishamvillagehall@gmail.com

 

PARISH COUNCIL – DEC 25 / JAN 26 REPORT

Four councillors met for the December meeting along with Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) and Richard Jefferies (DCC). Seven met for the January meeting, along with one member of the public, PCSO Darren England & Sgt Jenny Palmer.

Police visit. The police explained how crimes are recorded, in response to concern from councillors that there appeared to be a rise in the amount of crimes categorised as violence and sexual offences. Sgt Palmer said that Devon & Cornwall Police have changed how they report crimes, and often sexual offences are reported a long time after they happen – sometimes years later – because victims are reluctant to come forward. PCSO England added that the large increase in properties in the parish would unfortunately bring with it a rise in incidents, so the growth in the crime figures was to be expected. The officers provided advice on how to secure sheds and recommended getting the serial numbers of items such as power tools and bikes recorded. They suggested visiting the website www.securedbydesign.com for further information. They also cautioned against leaving keyless entry for a car near the front door, as criminals have methods of picking up the signal and stealing the vehicle.

Crimes.

September 2025: Meadow Acre: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Hedge Field Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Hamett Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Laburnum Close: 1 x other theft

October 2025: Meadow Acre: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Parsonage Lane: 1 x anti-social behaviour, Nether Close: 1 x public order, Aspen Close: 1 x anti-social behavior

November 2025: Beech Walk, 1 x criminal damage and arson, Hodges Close, 1 x drugs, 1 x violence & sexual offences, Nags Head Road, 1 x violence & sexual offences

Donations. Members agreed to donate money to Force, Diabetes UK, TRIP, Citizens Advice and Hospiscare.

Finance. Members agreed the budget for 2026/27 and the parish precept was increased by 2 per cent to £11,145.79.

Planning applications.

a) 25/2524/FUL – Shermans Farm Gittisham EX14 3AU- Covered FYM store

b) 25/2570/PDQ – Stockers Gittisham EX14 3AN – Prior approval (class Q) for change of use from agricultural building to 2no. dwelling houses (use class C3)

Councillors resolved to have no objections to either application.

Road closures. 16-21 March Exeter Road west of Sidmouth Road: overnight closure for patching, lining and cleaning.

Flooding. Alex Rowe said he had met EDDC’s Engineering Projects Manager for a productive walk of the village watercourse to identify problem areas and discuss possible solutions.

Chair’s resignation. Carol Hall said she would not be standing for re-election as Chair in May 2026, and would be resigning from the parish council from that date.

EDDC Local Plan. Councillors discussed likely scenarios, should East Devon’s Local Plan be found to be unsound at the enquiry in public. Having taken advice from a planning consultant on behalf of the parish council, David Valentine said it would be ok to continue with GPC’s objections to the land allocations. (There had been concern that any challenge to the plan, if the enquiry inspector was supportive and the Local Plan fails at the enquiry stage, will essentially give an open door to developers.)

Hayne Farm. Andrea Rye said EDDC would be visiting the development to understand whether or not

the wildlife planning obligations are being met.

Next meeting. 5th February 2026 at 7.30pm in the parish room.

You can see the full parish council minutes on the Gittisham website, along with other information about the parish. www.gittisham.org.uk

Gittisham Village Hall Report 2025

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As this year draws to a close we wanted to reflect on the extraordinary year it has been!

Over the past 12 months, our village hall has been quietly building sustainability and whole

community engagement, having had some success with grant applications with both Devon

County Council and the National Lottery. We’ve gone greener with solar panels, warmer with

full window replacements to double-glazed units and loft insulation, and safer with new secure

doors. Inside, the toilets have enjoyed a refresh with a fresh coat of paint and shiny new hand

dryers, while behind the scenes a commercial fridge is already in place, and a freezer is on its

way (cool news indeed). Outside, the garden has had a glow-up too, with new shrubs,

colourful perennials and over 1,000 bulbs planted—expect a springtime showstopper. We have

also added some new benches, one that will accommodated users in wheelchairs. We’re also

part-way through installing a brand-new commercial kitchen, due to be finished early in the

new year. And we’re not stopping there: plans are already lined up to carry this great work

into 2026, with painters ready to give the main hall itself a fresh new look.

It’s been a truly buzzing year on the social front, with a packed programme of events that

were all enthusiastically supported (thank you for keeping the kettle permanently busy).

Burns Night was a sell-out, the much-anticipated Cabaret more than lived up to expectations,

and Easter Bingo proved that competitive instincts don’t take holidays. We fired up the grills

for a fabulous Father’s Day BBQ, enjoyed an exciting live music event, shortly followed by

our own Open Mic night, and welcomed well-attended evening talks from local speakers. The

Village Fete drew visitors from far and wide—and quite possibly set a hall record for cups of

tea served in one afternoon. Add in quizzes for the fiercely competitive and the cheerfully

clueless, our much-loved coffee and cake afternoons, a lively Christmas Bingo, and a

wonderfully supported Christmas Craft Fair for local makers: it’s fair to say the hall has

been full of laughter, conversation, and community spirit all year long.

Alongside our packed calendar of organised social events, the Parish Hall has continued to be

a popular choice for private hire, playing host to family parties, pop up restaurants, milestone

celebrations and last year, 3 glorious weddings!

It’s wonderful to see the hall so well used -clearly its not just a building, it is where the

community choose to come together to celebrate

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our wonderful local community for the

continued support throughout the year, including the local business community who have

gifted many items making these projects possible. From turning up in great numbers to our

events, to lending a hand setting them up and clearing away and helping with the ongoing

improvement works at the hall, your time, energy and enthusiasm make everything possible.

The village hall truly thrives because of the people who use it, support it and care about it –

and we couldn’t do it with you!

We’re already busy behind the scenes putting together a fun-filled programme of events for

the year ahead. Much-loved favourites will be making a welcome return, alongside some

exciting new ideas that we can’t wait to share with you. It’s shaping up to be another great

year at the village hall, with something for everyone – so keep an eye out for dates, dust off

your diary, and get ready to join in the fun!

Gittisham Gazette December 2025

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 Gittisham GazetteDecember 2025
What’s On                        
at the Village Hall  		 
Pierre’s Café      Sunday 14th Dec













New Year’s Eve Community Kitchen Party
Weekly
Fitness class Tuesday mornings

Folk Dancing Weds evenings

Community Kitchen Thurs eve

Yoga Friday afternoons








Church 200 Club November Draw Results  
1st J Broadhurst
2nd S Wensley
3rd L Reilly    


Christmas Gathering at Gittisham Farm 13th December 10-12 Prize for the best Christmas jumper  

 


Pierre’s Café 14th December Menu £25 French Onion Soup with croutons. Chicken Blanquette, chestnuts and parship gratin or Vegan Wellington. French Yule Log cake. Book in advance 07545 214940 		Dear friends and supporters of our parish hall, thank you to all of you who came and supported our Christmas Bonaza day! We have had lots of fun decorating the hall!  Thank you to Isla for decorating the Christmas tree so beautifully. It has been wonderful to hear so many of you marvel at the glorious Gittisham halo and we will be very sad when it has to come down!    Thanks to your support we had a very busy craft fair in the morning with many of the crafters asking if they can book a table for next year! Let us know what you think of the idea.    The coffee and cake afternoon really was a lovely genteel affair with the very finest offerings from the talented Gittisham bakers. If you haven’t ever been to one of these events, you really should try one! They attract quite a following of friendly regulars!    At the opposite end of the scale was the hotly anticipated Xmas Bingo and mega raffle! …..What can I say! We were absolutely full to the rafters! Sarah Abbotts beautiful hand packed and picked chicken dinner hampers were an absolute thing of beauty and hotly contested. We were delighted to see Wolfie win the Gittisham lottery! Huge thanks to professional caller Marty for a great evening!   As well as enjoying enormous community support throughout the day we were very generously supported by the local business community. Snows Toyota, funded all the bingo prizes and many local business gifted incredible raffle prizes, including The Pig, Combe Estate, Combe Garden Centre, Drakes Plumbing and many many more.    Thanks to your support and theirs, our Bonanza Day raised over £1000. That really is an incredible result and we thank you all. This money will go towards kitting out our new kitchen which is now on order, with installation planned over the Christmas and new year period. Your support and engagement with hall events has enabled us to make some major hall improvements this year including the new kitchen.   We would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and healthy new year. We look forward to welcoming you back to the hall in early 2026 with what we hope will be a kitchen warming party! Watch this space!    Gittisham Parish Hall Committee  

St Michael’s Church Services   Please note Gittisham Festive Carols is a separate event from St Michael’s Carol Service. In addition, there are two Advent services this month as below   Sunday Dec 7th 11am Morning Worship, Advent Prayers and Reflections, Lighting the Advent Candle   Sunday Dec 14th 11am Holy Communion




Making Space for Hope this Christmas ‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all. Emily Dicikenson   Image from the Annunciation by Fra Fillipo Lippi Christmas comes but once a year but ‘New Year’ in the Church comes sooner! In fact, on Advent Sunday, which marks the beginning of a new cycle in the Church’s calendar. When it’s not unusual for the minister to greet the congregation by wishing them ‘Happy New Year!’ Traditionally Advent is when the Church prepares to celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. It’s time of hope and joyful expectation. A time when we recall how Mary carried the Christ Child in her womb. And to reflect on how we are called to carry the hope and light of Christ in our world today. Even when times may be difficult. Even where there is war, famine and weeping, as there was 2,000 years ago in the world that Jesus was born into and there is still today.

So I’d like to invite you this Advent, to pause from the busyness of your preparations for Christmas, to make room, as Mary made room in her body, to reflect and wonder at the miracle, the gift of life in our time. Perhaps to come and light a candle in church or wherever you find a safe and quiet space. Perhaps to say a prayer for peace in our world, or to pray for friends and neighbours, for family present and absent, near and far. Or perhaps, simply to sit quietly and enjoy the peace and beauty of our ancient parish church where generations before, have come to worship, to kneel before the crib and wonder at the mystery of God, the Creator of the Universe, come among us in the form of an infant child. And so may God bless you all richly this coming Christmas, Julia Barrett. Licensed Lay Minister.





























PARISH COUNCIL – NOVEMBER 2025 REPORT

Six councillors met for the November meeting along with Cllr Richard Jefferies (DCC).

Superfast broadband. Alex Rowe reported that the original proposal to lay a micro-trench across fields from the

garden centre was now in doubt, as part of this land is in EDDC’s allocation for the local plan. The owner of Radio Fibre is considering an alternative route. Councillors expressed a collective sigh that progress on installing superfast broadband appears once again to be running into issues.

Libraries. Richard Jefferies reported that DCC is carrying out a public consultation about the future of its library service. The county council has 50 libraries, run by the charity Libraries Unlimited, alongside a Home Library Service and outreach programmes. No libraries will close under the proposals, which are designed to save money in the face of rising costs. The consultation includes suggestions to reduce and ‘standardise’ opening hours and options to extend opening hours through additional volunteering by using technology and the potential introduction of community-managed libraries.

Footpaths. Councillors discussed with Richard Jefferies the possibility of him taking Gittisham’s proposal to support a footpath from Hayne Lane to the Otter Inn to his Highway and Traffic Orders Committee (HATOC, which meets quarterly). All agreed that as one of the few amenities in the area, people should be supported to walk there safely. The clerk said that West Hill PC have recently carried out a small highway improvement, and may be willing to share their experience with the parish.

Glyphosate. Alasdair Bruce (East Devon District councillor) was not able to attend, but in his absence he sent a report outlining a range of issues. He explained that EDDC, along with DCC, are considering overturning a local ban on the use of glyphosate (a non-selective herbicide). This has come about after public complaints concerning overgrown roadside verges. Alasdair said that as a committed naturalist and beekeeper, he strongly opposes what he sees as a potential retrograde step. The evidence is clear on the long-term hazards associated with this chemical, he said, especially the devastating impact it has on the little-seen elements of our wildlife. However he said he was confident that common sense will prevail, and that this request will be dismissed.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances.

Crimes. August 2025: Parsonage Lane: 1 x other theft. Hedge Field Close: 1 x anti-social behaviour, 1 x violence & sexual offences

Planning applications. a) 25/1857/VAR – 1 Hamlett Close, Gittisham EX14 3FR – Variation of Condition 1 (approved plans), on planning permission 24/2200/FUL (Conversion of existing garage to living accommodation, with first floor extension over), to make the project more accessible to a disabled person. Councillors resolved to have no objections to a).

Interpretation boards. Gary Pester outlined further details on the two interpretation boards which the parish

council is considering installing at two sites in the village. This is to provide visitors to the parish with information on facilities and some local history in an attractive format, similar to boards in Ottery and Budleigh Salterton.

Next meeting. 11 th December 2025 at 7.30pm in the parish room.

You can see the full parish council minutes on the Gittisham website, along with other

information about the parish. www.gittisham.org.uk

Gittisham Gazette November 2025

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 Gittisham GazetteNovember 2025
What’s On at the Village Hall  A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council
Race Night   Sat 8th November
prize for best dressed
Pierre’s Café      Sunday 9th Nov


Christmas Events Day 29th November


Craft Fair 10am
Coffee&Cake 2.30pm
Bingo 7pm

Weekly Fitness class

Tuesday mornings

Folk Dancing Weds evenings

Community Kitchen Thurs eve

Yoga Friday afternoons                                                                      
Church 200 Club October Draw Results  
1st Prize J Bramley
2nd Prize H Hayman
3rd Prize J Twist    
Natter & Nibbles On Saturday 8th November from 10-12 is
Natter & Nibbles at
Gittisham Farmhouse with raffle
& refreshments!
Donations so no entry fee and
anyone welcome!  
 


Pierre’s Café More autumn colours this month with chicken in red wine and tomato sauce and a vegan roast – both gluten free. Booking 07545 214940

















Dear friends and supporters of our parish hall, we hope that you are all keeping well and starting to look forward to this festive period ahead! Thank you to all who came to the Open Mic night! Lots of fun and laughter were had! You may be pleased to know we have plans for more, so dig out that old violin and get practising!   We need to apologise in advance for getting the Christmas decs out rather early this year! This is due to our fantastic Christmas events day on November 29th kindly and aptly sponsored by Snows! (Toyota garage). The first event of the day will start at 10am with the hall’s first ever Christmas Craft Fair! We will have a hall full of local crafters and makers with tables brimming with unique gifts. If you hate shopping as much as me, this could well be the event for you! Come and support your local artisans and start your Christmas shopping early with us! Refreshments will be available, cash and card payments taken.   2.30-4.30 Coffee and Cake! much loved event and missed last month due to a private booking. Come and join us, where a warm welcome awaits and some magnificent bakes!   7pm Christmas Bingo, a real highlight of our calendar! As well as some wonderful festive bingo prizes we have been really fortunate to have the very generous support from many local businesses who have gifted us some truly fabulous raffle prizes! These include Combe Estate with a load of logs, a box of wine from The Pig (perhaps worth more than my car!), massage voucher, gas boiler service voucher from Drakes Plumbing, Lego Advent Calendar and many many more.   We would be delighted to welcome you to these events, the last fundraising events of this year! We would also love to hear from you should you be interested in joining us or have any event ideas or feedback you would like to share.    Gittishamvillagehall@gmail.com



St Michael’s Church Services   Remembrance Sunday Nov 9th Act of Remembrance 10.45 am at the Lychgate followed by Holy Communion in Church   Sunday November 23rd at 11am ‘Making Room for the Christ Child’ Advent Sunday Nov 30th 11am at St Paul’s, Honiton Holy Communion with Archdeacon Andrew as visiting celebrant  

St Michael’s Church Helen Hayman   Thank you to all those who helped at and participated in the harvest event. We raised £750 at the Harvest Supper. The church looked amazing with all the beautiful arrangements and thank you for the generous donations of produce. Thank you to Sara Trumper and her team for a delicious supper and to Carol Hall for the flower decorations on tables laid out for 70 people. A wonderful evening, so special and thanks too to Len Abbott for being a great auctioneer. The harvest service was well attended and rounded off a weekend of celebrations.


November 8th is Gittisham race night! Gittisham village hall 7pm Prize for best dressed Lady & Gent! (optional!) No booking required, bar & snacks available! 7 pm.
So come cheer on your favourite horse, win your fortune!
Everyone welcome!

Information from Helen! 07806480246    

A Thank You Card from Rev’d Sue
Thank you for all the kindness and generosity you showed me at my last service last Sunday, The music was sublime, the sun shone, the church was full -so many faces of friends and so many memories to treasure as I move on. And then tea -again a joyous and generous affair, Needless to say, I was bowled over by the very bountiful cheque you gave me! Thank you so very much! … All of you at Gittisham will continue to hold a place deep in my heart after nearly almost 20 years. And it goes without saying that I will always remember you in my prayers…with love, grateful thanks & many blessings for the future, Sue.
If you would like to read Sue’s message in full, the card will be on the lectern in church for a week or so

HARVEST EDUCATION Helen Hayman

After lots of preparation from Insurance to risk assessment & working out different stations of learning around the farm along with every day equipment & sensory items, also my worksheet!  A coach arrived in the farmyard on 8 th October with 18 reception children from Feniton Primary school!

9.15 am, colourful welly boots & waterproof overalls with backpacks full of snacks the excited children stepped off the bus, welcomed by myself they then placed their items on the chairs in our converted Grain Bin (ideal as a classroom!)
First place to explain all about Our Harvest now & in the past was the mown grass field overlooking the apple orchard past the pumpkin patch! So, we acted out cutting the grass, raking & drying then storing it! Followed by pretending to guide the horses with the hand plough (of course beside the big red tractor, always a class photo opportunity!) so to prepare the soil for next year’s crops!

We then pretended to pick the apples, all then in a large circle following myself (teachers too!) to squash the apples going both directions! Next the barn had grain to feel, along with cattle meal made in our mill & maize stalks that we all stood tall growing with it, of course we then acted out the scarecrow!

Finally we visited the calves, cows in calf & the Dairy cows around the robot milkers which was their highlight as we stood for a while studying them, inquisitive creatures they were (cows!) loved the photo opportunity & attention!
Finally the box of goodies was handed over & we waved goodbye until next year to the children!
(yes the team here at Gittisham Farm, even the vet who was here on routine visit loved listening to the chatter & answering the many great questions from the little ones! They are always so honest!

In and Around the Churchyard Julia Barrett

A Big ‘Thank you’ to the Brimbles!

Getting ready for Remembrance

What has caught the attention of our beloved clergy? What might Rev’d Sue be saying?

Answers by email to Editor of Around the Parishes at   by Sunday 23 November.

Gittisham Parish Council OCTOBER 2025 REPORT

Four councillors met for the October meeting along with one member of the public.

Local Government re-organisation. Alasdair Bruce (East Devon District councillor) was not able to attend, but in his absence, he sent a report which focused primarily on Local Government re-organisation. In place of a two-tier system with district and county councils, the government is proposing to replace them with a smaller number of larger, single-tier unitary councils. Alasdair said a little more information is beginning to appear as to how the government’s devolution is going to work at local level, but it’s still a tiny trickle of what we need, he felt. Whilst quite how the various responsibilities of our current district and county councils are to be divided up is yet to be agreed, we don’t have to look too far to see a potential version of our local government. Across the border in Somerset where the county is run by a unitary authority, there have been major changes in where certain responsibilities fall. Unfortunately, many services we currently take for granted are either underfunded or terminated, said Alasdair Bruce, explaining that he was using this example to try and offer a heads up to where we might end up in east Devon. What is clear is that our town and parish councils will be asked to shoulder burdens and responsibilities that they do not currently have anything to do with, he said. His concern is that they will not be given the tools and resources to fulfil this new role. It appears that this is what’s happened in Somerset. Even before this new world descends on us, there are rumblings that budget constraints are biting at EDDC.

EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine reported that EDDC was in the process of making what it calls minor changes to the draft Local Plan, which may mean parish councils won’t have the possibility to comment when the plan goes out for consultation again. He explained that challenging the Local Plan could be problematic: if such a challenge was successful, it would mean that EDDC could not use the previous formula to calculate housing numbers and would have to adopt the new formula from the government’s National Planning Policy Framework. EDDC would have to find sites for an additional 5,000 dwellings under this alternative formula. Planning consultant Charlie Hopkins is advising the parish council; he is aware of what is happening and will report back in due course.

Superfast broadband. Carol Hall said that the issue of wayleaves had come up once again, and the owner of Radio Fibre (the company looking at providing superfast broadband to the village) was looking at ways to minimise disruption. She added that she’d not had a reply as to whether those residents with Voneus were eligible to apply for a voucher. In principle, eligible homes and businesses can access vouchers worth up to £4,500 to help towards the costs of installing a gigabit-capable broadband connection.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances.

Crimes. July 2025. Parsonage Lane: 1 x violence & sexual offences. Meadow Acre: 1 x criminal damage & arson. Hamlett Close: 1 x criminal damage & arson, 1 x violence & sexual offences. Hodges Close: 1 x criminal damage & arson, 1 x anti-social behaviour

Planning applications. a) 25/1826/TCA – Gorse Cottage, Gittisham EX14 3AH – x2 conifer: fell. Councillors resolved to have no objections to a).

Next meeting. 6th November 2025 at 7.30pm in the parish room. December

meeting date tbc.

What’s On at The Beehive