Gittisham Gazette May 2026

19 May 202616 May 2026 by Alex

Mid May 2026 — Produced for the Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

Grain To Cream

It’s been a while since I last wrote so time to update about the going’s on here at Gittisham Farm.

Well after a long wet first few months of the year we now could do with a little bit of rain. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the ground can dry in the spring, we have had quite a bit of wind which speeds things up. Now we are out of winter and new growth is marching on, always a great to see.

We are now preparing for winter it’s long term thinking this farming lark!

The first cut of silage has already been taken and looks promising and the grass is growing away nicely for the next cut. We have planted all the maize so we wait with anticipation to see it germinate and poke through the soil. We have also sown some grass which we will hope to see soon. We usually plant the grass in the autumn after a crop of wheat, as we have less weed competition but this was sown where the pumpkins were and it was too late by the time they are picked and the field needed a break from pumpkins and grass is a good restorative crop as it can stay in the soil so it has a break from cultivation improving the soil structure! I have just ploughed the field we will use for pumpkins this year so don’t fear you will still be able to get your pumpkin fix here! (As long as they grow; mustn’t count my chickens before they hatch so to speak)

As always calves are being born, we have just started using some new calf pens which are proving to be successful.

After not seeing or hearing them for a while I have heard the barn owls again, I was a little worried if bird flu may have got them but thankfully not and as per usual the ducks are waddling around pairing up. The females don’t half lead the drakes on.

The cows are now grazing for a short while as they need and want access to the milking machine all day. It is a bit of a learning curve as we must gauge how much food they require on top. If it was easy the supermarkets would do it! We are doing it to cut costs a bit less silage to make, once out the girls soon want to come back in and are queuing for the robots, and they don’t queue like Brits well I suppose there is Danish, Swiss and Dutch heritage in their breeding so very European but I do think they are more Italian in their style!

For the eagle eyed among you, you may have seen some white sticks in our field of wheat on the left towards Fenny Bridges. This is some trial plots for different fungicides. We have trials here quite often in the wheat, maize and grass for different things like weed control and disease so things are always progressing.

Gittisham PCC

The Parochial Church Council (PCC), is the group responsible for the running of our beautiful Gittisham church, St Michael’s. We are comprised of 10 people who live in or near the village and meet on average six times a year. We form part of the Honiton Mission Community (HMC) which oversees a number of other churches within our neighbouring parishes. The Honiton Mission Team is based at St Paul’s church Honiton and we are all part of the Diocese of Exeter.

As the mid-point in 2026 nears, we approach a sad date for the PCC and for Gittisham as a whole. Sunday 12th July will be Julia Barrett’s last service as Lay Minister at St Michael’s. Julia who started her post in Gittisham in 2018 has led the church faithfully and spiritedly for almost 8 years, whilst also providing dedicated pastoral care for the wider community. Her tenure here will be an indelible part of the church’s history and we wish her all the very best in her retirement. Please join us at 3pm on 12th July for Julia’s farewell service.

In other news, the vacant Team Rector position at HMC has been successfully filled and we are delighted with the appointment of Reverend Tracey Voysey. The PCC has worked with Tracey for some time and looks forward to continuing to do so in her new capacity.

Lastly thank you to all those that have supported the church through donations, maintenance and cleaning, helping with fund-raising events and attending services. The church is good physical, administrative and spiritual order as a consequence.

Flower Festival

Various Performers in Gittisham Church on the Saturday 6th June!
Starts 5 pm , no entry fee!

Delicious refreshments in the village hall all weekend from 10-5 pm!
Not to be missed, information from Helen on 07806480246!

What’s On?

-Village Hall

Open Bookings

Tuesdays – Tai Chi & Quigong 09:50 am- 11:10am
3rd Tuesday of the month- Yoga 18:15
Wednesday – Folk Dance Club 7pm
Thursday- Community Kitchen 18:30
2nd Sunday of the Month Pierre’s Cafe 10am

Hire the hall: www.gittisham.org.uk/village-hall/hire-the-hall/

Committee Events

30th May coffee and cake 2.30 – 4.30
6th & 7th June Flower Festival
21st June Father’s Day BBQ
27th June Coffee and Cake. 2.30 – 4.30pm
11th July Band Night. Exeter Street Band 7pm
1st August Flower and Produce Show
29th August Coffee and Cake 2.30 – 4.30
5th September Gittisham Fete
17th October Jumble Sale
31st October Halloween Party/ Coffee and Cake
28th November Christmas Craft Fair, expressions of interest in tables being taken
28th November Christmas Bingo 7pm for 7.30pm
23rd January Burns Night Celebration

–Church

Sunday May 24th 11am Pentecost (Whit) Sunday
Flower Festival 6 th & 7 th June With refreshments in hall & entertainers!
Natter and Nibbles, June 13^th
Sunday June 14th 11am Holy Communion
Sunday June 28th 6pm Choral Evensong with HMT Choir
Sunday 12th July Julia’s farewell service
200 Club Winners June
- 1^st Prize £75 Clara Hall
- 2^nd Prize £50 Amanda Ackland
- 3^rd Prize £25 Julia Barrett

Events are also listed here: https://gittisham.org.uk/whatson/

Holy Dusters Needed
Can you spare a little time at your convenience?
Cleaning products are in the church by the vestry door.
Thank you.

200 Club

Join the Gittisham 200 Club!

The 200 club is a licensed small lottery raising funds to pay for the upkeep of our beautiful church and paying prizes in a monthly draw.

There are a number of tickets still available for purchase.

Tickets cost £3 per month and you can buy up to 3 for any named person. Some members buy tickets for children and grandchildren as well as for themselves.

The draw takes place once a month, usually at Natter & Nibbles, and there are cash prizes of £75, £50 and £25 each time.

Contact Sara at for an application form and further details.

Gittisham Village Hall Monthly Update

Well that was another busy and successful month at the hall, and have you seen how wonderful the gardens are looking now?

It was wonderful to see so many of you join us for our recent Coffee & Cake afternoon. The sunshine was certainly on our side, with the garden parasols making a most welcome first appearance of the year. It was lovely to spend such a relaxed afternoon together.

April also saw our much-anticipated kitchen inspection from the Food Safety Agency. Much of the work undertaken in the kitchen over the last 9 months has been with this inspection in mind, given we now need to register with the FSA. We are delighted, and just a little relieved, to report that we passed with flying colours, achieving a fantastic 5-star rating! We proudly display our shiny new certificate and sticker, knowing how much hard work and community support has gone into achieving and maintaining such high standards.

Thanks also to Jim who has given the hall foyer a much needed lick of paint. What a brilliant job he has done and what a difference that has made!

We enjoyed a great turnout for our recent Quiz Night. A huge thank you goes to Hamish Hall for being such an excellent Quiz Master, keeping everyone entertained with a wonderfully varied selection of questions — some certainly more challenging than others! The evening finished with a hilarious final challenge that tested knees rather than knowledge! Thank you to Sue for keeping us well fed, again!

Many of you will know that we held our AGM last week. The Chairman’s Report is available to read on our website, and we were pleased to share that the hall remains in profit despite the significant upgrades and improvements made this year. Everything we achieve is thanks to the incredible support of our community, and we are always keen to hear your thoughts and ideas for future events. Please do send us your feedback using the QR code provided or by emailing the committee directly.

We are hoping to continue with our program of improvements with replacement of the now dilapidated back garden bench. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions as to who might be able to approach for help with this, we are all ears. We are also hoping to arrange some signwriting in our newly painted foyer and to continue with garden upgrades.

We have plenty of exciting events coming up over the next few months. Plans are already underway for a Jumble Sale in October, while nearer at hand we are looking forward to our Father’s Day BBQ in June.

Make sure to save the date for Saturday 11th July, when the fantastic Exeter Street Band will be bringing their energy and music to the hall for what promises to be a brilliant Band Night.

Finally, we look forward to welcoming everyone once again to our next Coffee & Cake gathering at the end of the month, May 30th! We are always grateful to the incredible bakers we have in Gittisham for their gorgeous bakes!

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Gittisham Village Hall, we look forward to welcoming you to our parish hall soon

New Village Information Boards

Conceptualised by Councilor Pester, funded by the Parish Council and Made by Taylor signs. These mark the start of a project to inform visitors about the village another is being sited close to the Village Hall.

Dear Geraldine

Introducing Geraldine, your new go-to agony aunt column—where no problem is too small, too strange, or too serious to share.

Life has a way of tying us in knots, whether it’s love, friendships, family drama, workplace dilemmas, or those quiet worries you can’t quite put into words. That’s where Geraldine Gitt comes in. With warmth, wit, and a refreshingly honest perspective, Geraldine is here to listen without judgment and offer thoughtful, compassionate advice.

Got a burning question? Stuck in a situation you can’t untangle? Or simply need an outside perspective? Send in your problems and let Geraldine help you make sense of it all. Chances are, if it’s on your mind, someone else is wondering the same thing too.

Write in, open up, and let’s figure it out—together.

On Sunday 12th July here at Gittisham St. Michael’s Church there will be a special service to thank Julia Barrett for her support & work within the Parish Community especially here at Gittisham which will be at 3 pm followed by refreshments in the village hall!

Any donations can still be given to Helen Hayman & also a rough idea of numbers attending the tea so please contact Helen -Preferably by end June! Thank you Gittisham PCC

Spring in the Village

Morning River Mist by Claire

Red Kite at Westgate by Paul

Whose home is this? Gas fire with real logs?

Email in

Last months garden tool home was Maggie’s congratulations to Paul for his correct guess!

My name’s Claire and I sing with the Sidmouth Gospel Choir (we’re the enthusiastic, slightly-too-loud-in-a-good-way kind 😊)
Picture Sister Act — but instead of a group of vibrant young singers, imagine a collection of men and women who are mostly over the hill and have less time left on their hands than Noah watching the rain clouds gather!

We’re hosting a charity event at St Peter’s Church in Sidford, and we’re putting together a fun Silent Auction to raise as much as we can for a great cause. Plus there will be alcoholic refreshments, some scrummy home-made cakes and a raffle!

All proceeds are going to an orphanage in Uganda, where we hope to raise enough to replace essential water pipe to return the orphanage to self-sufficiency. We are going to quite literally, turn wine into water!!

Tickets are selling but concessions are also available, if someone wants to come along but can’t afford the £10 entrance fee, just get in touch.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Huge Congratulations to Connor Davey

On graduating from No.1 Radio School, RAF Cosford! From trainee to Cyberspace Communication Specialist, onwards and upwards to your next phase and future in the Royal Air Force. We are so proud! Per Ardua ad Astra.

Parish Council Updates

PARISH COUNCIL – May 2026 REPORT

Six councillors met for the May meeting and annual parish meeting, along with Richard Jefferies (DCC) and one member of the public.

Chair & Vice Chair.

Alex Rowe was elected as chair and Peter Orchard as vice chair for 2026/27.

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. Feb 2026 Parsonage Lane: 1 x other theft

Longlands Way: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Laburnum Way: 1 x drugs

March 2026 Parsonage Lane: 3 x violence & sexual offences

[Please note police crime report areas lack specificity primarily due to legal privacy requirements such as the Data Protection Act, which prevents identifying individual victims, suspects, or exact residential addresses. As a result, exact incident locations are placed in general hotspots, or rounded to broader geographic units.]

Planning applications.

a) 26/0570/FUL – 1 Hamlet Cottages Weston EX14 3PB – Change of use of existing outbuilding to hair salon with alterations to fenestration and construction of a new roof

b) 26/0457/LBC – 2 Mitchell Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AF – Re-slate roof (re-using where possible) & extend existing ventilation through rear roof space; repairs to chimney stack; replacement of cement render to front elevation with lime equivalents; refurbishment of the stone and timber windows WG1, WG2, WG3, WF1, WF2, WF3 & WF4; replace external suspended ceiling; internal replacement of cement plaster with lime, and installation of ventilated panelling to defective timber framed and party wall

Councillors had no objections to the above applications.

Road closures.

04-22 May 2000-0600hrs Construction / Improvement/Upgrading – A30 westbound and eastbound, Daisymount to Turks Head junctions.

CIL.

The clerk reported that GPC had received approximately £27k in CIL receipts [Community Infrastructure Levy] from East Devon District Council. According to EDDC, a local council must use CIL receipts passed to it in accordance with the CIL Regulations 2010 to support the development of the local council’s area, or any part of that area, by funding:

a) The provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure;

b) or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area

Councillors agreed to reflect on ways of spending these funds and to come to the next meeting with suggestions for how to take this forward. A public consultation is advisable.

Vale bus shelter.

Peter Orchard said that the solar panel and the floodlight had been removed or stolen from the Vale bus shelter. Councillors agreed to replace them in the autumn.

Green Gittisham.

Gary Pester said that he had contacted a range of wildlife organisations who would be interested in visiting the parish to see what could be done to improve biodiversity. Councillors agreed that an event could be arranged for early next year, with stalls and workshops.

Next meeting. Thursday 4^th June at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Gittisham Sky Watch: What to look for this Month

As we head towards the longest day of the year, the night sky never gets truly dark. This period of “perpetual twilight” gives us a wonderful, deep blue sky to explore. If you are enjoying a warm evening in the garden, here is what to look out for over the parish:

The Return of the “Summer Triangle”: As the evenings warm up, look toward the eastern horizon just after sunset. You will begin to see three incredibly bright stars rising: Vega, Deneb, and Altair. Together, they form a massive shape known as the Summer Triangle. It is a sure sign that summer has officially arrived in Devon!
A Kiss Between the Moon and Mars: On the evening of June 3rd, look low toward the western horizon just after sunset. You will see a beautiful, waxing crescent moon passing extremely close to a bright, reddish “star”—that is the planet Mars! It’s a wonderful sight that requires absolutely no binoculars.
The “Strawberry Moon”: The next full moon peaks on May 31st. Traditionally known by early Native American tribes as the Strawberry Moon, it marked the time of year when the wild strawberries began to ripen.
Spot the Space Station: Because the sun never dips far below the horizon in June, it is the best time of year to spot the International Space Station (ISS). It looks like a very bright, fast-moving star gliding silently and steadily across the sky (usually taking about 3 to 4 minutes to cross).

Thank you to everyone who contributed pieces to this Gazette. If you would like to submit something for next month’s issue, please email .

Gittisham Village Hall AGM 2026

18 May 202614 May 2026 by Alex

Date	Monday 11th May 2026
Present	Committee: Stella, Damian, Toni, Steve, Jess, Alex, Becca, Nick Members of Public: 1 (Betty)
Apologies	Claire, Maggie, Bill
Next AGM	Date TBC
Item	Commentary
Minutes of the last AGM	Agreed
Treasurer’s report	Damian as Treasurer then gave a review of the finances over the past 12 months. Highlights included; bookings/booking funds were increased over the last 12 months compared to the previous year, as did social events and fundraising; we have raised over £50k this year in fundraising and grants. Insurance fees increased although we had a significant reduction in cleaning and garden maintenance due to personnel changes; invested in the new kitchen; water, gas and electric reduced by c£500 this year. Damian resolved the complications with our savings account and moved to an investment account and summarised this. Damian summarised finances are looking positive however we have no upcoming grant funding planned but have the Community Kitchen to subsidise, and plans for audio visual and sound deadening/stage curtains for 2026-2027. We hope the significant investment into the hall will increase the hire of the hall as it currently stands it only covers basic utilities costs, maintenance and we are relying on fundraising for the running of the hall. Damian laid out we should hope to increase hire of the hall from £6k to £9k a year to cover all the costs but currently the fundraising makes up the difference. He acknowledged the hard work of the committee in putting on these successful events.
Chair’s Report	Chairman’s Annual report 2025/26 Object Gittisham Parish Hall is a place of meeting and of instruction, recreation and entertainment, for the inhabitants of the parish of Gittisham and otherwise for the benefit of the inhabitants of the said parish. Performance Gittisham Village Hall has had another very active and community-focused year, marked by a blend of social events, infrastructure improvements, and strategic financial planning. Community Events & Engagement The hall hosted a variety of popular and lucrative events, including Burns Night, two quizzes, live music, a variety of talks, craft sales, two bingo events, a big breakfast, monthly coffee and cake afternoons and a Father’s Day BBQ. Additionally, the weekly Community Kitchen continued to offer free meals every Thursday bringing parishioners together to share food and socialise. Private bookings including: 12 Birthday parties, 7 family celebrations, 25 Yoga classes, 1 retreat, 2 Womens circle, 1 health intervention, 17 exercise classes, 14 Tai Chi, 40 Dance Club, 5 music rehearsals, 5 funeral wakes and 2 wedding receptions, 12 pop up cafes. These gatherings not only fostered community spirit and reduced isolation but also contributed to increased hall bookings and revenue. The committee continued its quarterly engagement with Devon Communities Together, a support organisation for village halls in East Devon, sharing experiences and learning. Infrastructure & Sustainability The hall’s facilities and sustainability were improved. Grants were successfully obtained from the local council and the national lottery that, along with our fundraising events, helped to finalise the kitchen upgrade, aligning with the hall’s commitment to energy efficiency and fire safety.  The new kitchen is now built to a commercial standard with ventilation, electric shutter, stainless steel surfaces, new flooring and commercial freezer. The hall was repainted by volunteers using painted donated by a local firm. Poor plasterwork was removed and the brickwork pointed. The kitchen successfully obtained a 5 star hygiene rating from the Council health and safety inspector. Outdoor maintenance tasks, including external painting, benches, planting and chippings, all ensured the hall surrounds remain in good condition. Finally, a fire assessment was successfully completed and extinguishers serviced. Financial Management  The hall’s financial position continued to be sustainable, thanks to grants and fundraising efforts, but the hall still faced rising operational costs. At the end of the financial year, the hall’s bank balance was again positive and the annual return was submitted on time. Reserves cover two years of operating costs. Hall funds were transferred to an HSBC charity account offering a higher rate of return. The overall balances of the current account and reserves are given in the financial report. The main risk to the charity is low revenue from commercial hiring and this is offset with strong marketing and holding of multiple fundraising events. Building insurance was upgraded during the year to reflect higher rebuilding costs. Hall bookings run more efficiently and transparently using the dedicated Hallmaster web-based system. Committee changes Changes have included two new members joining : Becca Avery and Steve Brinklow.. Nick Chapman and Stella Adamson continued as Chair and Vice Chair respectively and Damian Furniss as Treasurer. Summary Gittisham Village Hall has had an outstanding year in terms of improving the hall’s facilities, ensuring financial health, building sustainability and fostering a strong sense of community spirit, while maintaining an active and committed group of committee members.   Gittisham Village Hall has continued to serve as a vital hub for community activities providing a wide range of events and hosting a large number of private bookings.
Comments received	Stella noted the hiring has already picked up and we have more birthday parties, weddings and private events. Stella noted we need to continue the advertising both through social media and traditional channels. We could explore getting some pictures done and creating a hall brochure to put out to the public. We could also benefit from longer term bookings to replace the yoga/fitness that sadly concluded this year. Stella also said we have had many positive comments from bookers on the quality of the kitchen and repeat bookings off the back of this.
Election of officers	ELECTION OF COMMITTEE OFFICERS We have 4 positions; Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer & Secretary. (Plus a bonus position of Bookings Secretary) Nick was unanimously voted in as Chair of the Committee. Stella was unanimously voted in as Vice Chair. Damian was unanimously voted in as Treasurer. I (Jess) stood down as Secretary due to personal/family commitments. Becca was unanimously voted in as Secretary. Thanks to Becca for volunteering. Bookings Secretary: Stella and Gary remain in their roles with Stella managing the booking system and Gary doing the meets and greets but this could be subject to change this year. Hallmaster is a great system and easy to use.
Hiring charges	Hire charges were frozen for this coming year
AOB	Betty raised the piano concert next week and discussed attendance, advertising, table layout and asking Michael to give an opening word on the evening. Food was discussed and we will be doing donations only and BYOB so we don’t need a licence. Nick then concluded the AGM and thanked everyone for their attendance. Betty said her thanks and left.

Village Hall Committee April 2026

18 May 202612 May 2026 by Alex

Date	Monday 13^th April 2026
Present	Stella, Maggie, Damian, Claire, Toni, Steve, Jess, Alex, Becca
Apologies	Nick, Bill
Next meet	Next meeting: Monday 11^th May 7:30pm – Village Hall

Item	Details	Actions
Initial Discussion: Priorities & Previous Minutes	Stella circulated the Agenda for the meeting in the interest of a more efficient meeting to prioritise matters that need attention instead of our previous routine of following the minutes from the previous meeting.Nick has approached Mary Marker for Burns night 2027 but not yet heard back.Nick will be getting Jim a thank you gift aqs per previous minutes – Gary politely declined his thank you gift.Claire has requested a visit from EDDC for the Food Hygiene assessment but has not yet heard back.Stella shared a leaving checklist for Hirers’ and we discussed what could be added. Alex suggested adding to remind those to lock doors and windows. Steve raised that the last Wedding hire actually trespassed into a member of the communities’ garden to use a basketball – an apology will be given to this parishioner. Jess to check that the Hallmaster emails because Becca mentioned she didn’t see T&Cs when she booked – it should be a clickable link.
All actions	New actions:Stella reminded everyone about the AGM, and to have a think on what involvement we want to have as members in the coming year. Alex has advertised this on the website. Old actions: *Damian* to give Alex permission to negotiate with Eon – no updates/urgency.Stella to continue chasing the Charities commission about the change to our Governance – in Springtime.
Committee members and governance	Committee Members: Stella has circulated the new trustee welcome packs to Becca and Steve to sign. 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 after the AGM.	Stella
Finance	Damian: Damian shared the end of year finances, we ended in the black! Thanks to the incredible fundraising work of the Committee (many thanks to the amazing Claire). Damian has also wrapped up all the previous bank accounts from Janet and is in the full Primary User for all relevant accounts. Some Highlights: Kitchen works didn’t increase in value. (woo!)Fundraising events pushed us into the black. There was a £10 discrepancy on cash but Damian will resolve.Reminder that we have no donation income for the last 3 months of last year or this year. We had £1350 last year and need to consider how to make up the shortfall of income if we cannot cover the costs of CK.2024-2025 returns are on the charities commission site. Damian hopes to do it for 25-26 after the AGM as he is more familiar with the process now. Damian discussed the current financial status – he will be finding a high interest savings account to move some money into this year.	Damian
Grants	Alex: To meet with EDDC to report back on the grant application. Claire has applied for a Community Grant Fund for the new stage curtains – awaiting to hear. Damian shared an example of sound deadening he saw in a recent National Trust excursion and Stella reminded us all to keep eyes peeled for grants we can apply to for these kind of improvements.	Alex

Maintenance	Alex has organised and had feedback from the portable appliance testing – the ban marie and the extension lead failed but everything else passed. Maggie has instructed the local pest controller Graham to resolve the mice situation. He will come regularly until the issue is resolved. Painters (Jim and any other volunteers) are doing the lobby this weekend the 17^th-18^th April. Claire raised that the back roof windows need a clean and Alex suggested he and Toni can take the pressure washer to the roof and clean it. Claire said we need a barrier mat for the back door as hirers bring in mud and debris as it is straight from garden into the tiled floor at the moment. The committee agreed it was a requirement. Expected to cost between £100-£250 for a decent one. Claire has requested £100 for garden plants for a Clematis and a rose to plant up the shed to make it more sightly and to get more bulbs for the garden, the Committee all agreed the spring bulbs she planted were a wonderful addition to the garden and to continue the investment for the benefit of the hirers and parishioners (and Claire).	Maggie Claire/Damian
Bookings	Stella gave a report on bookings, we are getting a steady trickle of bookings and May is looking really busy which is what we need. Reminder for the committee – to please notify Stella of any works (grass being cut, rodent management etc) to avoid clashes with bookings. The Committee discussed paying deposits and we suggested and voted for a booking deadline of 48 hours to pay a deposit to confirm the booking. All Committee members present agreed. Jess raised Community Kitchen and the Committee discussed the loss of income but also the value of funding community kitchen in the form of grants off the back of it. It is a sensitive topic as we don’t want attendees to be concerned about the future of the event or ask them for donations and instead suggested we use one of the coffee and cakes to go towards the fees. We may earn enough through fundraising this year to cover it.
Future events	Coffee&Cake 25^th April – Alex/Becca/Gary have volunteered. Quiz 9^th May – Hamish has agreed to run this with Nick. Light food, costs need to be sorted and a raffle. Ploughmans or bacon baps (we have a freezer full of bacon). Suggested £7 for a ticket to include a bacon bap (cheese for vegetarians). Start time of 7:30pm.16^th May – TBC Betty has had an offer from a pianist in America to do a piano performance. Nick will be hosting with Betty. Suggested taking donations and if we take a significant amount to split it with the hall and a charity of the pianists’ choice. Doors 6pm for start time of 6:30pm. Future events:talks: Hardy wine talk / gardening talk 6^th and 7^th June – Flower festival.Father’s Day 21st June 2026 – Need to discuss because we need a team to cater/host. 11^th July – Live Music, Exeter Street Band and BBQ. Need to get a bar licence for this.12th July – Vicar’s leaving party from 1pm onwards. Agreed as a committee that there should be no charge as a thank you for Julia’s generosity and commitment to the community during her service as Vicar.Flower and Produce Show 1st August 2026Gittisham Fete 5th Sept 2026Bill suggested a Gardeners Question Time. Halloween party for Kids – Jess Hosting. To be booked Sat 31^st October after coffee and cake so 4:30-6pm.October 17th – Becca suggested a jumble sale.November – Xmas extravagada and Bingo 28th NovemberBurns night 2027 – Sat 23^rd Jan 2027. Nick to book the caller for next year. Claire to book the bagpiper.Need to be mindful of planning future events to not clash with Parish Council events.	Toni to create posters for upcoming events.
AOB	Discussed the most recent Easter Bingo. The evening was advertised as starting at 7pm with eyes down at 7:30 and the hall was at capacity by 7:05pm. It was raised that a member of the Community took offence to the 3 flags flown on the front of the hall (Union Jack, St George’s Flag and the Devon Flag) and suggested we take them down. Due to the recent socio-economic climate with anti-immigration riots using the St George’s flag as a protest to immigration, we can see why it may be construed in this way. A discussion was had that it would be appropriate to fly the St George’s flag alongside the Union Jack and Devon Flag as a symbol of Community, Pride in our nation and the diversity we celebrate. The Committee also acknowledged we cannot please everyone and that we are a small Devonshire village with people of many Nationalities residing here locally. Gittisham is well known for its open and supportive community and events like The annual Fete and the weekly Community Kitchen welcome all to attend and we feel the flags reflect those values. The Committee took a vote on flying the flags outside – 2 abstained and 7 yes’.

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

(Rising) damp in southern elevation

Internal repaint including / especially ceiling

Hose reel – ours leaks significantly and we need a new one for the garden

Bin Store

Sound Deadening Clouds/equipment to make it less echo-ey – Alex

Stage Curtains and for the other end of the hall to sound deaden – Claire

Hooks on the doors in toilets specifically the disabled toilet – Toni to provide

Murals in the toilets – Maggie/Claire exploring

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2026 to 31 March 2027				Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2026 to 31 March 2027

INCOME		13th April 2026		EXPENDITURE		13th April 2026
	2025/26	3.6% of 2026/27	2026/27		2025/26	3.6% of 2026/27	2026/27
Balance b/fwd			£6,174.15	Insurance	£959.73	£34.55	£0.00
				Non-domestic rates	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Hire of Hall	£6,079.06	£218.85	£664.80	Cleaning/grass cutting	£1,054.65	£37.97	£0.00

Social Events	£7,705.24	£277.39	£1,000.00	Maintenance/Equipment	£26,668.55	£960.07	£410.00

Interest	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00	Water/Gas/Electric	£2,562.96	£92.27	£200.35

Miscellaneous	£51,406.32	£1,850.63		Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)	£6,618.53	£238.27	£0.00
	£65,190.62	£2,346.86	£1,664.80		£37,864.42	£1,363.12	£610.35
				Balance			£7,228.60

Total			£7,838.95				£7,838.95
				Reserves
				HSBC Instant Access Business Savings Account: £26,723.32
				Cash Float: £259.16

Famous Pianist to Play at the Hall

18 May 20268 May 2026 by Alex

Due to a chance encounter last year, Alan and I met Michael Allen Harrison, the internationally renowned pianist and composer. He was staying at the Pig Hotel in Gittisham with members of his family, and we have kept in touch ever since. He is returning to the UK for a series of concerts in Oxford before travelling on to Vienna, and in the interval between these engagements he will be staying with us.

Very generously, he has offered to give a free concert in our Village Hall, having been made so welcome in Gittisham last year. The concert will take place on Saturday, 16th May, with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Michael plans to play a selection of his own compositions alongside works by Chopin, Gershwin, and John Lennon — a wonderfully varied programme.

As mentioned, the concert is free of charge, and light refreshments will be available to purchase during the interval. Michael cowrote the music for the musicals Prometheus and Soul Harmony, and served as musical director for the film Claire of the Moon.

I do hope you will be able to join us. It would be lovely to see you, introduce you to Michael, and to share a relaxing evening together in our newly decorated hall, which will be set with tables, candles, and a warm friendly atmosphere.

Betty

Village Hall Committee March 2026

18 May 202614 April 2026 by Alex

Date	Monday 9^th March 2026
Present	Stella, Maggie, Damian, Claire, Toni, Bill, Steve, Jess & AlexObservers: Becca
Apologies	Nick
Next meet	Next meeting: Monday 13^th April 7:30pm – Village Hall

Item	Details	Actions
All actions	New actions:Stella opened with a warm welcome to Steve and Becca. Steve and Becca has joined the Committee.Agreed to run an agenda as opposed to minutes next time.Thanks to Kate Kimber for helping with the planting of the spring bulbs – Bill raised how beautiful the garden looks with the flowers starting to bloom. Thanks to Claire for coordinating. Claire & Maggie has honoured Doris by replanting some of her plants from her garden into the Hall garden. 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. EDDC coming along after the breakfast. Old actions: *Damian* to give Alex permission to negotiate with Eon – no updates/urgency.Stella to continue chasing the Charities commission about the change to our Governance – in Springtime.	Nick – Need to check he has done thisClaire
Committee members and governance	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 after the AGM.	Stella
Finance	Damian: Circulated this month’s report. Damian is confident we may finish 2025-2026 in the black as the final invoice from the Plumber we anticipated being c£2k came in at roughly £1,440. All kitchen related bills now payed. Just need to allocate the £1,000 grant we got for the kitchen accessories (trays, utensils etc). Discussed allocation of the funds and Damian to do a reconciliation of the monies so far as we only have until the end of March to spend the remainder. The talks we have hosted are raising around £30-£50 whereas coffee and Cake’s are raising closer to £200-300. Donations to Community Kitchen ended in January. There will be an £1,800 deficit without this income. We have a £400 grant towards to CK rent but this doesn’t cover the total deficit. Need to decide how to move forward with CK. Geraldine was given a small gift of thanks for turning the accounts around at year end so quickly. Damian pointed out our efforts in fundraising are what has kept the hall afloat this year and next year we need more efforts in bookings of the hall to push income without so much labour. 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. Damian 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. Claire has applied for a Community Grant Fund for the new stage curtains. The Committee discussed keeping our eyes peeled for further grant opportunities – we will be able to apply for a further lottery grant in September 2026 if we want to for a new projector/screen – Alex mentioned Awliscombe did similar.	Alex Damian

Maintenance	The Committee acknowledged the stellar work Jim has been doing as our new cleaner and going above and beyond – and shared our thanks for his hard work so far. 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. 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 (Jim/Stuart/Nick?) Thanks to Carla for taking away the rubble from the front – the Committee are grateful for Carla always pitching in with tidying up – thank you Carla!	Alex will ask Rufus to complete the work on the wall. Nick
Bookings	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. We have a new regular booking for Tai Chi which is great as it is every week of the year. We have 2 weddings in 2026 and one in 2027 so far. We need to advertise the hall more for bookings and keep pushing for reviews. Stella and Gary have a good process with showing bookers around at the start of a booking to be on hand for any FAQs and ensuring the customers are comfortable. Media team keep promoting the hall socially – We need more pictures of the hall in use to use on the Instagram/facebook pages. We could reach out to local influencers to promote the hall. Claire mentioned a business forum in Honiton that we could explore for appealing to more corporate clients or small business clients for staff parties etc. Toni mentioned creating a suppliers list to provide prospective bookers inspiration of what the hall could be used for and a list of what we have available at the hall for hirers to use. Discussed having a “library” of “toys” (giant jenga, ping pong table, games, etc) for villagers/bookers to use as part of a benefit of booking and Becca suggested doing it as an additional cost for wedding bookings. We were delighted to welcome Cllr. Jeffries and his daughter to Community Kitchen this week and show him where the money he pledged to the hall was going. Agreed that CK and Coffee&Cake are integral to the value of the hall in the community.	Stella Alex/Toni/Jess Toni
Future events	Saturday 14^th March – Village Halls Week/Mothers day breakfast. Jess to coordinate with Claire.Saturday 28^th March – Coffee & Cake and Bingo. Commitments made by Toni, Alex, Claire, Jess for the 28^th to be present/on the door. Alex and Becca to host Coffee and Cake. Jess to organise a kids easter egg raffle. Future events:talks: Hardy wine talk / gardening talk Coffee and Cake & Bingo on 28^th March Potential Quiz – 9^th May 2026. Stella putting dates forward to Hamish. 6^th and 7^th June – Flower festival.Father’s Day 21st June 2026 – Need to discuss because we need a team to cater/host. 11^th July – Live Music, Exeter Street Band and BBQ. Need to get a bar licence for this.Flower and Produce Show 1st August 2026Gittisham Fete 5th Sept 2026Bill suggested a Gardeners Question Time. Halloween party for Kids – Jess Hosting. To be booked Sat 31^st October 10-2?November – Becca suggested a jumble sale.November – Xmas extravagada and BingoBurns night 2027 – Sat 23^rd Jan 2027. Nick to book the caller for next year. Claire to book the bagpiper.Need to be mindful of planning future events to not clash with Parish Council events.	Stella to confirm Quiz date with Hamish. Nick
AOB	None

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

(Rising) damp in southern elevation

Internal repaint including / especially ceiling

Hose reel – ours leaks significantly and we need a new one for the garden

Bin Store

Sound Deadening Clouds/equipment to make it less echo-ey – Alex

Stage Curtains and for the other end of the hall to sound deaden – Claire

Hooks on the doors in toilets specifically the disabled toilet – Toni to provide

Murals in the toilets – Maggie/Claire exploring

FINANCE REPORT

Kitchen works
Grants awarded to cover the kitchen works were £20,980.00
An additional grant from DCC for £1,000 has now been received.
The spend on the kitchen works is:
£8,130.60	Allsop/Pitts deposit
£8,130.60	Allsop/Pitts second payment
£980.01	Allsop/Pitts fridge/freezer payment
£648.23	Drake’s Plumbing payment
£5,115.86	Damien Richards building payment
£1,440.00	Electrician payment
£202.03	Jewsons
£395.18	IKEA etc
£272.64	Allsop/Pitts final payment
£230.47	Allsop/Pitts miscellaneous
£105.84	Miscellaneous
£25,651.46
Fundraising
Fundraising during 2025-26 has made a profit of £4257.05. (N.B. Easter Bingo was at the end of 2024-25.)

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2025 to 31 March 2026				Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2025 to 31 March 2026

INCOME		9th March 2026		EXPENDITURE		9th March 2026
	2024/25	93.7% of 2025/26	2025/26		2024/25	93.7% of 2025/26	2025/26
Balance b/fwd			£5,571.27	Insurance	£723.73	£678.14	£959.73
				Non-domestic rates	£0.00	£0.00	£0.00
Hire of Hall	£5,828.56	£5,461.36	£5,819.06	Cleaning/grass cutting	£1,901.59	£1,781.79	£937.15

Social Events	£5,782.76	£5,418.45	£7,093.26	Maintenance/Equipment	£45,022.20	£42,185.80	£26,605.73

Interest	£0.00	£0.00		Water/Gas/Electric	£3,039.75	£2,848.25	£2,381.20

Miscellaneous	£43,476.90	£40,737.86	£51,406.32	Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)	£2,457.59	£2,302.76	£6,063.82
	£55,088.22	£51,617.66	£64,318.64		£53,144.86	£49,796.73	£36,947.63
				Balance			£32,942.28

Total			£69,889.91				£69,889.91
				Reserves
				Redwood Deposit A/C closed: £16,229.17 balance and £309.15 interest transferred 2/26
				Redwood Deposit A/C transfer: £10,185.00 5/25
				Total reserves transferred: £26,414.17 capital and £309.15 interest
				Therefore, current A/C balance £6,527.58
				Cash Float £364.30 to be banked 31/3

Gittisham Gazette April 2026

18 May 20266 April 2026 by Alex

April 2026 — Produced for the Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

Gazette Updates

The Gazette is getting a bit of a digital spruce-up. By moving to this new automated email system and website format, we can get village news, beautiful photos, and event updates out to you faster and more reliably than ever before. Please subscribe to our mailing list on the website https://gittisham.org.uk/subscribe-gazette/

However, before we look to the future of the Gazette, we must take a moment to look back and offer our deepest gratitude to Carol Hall.

Carol has been the editor, creator, and driving force behind the Gazette for the past few years. Her hard work, dedication, and love for our community have kept us all connected, informed, and entertained. As Carol steps back from the editor’s desk to enjoy a well-deserved rest, we want to say a massive thank you on behalf of the whole village. Carol, the Gazette wouldn’t be what it is today without you!

We need your voices! While the look might be a bit different, the heart of the Gazette remains exactly the same: this is your village newsletter. We want to fill these pages with your stories, updates, and announcements.

Do you have:

A summary of a recent village event?
Announcements for the Parish Council or Church?
Beautiful photos taken around the parish?
A bit of local history or a gardening tip to share?

Please send your pieces, ideas, and photos directly to our new email address: .

Thank you for reading, and here is to the next chapter of Gittisham news!

Warm regards,

The Gazette Team

Green Gittisham: No Mow May & Helping Our Local Wildlife

At our Parish Council meeting last week, we had a really inspiring discussion about how we can work together to make Gittisham a little more environmentally friendly and support our fantastic local wildlife.

We are looking at a few initiatives and would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can make our parish a haven for nature!

Pledging a Patch for “No Mow May” Next month marks the return of the national “No Mow May” campaign, which encourages people to lock up their lawnmowers for the month to let wildflowers bloom and provide vital nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Don’t panic! You do not have to let your entire garden turn into a wilderness. If you love a neat lawn, perhaps consider just leaving a small “wild patch” in a back corner, letting the edges grow out, or leaving a strip of grass untouched. Even a one-meter square of wild grass can produce enough nectar to feed hundreds of bees a day!

Owl Boxes and Hedgehog Highways Beyond the lawns, we are exploring other ways the parish can support our wildlife. One idea discussed was building and installing owl boxes around the village to support our beautiful local barn and tawny owls.

We are also thinking about encouraging “Hedgehog Highways” (making sure there is a small CD-sized gap at the bottom of garden fences so hedgehogs can roam safely at night) and building bug hotels.

We Want Your Input! How can we make Gittisham greener?

Do you have an idea for an environmental project we could tackle as a village?
Would you be interested in a community afternoon where we build bird boxes or owl boxes together?
Are you planning to leave a wild patch in your garden this May?

We would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and ideas. Please email us at or have a chat with any of the Parish Councillors. Let’s see what we can achieve together!