A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

Four councillors met for the March meeting. Cllrs Twiss (DCC) and Bruce (EDDC) sent

reports in their absence.

Staying safe online. Phil Twiss said Safer Devon is running a free webinar to explore digital spaces that young people engage with, how these may influence their choices and expose them to risks and practical tips and guidance to support young people to keep safe. The free webinar will explore:

• why the digital world is a valuable space for many neuro-divergent young people

• how the online content young people interact with can shape their choices and may expose them to risks and harmful behaviours

• practical tips and guidance on creating safe and supportive online spaces for young people

This session will take place online on Thursday 27 March 78pm. Please visit the Safer Devon Eventbrite page to book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-

keeping-our-young-people-safe-online-tickets-1263976671249?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. The clerk said the Police UK website was not showing any change since last month’s reported crime statistics (December 2024).

Planning, Feniton. Alasdair Bruce reported that a major application in Feniton had been passed last week, despite a large number of objections raised by him, Feniton parish council and members of the public. Whilst many of the committee were swayed by these passionately presented arguments, he said they were ultimately persuaded by the officers into approving it. Alasdair explained that those who objected were dismayed that their first-hand information regarding flooding problems in Feniton and sewerage spills was irrelevant, if officers direct the decision-makers that these points cannot be defended if an appeal against refusal goes to the planning inspector. Alasdair said he had raised his

concerns with EDDC’s chair of planning.

EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine said EDDC’s Local Plan is now out for public consultation until 31st

March. The consultation provides an opportunity to review the final draft of the local development plan, with all submitted comments to be passed directly to the Planning Inspector for examination. Residents, businesses and other interested parties are invited to review the proposed policies and site allocations, understanding that your feedback will form part of the official submission to the independent planning review process. Councillors decided to continue for now with the parish council’s consistent objection to the allocation of sites, particularly development west of Hayne Lane. Alex Rowe said he and David Valentine would work on drawing up a template letter that residents can fill in if they share the parish council’s position. Keep an eye on the Gittisham website and social media channels. You can have your say by visiting https://eastdevonlocalplanreg19.commonplace.is/

Climate change measures. Councillors were delighted to hear from Alex Rowe that the village hall now has solar panels on battery storage. He agreed to arrange some publicity once the other works on

renewable energy and window replacements are complete.

Councillor vacancies. The clerk said the parish council can proceed to co-opt two people to the vacancies – one to represent Gittisham Vale and the other to represent Gittisham Village. If you are

interested in representing the parish, please contact

Next meeting. Thursday 17 th April at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Grain to Cheese (formally cream) Russell Hayman Spring is on the way not that it looks much like it at the moment though the rabbits are out and there is more bird song around. The winter routine of feeding and mucking out is still ongoing the cows are milking well, calves popping out and the cows getting back in calf on time the only problem with that is we are up to capacity with animals this winter (never see a satisfied farmer!) So the next stage of our calf rearing will be getting a new shed soon it was planned to happen before but as always there are other priorities at the time but the foundations are in have been for a while; just awaiting the frame. This will generate some more and better accommodation for the animals which will be better for all. (Might have to rethink the pumpkin parking) We have a routine vet visit to help keep all this on track and also analysis areas for improvement. This has shown the alterations we made at the end of 2023 have worked but as ever with farming it will be another year before we see financial reward but we do get a buzz from seeing things going well. The weather did dry up a little and we managed to roll some grass fields (the ones done will have stripes no stars; Donald’s not in control of all he thinks!) still a little damp but last year it was so wet we did not get to roll any which did not help the silage quality. Still got some fencing and with the winds we have had branches to clear up also had a bit of a shed blown away which landed on another damaging the roof there. We are getting ready for our visit from Feniton school reception class, we had our first last year which seemed to go well. So, some tiding up to do! Helen has been busy organising activities; it ties in with their science week which is adapt and change. I do believe I could well be given the roll of poo professor! Well for Christmas I got Edmund a poo sieve with which we can analysis the poo to see how the digestion is going on for the cows. Helen seems to think watching me do some poo sieving will be right up their street I get all the glamorous jobs it was Edmund present! I usually like to end my piece on a cheerful note but I think I should say something about the tax changes that are to come about. I get what they are trying to achieve as agricultural assets are a good way of avoiding inheritance tax if you are in the position of having lots of spare money you do not need to earn a lot of income from. But it will not get to these investors who are not actively farming. Under the proposed changes if I died suddenly the business would have to be sold to pay the tax and I’m a tenant. Yes I can take some precautions but they will cost money, meaning less to invest in the business as it will be another risk to insure for; is this really what they want to achieve? The new rules come in force in April 26 which could well be a dark day for UK agriculture if you are of an age where there is little prospect of living long enough to bring about changes that will ease the burden to the next generation. Some will take the decision to protect their children’s livelihood and all they and their family have worked for that killing themselves is the only option open to them; it has already happened and unfortunately it is highly likely more will. Farming already has the highest suicide rate of any profession I hope the government will listen to us and not add to it. They certainly are not at the moment rejecting proposals put to them that would generate the same tax take but ease this cliff edge. Edmund does say farmers can be really negative which it true and this does not make the sector attractive to go into or show us in a good light. It does have loads to offer directly on the farm and in the many support industries there are lots of rolls many are highly technical and rewarding in lots of ways and like I said earlier I still get a buzz trying to do a bit better every year and have no intention of pushing up daisies for quite a while.


Mary Bramley celebrated her 90^th birthday              

Gittisham Village Hall  

This is a very exciting month for the hall. We have lots of lovely and much needed upgrades going on to the hall w/c 17th March. Following a long period of grant applications being declined, our efforts have been rewarded with 2 successful grant applications. One from Devon County Council and another from East Devon District Council.  We have had solar panels and batteries installed with roof insulation, new windows, doors and LED lights incoming. We expect to go live on the National Grid on 9th March. Huge thanks to the fantastic grant application team.  

Upcoming events. We have our much-loved cake sale on March 29th 2.30 -4.30. We welcome cake donations but also your company. Invite your friends.   And do remember we have the very eggcelent Easter Bingo on March 29th. 7pm for eyes down at 7.30pm. As well as a cracking raffle we have great Bingo prizes including cash flyer. Our bingo events draw people from far and wide and we don’t want you to be disappointed, so come early to be sure of entry.  

Calling all young budding artists. Get your pens, paints and pencils out and bring us your best Easter picture for a chance to win a prize! Pictures need to be brought to the hall on or before March 29th 11.30 am to be exhibited for all to admire and an independent judge will choose their favourite! 2 classes, under 10’s and over 10’s. All pictures need the child’s name, age and contact number on the back (so not visible on the image) and indicate if you give consent for us to post on our social media channels. We are really looking forward to receiving your creations and having an opportunity to celebrate young creatives in the parish.  

Dates for your diary:  

Gittisham Cabaret 25th and 26th April 7pm. £10 to include a drink from the bar.   

The Hall AGM is set for May 13th, 7pm. We would like to invite you to come along, see how we do business and consider joining the committee.              

RETREAT DAYS FOR WOMEN in Gittisham Village Hall A day of retreating from your everyday life and outer world, to enter your inner world and connecting with the rhythms of the natural world, through The Medicine Wheel. These retreat days will be a small group of women and spaces are limited. We will focus on Emotions, Mind, Body and Spirit through the elements of Water, Air, Earth and Fire. AIM: to let go of old energy and welcome and embrace where you are and bringing in the new energy. To feel more connected to your body. To find some inner peace. To learn some practices to use at home. To connect with the change of seasons and the year. To connect with the Moon cycles and inner feminine self.   DATES: 22^nd March (Spring Equinox), 21^st June (Summer Solstice), 20^th September (Autumn Equinox) and 20^th  December (Winter Solstice).   MICHELLE CORRIGAN – 07833 558253 www.headtoheartcounselling.com                  

A new venture was established last year in Broadhembury – Wood Lane Flowers – a flower farm run by Sally Harris. Here, Sally tells us a little bit about herself and her farm.  

My obsession with flowers started as a child. When I look back on my life I have always been connected to gardens and growing, and would always favour being outside in nature. I have never lost the fascination of watching a tiny seed bloom into something beautiful. It has been a slow progression into recognising that flowers I grow bring considerably more pleasure to me than buying imported flowers. Flowers that have travelled for miles offer no scent, and very little movement, having been chemically treated and chosen for their long straight stems. The imperfection of a wonky stem or petal is attractive to me as it fits perfectly with my wilder, romantic arranging style. Using seasonal foliage brings an arrangement together, and is so commonly left out of bouquets; it always feels like something is missing without it.   I have particularly enjoyed reflecting on my floral arrangements, learning by mistakes (there have been many!), celebrating successes, listening to feedback, and understanding that growing and arranging flowers will continue to evolve for me. I grow a selection of perennial, biennial, and annual flowers alongside foliage between two spaces in Broadhembury, offering different growing conditions despite their proximity. Gaining an understanding of the soil type, wind direction, drainage, and types of wildlife has been a large feature of last year. 2024 was a particularly harsh year for developing a flower farm, with an incredibly wet winter and spring, an unprecedented volume of slug damage, and a rather indifferent summer of weather. Despite this, with plenty of help from family and friends, I’m proud to have created these beautiful spaces. I have numerous people to thank for supporting me and feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community; the support really has meant a great deal to me.   It has been wonderful to sell flowers from Sally’s snug in Broadhembury, and now from Joshuas Harvest store in Ottery St Mary. My flower season runs from late March through to October, but this is dictated by the great British weather. Throughout the growing season I harvest flowers to dry, and then create a range of everlasting arrangements. These remain available until they sell out, and then it’s time to start drying again.   I loved running wreath workshops last year at Joshuas, and plan to offer these again this Christmas, perhaps in Broadhembury, if anyone is interested. I offer wedding, funeral and event flowers, bouquets for any occasion, and hope to offer flower field tours in the summer. Come and immerse yourself in flowers, learn about different varieties to grow and how, enjoy a glass of wine with a group of friends. Take away a posy of flowers with advice on conditioning, and extending their vase life.   People often ask what there is to do on a flower farm in winter. February is a time for reflection on what grew well, and what didn’t, starting to sow some seed on windowsills and in the polytunnel, pruning, clearing beds from last years growth, weeding, checking irrigation pipes for leaks, mulching perennial beds, and planning for the coming year. I used to lift my dahlias at home during winter and store them, but have decided to leave most of them in the ground this year, mounded high with compost. It’s a topic of much debate amongst gardeners, and there is no right or wrong. It very much depends on how many you have, the soil you grow on, whether you have the perfect place to store them, and how willing you are to take risks! Once lifted they are at risk of disease and rot, so it’s not the perfect option. All will be revealed in spring as to whether or not they have made it through the winter. Let’s hope we don’t have the persistent rain we had last year. Despite early slug damage I had buckets of dahlia blooms last year, flowering well into November.   I have loved watching the snowdrops and hellebores emerge through January, it always lifts my spirits during the days of less light, a sign that spring isn’t too far off. I have alliums up already and muscari are showing. The anemones have been confused and flowered in January, so I’m yet to see what they do later in the year. I haven’t grown tulips this year in any quantity. I have focused more on perennial bulbs, so I should have a good quantity of narcissi, alliums, muscari and anemone. Every year I decide that ranunculus are too much work, and that I won't bother, and then I can't resist! This year I pre-sprouted them in the dark, and then decided not to put them in the polytunnel, but to plant them out in the beds with low tunnels for some frost protection. They are actually quite hardy. They have previously grown very well in the polytunnel, if they are resisted by mice, but come spring, the tunnel gets too hot and they can wilt at the final hurdle. As I write this, it reminds me of the uncertainty of growing flowers, and that you never know quite what will reward you with blooms, and what will fail. It makes for a tense wait, but there are always memorable years of certain crops. I'll have some fresh flowers for Mother’s Day at the end of march all being well!   If you want to get in touch, call me, Sally Harris 07966873048, or email me Follow me on insta/FB at woodlane.flowers I’ll be doing a monthly newsletter soon which you can subscribe to from my website. I hope to write some ramblings of what I’m doing on the flower farm!

	A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church
What’s On At the village hall–     Coffee & Cake     Saturday 22thFebruary   2.30-4.30                   Community Land Trust Display of Plans       Tuesday 11th February         3-8pm                                    Tip Tip Toe   Tuesday 4th March 4pm __ Weekly Fitness class                        Tuesday mornings Folk Dancing               Wednesday evenings Community Kitchen          Thursday evenings Yoga                                        Friday afternoons   Gittisham Fete 2025,  Will be held on the 30th August, please come forward if you have any ideas for a theme for this year’s s fete or if you would like to get involved with supporting the event. Thank you, Alex	Tip Tip Toe, Tip Tip Toe, please for a penny and then we’ll go   Tip Toeing is the name given to a house-visiting custom held every Shrove Tuesday in Gittisham. After a legendary tea, the children call at houses chanting “Tip Tip Toe, Tip Tip Toe, please for a Penny and then we’ll go!” and once their money is collected, they move on to the next house. The cash is collected in specially made antique wooden money boxes and is divided among the children at the end. It’s been a tradition in Gittisham for generations and some believe its origins may lie in a boundary marking custom but no-one knows for sure. Though this event is run for children it isn’t connected to school so always takes place on Shrove Tuesday even when that is during the half term holiday. It’s very much a small community event so don’t expect a crowd or a big fuss. In 2025 Shrove Tuesday falls on 4th March. Exact timing for this event is tricky – it depends how quickly the children wolf down their tea. Usually, the tea ends at around 5 o’clock, and the Tip Tip Toeing following it lasted until about 6.15. Reflections from St Michael’s Julia Barratt At last January has come to an end and slowly, slowly the light is returning, as the snowdrops, once more commonly known as ‘Candlemas bells’, signal that Spring is on its way. In fact Candlemas on Feb 2nd marks the mid-point of winter, halfway between the shortest day of the year and the spring equinox, Candlemas also marks the end of Epiphany as the last great festival of the Christmas Season, long after most people have packed up away their Christmas decorations! Candlemas was and still is in some churches, a time when candles are blessed for use in the year to come, to be lit as symbols of the Christ light revealed to the world. Holocaust Memorial day on Jan 27th this year was a sombre reminder of the need to burn the candles of hope and peace brightly in a world where mass killing of unarmed civilians and destruction of whole cities is still viewed by some as acceptable “co-lateral” in armed conflict. In the coming days as we turn our thoughts towards Lent and preparations for Easter, the need to hold on to hope, to keep alive the light of the peace and joy of Christ in our hearts and minds is more pressing than most of us have known in our lifetime.
St Michael Church Services   Sunday 9th Feb  11am Holy Communion   Sunday 23rd Feb 11am Morning Worship   Wednesday March 5th Ash Wednesday 7pm Ashing in Church    Sunday March 9th   11am Holy Communion   Mothering Sunday  30th March 11am Holy Communion with blessing and distribution of posies Church 200 Club January Draw Results 1st Mrs J Lovell 2nd Miss S Trumper 3rd Julie Broadhurst     Natter & nibbles      at Gittisham farmhouse                                     Saturday 15th February & Saturday 15th March everyone welcome entrance donations towards for the upkeep of our beautiful church! 10-12 noon                      garden to wander round overlooking the animals! No booking just turn up!	St Michael’s Church PCC   The Church of St Michaels is a central and much-loved part of our village and community.  Whether or not you are a regular church goer it offers a number of different benefits: a place of worship, a place for ceremonies and special occasions, a final resting place for loved ones, a meeting place, somewhere to go and sit and think or just a beautiful building and space to admire.   The PCC who are tasked with overseeing the running of our Church needs to raise money to cover general running costs and forthcoming maintenance.  One of the ways to give is through the Parish Giving Scheme which is done by regular direct debit and enables the PCC to claim the gift aid too.   Please consider giving a regular amount no matter how small.  Contact  for further details.   Gittisham Village Hall Dear Parishioners and Friends of Gittisham Parish Hall We need to thank you for all your support over the last 12 months which has led to the recent purchase, not just of the new cooker but also half a kitchens worth of units too! We are pleased to report that at last, the new cooker was installed on 29th Jan. We have needed some electrical upgrades which have now been completed and some shiny new stainless-steel units will also be installed mid Feb. Obviously we will be doing our best to reduce any impact to residents and hirers whilst work is ongoing.  We are hopeful that with your support we will be able to complete the kitchen later this year with more units and perhaps even a fabulous new fridge! We would be delighted to hear from anyone who feels they might be able to help us either with the organisation of social events or by joining the friendly committee. Do get in touch. In the diary this month: Feb 22nd. Cake sale 2.30-4.30 March 29th, Easter Bingo 7 for 7.30pm Hope to see you at some or all of the above! From Hall Committee: Stella, Toni, Maggie, Claire, Alex, Bill, Stephen, Nick, Pierre and Damian.

WALK ON…

Surprisingly the beautiful Parish of Gittisham has one of the shortest lengths of footpaths and bridleways of any parish in Devon (less than 2km). That means there are fewer opportunities for Gittisham parishioners to simply get walking, by themselves, with their families, or their dogs, whether it be for recreation, or just going about our daily lives; work, shopping, visiting friends and relatives, and anything else not mentioned in the above (oh yes, running).

Here is the important point, that means we tend to use our cars more; well, that’s not good for our bodies or the environment. What’s more the lanes get more dangerous, and we all start moaning, as we drive along, that there are many more cars on the road than there used to be. Walking is a great way of relieving frustration and anxiety, using cars less is a positive contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

One of the projects Gittisham Parish Council has been busy with in recent years, is the establishment of safe walking routes within the Parish. The Parish Council has been focusing on establishing two functional routes. The first would follow existing farm tracks for about 750 metres from the Hayne Farm Shop, west around several fields, arable and pasture, to emerge on the lane into the village, just by a small pond. This is path would leave a walk of about the same distance into Gittisham Village on a lane, but it would enable residents of the new Hayne Farm Estate to access on foot the many community events at Gittisham Village Hall, visit the church or playground, and connect to walking routes far and beyond to Ottery St Mary, and even Sidmouth. Likewise, the route would provide a safer walking route for villagers to access Honiton facilities, or the local pubs. The second route under consideration would again use an old farm track from the Hayne Farm Estate, that went under a railway bridge traversing fields north and emerge, hey presto, at the entrance to the Combe Garden Centre, a total distance of less than 300 metres, but avoiding any traffic. The Garden Centre is a popular destination for Gittisham residents who, at the moment have to run the gauntlet along a busy single-track lane, dodging cars by hopping onto a narrow slippery grass verge, all rather treacherous.

Gittisham Parish Council has been in negotiations with the Combe Estate, Baker Estates, and Devon County Council. Understandably landowners are often reluctant to grant new rights of way, particularly when it may compromise farming. Devon County Council, in particular the highways department, has an interest in establishing new walking routes, as it believes in the well-being and environmental benefits. To that end DCC will negotiate new routes with landowners and, help fund maintenance once they are established. Historically, if one looks at old maps of the Parish around the 1900’s, there were many miles of functional routes for folk on foot. Farmers moved cattle, the postman, and doctor, and folk generally visited remoter dwellings by direct routes across the countryside. In recent times over the country, walking groups (like the Ramblers Association) and individuals, have tried quite legitimately to reopen such old routes by taking their legitimacy often as far as the courtroom. You may have heard in the last few weeks the present government removed the date of 2032 as the last date such disputed routes could be considered, there is now no time limit.

Anyway, before I start rambling on, this is an ongoing project that GPC are working steadily towards,

we have the support of the under resourced DCC, and we need to convince landowners of the huge

benefits that could ensue. If you support this project and, you might even want to get involved please get in touch, we could even form a small pressure group. Conversely, if you believe this is not the sort of activity the GPC should concern itself with, in the interests of democracy, please let us know.

Adam Powell – Gittisham Parish Councillor,

Norman Lockyer Observatory

GITTISHAM COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

There have been many changes to our village community over the past few years and perhaps the time is right to introduce to our new residents the work and objectives of the Gittisham Community Land Trust (GCLT) and at the same time to also update the rest of the community on the progress so far. The story is full of twists and turns!!!

The primary objective of the GCLT is to provide affordable housing to rent for people with a strong local connection to the village. The project has been 15 years in the making. It began with the identification of a housing need by the local community through the Parish Plan back in 2010. There were a number of practical obstacles to moving forward and nothing happened to investigate this perceived need until 2016. However, from these distant beginnings, the Community Land Trust emerged. Several events took place in 2016, including a Parish wide Housing Need survey, the outcome of which identified a need for 6 affordable homes to rent for the village community. The GCLT was formally registered as a Community Benefit Society in October 2018 and a Board of Directors was elected and accountable to shareholders within the Society. To meet EDDC Local Plan policy requirements the project must be a community led proposal. The GCLT then undertook a site selection process and a preferred site was identified at the former farm buildings serving Town Farm on Exeter Hill. The site was subsequently endorsed by the community at a public meeting in May 2019. The site lies outside the conservation area but it is washed over by the AONB. The proximity to listed buildings at Clyst Hayes and Town Farm House were recognised as important considerations to take into account in any design work. Other important considerations which needed to be addressed included access design, management of surface water, ecology, biodiversity, trees and landscaping.

Discussions with EDDC resulted in a mix of units, 4 x 2 bed and 2 x 3 bed, being agreed to provide the best balance of accommodation for the need identified and for subsequent ongoing need. A Housing Allocation Plan, which sets out the how the finished housing would be allocated with priority to persons with local connections, was prepared and agreed. A further check on housing need confirmed an ongoing need for 6 dwellings.

Throughout the project, the land owners, the Combe Estate, have been entirely supportive of this community project. They have provided the site at nil cost and will benefit by the provision of 3 serviced plots on the site for estate usage. Architect’s (ECA) were appointed and a Housing Association development partner, South Devon Rural HA (SDRHA) joined the development team in Spring 2020 together with a variety of site investigation consultants who were engaged to inform the design process. Inevitably the COVID lockdown periods (March 2020 to March 2021) created delays but a scheme emerged that picked up on aspects of the village in terms of layout, materials, setting and scale.

In February 2021 a pre-application submission was presented to EDDC and received a positive response with no additional information listed as being required. The details of the preferred scheme were put on display for public viewing and comment in the Village Hall in June 2021. The public exhibition was well attended and the vast majority of comments received were very supportive of the proposals that were presented. Further design work, together with options for managing surface water and ensuring an energy efficient development, were undertaken. At all times it must be remembered that there is a balance to be found between the cost limitations arising from the level of grant and capital funding available and

meeting every one’s expectation in respect of design, access, control of surface water etc., and of course, the core objective of delivering an affordable rented housing scheme. However, the initial costings indicated a significant overspend and consequently it was necessary to revisit the scheme to see where possible savings could be found without compromising the design concept as previously presented to the community. At this stage the SDRHA was confident that the scheme was viable. Unfortunately, we began to encounter a number of legal delays and negotiations with the Estate and the Housing Association became complicated.

In March 2023 SDRHA advised that it was unable to continue support the scheme. The loss of our HA partner at such an important stage was both disappointing and frustrating. The GCLT board in considering options for the way forward resolved that we should acknowledge the current difficulties but having achieved so much we should remain positive and proceed with the submission of the planning application

as soon as possible. A positive outcome to the planning application would provide a clear indication to any potential Housing Association partner of the wider merits of this proposal.

The planning application was submitted in February 2024 but legal issues involving the Land Registry delayed registration of the application by EDDC. Further delays in registration were encountered as a result of new legislation regarding Bio Diversity requirements. The planning application was finally registered as a valid application in June 2024. The planning application No is 24/0514/FUL. There was every reason to be optimistic that with a positive pre app consultation in 2021 and legal and site consultant reports completed, that the application would move smoothly to determination. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Despite the positive pre app outcome in 2021, English Heritage and the EDDC Conservation Officer raised design and siting objections to the proposed scheme. This was very disappointing and extremely frustrating given that the purpose of a pre app submission was to avoid such situations arising. The consequences of these new objections have been a need to review again of the design of the proposed dwellings together with some siting adjustments. The design changes to the development will show a different picture to that which was previously displayed to the community in 2021 and as a “community led” project it is important that continuing involvement of the community is maintained.

It is therefore planned that the revised drawings will be placed on display in the Village Hall on Tuesday 11^th February 2025 between 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Further viewing of the plans will be available at the Community Kitchen on Thursday 13^th February. Opportunities to comment will be available. The Annual General Meeting of the GCLT is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 11^th March 2025 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall. We would welcome any new members to the GCLT and application forms are available on the GCLT Web site (www.gittisham-clt.org.uk) and will be available at the commencement of the AGM. We would welcome new Directors to the GCLT Board and an application form will be circulated with the Notice of AGM papers.

David Valentine, Chairman GCLT

Gittisham Parish Council FEBRUARY 2025 REPORT

Five councillors met for the February meeting. Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of the public were also present.   Energy saving. Phil Twiss said householders who want to make their homes more energy-efficient but are unsure of what steps to take next can get free impartial advice from trusted local experts at https://www.energysavingdevon.org.uk/ The Energy Saving Devon Advice Service provides personalised consultations, helping residents to make informed decisions about improving energy efficiency in their homes. This could include a free home visit from a local energy advisor to help you understand which energy saving measures are best suited to your home, advice on grants you may be eligible for as well as solutions to issues such as damp and mould, condensation or under heating. To find out more, or to book your free home visit, contact your local community energy organisation by ‘phone or WhatsApp on 0800 999 1439, or email Carol Hall said she was waiting to hear from the service to see if they would be interested in holding an event in the village hall.   EDDC Local Plan. Councillors discussed at length how the parish council should proceed in the light of the decision by East Devon District Council’s Strategic Planning Committee to approve a policy which sees land west of Hayne Lane allocated for a mixed-use development to provide 310 homes and 14.6 ha to accommodate employment. The policy will still be subject to an examination in public by a planning inspector, but councillors were undecided on what could be gained by continuing to oppose what seems to be inevitable – particularly given Government targets for house building. It was agreed that Alasdair Bruce should make enquiries at EDDC as to how much input the parish council can have in developing the masterplan for the area.   Finance. Members agreed the finances.   Crimes. December 2024: Meadow Acre – 1 x anti-social behaviour Hedge Field Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences Hayne Lane – 1 x violence and sexual offences   Planning applications. a) 24/1420/MRES – Land Off Hayne Lane Gittisham Honiton EX14 3PD – Reserved matters application in respect of matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the construction of 37 no. residential dwellings and associated garages, infrastructure and landscaping all in association with outline permission 22/1322/MOUT b) 25/0061/TCA – Allotment opposite Garlands Gittisham EX14 3AJ – variety of tree pruning measures Councillors had no objection to a). They asked if b) could be revised, following the recent storm damage to trees in the allotment.   Road closures. 17–19 February – road to Catshayes Farm closed for installation of replacement bridge railings. A diversion will be in place. 03-08 April: road closed through Alfington again for SW Water.   Casual vacancies – new councillors wanted. The clerk said if EDDC receives no request for an election at the end of a period of 14 working days from 6th February (i.e. by 25th), the Democratic Services Department will advise GPC that it may co-opt two people to the vacancies. Co-option is the process by which the parish council selects a new councillor.   Next meeting. Thursday 7th March at 7.30pm in the parish room.

	Gittisham Gazette	January 2025
	A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church
What’s On At the village hall __ Pierre’s Kitchen                Sunday 12th January                        Burn’s Night Supper and Dancing                             Saturday 18th January        Coffee & Cake                  Saturday 25th January Evening talk about Joanna Southcott   Friday 7th February __ Weekly Fitness class                        Tuesday mornings Folk Dancing               Wednesday evenings Community Kitchen          Thursday evenings Yoga                                        Friday afternoons  Gittisham Cabaret     April 25th & 26th	A little piece of what might have been Paul Wakley   Go past the entrance to Putts Corner caravan park, and you come to the gate of the back drive to Combe House. To the right stood Higher Lodge, a ground floor with four square rooms, diamond paned windows and thatched roof, the plot was surrounded by a white paling fence. It was demolished after becoming derelict.      To the left of the gate is a piece of woodland where I found the piece of pillar, it is thought to have been a stone mason’s sample from when Combe (the Pig) was going to be rebuilt in the Palladian style. The pillar is fluted on one side and plain on the other.      The great rebuilding by Tom Putt of apple fame, would have made Combe three times the present size. The brewery and bakery were demolished (the flat area to the right of the front) the facade taken down, in readiness to be refaced in stone. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Tom Putt died before the project got any further, because his heirs found there was very little money. So the facade was rebuilt much as it had been.   Home Grown Gold A real superstar visited the hall in December to tell a devoted audience of fans about his journey to a gold medal in Paris 2024. Ed Fuller explained all about his interest in rowing, taking it on at national and international level and finally being picked for the Paralympic team at Paris 2024. When asked what it was that gave him the edge on his American rivals, he had to agree that knowing he had the support of Gittisham made all the difference. There were several youngsters in the audience, so who knows what this will inspire them to do? And some of the older ones!
St Michael Church Services in January   Sat Jan 11th from 3pm Christingle Making in the Parish Rooms   Sunday Jan 12th 11am Holy Communion with presentation of Christingles   Sunday Jan 26th 11am Morning Worship   A message from Pierre: Happy New Year to you and your family’s. On the 12th mains will be Mediterranean Beef Slowpot with vegetables and couscous. Vegan pancake rolls gratin with salad. Price don’t change £9.50. French  king  cake. All the team wish guest a Happy New Year.     Church 200 Club December Draw Results 1st Aurora Wakley Beddows 2nd Catherine Wakley 3rd Will Wolsey   And the Christmas Draw for £125 to Nick Chapman	St Michael’s Church Fundraising meeting – 10am Sunday 19th January in Parish Rooms   An open invitation to all friends and residents to attend a short meeting on Sunday 19th January to be held at 10am in the Parish Rooms.  St Michael’s Church is under considerable financial strain as our running expenses are now exceeding our income.  The meeting will start with a brief presentation to explain our financial challenges after which we will have a discussion and invite ideas to help raise more income from both regular giving and events.  We are particularly keen to welcome anyone who does not wish to attend church but is still interested in helping us raise funds to care for the building and grounds.   Fresh coffee and pastries will be available from 09.45 and the meeting will finish at 11.15.  If you are interested in coming along then do please let me or Julia Barrett know. We are particularly keen to welcome anyone who does not usually wish to attend church services but is still interested in helping us raise funds to care for the building and grounds.  James Fuller     Gittisham Village Hall The committee would like you to wish you all a great new year. We are busy working on an exciting program of events to bring you over the next 12 months. Now that new calendars have been started we would like to invite you to make a note of some of our upcoming events: Coffee&Cakes4AKitchen last Saturday of the month throughout the year with the exception 24th May, 19th July, 23rd August The regular programme of exciting evening talks continues on 7th Feb with Joanna Southcott: from maid of Gittisham to mother of God starting at 7pm Burns Night supper and dancing 18th JanuaryEaster Bingo March 29thFather’s Day BBQ June 15thGittisham Village Fete August 30thChristmas Bingo November 29th The coffee and cake afternoons we began last year proved very popular and so we plan to run them throughout 2025 in order to raise funds specifically to renovate the kitchen. If you wish to run one on our behalf this year, do please get in touch. They are lots of fun! you are guaranteed a large crowd and some fantastic fare from the bakers in the parish! Let us know your preferred month and we will do our best to accommodate this. RIP Mike Newcombe who lived at Combe Farm and tragically died at the end of November.

Gittisham Parish Council JANUARY 2025 REPORT

Four councillors met for the January meeting. One member of the public was also present.   DCC Highways. In his report Phil Twiss (DCC) said that Devon has been allocated £83.6m from the government funding for repairs fund, more than any other council in the UK. This is broken down as £61.7m in 2025/26 and £22.5m in 2026/27. He said this will have a significant impact on the quality of the highways network, but is subject to certain criteria being met including highways, bridges, cycle ways etc and is not just for fixing potholes. In the coming weeks and months, plans will be drawn up as to how this funding can be put to best use.   Councillors also discussed the regular flooding at Iron Bridge on the old A30. The Chair said she would contact Phil Twiss to see if anything can be done, as cars often get stuck there following periods of heavy rain.   EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine explained that East Devon District Council’s Strategic Planning Committee had approved a policy which sees land west of Hayne Lane allocated for a mixed-use development to provide 310 homes and 14.6 ha to accommodate employment. According to EDDC’s policy document, “this allocation will need to come forward on the basis of an agreed masterplan for the whole site that clearly demonstrates how comprehensive development will be undertaken and implemented. Southern parts of the site are in the East Devon National Landscape and this area will require very careful design to take account of its landscape setting. On the western edges the site is close to the historic village of Gittisham and particular sensitivity will need to be attached to preventing adverse heritage impacts. These southerly and westerly parts will be best suited for open space uses.” This is part of East Devon’s Local Plan, which will have to go to a public enquiry.   Finance. Members agreed the budget for 2025/26 and the parish precept was increased to £10,927.25; as the population of the parish has increased, this should not represent a rise at the individual level.   Crimes. Hedge Field Close – 2 x violence and sexual offences Hamlett Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences Nether Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences Parsonage Lane – 2 x violence and sexual offences   Donations. Members agreed to donate money to Force, Diabetes UK, TRIP, Citizens Advice and Hospiscare. Road closures. 16 January: Lane to Catshayes Farm closed for installation of South West Water sewer level equipment. 03-08 April: road closed through Alfington again for SW Water. Peter Orchard said he would ask Phil Twiss to enquire as to why it’s felt necessary to close the road during term time, with corresponding disruption to school transport.   Casual vacancies – new councillors wanted. The Chair said Janet Twist had resigned from the parish council. Councillors joined the Chair in thanking Janet for her dedication to the council and service to the local community. There are now two vacancies on the parish council, one to represent Gittisham Vale and the other to represent Gittisham Village. If you are interested in taking up one of these roles, please contact for more details. The posts will be advertised in due course.   Next meeting. Thursday 6th February at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Flower and Produce Show Committee  The Village Hall Committee would like to express their thanks to the Flower and Produce Show Committee for donating seven brand new square tables with folding legs, these match in hight and appearance with our larger tables and will be stored neatly bellow the stage once we make a trolley.

PARISH COUNCIL – DECEMBER 2024 REPORT

Six councillors met for the December meeting.

Broadband Councillors heard that Damian Furniss and David Fallows have met to discuss the way forward on an Openreach quote to take fibre to Town Farm Buildings. Cllr Adam Powell is working with them to draw up a number of questions they will submit to Openreach. The parish council succeeded in getting some publicity in the press for the poor broadband issue, and local MP Richard Foord mentioned Gittisham in Parliament as illustrating the challenge facing some parts of his constituency in accessing superfast broadband. The Chair said she would contact Voneus to see if there was any possibility of increased coverage with additional infrastructure.

Finance. Councillors noted the finances.

Crimes. October 2024:  Hedge Field Close – 3 anti-social behaviour, Hamlett Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences, Meadow Acre – 1 x other theft, Village Hall area – 1 x violence and sexual offences. NB Devon & Cornwall Police say the hotspots on their crime map give only a loose idea of where crimes happened. Actual locations and details of crimes are kept anonymous.

Road closures. – 09 Oct 23 December: Sidmouth Road 200m uphill south of Tesco roundabout. Temporary traffic signals. Guarding collapsed culvert causing water damage to road.

• Until 10 th December approximately: all roads in Gittisham Vale, installation of ducting for Virgin Cable. A cabinet has been added by the grass at Old Elm Road turning circle.
• 16 January 2025: Lane to Cathayes Farm closed for installation of South West Water sewer level equipment.

Future projects. Councillors discussed ideas for projects that the parish council could potentially contribute towards in the future. These included:

• Planting a horse chestnut tree for future generations to enjoy conkers
• An electric vehicle charging point
• A bench near the village end of the balancing pond
• Community shop
• Leaflet of walks around the parish
• Parish Christmas event 2025
• Funds for a planning consultant to help the parish council uphold parishioners’ interests regarding EDDC’s Local Plan

All agreed to discuss these further when setting the parish council’s budget and precept in January.

Maggie Walker. After 20 years of service, Maggie Walker has resigned from the parish council. She said it had been a privilege to serve the community, and a rewarding experience. Councillors joined the Chair in thanking Maggie for her commitment and enthusiasm over the past two decades on the council.

Next meeting. 9 th January in the parish room at 7.30pm. The Chair wished councillors, their families and all those who support the parish council a merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year.

Parish Council links              Who’s who                                https://gittisham.org.uk/parish–council/

                                                  Emergency Plan                        https://gittisham.org.uk/parish–council/emergency–plan/

                                                   Parish Council Clerk             Email:                          Tel: 01404 851442

Advent Message from St Michael’s Church

‘Why are we waiting?’ As a child, I remember loudly singing this refrain with my fellow schoolfriends as we stood outside,, in the playground, on a cold December afternoon, impatiently waiting to be let in for the school’s Christmas party. The headmistress was not pleased. An early Advent lesson in waiting. Waiting is everywhere! We can’t avoid it. It happens all the time. At bus stops, railway stations airports and in our everyday lives, queuing for services of one kind and another, whether we are out and about or in our own homes. It happens on our phones and online as we wait for our calls to be answered, or as we wait still for a reliable internet service or mobile phone signal. We wait to book an appointment to see a doctor, we wait for a hospital appointment, we wait for expectantly for a date for treatment. It happens here in Gittisham as we wait for a bus, which still does not come!

Waiting can be frustrating and sometimes life threatening, especially when we can’t get help when we need it. And how can we not be afraid when we are faced daily with news of a world in turmoil, threatened by war, climate change and environmental disasters in which so many suffer and afraid for their lives?

Our waiting and longing for peace, justice and mercy can seem endless. In Church our Advent readings are all about waiting often in difficult circumstances. Perhaps more than ever, we need to listen to the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary ‘Do not be Afraid!’ to be reminded that there can be hope and joy in waiting, that God’s love is stronger than our worst fears, stronger even than death.

He will come like dark

One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny masks its eye to yield the star-snowed fields of sky. He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free.

He will come like child.

(from the poem ‘Advent Calendar’ by Rowan Williams)

And so I pray that whatever your circumstances, whatever the hopes and fears you may be holding for our world, yourselves or others, that you may know the blessing, hope and joy of the coming of the Christ Child this Christmas. Julia Barrett from St Michael’s Church, Gittisham.

Upcoming Church Services and Events 

Sun Dec 15^th 4.30pm Carol Service mince pies

Children’s nativity pageant, festive drinks,

Fri Dec 20^th 5pm Carols on the Green with the Honiton Town Band

Sausages & mulled wine

Sun Dec 22^nd 4pm

Crib service

Tues Dec 24^th 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Wed Dec 25^th 11am Holy Communion