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.
Getting fibre broadband to Gittisham – Cllr Adam Powell 2025
For last ten years or more, unsuccessful efforts have been made to connect properties in and around Gittisham village to fibre broadband; it has been promised and, in some instances, has come so close. Despite the surrounding localities of Honiton, Weston and Fenny Bridges, the later less than 2 miles away, being well connected to fibre, four independent companies contracted by CDS (Connecting Devon and Somerset) have run out of funds or capacity to connect Gittisham.
In 2024, Gittisham Parish Council (GPC), stepped up efforts to fight for a fibre broadband connection. GPC talked to the principal landowner, the Combe Estate, who had negotiated, at considerable expense, two routes to cross agricultural land. In early April, GPC met with our local MP, Richard Foord, he promptly wrote to Keri Denton at CDS, and he raised the issue of rural connectivity, mentioning Gittisham, in the House of Commons. Keri Denton advised that the resources of the current contractor, Airband, were running low, in autumn 2024 that proved the case; Airband cancelled 60% of its contract to Devon Villages including Gittisham. This happened a few days before Gittisham residences had scheduled a meeting with CDS in Gittisham Village Hall. Attended by over thirty Gittisham residents, they recounted how poor, erratic, or non-existent broadband speeds (generally less than 10 mbps) impacted their lives. Working from home, zoom meetings, studying and homework, accessing medical help, were all difficult or impossible. A villager working for Devon County Council said this meant travel by car to offices in Exeter, typically a one and a half hour round trip, when there is no congestion. The two representatives from CDS, apologised sympathetically, they explain the shortfall in resources, and pointed to possible grants available that might be combined between dwellings to achieve the true costs.
In late Spring 2024, GPC had written to Lisa Nandy’s office (Minister for Culture Media and Sport). The reply was swift and detailed, it also described the grants available and pointed to the government’s current initiatives to improve 4G and 5G mobile signal which could prove an alternative method of getting faster broadband.
GPC have investigated the grants available potentially up to £4500 being available per household, a quote given by Openreach recently to lay fibre to one property in the village came to £190,000 which makes this simply not affordable, even if grants are pooled.
The GPC have documented all of the above activity by writing to the press, three letters have been published. Many other Devon Parishes face a similar plight, many such as Broadhembury are not connected to fibre, others nearby such as Upottery and Offwell have shouted louder and achieved superfast broadband.
As long as market forces determine which parishes are worth connecting, those hard-to-reach areas will remain disadvantaged in a digital age advancing faster than we realise. This disadvantage contributes to rural isolation and rural poverty, making rural Devon a harder place to live for all generations and strata of society.
Previous History
To my knowledge over the last 10 years so far we’ve had, BT Openreach – started putting in poles to string fibre to the village, however they had not got way leaves permission so they had to be removed. (circa 2017)
Gigaclear began installing ducting up to the the forge (2018) then went bankrupt Voneus installed their point to point system for some homes in the village. (2019/20)
Jurassic Fibre approached the Parish Council with the intention of installing fibre to premises. (2021) They got quite far into developing the plan with the estate and was negotiating way leaves & were almost ready to start work in late (2022) when they sold out to Fern trading (2023) they then pulled the plan due to costs.
Air Band came again to a PC meeting with the intention of FTTP they even sponsored the fete (2023) but early this year they’ve also cut back on their build out as the connecting Devon and Somerset monies was not available.
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,
NormanLockyerObservatory
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 11th February 2025 between 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Further viewing of the plans will be available at the Community Kitchen on Thursday 13th February. Opportunities to comment will be available. The Annual General Meeting of the GCLT is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 11th 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.
Nick, Damian, Claire, Alex, Maggie, Stella, Toni & Bill Observing Kate & Jess
Apologies
Pierre & Steve
Next meet
Next meeting: Tuesday 4th March
Item
Details
Actions
All actions
New Actions Gary to be thanked by Claire for his Coffee and Cake afternoon
Stephen to advertise the hall as a flexible workspace on booking portals. Damian and Carol to agree a process to reconcile booking income to list of bookings. Jess to research booking software/website plug-ins Damian continues to chase the installation of a smart meter.
All to send Chair leaving present ideas to Nick. Damian to remove Hamish from current account once trustee situation resolved. Damian to meet with Alex and Nick to with it best cash flow
All to review emerging lottery grant application and comment on google doc. Stella Kitchen worktops coming on 19th Feb Bill, Damian & Claire to become charity trustees.
Bill, to plaster/paint around the boiler
Damian to add further signatories to the current account, Nick and Stella
Alex to communicate date on whatsapp to remove debris from the loft
Committee members and governance
The committee welcomed the observing members. Members met on January 21st to review the draft, ACRE recommended our document follow their model. If our current document meets the requirements then there is no need to adjust the current governance plan. Stella to continue to work with ACRE and DCT. To increase the number of trustees, see the actions above. It was proposed to move our AGM forward to the May 2025 date to be confirmed in the March meeting.
Stella
Finance
Damian presented the latest financial reports – see summary in Annex.
The current balance is £24,771.56
The higher number is currently due to the successful EDDC grant application.
Social events are ahead of last year due to the great efforts of the committee.
Some expenses are larger year on year as payments were carried over from the previous year. Oven fundraising activity has been itemised.
Still, some clarification is needed for bookings to be confirmed against payment history, Damian proposes to give Carol access to the bank accounts for easier reconciliation.
Damian
Damian/Carol
Grants
EDDC Grant progressing, and Flexeco are progressing with gaining approval from the national grid to install the solar array.
DCC Grant was also successful, the timeline needs to be confirmed by Damian as the grant is paid in arrears.
Insulation to be fitted in early March
Windows and doors to be fitted in mid-March.
A decision was taken to make a retrospective planning should the need arise, for the new windows
All to continue looking for grants and filling in the lottery grant
Alex
Maintenance
The consumer unit has been upgraded A new Lincat hob/oven has been installed!
Repainting of toilets to be looked into.
Plastering and repainting around the gas water heater in thekitchen
Stella
Claire
Bill
Bookings
It was noted that a better system is needed to reconcile bookings with payments – Damian and Carol will meet to review.
Damian/Jess
Future events
Future events schedule agreed as follows: Friday 7th February, Damian’s Joanna Southcott talk. £2.50 on the door 7pm Saturday 22nd February, cake sale, Clare to lead. Tuesday 4th March Tip Tip Toe 4pm. Friday 7th March, next evening talk, Tales around the fire Maggie and Paul to lead a discussion on village history. Saturday 29th March, cake sale, no nominated lead. Saturday 29th March, Easter Bingo, Stella and Claire leading. Friday-Saturday April 25th–26th, Gittisham cabaret. Sunday 15th June, Father’s Day BBQ. Potential future events: A networking event for local businesses, children’s themed, Hardy talk / gardening talk / astronomy talk Spanish event
All
AOB
The Committee resolved not to charge the Church if they wish to book the hall for 3 of their future events this year.
Accounts to be published here when available.
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
2023/24
84.7% of 2023-24
1.04.24 – 04.02.25
2023/24
84.7% of 2023-24
1.04.24-04.02.25
Balance b/fwd
£3,627.91
Insurance
£690.38
£584.75
£723.73
Non-domestic rates
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Hire of Hall
£5,588.85
£4,733.76
£4,906.77
Cleaning/grass cutting
£1,019.62
£863.62
£1,636.59
Social Events
£1,371.36
£1,161.54
£4,218.09
Maintenance/Equipment
£5,840.55
£4,946.95
£4,532.46
Interest
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Water/Gas/Electric
£3,031.87
£2,567.99
£2,160.93
Miscellaneous
£2,005.91
£1,699.01
£22,596.90
Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)
£1,014.59
£859.36
£1,524.40
£8,966.12
£7,594.30
£31,721.76
£11,597.01
£9,822.67
£10,578.11
Balance
£24,771.56
Total
£35,349.67
£35,349.67
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
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 beenPaul 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.
Nick, Damian, Claire, Alex, Steve, Maggie, Bill, StellaObserving: Toni
Apologies
Pierre
Next meet
Next meeting: Tuesday 21st January – 6pm, Village Hall – specifically on governance Next full meeting: Tuesday 4th February – 7.30pm, Village Hall
Item
Details
Actions
All actions
Stephen to advertise the hall as a flexible workspace on booking portals. Damian and Carol to agree a process to reconcile booking income to list of bookings. Damian continues to chase the installation of a smart meter. Maggie to cut four new keys using Maggie’s key as a template. Stella to send round next iteration of the governance document before 21st January. New actions:All to send Chair leaving present ideas to Nick. Damien toremove Hamish from current account once trustee situation resolved. Damian to undertake a further analysis of projected total income vs projected total expenditure to guide decision-making at the upcoming January 21st meeting.Damian to renew insurance contract with existing provider for three-year term, also considering hazardous activity. Alex to alert the Combe Estate to the imminent installation of solar panels, advertise EDDC CO grant success and meet terms of grant application. All to review emerging lottery grant application and comment on google doc. Stella to progress £3231 of kitchen works with further investment discussed on 21st. Stella and Alex to co-ordinate payment and timing of fuse box upgrade works. Stephen to write a card to Ed Fuller to say thank you for talk. Claire tolead stepped up marketing initiatives. Nick to buy haggis. Maggie to coordinate with Sue and committee on Burns Night catering. Damian to advertise Joanna Southcott talk and make poster. Alex to change wi-fi network and passwords.
Committee members and governance
Committee members to send ideas for Hamish leaving gifts to Nick. Stella continues to iterate the initial governance document / constitution, adding in details on the charity’s affiliations and drawing on examples from other VH governance documents. The meeting agreed that a dedicated meeting was needed to consider further: this will take place on Tuesday 21st January at 6pm at the Village Hall, with draft document circulated in advance by Stella. As acting Chair Nick suggested that once the governance arrangements were clarified a Special General Meeting was needed in order to re-establish key committee roles. A date for this could be set at the 21st. However, the committee noted that Nick’s continued presence as Chair may be beneficial for the coming months whilst a number of complicated issues remain in play.
All
Stella
Finance
Damian presented the latest financial reports – see summary in Annex. Thanks to substantial fundraising efforts and generous grant donations, year-to-date income (£13.7k) is significantly outstripping outgoings (£5.2k). Further significant income opportunities before the end of the financial year are Burns Night and the Easter Bingo. Significant outgoings remain to be paid in this financial year in relation to a) the Carbon Offset EDDC grant (£2565), b) the new cooker and associated kitchen improvements (£3231-£7014), and c) insurance renewal. As previously agreed by the committee, in-year outgoings must not exceed in-year income, as this would entail a third successive year of loss-making which would be detrimental to the charity and its chances of success in future grant applications. The committee agreed that spend may need to be sequenced carefully in the coming weeks to prevent this from occurring. Damian will undertake a further analysis of projected total income vs projected total expenditure to guide decision-making at the upcoming January 21st meeting. The committee approved the Treasurer’s recommendation to renew the insurance contract with the existing provider over a three-year term. Damian to look into the provision of bouncy castles and other potentially hazardous equipment in the terms of the contract.
Damian
Damian
Grants
The committee congratulated Alex on the great success of securing over £13k of funding from the EDDC Carbon Offset Fund for the installation of LED lighting, solar panels and battery storage. This is a significant investment in the Village Hall which will reap financial and sustainability benefits for decades to come. Well done Alex! In due course the battery storage may enable the VH to sell electricity back to the grid – we shall see what’s what once the installation is complete. Alex is liaising with all parties on the installation and is confident that this will all be completed in advance of the end of the financial year. The batteries will be stored in the boiler room, and the solar panels will not be installed on the section of the rear roofing that has caused problems in recent months. Alex took the actions to inform the Combe Estate of the upcoming installation, calculate how the installation has improved our sustainability (to satisfy the terms of the grant agreement) and to make sure that the improvements are publicised in the Gazette and beyond. We have still not heard back from the DCC grant – we should hear imminently. This grant requires payments to be made in advance of works being completed. Should we be successful we will need to consider quickly our options and how manageable this is within our financial envelope, Perhaps another thing to return to at the 21st January meeting. Alex has circulated the lottery grant document to the committee over email. All to review and suggest amendments. No imminent deadline on this application (?) and we can return to this at subsequent meetings.
Alex
All
Maintenance
Stella presented an update on the cooker and a series of quotations for installation and associated works, as well as recommended options to pursue. The committee thanked Stella for her excellent work. Further to discussion the committee agreed that Stella should in the first instance progress the £3,231 of works to install the cooker and three shelves, with further installation to be discussed on the 21st in the light of Damian’s updated cashflow analysis.
There is the potential for the fuse box upgrade works to be covered by Alex’s solar panel grant. But the sequencing of this is complicated. We do not want it to delay cooker installation. Alex and Stella to liaise on the timings and costings and report back. The rear roof has not leaked since Hamish and Alex sorted it out. The committee expressed its thank to both for their work sorting out this significant problem!
Stella
Stella and Alex
Bookings
The Ed Fuller talk on 3rd January was well-attended and a great success. Stephen to write a card of thanks from the committee.
Bookings for December are set out in the annex. It was noted that a better system is needed to reconcile bookings with payments, perhaps through use of invoice numbers – Damian and Carol will meet to review.
Stephen
Future events
We discussed the marketing of future events. We could be more rigorous and systematic about this, using more space in the gazette to talk about Village Hall events and ensuring that Baker Estates WhatsApp groups are also informed. Claire kindly agreed to lead the marketing of future events along these lines – thank you Claire. Future events schedule agreed as follows: Saturday 18th January, Burns Night, Mary Marker is booked, tickets are selling well. Sue is doing the food – thank you Sue. Nick will buy haggis. Maggie to co-ordinate with Sue over what food needs purchasing (potatoes from Vinnicombes) and how committee members can help. Steve to take the money on the door. Setup from 5.30pm. Raffle so please bring prizes. Saturday 25th January, next monthly cake sale – Gary is leading. Friday 7th February, Damian’s Joanna Southcott talk. £4 on the door, Damian to do poster and advertise. Saturday 22nd February, cake sale, no nominated lead. Friday 7th March, next evening talk, Maggie and Paul to lead a discussion on village history. Saturday 29th March, cake sale, no nominated lead.Saturday 29th March, Easter Bingo, Stella and Claire leading. Friday-Saturday April 25th–26th, Gittisham cabaret.Sunday 15th June, Father’s Day BBQ. Potential future events:Hardy talk / gardening talk / astronomy talkSpanish event
Claire
Nick Maggie
Damian
AOB
Alex to change the wi-fi network name and the wi-fi passwords so that there is a private committee network – thanks Alex.
Alex
Booking for January
Accounts for November
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
New large range cooker
New kitchen refurb: sink, worktop…or full kitchen
Replace two front windows
Sewerage and drainage pipe replacement
Re-fit audio visual capabilities
Rewiring of cabling, particularly in the loft
Extractor fans in kitchen
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Internal repaint including / especially ceiling
Loft insulation
Replace all windows, not just front windows
Bin Store
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Stephen to look at advertising the hall as a flexible workspace (June meeting). Damian and Carol to agree a process to reconcile booking income to list of bookings (September meeting). Damian to cut three new keys using Maggie’s key as a template. Hamish to write to Terry (and Cordelia who resigned her position at the October meeting) to express the committee’s thanks. Hamish various banking transfer tasks to Damian. Damian continues to chase the installation of a smart meter Someone to make an attractive ‘Hall in use’ sign. New actions: Nick to organise Hamish’sleaving do. Stella to send round next iteration of the governance document. Alex to take forwards our response to the successful EDDC grant. Hamish to write to community kitchen benefactor to convey thanks. Alex to circulate a google doc with emerging lottery grant, for everyone to review / contribute. Stella to purchase chosen cooker model. Stella to circulate quotations from various electricians and other workmen for the kitchen works so that we can chew over and make an informed recommendation before January meeting. Alex to convey our thanks to the flower and produce show committee for the excellent tables. Alex to seal the deal with the black mugs.
Committee members and governance
This was Hamish’s last meeting as Chair of the Village Hall. The Committee’s thanks to Hamish are captured in previous minutes, and a note recognising his long service and significant contribution was posted in the December Gittisham Gazette. Nick has the action to organise Hamish’s leaving do in the new year.
As Nick is Vice Chair it was agreed that he would take over chairing of the Committee until the next AGM (scheduled for the summer) or earlier if Nick chooses to schedule a SGM at which committee roles could be voted in. A meeting was held late in November to review the hall’s constitution, which is still in draft. Only half of the committee could attend. Stella has taken the action to iterate the document and submit to the January meeting.
Nick
Stella
Finance
Monthly accounts are still pending. They will added to these minutes when they are ready. The Christmas Bingo was a huge success, in terms of enjoyment and profit, and the committee expressed its thanks to Claire and Stella in particular for all of their work organising the event.
Grants
The committee discussed the EDDC grant application submitted by Alex: solar panels with batteries and new lighting; £15k bid; our payment is 10% + VAT. Since the meeting we have found out the terrific news that we have been successful with our application. This achieves a long-standing aim of the Village Hall to install solar panels and puts us on the path to significantly reducing our long-term running costs. Spend will need to be incurred by end of March 2025 – Alex to coordinate our next steps. A parallel DCC carbon offset grant application has also been submitted: full reimbursement for insulation of roof spaces, new windows and doors. Given that the grant requires us to pay for the costs up front, and given the advanced position within the financial year, there remain challenges about our ability to spend any successful grant award before 31st March. However, we are under no obligation to accept a grant should we be successful. We will return to this bridge should it need to be crossed. Nick confirmed that he has spoken with the anonymous benefactor who has confirmed that they will donate funds to the village hall to help pay for the hall’s running costs of the community kitchen. This is fantastic news. Hamish will write to the benefactor to convey the VHC’s thanks. The Growing Communities Fund deadline is coming up again – we will need to submit an application in January. The lottery grant deadline is also coming up. Alex will circulate the lottery grant document as a google doc to allow the whole committee to edit. As always a huge thank you to Alex in particular for all of the time he spends researching and supporting grant applications for the hall. Great to see this hard work rewarded with a substantial, successful application!
Alex
Hamish
Hamish
Alex
Maintenance
Stella presented an update on the cooker. She has not purchased the chosen cooker model yet as she wanted to get a clear sense of the costs of the other necessary works, primarily electrical work to support the cooker installation but also quotes for new surfaces, plastering, etc. There are questions about aquaboards. It is complicated, there are a lot of quotations and Stella is still building a picture. Stella took the action to summarise the costings and different options and circulate before the next meeting so that we can make an informed decision at that point. We cannot delay beyond the January meeting if we want the cooker to be installed in a timely fashion to meet the £1k grant award we have received. No other maintenance issues were raised; the long-term maintenance schedule remains unchanged in the annex.
Stella
Bookings
Bookings for December are set out in the annex.
Future events
Future events schedule agreed as follows – some great events coming up!: Saturday 14th December, Christmas Quiz, £7 on the door. There will be a raffle so please bring donations. Bill and Sue are cooking, committee setup from 5pm. Friday 3rd January, Ed Fuller talk about his Paralympic Gold Medal. (Can someone make a poster about this?) Saturday 18th January, Burns Night, Mary Marker is booked, price still up for debate. Saturday 25th January, next monthly cake sale – I’m afraid I didn’t note down who is in charge of this. Friday 31st January to 1st Feb, Gittisham cabaret, with compressed rehearsals in the days leading up. Friday 7th February, Damian’s Joanna Southcott talk. Saturday 8th March, Mad as a March Hare, Spanish Evening. Title may change. Saturday 29th March, Easter Bingo. Sunday 15th June, Father’s Day.Potential future events:Hardy talk / Gittisham history talk / gardening talk / astronomy talk
AOB
The committee agreed to purchase 20 plain black mugs. Alex to sort with Damian.
The committee expressed its thanks to the Flower and Produce Show committee for the excellent tables – Alex will convey our thanks to the committee.
Alex
Alex
Booking for December
Accounts for November
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
2023/24
76.4% of 2023-24
1.04.24 – 03.12.25
2023/24
76.4% of 2023-24
1.04.24-03.12.25
Balance b/fwd
£3,627.91
Insurance
£690.38
£527.45
£0.00
Non-domestic rates
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Hire of Hall
£5,588.85
£4,269.88
£3,971.97
Cleaning/grass cutting
£1,019.62
£778.99
£1,492.59
Social Events
£1,371.36
£1,047.72
£3,368.38
Maintenance/Equipment
£5,840.55
£4,462.18
£684.24
Interest
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Water/Gas/Electric
£3,031.87
£2,316.35
£1,753.08
Miscellaneous
£2,005.91
£1,532.52
£6,381.90
Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)
£1,014.59
£775.15
£1,297.52
£8,966.12
£6,850.12
£13,722.25
£11,597.01
£8,860.12
£5,227.43
Balance
£12,122.73
Total
£17,350.16
£17,350.16
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
What’s On? at the village hall in December & January
Quiz Night with Hamish Sat 14th December
Gingerbread House making Sun 15th & Mon 16th 3-6pm with Emese HomeMeadBakes
An evening with Ed Fuller Gold medal Paralympian Rower Friday 3rd January
Burn’s Night 18th January
Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm.
It is with great sadness that we have heard of the death of Mike Newcombe from Combe Farm. Our thoughts are with all at Combe Farm, especially Michael, Sasha and Alysia.
Pierre’s Café. We would like to thank all of you who have supported Pierre’s Café over the past year. To see your smiling faces and the enjoyment you get from sharing good food with friends makes us happy. We wish you a merry
Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Please come along and bring your friends, the second Sumday of every month for home made food with a French twist. With love Pierre, Fiona, Rose, Solenn and Patch
Thank you Gittisham Village Hall Committee would like to thank the parish and other Gittisham friends for supporting the hall and the events we have worked hard to deliver over the past 12 months. We are a charity and we rely on your support to keep this valuable Gittisham asset going.
We have enjoyed some wonderful community events over the last 12 months, including the recent highly popular Coffee&Cake4ACooker afternoons and the Christmas bingo. Through the support of the community we are now in a position to purchase the much needed cooker and are now looking at ways to refurbish the kitchen and attend to other pressing maintenance issues. We have an exciting programme of events on the drawing board for next year and we always welcome ideas from others. We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas quiz, where Quizmaster Hamish will be testing your mental and physical dexterity. And there’ll sausages and mash at half time to help those who are flagging… The Village Hall Committee would like to wish all our supporters a wonderful Christmas with health and happiness throughout 2025.
Christmas Cards for sale Designed by Octavia Madden. £2.50. Proceeds to St Michael’s church. Contact Helen Hayman 07806 480246
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.
‘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 15th 4.30pm Carol Service mince pies
Children’s nativity pageant, festive drinks,
Fri Dec 20th 5pm Carols on the Green with the Honiton Town Band
Sausages & mulled wine
Sun Dec 22nd 4pm
Crib service
Tues Dec 24th 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Wed Dec 25th 11am Holy Communion
Special General Meeting: 20th November, 1930, Damian’s house Next meeting: Tuesday 3rd December
Item
Details
Actions
All actions
Terry has resigned his position from the village hall committee. The Chair put on record the committee’s thanks to Terry for years of service supporting the village, maintaining the hall building and contributing to events. The Chair will write to Terry (and Cordelia who resigned from her position at the October meeting) to express the committee’s thanks.
Committee members
Terry has resigned his position from the village hall committee. The Chair put on record the committee’s thanks to Terry for years of service supporting the village, maintaining the hall building and contributing to events. The Chair will write to Terry (and Cordelia who resigned her position at the October meeting) to express the committee’s thanks.
Hamish
Finance
Damian ran through the monthly accounts, a screenshot of which is captured in the below annex (an accessible version of the monthly accounts has been uploaded separately to the village website). Income is significantly up on last year, with the majority of this income ring-fenced for the new cooker. Damian set out some of the changes he wanted to make to how we track and monitor finances, including: a tighter reconciliation process between bookings and invoicing; a five-year costed maintenance programme; and the clearer ring-fencing of certain funds (e.g. cooker funds, community kitchen funds) within the accounts. The committee also agreed that expenses should be sent to Damian over email, with a photograph of the receipt, and not over WattsApp. Not all financial tools and accounts have been fully transferred to Damian. Hamish took actions to ensure Janet is removed from the HSBC bank, to ensure Damian has access to the Redwood account, and to give Damian a paying in book. Damian continues to chase the installation of a smart meter – thank you to Damian for taking this forwards.
Hamish Damian
Grants
It does not look like we have been successful with either the South West Water or Morrisons grant applications. Thank you to Alex for pursuing these on our behalf.
Both EDDC and DCC are running Carbon Offset Grant programmes. The EDDC grant subsidises 90% of carbon offset works (-VAT) and closes on Friday 15th November; results should be announced before the end of the month. The DCC grant pays for 100% of works and makes payments in arrears.
Alex has kindly progressed various quotations for works that would fall under the scope of these two grants, namely: lighting and minor electricals (replacing all interior and exterior lights with LEDs, replacing and upgrading our emergency lighting, replacing the heater in the kitchen); solar panels for the roof elevations at the rear of the hall with accompanying 2x10KW battery storage; and insulation and window replacement. The meeting agreed that the priority grant to submit to EDDC this Friday should be solar panelling, with a larger grant for the various other works to be submitted to DCC prior to the closure of that window. Hamish took the action to alert the Combe Estate of our intention to install solar panels. Alex is once again pursuing the £20k lottery grant, using information from the village survey to support the grant claims. Some potentially very good news: a benefactor has expressed an interest in donating a substantial grant to support the running costs for the community kitchen. Nick is liaising and will update the committee at the next meeting.
As always, a huge thank you to Alex in particular for all of the time he spends researching and supporting grant applications for the hall.
Alex
Hamish
Nick
Maintenance
Further to October’s extensive review of potential cooker options, Stella and Claire have visited Broadhembury Village Hall to hear their views on the cooker they have installed. The cooker has been in place for 9 years and works very well, with no issues. Further to this information, the committee weighed up again the various cooker options and decided to progress with the purchase of the Broadhembury Village Hall model. Stella will take forward the purchase, researching the best possible deals and keeping an eye on Black Friday sales. Stella also took actions to research the purchase of larger cooking trays, or ‘gastronorms’, and to price up some suitable second hand stainless steel worktops and splashbacks and bring quotations back to the next meeting. Thank you to Stella. Taps have been replaced by Alex and are no longer faulty. Thanks to Alex.
Tiles have fallen off in the kitchen. Hamish to sand down and give a quick lick of paint. We don’t want to repair as the whole kitchen will soon have a glow up. Further long-term maintenance priorities were added to the maintenance schedule in the annex, namely: a new kitchen fit out including sinks, splashbacks and worktops, rewiring of the external cabling and loft space, and a refit of the audio-visual capabilities in the hall.
Stella Stella
Hamish
Bookings
A full list of November bookings is included in the below annex and is also uploaded on the village website.
Upcoming village hall committee events in October are the next cake sale and Bingo, both on 30th November. Claire updated the committee on the plans for Bingo, which has a wonderful raffle and a lot of people attending and should be a knock out event! Claire to let committee members know how they can be of most help on the day. The meeting agreed that a ‘Hall in use’ sign is needed to prevent committee members or others wandering into private events. Maybe someone can make an attractive one of these?
Claire
Someone
Governance
The meeting briefly discussed the governance document circulated by Hamish. Some comments have been submitted in writing. The committee agreed that some dedicated time was needed to consider the committee’s constitution in detail. As such, a Special General Meeting has been called for later in the month to agree a final version of the constitution.
Future events
Future schedule agreed as follows: 5th December, fuel poverty clinic with a free fleece blanket, in place in advance of Community Kitchen. Christmas Quiz, Saturday 14th December – Maggie to speak to Sue about possibly catering.Damian, Joanna Southcott talk, Friday 10th January. Burns Night, Saturday 18th January, Mary Marker is booked.Cabaret, 31st January to 1st Feb. Compressed rehearsals. Future events:Hardy talk / Gittisham history talk / gardening talk / astronomy talkSpanish event Carol to advertise the above programmes in the gazette, Alex to advertise on Facebook.
Maggie
Carol, Alex
AOB
Alex offered the committee the purchase of 20 plain black mugs. No decision made – rolled over to next meeting!
Booking for November
Accounts for November
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
2023/24
61.37% of 2023-24
1.04.24 – 11.11.24
2023/24
61.37% of 2023-24
Balance brought forward
£3,627.91
Insurance
£690.38
£423.69
Non-domestic rates
£0.00
£0.00
Hire of Hall
£5,588.85
£3,429.88
£2,946.01
Cleaning/grass cutting
£1,019.62
£625.74
Social Events
£1,371.36
£841.60
£1,247.32
Maintenance/Equipment
£5,840.55
£3,584.35
Interest
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
Water/Gas/Electric
£3,031.87
£1,860.66
Miscellaneous
£2,005.91
£1,231.03
£6,051.90
Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)
£1,014.59
£622.65
£8,966.12
£5,502.51
£10,245.23
£11,597.01
£7,117.09
Balance
Total
£13,873.14
Income includes:
Redwood Deposit A/C TBC (awaiting access)
£25,654.20
DCC grant (community kitchen)
£1,000.00
Includes annual interest
£842.98
DCC locality budget (oven)
£1,000.00
N.B. 61.37% is proportion of year passed to date.
Fete donation (oven)
£750.00
Fete donation (community kitchen)
£750.00
Income not yet banked:
Coffee/cakes September (oven)
£247.50
Tesco donation (oven)
£250.00
Donation from Drakes Plumbing (Xmas bingo – oven)
£200.00
Coffee/cakes October cash (oven)
£297.00
Sparklers/bangers (sumup)
£61.95
Bee Talk cash (oven)
£77.00
Bee talk (sumup) (oven)
£14.75
Sparklers/bangers cash
£25.00
October cake/coffee (sumup) (oven)
£136.13
Expenses not yet paid:
Sparklers/bangers
£38.00
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
Hamish, Damian, Maggie, Pierre, Stella, Claire, Alex, Steve, Nick, Bill
Apologies
Terry
Next meet
12th November, 19:00 – a slightly earlier start than normal due to significant agenda items
Item
Details
Actions
All actions
Stephen to look at advertising the hall as a flexible workspace (June meeting). Damian to explore grant opportunities presented by Gittisham alumni Southcott and Hardy (September meeting). Damian and Carol to agree a process to reconcile booking income to list of bookings (September meeting). Hamish to speak to Fullers about Ed Fuller talk and agree date if possible (September meeting). Pierre to organise Spanish and Flamenco evening for the new year (September meeting). Hamish to look at transferring the card reader so it works for everyone without linking to any phones (September meeting). Bill to organise next cake sale, Saturday 26th October. Various members to transfer utility bills to Damian’s address. Everyone to nominate the Village Hall to the Benefact Group before 11th October. Alex and Bill to undertake an initial look at the leaking foyer roof Friday 11th. Maggie to speak to Sue about possibly catering the Christmas quiz. Hamish to book Mary Marker for Burns Night. Damian to cut three new keys using Maggie’s key as a template.
Committee members
At the start of the meeting Hamish announced that he is resigning his position as Chair of the Village Hall Committee. Hamish will serve as Chair until the end of the calendar year. The committee wished to put on record its appreciation for Hamish’s long service over twenty years to the work of the committee and for his dedicated leadership as chair in the past few years. Hamish has been a selfless and energetic chair and has helped to ensure the upkeep of the hall as well as organising a huge number of popular and entertaining events over his time. The members expressed their hope that he will remain closely involved in future events, not least in running his fiendish quizzes, wielding the dagger at Robbie Burns night, and starring in future cabaret turns!
Cordelia has resigned her position from the village hall committee but is happy to remain involved supporting village events.
Finance
Damian ran through the monthly accounts, a screenshot of which is captured in the below annex (an accessible version of the monthly accounts has been uploaded separately to the village website). Thank you to Damian for his work on the accounts. With recent grant and fundraising successes the year-to-date position is looking healthier than in previous months’ accounts, though a significant proportion of this income is ringfenced for the new cooker. The meeting discussed the size of the funds it needs to keep in reserve. Whilst a final decision will be reached in conjunction with approving the hall constitution (scheduled for the November meeting), it was noted that Charity Commission guidance stipulates that an appropriate reserve should be at least one year’s running cost, plus sufficient reserve to undertake a programme of necessary and predictable maintenance and be resilient to other significant unforeseen and uninsured costs that may materialise. The £26k in the reserve account is kept in reserve in order to meet these stipulations. Further discussion on an appropriate reserve level will take place in November. The committee agreed to change the hall’s electricity provider to take advantage of a smart meter installation and credit offer. Thank you to Damian for taking this forwards. Various utilities are currently dealt with by various committee members. Damian suggested that all of these bills are redirected to him to support his bookkeeping.
Various
Grants
We were successful with the £1k bid for a new cooker from the locality budget – many thanks to Carol for pursuing this. We continue to await news on the grants submitted to date: the EDDC Carbon Offset Fund, the South West Water Fund, the Sykes Holiday Cottages Fund. In addition Alex is looking to apply to the McCarthy Stone Foundation. The Lottery Grant remains a long-term option, which the results of our village survey on uses of the hall will support us with. Thank you to Alex for his continued oversight of these grant applications including his liaison with other village halls. Nick reminded everyone to nominate the Village Hall to the Benefact Group before 11th October.
Everyone
Maintenance
The meeting debated the key maintenance priorities (see annex). It was observed by some committee members that repairing the leaking roof in the rear foyer was of primary significance and should be prioritised ahead of all other maintenance and hall improvements. Alex and Bill are to undertake an initial look at the roof this Friday, the 11th, with Hamish also available on Monday 14th if more work is needed. To discuss again at the next meeting. Stella, Alex and Pierre have undertaken significant research into options for a new cooker – thanks to all three for the thorough research and the clear presentation of options. The meeting considered a range of commercial cookers, domestic cookers and standalone oven units, as well as the associated installation costs and some of the other necessary kitchen upgrade work that could accompany a new installation. After deliberation the meeting expressed its preference for a hotplate commercial cooker. Likely costs are £2.5k for the cooker and £1.5k for the installation and associated works. However, prior to agreeing a way forwards the committee sought further reassurance on the suitability and safety of the preferred cooker model. To this end Stella agreed to speak with Broadhembury Village Hall, which has the same installed cooker on site, and to report back on that committee’s experience. In addition, the meeting deferred until November a decision on whether a new cooker could be purchased in advance of the fundraising target being fully reached, or at the point of the target being reached.
Alex and Bill
Bookings
A full list of October bookings is loaded on the village website.
Upcoming village hall committee events in October are the Bee Talk on Friday 11th (where the committee agreed a reduced rate for children), the Harvest Supper on Saturday 12th and the next Cake Sale fundraiser on Saturday 26th.
Future events
Future schedule agreed as follows: Bingo, Saturday 30th November.Christmas Quiz, Saturday 14th December – Maggie to speak to Sue about possible catering.Burns Night, Saturday 25th January – Hamish to book Mary Marker. Cabaret, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th February. Further to Friday’s Bee Talk we will review the potential for and dates of further villager talks, possible topics: Joanna Southcott (Damian), Gittisham history (Paul Wakely), organic gardening (might have got that wrong) (Sue and David), if possible, Ed Fuller to talk on the subject of his Paralympic Gold Medal. Hamish/Carol to advertise the above programmes in the gazette, Alex to advertise on Facebook. Future events: Pierre and Fiona are investigating running a Spanish and Flamenco evening to raise funds for the Village Hall! Pierre to investigate and return with dates. Thank you Pierre!
Maggie Hamish
AOB
Three members of the committee need new keys cutting. Damian to have cut using Maggie’s key.
Damian
Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Rough hierarchy order.
New large range cooker
Rear foyer where roof is leaking
Replace two front windows
Sewerage and drainage pipe replacement
Extractor fans in kitchen
(Rising) damp in southern elevation
Internal repaint including / especially ceiling
Loft insulation
Replace all windows, not just front windows
Bin Store
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GITTISHAM COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church
