Village Hall Annual General Meeting 2024

18 May 20266 July 2024 by Alex

Date	Tuesday 4th July 2023, 7:30pm, Village Hall garden.Meeting opened 1935Meeting ended 1954
Present	Committee: Pierre, Hamish, Bill, Terry, Alex, Sue, Steve, Janet, ClaireMembers of Public: Damian, Owen
Apologies	Nick, Janet, Cordelia, Stella, Maggie
Next AGM	TBC
Item	Details
Minutes of the 2023 AGM	The meeting agreed the previous year’s AGM minutes.
Chair’s report	Chairman’s Report for the year 2023 to 2024We have a good cross section of regular bookings, including the dance club, yoga, Pierre’s kitchen, and keep fit. We are also very fortunate to have the popular Community Kitchen as a regular weekly booking. Thanks to all regular groups who book the hall and to Sara Trumper and helpers for sustaining the community Kitchen and to Carol Hall for the successful application for £2,244 from Devon’s Growing Community Fund. The committee is very grateful for this funding that supports both the community and the village hall. Through the year the committee have arranged some excellent events including regular quizzes, the return of the ever popular Burns Night, skittles, Father’s Day BBQ – in perfect weather again and with a live band (thank you Nick). A special thanks to Carol Hall for pushing the Hall on social media, resulting in more one-off and regular bookings. Over the course of the year we have seen stable bookings, but with a lower revenue than last year. Unfortunately costs have also grown and the Hall has made a loss over the period, despite the significant grant from Devon. As a result of a second year of loss-making we have had to increase hire charges, which we hope should bring the hall back to at least break even. Hire charges were agreed at the June 2024 meeting. As Chair I would like to extend my thanks to all of those on the committee and those who helped when called upon outside the committee. Particular thanks to Janet who has resigned from the post of Treasurer and has kindly agreed to support the incoming treasurer, Damian Furniss. Janet has improved further our processes and has been exceptionally diligent in her duties, to the benefit of the Hall and the community.
Treasurer’s report	Financial Year End Report: 1 April 2023-31 March 2024 Income:Hall hire, a 7% reduction compared to the previous year.Social events, a 23% reduction compared to the previous year.The Village Hall received a grant towards the Community Kitchen of £992.45 and earned £507.98 in interest on the reserve Account.The Village Hall Committee approved a drawdown of £2000 from the Reserve Account.Total income of £9474.10. Expenditure:Insurance increase of 7% on previous year.Water/gas/electric, an increase of £858.05, a 39% increase on the previous year.Cleaning/grass cutting, £271.05 more than the previous year, 36% increase.Hall/equipment maintenance, £2215.58, up 61% on the previous year, external painting, a new gas water boiler and the removal of an old shed.The stipend paid to the booking clerk and treasurer. Expenditure increased by £4136.36, to a total of £11597.01.The Reserve Account balance was £24811.22 at year end.Janet Twist Treasurer 28 June 2024
Election of officers	Hamish was nominated and re-elected as Chair. Nick was nominated and re-elected as Vice-Chair. Damian Furniss was nominated and elected as Treasurer. The Committee expressed its sincere thanks to Janet Twiss for her diligent work in the role.No volunteer stepped forward to take the Secretary vacancy, so this remains vacant. Gillian Coates was nominated and agreed as the auditor for 2024/25.Carol Hall will continue in her role as Bookings Clerk. With Janet stepping down the VHC Charity has just two trustees, Hamish and Nick. Sue Fallows agreed to step forwards as a third trustee. Action: Janet and Sue to liaise on appropriate steps to add Sue as a trustee.
AOB	The meeting expressed its thanks to all who had supported the hall in the year, particularly Janet as outgoing Treasurer, and the committee members who had supported the weekly community kitchen.

Date	Tuesday 4th July 2023, 7:30pm, Village Hall garden.Meeting opened 1935Meeting ended 1954
Present	Committee: Pierre, Hamish, Bill, Terry, Alex, Sue, Steve, Janet, ClaireMembers of Public: Damian, Owen
Apologies	Nick, Janet, Cordelia, Stella, Maggie
Next AGM	TBC
Item	Details
Minutes of the 2023 AGM	The meeting agreed the previous year’s AGM minutes.
Chair’s report	Chairman’s Report for the year 2023 to 2024We have a good cross section of regular bookings, including the dance club, yoga, Pierre’s kitchen, and keep fit. We are also very fortunate to have the popular Community Kitchen as a regular weekly booking. Thanks to all regular groups who book the hall and to Sara Trumper and helpers for sustaining the community Kitchen and to Carol Hall for the successful application for £2,244 from Devon’s Growing Community Fund. The committee is very grateful for this funding that supports both the community and the village hall. Through the year the committee have arranged some excellent events including regular quizzes, the return of the ever popular Burns Night, skittles, Father’s Day BBQ – in perfect weather again and with a live band (thank you Nick). A special thanks to Carol Hall for pushing the Hall on social media, resulting in more one-off and regular bookings. Over the course of the year we have seen stable bookings, but with a lower revenue than last year. Unfortunately costs have also grown and the Hall has made a loss over the period, despite the significant grant from Devon. As a result of a second year of loss-making we have had to increase hire charges, which we hope should bring the hall back to at least break even. Hire charges were agreed at the June 2024 meeting. As Chair I would like to extend my thanks to all of those on the committee and those who helped when called upon outside the committee. Particular thanks to Janet who has resigned from the post of Treasurer and has kindly agreed to support the incoming treasurer, Damian Furniss. Janet has improved further our processes and has been exceptionally diligent in her duties, to the benefit of the Hall and the community.
Treasurer’s report	Financial Year End Report: 1 April 2023-31 March 2024 Income:Hall hire, a 7% reduction compared to the previous year.Social events, a 23% reduction compared to the previous year.The Village Hall received a grant towards the Community Kitchen of £992.45 and earned £507.98 in interest on the reserve Account.The Village Hall Committee approved a drawdown of £2000 from the Reserve Account.Total income of £9474.10. Expenditure:Insurance increase of 7% on previous year.Water/gas/electric, an increase of £858.05, a 39% increase on the previous year.Cleaning/grass cutting, £271.05 more than the previous year, 36% increase.Hall/equipment maintenance, £2215.58, up 61% on the previous year, external painting, a new gas water boiler and the removal of an old shed.The stipend paid to the booking clerk and treasurer. Expenditure increased by £4136.36, to a total of £11597.01.The Reserve Account balance was £24811.22 at year end.Janet TwistTreasurer28 June 2024
Election of officers	Hamish was nominated and re-elected as Chair. Nick was nominated and re-elected as Vice-Chair. Damian Furniss was nominated and elected as Treasurer. The Committee expressed its sincere thanks to Janet Twiss for her diligent work in the role.No volunteer stepped forward to take the Secretary vacancy, so this remains vacant. Gillian Coates was nominated and agreed as the auditor for 2024/25.Carol Hall will continue in her role as Bookings Clerk. With Janet stepping down the VHC Charity has just two trustees, Hamish and Nick. Sue Fallows agreed to step forwards as a third trustee. Action: Janet and Sue to liaise on appropriate steps to add Sue as a trustee.
AOB	The meeting expressed its thanks to all who had supported the hall in the year, particularly Janet as outgoing Treasurer, and the committee members who had supported the weekly community kitchen.

Village Hall Committee July 24

18 May 20266 July 2024 by Alex

Date	11^th June 2024
Present	Hamish, Alex, Claire, Terry, Sue, Janet, Steve, Bill, Pierre
Apologies	Cordelia, Stella, Nick, Maggie
Next meet	TBC
This meeting was shorter than usual as it followed the AGM, minutes of which are published separately.

Item	Details	Actions
All actions	All to return at next meeting to discussion of how to make up community kitchen grant shortfall. Stephen to look at advertising the hall as a flexible workspace. Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing. Hamish to replace bathroom tap. Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk. Hamish to schedule Steve M for beekeeping talk in September.Sue to schedule agri-talk in October. Nick to contact cabaret team and get some dates in diary for end of summer. Stephen to approach Villages in Action. Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer.
Finance	Janet updated the meeting with the latest accounts. See annex. We have been successful in receiving a £1000 grant for the community kitchen. Thank you to Carol for progressing the application. Unfortunately this is £1400 less than we bid for and means that the annual costs for the community kitchen hiring the hall will no longer be fully covered by grant payments. The committee discussed potential options to make up for this shortfall without compromising the ongoing sustainability of the village hall. The committee felt it was important, not least in order to meet the guidance of the Charity Commission, for the hall not to lose money in a third consecutive year. Equally the committee recognised the importance of the community kitchen continuing as a weekly event providing valuable social cohesion. Hamish will accept the £1000 grant. This will cover the community kitchen’s booking fees until end of August. We will return to the discussion of how to make up the shortfall at the next meeting. The meeting considered other ways to significantly increase revenue. Options considered included brownies or scout troops renting the hall and offering the hall as a mobile working space. Carol has advertised the first of these and Stephen to look into the last option.	Stephen
Grants	We briefly touched on the South West Water grant and the Locality budget grant. But we need a more detailed discussion about these at the next meeting. Hamish has taken an audio-visual company around the hall. They will provide a quotation for improvement works but will also explore grant options to fund the works. To update at next meeting.

Maintenance	Smart gas meter. Is this still being installed? We didn’t discuss. The flower and produce committee are purchasing tables which they will gift to the hall. Thanks Sue for organising this.
Bookings	See annexe for full list of July bookings.
Future events	Well done to everyone on Father’s Day BBQ. £200 taken. A great day and a great atmosphere. Upcoming eventsIf England reach the semi-finals we will put it on in the hall. No event in August as flower and produce show and fete. Steve M has agreed to do beekeeping talk. Thanks Hamish. Hamish to get in touch and set a September date. Agri-talk to happen in October. Sue to organise a date. Thanks Sue. Cabaret rubber needs to meet the road. Nick to make contact and get meetings in diaries.	Hamish Hamish Sue Nick
AOB	None

Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Not in hierarchy order.

(Rising) damp in southern elevation

Extractor fans in kitchen

Drainage pipe replacement

Internal repaint including / especially ceiling

Loft insulation

Replace all windows, not just front windows

New large range cooker

Bin Store

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025				Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025

INCOME				EXPENDITURE
	2023/24	01.04.23-30.06.23	1.04.24 – 30.06.24		2023/24	1.04.23-30.06.23	1.04.24-30.06.24
Balance brought forward			3,627.91	Insurance	690.38	0.00	0.00
				Non-domestic rates	0.00	0.00	0.00
Hire of Hall	5,588.85	2,729.30	1,545.90	Cleaning/grass cutting	1,019.62	275.00	499.59

Social Events	1,371.36	149.65	359.29	Maintenance/Equipment	5,840.55	548.10	182.96

Interest	0.00	0.00	0.00	Water/Gas/Electric	3,031.87	636.48	599.27

Miscellaneous	2,005.91	5.91	2,244.00	Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)	1,014.59	944.59	725.35
							2007.17
				Balance			5769.93

Total			7777.10				7777.10
				Redwood Deposit A/c		£25,654.20
				Includes annual interest of £842.98
Father’s Day event in June				PPL/PRS licence paid under misc. £162.00.
				Cleaning Materials and first aid kits purchased £160.01.

Village Hall Committee June 24

18 May 20266 July 2024 by Alex

Date	11^th June 2024
Present	Hamish, Alex, Claire, Terry, Sue Janet (left early), Bill, Maggie, Nick
Apologies	Cordelia, Pierre, Stella, Steve
Next meet	AGM: Tuesday 2^nd July followed by usual meeting

Item	Details	Actions
All actions	Hamish to circulate new fee structure for approval. – done and to be agreed during the meeting Janet to add signatories to bank account. done Alex to check and amend website re deposit taking. Its on the booking form Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of lease – not done but have copy of lease. However there still needs to be a discussion with the Estate wrt to future grants to ensure we comply and permission to do some more work to the Hall ( windows etc)Nick to progress Victoria Windows quotation. Alex to lead fix of shed roof – Alex has prepared a quote @£22/sheet – 6 needed. £132 cost OK please proceed. Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing Hamish to replace bathroom tap Hamish to advertise Father’s Day BBQ and liaise with Damien – done needs to be done again. Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk – not done yet Hamish to approach Steve M re beekeeping talk – not done yet Stephen to approach Villages in Action – done Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer – still to be done Alex to progress Gazette MS Forms survey questions – done to be discussed in the meeting
Finances	Janet presented the accounts for the month. See annexe. Thanks to Carol for help with the PRS license. Now need to define income. Janet has submitted. Defined income £1,600 which should reduce cost of the license. Smart gas meter appointment was planned – but it was cancelled on the day – no idea if /when they will come. Alex has been reading the meter so they are not estimated. HSBC actions undertaken to be authorised bank signatories. Hamish to set up a zoom call with Damian and Janet for discussion over the role of treasurer. Hamish needs to put £20 cash into bank for the proceeds of the skittle evening.	Hamish Hamish
Hall Charges	Following discussion, the following new rates we agreed, based on 2yrs of CPI and rounded to nearest whole number 2024 new rates effective form 1/9/24 Item Parishioners Non Parishioners Hourly rate £12 Non Parishioners £14 9-1pm or 1-5pm £35 Non Parishioners £41 6pm – midnight £48 Non Parishioners £66 9am – midnight £108 Non Parishioners £119 Wedding (set up night before and full day) £247 Non Parishioners £377 Long term lets Price on application Existing hirer rates comes into place 1/9/24 New hirers effective from 1^st July 2024 Booking clerk still has right to use discretion and discuss with committee if need Booking clerk to let regulars know if price increases and report any issues back to committee	Carol

Village Hall survey	Survey agreed during the meeting sand will be circulated on whataspp group and a link provided to Carol to pass on to regular bookers	Alex/Carol
Bookings	See annexe for list of June bookings.
Future events	Skittle – £20 profit – thanks to Steve – lets do again! Fathers Day BBQ Set up from 9:30 SundayMusic planned – Band members eat free ( Thanks Nick)Cater for 70:Meat – 100 sausages, 50 burgers, 50 chicken pieces – Hamish to shop Sara – will make a peanut salad (thanks Sara)Sue veg , veggie & sauce + bread. Wil do all non meat shopping£6 per head with concession if you can persuade the doorman Other events Cabaret – still want to go ahead – organise at the next meeting Tuesday 28^th June – live screening of the football? Talks to be arranged Buckerell – may need a venue. Welcome to use village hall at parishioners rates	Steve Committee members Hamish Sue Hamish
AOB	Ladies toilet window – now closed When is the grass being cut? Bin store? – add to the list of wants Can carol add times to the bookings so Alex can add into the calendar Press officer vacancy – need to advertise in the paper.	Everyone Carol

Long term maintenance list, for progression when funds allow. Not in hierarchy order.

(Rising) damp in southern elevation

Extractor fans in kitchen

Drainage pipe replacement

Internal repaint

Loft insulation

Replace all windows, not just front windows

New large range cooker

Bin Store –

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025				Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025

INCOME				EXPENDITURE
	2023/24	1.04.23- 31.05.23	1.04.24 – 31.05.24		2023/24	1.04.23-31.05.23	1.04.24-31.05.24
Balance brought forward			3,627.91	Insurance	690.38	0.00	0.00
				Non-domestic rates	0.00	0.00	0.00
Hire of Hall	5,588.85	2,311.50	1,353.65	Cleaning/grass cutting	1,019.62	175.00	310.19

Social Events	1,371.36	68.00	180.26	Maintenance/Equipment	5,840.55	190.28	116.35

Interest	0.00	0.00	0.00	Water/Gas/Electric	3,031.87	482.47	421.31

Miscellaneous	2,005.91	175.99	2,244.00	Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)	1,014.59	1,259.81	556.95
							1404.80
				Balance			6001.02

Total			7405.82				7405.82
				Redwood Deposit A/c		£24,811.22

				Subscription to Devon Communities Together of £24

Gittisham Gazette June 2024

18 May 202611 June 2024 by Alex

A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

What’s On? at the village hall

Sunday 16^th June 12noon Father’s Day BBQ lunch and table tennis tournament

Village Hall AGM Tuesday 2^nd July

Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm

FitforLife class every Tuesday morning

Yoga with Alison 3^rd Tues of the month

Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings

Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30

Yoga with Angela Fridays 1pm

A Gittisham bible is returned to the Church after a long absence

People in the news

Gittisham resident discusses football with the Prime Minister

200 Club winners May

1st Sharon Wensley £75

2nd Mrs K Jackson £50

3rd Peter King £25

A close-up of flowers

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Outdoor Church

Sunday 23^rd June

Forage in the wild area
Create a collage
Make a bee hotel
Plant a wild flower-seed bomb

Gittisham Fete 31^st August Alex Rowe

Dog show, Honiton town band, Morris Dancers, Classic vehicles and much more!

We can always do with more helpers! So I am formulating a spreadsheet rota for volunteers during the fete day. I have a few names up to now but if anyone would like to come forward let me know. I am about to start advertising for pitches so if you know of anyone who would like to sell their craft items or anything else the email is

St Michael’s 200 Club

200 Club The first draw on the new 200 Club draw took place at ‘Coffee Together’ in May. The next draw will take place Sat June 15th so if you register quickly, you are still in with a chance to win the monthly prize of either £75, £50 or £25 with an extra prize draw of £125 in December.

If you would like to join as a new member or have been intending but have as yet to renew your membership please contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator who will be pleased to assist. Email Tel 01404 45484. At £3 a ticket per month, this is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church open. Currently it costs £100 per day to maintain and keep St Michael’s open.

New Curate

We look forward to welcoming the Rev Scott Angell, who, fresh from being ordained as a Deacon on Saturday 29th June at Exeter Cathedral, will be taking part in his first service in the Honiton Mission Community (HMC), Sunday 30th June 11am at St Pauls, Honiton followed by a shared lunch. Scott has already moved to Gittisham Vale and so you may see him around and about before then, perhaps making good use of the Combe Garden Centre and Farm Shop vouchers, St Michael’s contribution to the HMC house warming gift.

Gittisham Village Hall

On 16^th June the annual Father’s Day BBQ will be held at the village hall, with a table tennis tournament this year. The sun will shine, the food will be lovely with veggie options and we hope to have some music too. Starts at 12 and then well into the afternoon. Spread the word – all welcome and bringing a father is not compulsory.

This is a fundraising event to help with vital maintenance work at the village hall. Please support your village hall.

If you would like to book the Village Hall, contact Carol Hall

Booking rates start from £10.90 per hour or and £43.15 for an evening.

The Beehive, Honiton

Exhibition On Screen: MY NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It is full of masterpieces, an endless resource of history, an endless source of stories. But whose stories are told? Which art has the most impact and on whom? The power of great art lies in its ability to communicate with anyone, no matter their art historical knowledge, their background, their beliefs.

This film gives voice to those who work at the gallery – from cleaner to curator, security guard to director – who identify the one artwork that means the most to them and why. An assortment of people from all walks of life who have a strong connection to the gallery make surprising choices of both well-known and lesser-known artworks. Finally, some well-known celebrities explain what they head for when they visit the gallery.

Tickets: General Admission £13.00

On a Lane in Spring John Clare (1793-1864)

A little lane—the brook runs close beside,
And spangles in the sunshine, while the fish glide swiftly by;
And hedges leafing with the green springtide;
From out their greenery the old birds fly,
And chirp and whistle in the morning sun;
The pilewort glitter ‘neath the pale blue sky,
The little robin has its nest begun
The grass green linnets round the bushes fly.
How mild the spring comes in! The daisy buds
Lift up their golden blossoms to the sky.
How lovely are the pingles in the woods!
Here a beetle runs—and there a fly
Rests on the arum leaf in bottle-green,
And all the spring in this sweet lane is seen.”

How many of us are as observant as Clare? When did we last walk slowly as he did seeing everything in that ‘sweet spring lane’ of his? We miss so much as we rush by these precious places.

PARISH COUNCIL – JUNE 2024 REPORT

Seven councillors met for the June meeting along with Nicole Stacey & Mark Sexton (Baker Estates), Justin Lascelles (Combe Estate) and six members of the public.

Hayne Farm development update. At present the development managed by First Port, but Baker Estates said they could provide advice on how residents could set up a management company made up of a board of directors. This would give residents more control over what maintenance is done there and when. Mark Sexton said he was happy to meet residents for a walk around the estate to look at what needs to be done, and take action on whatever falls

within the remit of Baker Estates. He will suggest some dates for a walkabout which will be circulated in due course.

Hayne Farm play area. Some residents feel that there are many gaps in the provision. Baker Estates said the

playground facilities that have been provided have met the legal obligations with EDDC. If residents would like to see additional equipment in the play area, it will need to be under the management of Hayne Farm residents (directors) before this can happen. Maintenance, insurance and safety inspections of this play equipment will also fall under the authority of the directors. This would be same for bins and dog bins. The parish council will be happy to help advise on funding for new equipment, as was done at the village play area.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances, as well as the annual accounts and governance statement for 2023/24.

Crimes. March 2024: No reported crimes.

Planning applications.

a) 24/0539/LBC – 2 Riverside Cottages, Gittisham EX14 3AG – Replace existing porch with enlarged lead flat roof porch on south elevation; replace existing extension on north elevation to create bedroom and bathroom and glazed

canopy over rear door

b) 24/0988/FUL – Parkers East Gittisham EX14 3AS – Proposal to repair and preserve existing brick and timber greenhouse within the curtilage of a listed building

Councillors had no objections to either application.

Footpath.

Councillors discussed proposals for a traffic-free footpath to connect Hayne Farm with the village and with the garden centre. Justin Lascelles explained that this would have to be a ‘permissive footpath’, not a legal public footpath and the route would need to minimise impact on the environment and on the tenant farmers’ activities. He said there may be some funding the estate can access through stewardship schemes which could provide for capital works and annual maintenance. He invited the parish council to submit a definitive route which he can put before Combe Estate trustees for discussion.

Public transport.

Peter Orchard said he would follow up with Stagecoach regarding the late arrivals or no-shows noted on the clipboard in the village bus shelter.

Next meeting. Thursday 11 th July at 7.30pm in the parish room.

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:

Gittisham Village Hall Committee May 2024

18 May 202629 May 2024 by Alex

Date	14^th May 19.30 at the Village Hall
Present	Hamish, Alex, Stephen, Claire, Stella, Terry, Sue (arrived late), Janet (left early)
Apologies	Cordelia, Bill, Nick, Maggie, Pierre
Next meet	Tuesday 11^th JuneAGM: Tuesday 2^nd July

Item	Details	Actions
All actions	Hamish to circulate new fee structure for approval. Janet to add signatories to bank account. Alex to check and amend website re deposit taking. Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of lease Nick to progress Victoria Windows quotation Hamish to advertise working party Alex to lead fix of shed roof Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing Hamish to replace bathroom tap Hamish to advertise Father’s Day BBQ and liaise with Damien Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk Hamish to approach Steve M re beekeeping talk Stephen to approach Villages in Action Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer Alex to progress Gazette MS Forms survey questions
Finances	Janet presented the accounts for the month. See annexe. We returned to the discussion of increasing the hall booking fees, last discussed at the March meeting. T he committee agreed that a discounted parishioner’s rate should continue to be part of the new fee structure. Hamish is tidying up the analysis of 2023/24 costs and booking utilisation with year-end figures and will circulate a proposed set of fee increases (parishioner/non-parishioner, hour/longer sessions, weddings) via email for consideration and agreement at the next meeting. We are still searching for a new Treasurer to take over from Janet after the AGM. Hamish remains in discussions with a resident. We need to have more signatories to the HSBC bank account as currently it is just Janet. Agreed that Carol and Hamish should both become signatories (the former to enable the taking and returning of booking deposits), plus the new Treasurer when one is found. Is the website clear that a deposit may be taken at the point of a booking? If not we need this to be made clear to support Carol in taking deposits. Alex to check and amend as necessary? Thank you Alex.	Hamish Janet Alex
Grants	Lease. A number of the upcoming grant applications need details of our lease arrangements from the estate. Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of the lease as we have replaced our original copy. Replacement windows. We have made some progress on quotations (we now have one quotation from Hani and one from Select Windows) but our third quotation from Victoria Windows is still outstanding despite Nick’s best efforts, so we need to pick up this thread again. Thank you Nick. Range cooker. Alex has applied to the South West Water grant scheme (with a video application!), a £2k application for a new range cooker. Many thanks Alex. If this grant is successful then it may be sensible for Phil Twiss’s £1k top up money to also go towards a range cooker (rather than the replacement windows). Decision deferred until we know the success of the application. Community kitchen. Carol is this week submitting the application to the Devon Communities Fund for the next grant for the community kitchen – thank you Carol.Thermal heating and insulation grant. Alex is scoping this out.	Hamish Nick

Maintenance	We agreed a date for a village hall working party for outdoor maintenance – Saturday 1^st June, 11am. All committee to attend if possible, and Hamish to advertise to the wider village. Aim is to get the hall spic and span before the Father’s Day BBQ. Shed roof has been temporarily fixed with tarpaulin, thank you Claire. But long-term fix still needs to happen. Alex has sourced some galvanised roof sheets from his dad and will tackle – thank you Alex. We have made no progress on the occasional leak in the back porch so rolling on the action: Hamish to get up in the loft above and use caulking gun around the flashing. If this doesn’t fix it then we can go for a specialist.The bathroom tap needs replacement. Hamish to take forwards, thanks Hamish. All of the above and more could be part of the working party work.	Hamish Alex Hamish Hamish
Bookings	See annexe for list of May bookings.
Future events	Saturday 18^th May, skittles. £2 for adults, £1 for children, BYO. Stephen to advertise, including poster.Sunday 16^th June, Father’s Day BBQ. £5 a head. We will use June meeting to discuss in detail. Hamish to liaise with Damian about table tennis tournament (entry fees for the tournament to go to a men’s charity; money for the Father’s Day BBQ to go to the Village Hall). Hamish also to advertise. July – Smeatharpe Aerodrome DDay Talk. £2 entry. Carol and Hamish to organise a date on either a Tuesday or a Friday. Should be good! Villagers’ talks. All agreed this was a good idea and would get people in. Hopefully Steve M can kick this off with a talk about bees. Hamish to approach him. Then through the late summer / autumn: Alex – stargazingHamish – flood defencesSue and David – eco-agri farming Live music. No progress on this since the last meeting. It would be good if some of our approaches came good. Villages in action. Stephen to approach about late 2024/2025 bookings. Long list of other options discussed previously but not priogresses: Ceilidh, art exhibition with scones, hosting the pizza van.	Hamish Carol Hamish Stephen
AOB	We need a noticeboard in the foyer and to make better use of the noticeboard outside to advertise village hall events. Questionnaire to the village in the April Gazette did not receive any responses – thank you Alex for trying. We need responses to gather data to support grant applications, but we also want the communication to gather ideas on how the hall can be used and to advertise the community asset. Alex is going to have another go, this time using Microsoft Forms to create a light touch survey that shouldn’t take as long to complete. Please circulate around the committee when ready Alex so that we can comment/add questions.	Everyone Alex

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025				Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025

INCOME				EXPENDITURE
	2023/24	1.04.23- 30.04.23	1.04.24 – 30.04.24		2023/24	1.04.23-30.04.23	1.04.24-30.04.24
Balance brought forward			3,627.91	Insurance	690.38	0.00	0.00
				Non-domestic rates	0.00	0.00	0.00
Hire of Hall	5,588.85	2,025.95	332.50	Cleaning/grass cutting	1,019.62	125.00	153.90

Social Events	1,371.36	68.00	36.31	Maintenance/Equipment	5,840.55	0.00	98.53

Interest	0.00	0.00	0.00	Water/Gas/Electric	3,031.87	345.00	278.27

Miscellaneous	2,005.91	29.51	2,244.00	Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)	1,014.59	5.80	527.95
							1058.65
				Balance			5182.07

Total			6240.72				6240.72
				Redwood Deposit A/c		£24,811.22

Miscellaneous receipt is the grant received from Devon CC				Miscellaneous includes payments to Hall booker and to accountants for audit check
for the Community Kitchen

Gittisham Gazette May 2024

18 May 20267 May 2024 by Alex

A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

What’s On? at the village hall

Sunday 12^th May 10-4 Pierre’s Café 07545 214940

Skittles Saturday 18^th May

Cake decorating 29^th May homeMeadbake

Father’s Day barbecue Sunday 16^th June

Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm

FitforLife class every Tuesday morning

Yoga with Alison 3^rd Tues of the month

Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings

Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30

Yoga with Angela Fridays 1pm 7-week class starts on 7^th June

Grain to Cream Russell Hayman

I can’t really write a farming article without mentioning the weather (it’s sodding wet and it’s causing problems). Yes it’s boring so you don’t need me adding to it!

So what else is going on? Well we do now have animals out in the fields at last – it is getting to be a case that it had to happen. Silaging will start when the yellow thingy in the sky makes a sustained appearance. When it does it will very much be a case of watch out there’s a farmer about we have months of work to catch up on so it will be all systems go. I predict this will happen in the middle of May as we have a TB test then and there is no way we can do both at the same time could well make my hair thinner than ever (hopefully the silver ones will drop out!).

Edmund made his radio 4 day-view on farming today; it was about his pumpkin patch

Diversification. Fiona recorded it months ago but the Prime minister turned up at the NFU conference and the BBC thought we would be more interested in what he had to say so Edmund was bumped down the schedule. I know I’m bias but Edmund held my interest much more than the PM.

Earlier in April we had the opening of the Gittisham farm water park! (our new slurry lagoon unfortunately it has not been finished yet so no poo has gone in but there was plenty of water, which is good as we now know it works). Activities were limited as there was only one paddle board with much disappointment Edmund stayed on. There was a valid reason for this other than a good laugh that was to give some idea of the depth of water. To finish the work on it we have to empty it, which we have just about done as we created a syphon and it has gradually emptied so the water park opened and closed all too soon! Views not too good and the contents in the future will be even less inviting than cold water, so its financial future did not look too rosie.

Gittisham Fete 31^st August Alex Rowe

Update on fete progress-

It’s been a little slow whilst I prepare the blacksmithing section & competitions for the Devon County Show after taking it over last year but after this the fete preparations will be in full swing!

We’ve the ever-popular dog show returning bigger and better than last year, the Honiton town band, Morris Dancers, Classic vehicles and much more! We can always do with more helpers! So I am formulating a spreadsheet rota for volunteers during the fete day. I have a few names up to now but if anyone would like to come forward let me know. I am about to start advertising for pitches so if you know of anyone who would like to sell their craft items or anything else the email is

Church Services and Events

Sunday May 12th 11am Holy Communion

Saturday May 18^th Coffee Together in the Parish Room

May 21^st 7pm APCM Tuesday May in the Church

Sunday May 26^th No service

Honiton Beehive

Singalong Encanto 11^th May 4pm

Dressing-up as the characters is actively encouraged, with prizes awarded for the most imaginative costumes! Get ready to sing along with Mirabel and all her friends at this fundraising Cinema Event.

The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

Stockland Primary School PTA organises fun events to raise funds for improved facilities and enrichment of the pupils at the school. Our current projects include developing a Forest School and allotment area, and adding exciting new playground equipment.

Flower and Produce Show

At the Village Hall on Saturday 3rd August

Potato bucket weigh in at 3:15pm

Show opens at 2:30pm

Teas and raffle

Admission: Adults 50p; Children 5-16 years 10p

Entrance fee Sections A,B,C 20p: Children’s entries free

St Michael’s Church, Gittisham

St Michael’s 200 Club

The new St Michael’s 200 club is now up and running and at £3 a ticket per month, it is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church for all. Currently it costs £100 per day to look after and keep St Michael’s open!

If you would like to join as a new member or have as yet to renew your membership please contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator who will be please to assist. Email Tel 01404 45484

Also, a gentle reminder to those who are intending to renew their membership but haven’t got round to it yet, payment can be made either by regular standing order or cheque either on a monthly or annual basis as best suits your budget. And/or if you would like to explore alternative ways of giving that can be gift aided e.g. through the Parish Giving Scheme, again Janet will be pleased to assist and answer any questions.

And if you register quickly, you are still in with a chance to win the monthly prize of either £75, £50 or £25 in the May draw with monthly prize draws of £75, £50 and £25 with an extra prize draw of £125 in December.

APCM

All are welcome to our Annual Parish Council Meeting in the Church on Tuesday May 21^st at 7pm. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of people who have served faithfully on our Parish Council (PCC) for many years but we would really welcome new members interested in bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the table!

Also Janet Twist our Treasurer will be stepping at the APCM. She has done a magnificent job and leaves us with our financial affairs in very good order. Janet estimates that on average it involves about 2-3 hours a month. If you are interested and/or know of anyone either as a Treasurer or Bookkeeper who would like to know more please contact Julia at gshaminister@gmail.com or Tel 07763 111367.

Thank you

A BIG thank you to everyone who helped with our graveyard spring clean in the Church yard! If you are interested in Gittisham history, do come and have a look, especially in the Old Churchyard where much work has gone into recovering the overgrown graves.

And thank you also to Alex and Julian for their repair to the Lychgate!

Gittisham Village Hall

The Village Hall is managed by a committee of volunteers who run events and see to the maintenance of the hall. It has been used for events ranging from quizzes to concerts, discos, the annual flower & produce show and birthday parties.

Every Wednesday night, Gittisham Folk Dance Club meet from 8pm until 10.15pm to dance the evening away (with local bands and experienced callers).

Anyone is welcome to join the committee or the Dance Club. Do get in touch via

If you would like to book the Village Hall, contact Carol Hall at

Booking rates start from £10.90 per hour or and £43.15 for an evening.

Flower and Produce Show

The show is open to all residents of Gittisham parish, which includes Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm. We also welcome entries from those who no longer live in the parish, those who actively support the parish, and those with close links to the parish.

Children must be aged 3-11 on 27th July and Juniors must be age 12-16 on 27th July. Children are welcome to enter Sections A,B,C upon paying the entry fee.

A reminder of the children’s classes

0 – 5 years: A painting or drawing of a garden, An animal made of vegetables, 3 decorated biscuits 6 – 11 years: A painting or drawing of a garden, An animal made of vegetables, 4 cheese scones

A reminder of the Homecraft classes:

Date and Walnut loaf, Bakewell Tart, 2 Traditional Cornish Pasties, 2 Vegetable pasties, A jar of redcurrant jelly, Jar of chutney – any variety, Knitted or crochet baby blanket, Homemade wedding invitation, Homemade Gadget, Photo of a rainbow taken in Gittisham parish – recognisable location

Full details, schedule and entry forms available from 01404 850922

PARISH COUNCIL – MAY 2024 REPORT

Six councillors met for the May meeting along with Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of the public.

Chair & Vice Chair. Carol Hall was elected as chair and Alex Rowe as vice chair for 2024/25, Janet Twist having stood down as vice chair.

Funding for higher energy and food costs Phil Twiss reported that Devon County Council has been allocated a little over £5 million from the government to help households struggling to pay higher bills for energy, food, water, and other essential items. This will be the fifth round of Household Support Funding received from the Department for Work and Pensions, to run between April and September 2024. It will take Devon’s total level of Household Support Funding received so far to just over £30 million. The funding is to support households in most need, but

specifically those that may not be eligible for other support that is already available from the government. Further details will be provided once plans are finalised.

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. March 2024: 1 x public order, Meadow Acre 1 x violence & sexual offences, Cypress Close. Members agreed the increase in crime over the past year reflected the growing number of residents in the parish, and a rise in the reporting of crime.

Planning applications.

a) proposed upgrade to the existing radio base station installation at CS_121551, SWEB Tower EX14 3TZ (NGR: E314620, N096545). Councillors had no objections to this application.

Road closures. 3–20 June 2024 road through Alfington is closed for gas works.

4–5 June 2024 Old A30 by Kings Arms farm. Temporary traffic signals for Highways

England works.

Old Elm Road rewilding. Alex Rowe said the parish council would be looking for volunteers to help lay the grass matting that will go underneath a footpath suitable for pushchairs in the rewilded area.

Hayne Farm. Carol Hall said some residents of Hayne Farm had drawn up a list of items they would like to see in the play area. Representatives of Baker Estates will be attending the June parish council meeting to discuss.

Broadband. Phil Twiss encouraged people to register their interest on the Airband website, which appeared to show some Gittisham village postcodes likely to be served by the rollout of superfast broadband at some point in the future. Adam Powell queried this, as he had intelligence that suggested Airband is reassessing the contracts it has with Connecting Devon and Somerset (the rural broadband programme). Phil Twiss said he was waiting for a response from CDS. To share your experience of poor broadband in Gittisham village, please contact or telephone 07535 233558.

Public transport. Peter Orchard said there was now a clipboard in the village bus shelter where passengers should report any late arrivals or no-shows, which helps in gathering evidence to present to Stagecoach.

Village play area. Councillors agreed to attend to the items highlighted in the annual safety inspection report. A table tennis tournament is planned in the play area for Father’s Day.

Next meeting. Thursday 6^th June at 7.30pm in the parish room.

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:

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show Schedule

18 May 202621 April 2024 by Alex

To be held at the Parish Hall on Saturday 3rd August 2024

Potato bucket weigh in at 3:15pm
The show will open at 2:30pm
Teas and raffle

Admission: Adults 50p; Children 5-16 years 10p
Entrance fee Sections A,B,C 20p: Children’s entries free
Special potato class £1 – payable when your seed potato is collected
Sections A,B,C no prize money. Section D prizes 1 st = £1, 2nd = 50p, 3 rd = 25p
McCann Junior Cup for most points by a competitor age 12-16 in Sections A,B,C

Awards for Best in Show in Sections A and B

The show is open to all residents of Gittisham parish, which includes Gittisham Vale
and Hayne Farm estate. We also welcome entries from those who no longer live in
the parish, those who actively support the parish, and those with close links to the

parish.

Children must be aged 3-11 on Saturday 27th July 2024
Juniors must be age 12-16 on Saturday 27th July 2024

Children are welcome to enter Sections A,B,C upon paying the entry fee.
 All exhibits must have been made or grown by the exhibitor

 One entry form per person – no sharing!

 Entries must be made in writing on the Entry form enclosed by marking X in

the appropriate box on the form

 Entry forms must be accompanied by the correct entrance fees.
 Entries must reach Sarah and Len Abbott, 4 Church Mead, Gittisham EX14 3AH

by Saturday 27th July 2024
 NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE



 Only one exhibit per person per class
 The decision of the judges will be final and binding

 Entries will be received at the Parish Hall between 0900 and 1045 on show day, and must

remain staged until after the presentation of prizes.
 No exhibit should be named (including children’s exhibits)

SECTION “A” VEGETABLES
Class

3 White potatoes
3 Coloured potatoes
1 Cabbage (any variety)
1 Lettuce (any variety)
5 Spring Onions
5 Onion sets
6 Shallots
6 Sprays of Parsley
3 Beetroot
3 Carrots (any variety)
6 Pods of Broad beans
6 Pods of Peas
A pair of Cucumbers
5 Tomatoes
5 Cherry tomatoes
3 Courgettes under 6”
6 Runner beans
2 Parsnips
3 Sticks of Rhubarb
4 different culinary herbs (not parsley) in a jam jar
The longest runner bean
SECTION “B” FLOWERS
Classes 24-28 to be presented in a clear glass jar (NOT A VASE)
Cactus (pot not exceeding 8”)
5 pansy heads floating in clear water in a clear glass bowl
1 Spike Gladioli
3 Dahlias
6 Stems of Sweet peas
4 stems of different cut flowers
1 Specimen Rose
29. An arrangement of garden flowers on the theme of the Paris Olympics not
exceeding 12” or 30cm in any direction. Own vase, not jam jar.

SECTION “C” HOMECRAFT

30 Date and Walnut loaf – as attached recipe
31 Bakewell Tart – as attached recipe
32 (a) 2 Traditional Cornish Pasties
32(b) 2 Vegetable pasties
33 A jar of redcurrant jelly
34 Jar of chutney – any variety
35 Knitted or crochet baby blanket
36 Homemade wedding invitation
37 Homemade Gadget
38 Photo of a rainbow taken in Gittisham parish – recognisable location
39 MEN ONLY – Marmalade Cake – as attached recipe

SPECIAL CLASS: Potatoes in a bucket – potatoes can be collected from
Sue and David Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham 01404 850922 on or
after 1 st April 2024

SECTION “D” CHILDREN’S CLASSES
0 – 5 years
40 A painting or drawing of a garden
41 An animal made of vegetables
42 3 decorated biscuits
6 – 11 years

A painting or drawing of a garden
44. An animal made of vegetables
45. 4 cheese scones

Bakewell Tart Recipe
175g (6oz) Ready-Made Shortcrust pastry
For the Filling
2 x 15ml (2 tbsp) Jam or Lemon Curd 1 Large Egg
75 gm (3 oz) Margarine 50g (2 oz) Ground Rice
75 gm (3 oz) Caster Sugar Few Drops Almond Essence
100 gm (4 oz) Ground Almonds Blanched Almonds

Heat oven to 190 o C, 375 o F, Gas Mark 5
Line an 18cm (7 in) flan tin with 2/3 of the pastry. Spread the base with jam or lemon
curd
Cream margarine and sugar. Mix together the ground almonds and ground rice; add to
the creamed mixture alternately with the beaten egg.
Spread the mixture over the jam then decorate with a lattice of the remaining pastry and
the blanched almonds. Bake for about 35-40 minutes
Date and Walnut Loaf Recipe
225g (8 oz) self raising flour. 2 Eggs
1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
200g (7 oz) soft pitted dates chopped 100g (3½ oz) chopped walnuts
125g (4½ oz) unsalted butter softened, + extra for the tin
150g (5 oz) light muscovado sugar 1 tbsp icing sugar
Pinch of sea salt
1 Preheat oven to 180 o C/160 o C Fan/ Gas 4;
2 Butter a 2lb loaf tin (22cm x 10cm 6cm deep) and line with baking parchment;
3 Put the butter, dates and bicarb in a large bowl and add 150ml boiling water, give it a
stir so that the butter melts and leave to stand for around 20 minutes until the dates
have softened;
4 Whisk in the sugar until smooth, then gradually whisk in the eggs until combined.
Beat in the baking powder, flour and a pinch of sea salt until there are no lumps of
flour left and it’s smooth.
5 Fold in ¾ of the walnuts then pour into the prepared tin. Sprinkle the remaining
walnuts over the top.
6 Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the oven down to 170 o C/150 o C Fan/ Gas 3 and cook
for another 45-50 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre
comes out clean.
7 Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then lightly dust with the icing sugar.

Marmalade Cake Recipe
140g marmalade
175g butter, softened
175g light muscovado sugar
3 eggs, beaten
225g self-raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
100g packet pecan halves
Heat oven to 180C/160 fan/gas 4.
Grease and line a 1kg/2lb loaf tin
Set aside 1tbs marmalade in a small pan.
In a bowl blend the remaining marmalade, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder
and spices until smooth and light.
Stir in about ¾ of the pecans
Tip into the prepared tin and sprinkle the remaining pecans on the top.
Bake for about 1-1.5 hours , covering loosely with foil after about 40 minutes, until a
skewer inserted comes out clean.
Cool slightly on a wire rack.
Gently heat the remaining marmalade and spread the glaze over the top of the warm
loaf.

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show Saturday 3rdAugust 2024
ENTRY FORM
Please place an X in the square showing the number of the class(es) you intend to
enter.
When completed please return this Entry Form, with the correct Entry Fees, as
shown on the schedule to: Sarah and Len Abbott, 4 Church Mead, Gittisham EX14
3AH on or before Saturday 27 th July 2024
No entries will be accepted after this date
Each entrant must complete a separate entry form. No sharing!
Please do not name any exhibit – even the children’s

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
41 42 43 44 45

Entrant’s name………………………………………………………………………
Address………………………………………………………………………………….
Total entry fee enclosed………………………….
Or, if child, state child’s age………………………
Additional entry forms available, if required, from Sue Fallows, Parkers East,
Gittisham, EX14 3AS 01404 850922 or

GITTISHAM-FLOWER-2024-V2 Download

Gittisham Village Hall Acounts April 2023-24

18 May 202612 April 2024 by Alex

	GITTISHAM VILLAGE HALL
Accounts for the year 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

		2024		2023
			£		£
Income
Hall & Equipment Hire			4596.40		4953.50
Proceeds from Social Events			1371.36		1791.04
Miscellaneous Income			2005.91		175.98
Donations			0		0.00
Grants			992.45		0.00
Redwood Bank Interest			507.98		226.48
			9474.10		7147.00

Expenditure
Insurance			690.38		643.79
Council Tax			0		0.00
Water,Gas & Electricity			3031.87		2173.82
Cleaning and Grass Cutting			1019.62		748.57
Hall & Equipment Maintenance			5840.55		3624.97
Stationery & Postage			0		0.00
Miscellaneous Expenses			194.3		193.18
Booking Clerk/Treasurer			749.00		0.00
Bank Charges			71.29		76.32
			11597.01		7460.65

Surplus income/loss for the year			(2122.91)		(313.65)


Bank Balances		As at 31.03.2024		As at 31.03.2023
			£		£
HSBC Bank			3627.91		6258.8
Redwood Bank			26811.22		26303.24
Cash in hand			81.32		81.32
			30520.45		32643.36

Less loss for year ending 31 March 2024					-2122.91
					30520.45
I certify that I have audited the books and records of Gittisham Village Hall for the year ending 31st March 2024 and can confirm that the above accounts are in accordance with the books, records and information supplied. To the best of our knowledge and belief, the above accounts give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Parish Hall as at 31st March 2024.


Geraldine Coates – Auditor				Date

Village Hall Committe April 2024

18 May 202612 April 2024 by Alex

Date	9^th April 19.30 at the Village Hall
Present	Hamish, Sue, Alex, Janet, Stephen, Maggie, Pierre + Claire, observing
Apologies	Cordelia, Stella, Bill, Terry, Nick
Next meet	Tuesday 14^th May AGM date: Tuesday 2^nd July

Item	Details	Actions
Actions outstanding / rolled over from previous meeting	Ongoing action to explore grant options, sitting with various committee members.	Various
Treasurer’s report	Janet presented end of year accounts. See screengrab in annexe. The value of the current account loss for the year is very significant, £2,123. However, if our grants received for the community kitchen are allocated to the period to which they actually apply (so one grant within 2023/24 is accounted for in 2022/23, and one grant to be received in 2024/25 is accounted for in 2023/24), then our losses for the year are more like £800. Accounts will go the accountant for auditing at the end of the week, with the usual gift of wine – thank you Janet for organising. The committee agreed the annual payments to treasurer and booking clerk. Janet needs to print off the remittances for Hamish/Nick to sign. We agreed to defer the discussion on charging rates for the hall until the May meeting so that Hamish could prepare another cost proposal based around the final end of year figures, and so that we could have as full an attendance as possible to discuss this important issue. For ease of reference, the action rolled over from the previous meeting is: Hamish agreed to rework his analysis and present a further proposal at the April meeting. Thank you Hamish. New proposal to include for consideration: a cost base with the 2023/24 significant capital expenditure costs (the boiler replacement) removed, so that subsequent price increases do not need to be so steep; separate rates for parishioners and non-parishioners; a cheaper rate for longer bookings; and a hike in wedding costs(?). Grants: Carol Hall is applying for a grant for the community kitchen, and also preparing a bid for grant for replacement windows – see maintenance below. Thank you Carol! No applicants have responded to the advertisements in the Gazette for a new Treasurer. It was suggested that Damien Furniss might be interested – Hamish to ask Damien. Interest in the savings account is 3.9% and raising a not insignificant amount (£508), but could we do better if we move elsewhere? One to debate once new Treasurer in post.	Janet Hamish
Maintenance	The old shed has gone, the football team picture has been fixed. The tap washer issue has been resolved but alas the whole tap now needs replacement. Hamish to take forwards, thanks Hamish. Shed roof remains a significant issue. Claire kindly offered her tarpaulin as a temporary fix. Alex and Hamish will affix, weighted with sandbags, as a stopgap. Longer-term the committee agreed that galvanised sheeting is probably the way forwards. Alex to speak with Julian to get a quote for some sheeting. Also let’s not forget the stirling board that the church offered us. To discuss again next month. The leak in the back porch was discussed. It’s only an issue in high winds but it still needs sorting. We agreed that the initial action should be to get up in the loft above and use caulking gun around the flashing. Hamish volunteered to tackle this at the same time as doing the shed roof. If this doesn’t fix it then we can go for a specialist. We discussed replacing the windows at the front of the hall, which are badly damaged. On balance the committee agreed to pursue cheaper, better-insulating PVC windows, sympathetically designed, rather than wood frames which will quickly need more work and upkeep. We are applying for a grant and need at least three quotations – we have one already from Hani. Alex will approach Select Windows, Maggie will approach Anglian. Hamish will pursue with the estate how they feel about PVC windows. To discuss at next meeting. We discussed maintenance days, or maintenance evenings: Committee and other volunteers coming together for a few hours to progress a series of maintenance actions. Strong support for this and also for advertising for help in the Gazette. We did not agree a date but should do this at the May meeting if not before.	Hamish Hamish, Alex, Alex Hamish Alex, Maggie, Hamish

Long-term maintenance list, for progression when we land a grant. No hierarchy as yet

(Rising?) damp in southern elevation	TBD
Extractor fans in kitchen	TBD
Drainage pipes
Internal repaint
New large range cooker and oven

Petition	Sadly our questionnaire to the village in the last Gazette did not receive any responses – thank you Alex for trying. We need responses to gather data to support grant applications, but we also want the communication to gather ideas on how the hall can be used and to advertise the community asset. Alex is going to have another go, this time using Microsoft Forms to create a light touch survey that shouldn’t take as long to complete. Please circulate around the committee when ready Alex so that we can comment/add questions.	Alex
Future events	We are all looking forward to the St George’s Day quiz, Saturday 20^th April, Nick as quizmaster. Thank you Nick. And a ploughman’s supper – thank you Sue. Cheese, no soup. £7 on the door. Nick to advertise. Please be there by 5 to help set up. We agreed to organise an evening of village Skittles on Saturday 18^th May, from 19:30. Steve to organise and advertise. We agreed to run the Father’s Day BBQ on Sunday 16^th June, and to coincide this with the opening of the new village table tennis table. The Parish Council will be asking Damien to organise a table tennis tournament that week, with the finals on the Sunday. Entry fees for the tournament to go to a men’s charity; money for the Father’s Day BBQ to go to the Village Hall. We agreed to pursue live music options as priority. Carol will approach Hani to see if he can run a Syrian music and food event on Saturday 20^th July. But we need many live music options to pursue as we think this will be great and draw in the punters. Maggie to approach Richard Thorn, Hamish to approach skiffle band that he knows, Claire to get a quote for Joey the Lips. We agreed that more evening talks would be brilliant. Alex to consider / organise an astronomy talk from him / Norman Lockyer colleague, to consider at next meeting. Long list of other options: Ceilidh Art exhibition with scones… Hosting the pizza van… Sea defences talk Magical mystery bus tour Villages in action	Carol, Hamish, Maggie, Claire Alex
AOB	On behalf of the committee earlier this month Alex attended the East Devon Village Hall Nest meeting. Thank you Alex for dedicating your time to this. A very useful talk with plenty for us to consider. Listing readout here in full as we did not have much time to discuss and we might want to pick up elements in subsequent meeting: A number of other village halls are adding a supplementary ‘kitchen-use’ fee to their booking prices. ‘Hallmaster’ is an app that could support booking clerk – worth reviewing. South West Water has a regional grant fund called ‘neighbourhood fund’ capped at £2k. One village hall raised £100k simply through…crowdfunding! Alex will attend the next meeting of the committee on Wednesday 12^th June – thank you again Alex! Having observed us in action Claire asked to join the committee – motion approved! Welcome Claire!

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2024

INCOME
	2022/23	1.04.22- 31.03.23	1.04.23 – 31.03.2024
Balance brought forward			6,258.80

Hire of Hall	4,953.50	4,953.50	5,588.85

Social Events	1,791.04	1,791.04	1,371.36

Interest	226.48	226.48	0.00

Miscellaneous	175.98	175.98	2,005.91



Total			15224.92


Miscellaneous includes the £2000 drawn dow from Redwood Bank

Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2024

EXPENDITURE
	2022/23	1.04.22-31.03.23	1.04.23-31.03.24
Insurance	643.79	643.79	690.38
Non-domestic rates	0.00	0.00	0.00
Cleaning/grass cutting	748.57	748.57	1,019.62

Maintenance/Equipment	3,624.97	3,624.97	5,840.55

Water/Gas/Electric	2,173.82	2,173.82	3,031.87

Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)	269.50	269.50	1,014.59
			11597.01
Balance			3627.91

Total			15224.92
Redwood Deposit A/c		£24,811.22

Miscellaneous includes payments to Treasurer and Hall booker.
Cleaning/grass cutting has risen by 36%, from last year.
The utilities have risen by just under 40%.

St George’s Day Quiz 2024

18 May 20268 April 2024 by Alex

Gittisham Village Hall
7.30pm
Teams of up to 6
£7 a head including ploughman's supper
Contact Nick 07973797447 to book

Village Hall Annual General Meeting 2024

Village Hall Committee July 24

Village Hall Committee June 24

Gittisham Gazette June 2024

Gittisham Village Hall Committee May 2024

Gittisham Gazette May 2024

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show Schedule

Gittisham Village Hall Acounts April 2023-24

Village Hall Committe April 2024

St George’s Day Quiz 2024

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