At the Special General Meeting held on the 21st March the following Directors were appointed:
David Valentine Helen Hayman Damian Furniss Maggie Walker John Adamson Carol Hall Russell Hayman Andy Wilkins Owen Morgan Terry Kitchen Fiona Clampin
Subsequently, the Board has appointed David as Chairman, Helen as Secretary and Damian as Treasurer. Membership of the GCLT has been steadily growing and has now reached 70. This represents a large percentage of the village population showing its support for the work that is currently taking place in seeking to provide the village with a small affordable housing scheme.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING WILL START AT 7.00 pm on THURSDAY 9th MAY in the VILLAGE HALL
The ongoing work seeking a suitable site and agreeing Heads of Terms with the Combe Estate has been a positive exercise and a preferred site has now been identified. The Heads of Terms are not legally binding in themselves but set out how and on what basis the agreed land can be disposed of to the GCLT. It is an important part of the process for the preferred site to be endorsed by the parish population and that is the principal reason for the Open Public Meeting on 16th May in the Village Hall at 7.00 pm.
This meeting is a key milestone in the overall timetable and assuming the endorsement of the preferred site, will provide the platform to appoint solicitors, a Housing Association partner and consultants to undertake site surveys and to prepare briefing documentation prior to the appointment of architects. We are currently preparing a grant application to cover some of the initial costs and further grant applications will be made to cover consultant costs etc.. Another key area that the Board will be looking at over the next few months is that of an Allocations Policy to ensure that the properties when built will meet the objective of providing accommodation for the local community.
I have commented in the past of the need to engage with the local community at various key stages in this process. The project must be community led and the forthcoming Open Public Meeting which will focus on the background to the recommendation identifying the preferred site is another opportunity for the community to show it’fs support for the work of the GCLT Board and it’fs adviser’fs.
OPEN PUBLIC MEETING IN THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.00pm on THURSDAY 16th MAY
The GCLT are continuing to promote its work and extend its current membership. If you are interested in becoming a member then please contact Helen Hayman, the CLT secretary, or indeed any of the other Board members. Application forms are on the website (www.gittisham-clt.org.uk).
David Valentine Chairman
Company Secretary: Helen Hayman, Gittisham Farm, GITTISHAM. EX14 3AX
A CLT is a non-political not-for-profit organization established to provide benefits to a local community.
They usually start by focusing on the provision of affordable housing, but they can also facilitate the provision of other community benefits.
The legal framework within which the Gittisham (GCLT) is managed is that of a Community Benefit Society (CBS) and the £ shares which you have acquired gives you membership of the CBS. We currently have 60 members. This represents a large percentage of the village population showing its support for the work that is currently taking place in seeking to provide the village with a small (6 units of rented accommodation) residential scheme. The work of a CLT has to be community led and this is a fantastic start. Thank you.
So what happens next?
Once the new Board has been elected on Thursday 21st March the ongoing work seeking a suitable site and agreeing Heads of Terms with the Combe Estate will continue. The Heads of Terms are not legally binding in themselves but set out how and on what basis the agreed land can be disposed of to the GCLT. Once the Heads of Terms are in place the CLT Board will come back to the community with its recommendation for the preferred site and seek the community’s endorsement to proceed. The CLT will employ consultants and architects to help with the design of the scheme in preparation for the planning application.
Where does the funding come from?
The Board will be making an application for ‘eStart Up Funding which can be obtained from EDDC. Additional grant applications can be made at appropriate stages during the process. The Community Housing Fund is a Government initiative which was first launched in 2016 to support communities to bring forward affordable housing through the CLT process. EDDC were a beneficiary of this fund and currently hold a significant sum of money which they can redistribute as grants to CLT’fs. Homes England is the national housing and regeneration agency for England and administers Community Housing Funds which were part of a range of Government announcements made in 2018. There is no shortage of funds which can be accessed for this type of community-led project. Additionally, there are funds which can be accessed by a partner Housing Association. Selecting a Housing Association partner will be another task following the agreement Heads of Terms.
Where is the Board getting advice from?
The GCLT is being supported by Wessex CLT Project, an organization who provide technical advice and support to CLT groups. They are currently supporting 45 groups across the south west and they have an excellent record of meeting their delivery objectives. We are also supported by Devon Communities Together.
The GCLT are continuing to promote its work and extend its current membership. If you are interested in becoming a member then please contact Helen Hayman, the CLT secretary, or indeed any of the other Board members.
Application forms are on the website (www.gittisham-clt.org.uk).
David Valentine Chairman
Company Secretary: Helen Hayman, Gittisham Farm, GITTISHAM. EX14 3AX
Sunday 3rd December 2023 at 16:00 in Gittisham St Michael’s Church
Come and join us in our beautiful church as we begin the lead up to Christmas. We are presenting a lovely festive concert suitable for all ages with professional singers. Join us in our carol singing and enjoy a drink and a mince pie. There will also be a prize draw with a splendid lunch for two to be won at The Pig’s Folly. Book early to avoid disappointment! The proceeds will be shared between Force Cancer Charity and St Michael’s Church, Gittisham.
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On?
Pierre’s Café Sunday 12th Nov Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm. All welcome to enjoy a free meal and good company Act of Remembrance at the Lych gate Sunday Nov 12th 10.50 followed by Eucharist in Church Ember Pizza Pizza van by the church 1st Wednesday of the month 07751 532843 Coffee Together 18th Nov 10.30-12 at the Parish Room inc double 200 club Nov & Dec draw ‘Getting ready for Advent’ Sun Nov 26 th 11am at the church Quiz Saturday evening 2nd December Quizmaster Hamish Christmas Swap Shop 2nd December
Come and join us in our beautiful church as we begin the lead up to Christmas. We are presenting a lovely festive concert suitable for all ages with professional singers. Join us in our carol singing and enjoy a drink and a mince pie. There will also be a prize draw with a splendid lunch for two to be won at The Pig’s Folly. Book early to avoid disappointment! The proceeds will be shared between Force Cancer Charity and St Michael’s Church, Gittisham.
Trick or Treating Lots of treats and quite a few tricks this year. A big crowd ventured out into the rain after gathering at the village hall. Those of us waiting at home could definitely hear them coming. Many of houses had treats for the little darlings but some houses had tricks in store, much to their amusement. Definitely not just an event for the children. Thanks to all those who helped at the hall and in herding the monsters around the village. And thanks to everyone who supplied the various treats. Far too much sugar and not enough hidden sprouts!
Christmas Swap Shop Saturday 2nd December 3-6pm at the Hall
“For a more sustainable Christmas”
Swap toys, decorations and lights.
One gift donation entitles the giver to one free gift. Donations from 10am at the hall. Good quality only.
Mulled wine, mince pies and cream teas from 3pm
Quiz Night
At the village hall Saturday 2nd December
Quizmaster Hamish
Combe Farm Shop
Its nearly time to start thinking about Christmas. Here at the Farm shop we are looking forward to a busy festive season.
We have lots of lovely things planned including our late night Christmas shopping event, where you can meet some of our suppliers, enjoy some free samples, listen to a local choir and even meet Santa. There will be hot drinks, mulled wine and turkey baps available in the Café. We will also have some great deals on, so it could be a chance to get some Christmas present shopping done. This is going to be on December 2nd.
We will be hosting our popular wreath making workshops again with a local florist and using locally sourced greenery. We will be running them on November 29th and December 13th in the evening. Mulled wine and nibbles are included. If this interests you, please let us know to book your spot as numbers are limited. We also have capacity to run private wreath workshops for small groups.
We also have our diary open for Christmas orders. We have Local Turkeys from near Exeter (Rosamond Farm), Turkey breast rolls, in house cured Gammon ( using local free range pork from Prestige Pork), Pigs in Blankets, Carvery Rib, Rolled Sirloin, Ducks, Chicken and so much more. We also offer our Christmas Meat Hampers. All information can be found on our Facebook page or pop by the shop to speak to one of the team.
Look forward to seeing you soon,
Joanna and the Farm Shop Team.
01404 519093
Community Theatre 4All presents
An evening of 2 short plays Gentle comedy from a bygone era. The Laboratory by David Campton The Bear by Anton Chekov
Talaton Parish Hall Thurs 16th, Fri 17th and Sat 18th November
Tickets £6 from www.ticketsource.co.uk 07867 791093
Auction of Promises Saturday 10th February 7 pm at the Hall
Do you have a service or skill you could donate as a lot? This would be placed in a catalogue for Auction in February in the village hall, bar and nibbles available on the night
It’s raining cats and dogs
Our wonderful Devon village lies at the bottom of a pretty steep valley and when it rains heavily, we know it. Large rivers with big catchments, like the Exe, cause problems after prolonged and extensive rainfall – for example, a flood can take several days to reach Exeter after the rain has started. The River Gitt, however, has a tiny catchment area to the centre of the village, just a few square kilometres. This small area, coupled with the steep nature of the catchment – means we are less susceptible to low-intensity prolonged rainfall, but are far more sensitive to short-duration, high-intensity rainfall.
This means when we have heavy rain it reaches the village in minutes! All the floods that have affected the village over the years have followed this pattern – where there is so much rain it cannot soak in and often exceeds the capacity of drains and sometimes the river too. The event that recently caused a lot of surface water flooding, followed this pattern. The graph, from a rain gauge in Honiton, shows just how heavy the rainfall was. The event in the early hours of the 2nd of November did not last for long but had a peak rainfall intensity of over 60mm an hour – which is a lot! Even though the event only lasted a few hours – enough rainfall landed to overwhelm the soil’s ability to infiltrate water and the drainage system’s ability to convey water adequately.
Forecasting really intense rainfall is difficult as the weather systems that create them can be small and intense and predicting where and when they will travel and how heavy the rain will be is hard. For somewhere like Gittisham, with a catchment that reacts very quickly to rainfall, it is also then hard to give a flood forecast. So, working out if the village or nearby roads will flood has to be made based on a combination of weather forecasts, with their inherent uncertainty and observing how heavy the rain is. An online rain & river level gauge in the village could help us better understand the relationship between rainfall and flooding. I’d be happy to chat with anyone who wants to know more about flooding, forecasting flooding and how to manage risk. Hamish ()
St Michael’s Church and Honiton Mission Community
Advent and Christmas Services
Advent Sunday Christmas Concert Dec 3 rd 4pm
2 nd Sunday Eucharist Dec 10 th 11am
St Michael’s Carol Service Sun Dec 17 th 4.45pm mince pies and festive drinks
‘Carols on the Green Fri Dec 22 nd 5pm sausages and mulled wine’
Sunday Dec 24 th Midnight Eucharist 11.30pm
Monday Dec 25 th Christmas Day Eucharist 11am
Around the Parishes – for events and news see copies in Church or visit https://honitoncofe.org/newsletter. Rev’d Tracey Voysey – licensing service as Team Vicar changed to Mon Dec 4 th 7pm at St Paul’s.
Blue Foodbank Box Church Porch – donations gratefully received
PARISH COUNCIL – OCT 2023 REPORT
Six councillors met for the November meeting. One member of the public was also present.
Flooding. Councillors discussed the flooding in the parish which had occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, 2nd November. The member of the public, who works for a flood risk organisation, advised the parish council that when serious flooding occurs, getting involved in mitigating its effects during the event can be dangerous and it is often best to wait until the worst has passed. For example inspection covers often lift in floods and can’t be seen under water or in the dark. Flood risk is best dealt with proactively, he said, and the parish council is not in a position to advise individuals. All agreed that with climate change bringing about more extreme weather events, people would have to adapt their behaviour and take further precautions to try to minimise flood damage.
Parish emergency plan. Given the recent weather, councillors were reminded that there are various locations marked on the emergency plan where sandbags are stored. (A copy of the emergency plan can be found on the Gittisham website www.gittisham.org.uk click on the ‘parish council’ tab.) Additional sand for the sandbags will be ordered. In the event of a dangerous flood, those affected should call the emergency services. Carol Hall (Chair) thanked Alex Rowe for clearing the drain under the railway bridge by the Forge.
Highways. In his report sent to the council in his absence, Phil Twiss said Devon’s Highways teams have taken an absolute battering this year where climate change, and flooding events in particular, have decimated planned maintenance. But despite that, Highways are pressing on with as much of the programme as possible when not dealing with ’risk to life’ events or clearing up after flooding, fallen trees and damaged buildings. He asked for understanding that they must prioritise workload for those ‘risk to life’ events, while not diminishing the necessity of alerting them to issues on the parish’s roads. Peter Orchard reported that the internal channel of the balancing pond has filled with rubble, so it needs to be cleared out. Alex Rowe said the broken grit bin on the road heading west out of the village had been reported.
Residential development. In his report sent to the council in his absence, Alasdair Bruce said he was somewhat encouraged by the statements that have come out of EDDC’s latest Strategic Planning Committee meeting. If implemented in full, they could offer an element of protection from the scourge of never ending developer-led mass housing applications, he said. The Government will be issuing a new National Planning Policy Framework in the near future. This should help empower EDDC’s planning committee to make a stand against inappropriate development, he said. A case in point was last week’s refusal of the application for 63 houses to the south of Ottery St Mary. Despite officer recommendation, the committee decided to refuse. Alasdair Bruce said it remains to be seen if the council lawyers come back with reasons why these grounds will fail, something he described as an unfortunately familiar scenario.
Finance. Members agreed the finances.
Crimes. Due to an error on the Police UK website, it was not possible to report the crime statistics for August and September 2023.
Casual vacancy. Carol Hall encouraged all councillors to speak to people who might be interested in joining the parish council to represent the Vale ward. People can also contact the clerk for further information by emailing The deadline for applications is 3rd December.
Next meeting. Thursday 7 th December 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: Tel: 01404 851442
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On? at the village hall Pierre’s Cafe Sunday 12th Nov 07545 214940 Christmas Concert Sunday 3rd December 4pm £10 (u16 free) Carol Singing
drinks & mince pies at the church Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm. All welcome to enjoy a free meal and good company Folk Dancing Wednesday evenings village hall Fit for Life class Tuesday mornings village hall Yoga Monthly Thursday village hall Christmas Swap Shop and Family Quiz 2nd December Ember Pizza Pizza van by the church 1st Wednesday of the month 07751 532843 Coffee Mornings 3rd Saturday of the month at the Parish Rooms (village green)
Pumpkins – Ed Hayman This year at Gittisham Farm, between finishing my studies and Graduating with a degree in Agriculture at Harper Adams University, I have been busy growing a field of pumpkins as a ‘pick your own’ experience. So far, we have been open for three weekends, and I’m very happy with how it’s gone. Everyone seems to be enjoying the experience of visiting the farm, seeing our cows and calves and of course lots of pumpkins. With plenty of questions and intrigue, it’s been great to show people more about the produce they buy beyond the sight of a supermarket shelf. The pumpkin patch offers lots of different varieties from tiny decorative gourds right up to huge Atlantic Giants that are a handful to say the least! There is also plenty of seasonal hot food and drink to beat this cold October weather. It’s been great to see a few people from the village visit us already, and anyone who would like to come along is more than welcome. As Halloween approaches, the patch will be back open again 10-4pm everyday through October half term, from Saturday 21st up to the following Sunday on the 29th. Harvest Supper The annual Harvest Supper was a well supported event, with about 70 people attending. The menu of chicken casserole or nut roast. Baked potatoes and peas followed by apple crumble and ice cream went down well. Second helpings were taken up enthusuastically! (Community Kitchen could be serving pudding for weeks to come, due to the generosity of the cooks.) This was a truly communal effort, with about 20 people involved in preparing, cooking, serving, washing up, setting up and tidying up. Many thanks to all. Sue Fallows, Gittisham Village Hall Committee
The village hall committee have managed to keep up with the expenses, which have risen sharply due to big changes in gas, electricity and water bills. Costs are expected to be higher still during the coming year but it is hoped with the extra income from existing and new bookings we will be able to keep pace. We really need and would welcome more members to grow the number and range of events that we put – to allow us to keep the important community assets running. This is a hall for the whole parish. Hamish Hall, Gittisham Village Hall Committee
Advent Concert Come and join us in our beautiful church as we begin the lead up to Christmas. We are presenting a lovely festive concert suitable for all ages with professional singers. Join us in our carol singing and enjoy a drink and a mince pie. There will also be a prize draw with a splendid lunch for two to be won at The Pig’s Folly. Book early to avoid disappointment! The proceeds will be shared between Force Cancer Charity and St Michael’s Church, Gittisham.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/church-concert Halloween Halloween will soon be upon us. On Tuesday 31st all children are invited to the village hall at 16.30 for some food, and trick-or-treating around the village will commence at 17.00. Don’t want to be spooked? Quiver under the blankets or drop a message on the village WhatsApp. Wrap Up South West collecting unwanted coats across Devon Coats need to be clean with all zips and buttons complete and working. If you have a warm coat, waterproof, gilet or fleece for adults or children please drop it off at one of the collection points. Collection 20th-30th October in Honiton Tesco, Ottery Help Scheme and Sidmouth Library New Year’s Eve Party At the village hall details to follow. Contact the Village Hall Committee 200 Club Would you like to join the 200 club and help to fund the upkeep so necessary for this old church. It takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the increasing cost of energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes £40, £20, £15, £10 and £5. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Contact Janet Twist 01404 45484
between Force Cancer Charity and St Michael’s Church, Gittisham.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/church-concert Halloween Halloween will soon be upon us. On Tuesday 31st all children are invited to the village hall at 16.30 for some food, and trick-or-treating around the village will commence at 17.00. Don’t want to be spooked? Quiver under the blankets or drop a message on the village WhatsApp. Wrap Up South West collecting unwanted coats across Devon Coats need to be clean with all zips and buttons complete and working. If you have a warm coat, waterproof, gilet or fleece for adults or children please drop it off at one of the collection points. Collection 20th-30th October in Honiton Tesco, Ottery Help Scheme and Sidmouth Library New Year’s Eve Party At the village hall details to follow. Contact the Village Hall Committee 200 Club Would you like to join the 200 club and help to fund the upkeep so necessary for this old church. It takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the increasing cost of energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes £40, £20, £15, £10 and £5. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Contact Janet Twist 01404 45484 Parish Council Vacancy To represent the Vale ward. Please contact the Clerk for further information The deadline for applications is 22nd October https://gittisham.org.uk/2023/09/01/paris h-councillor-vacancy-gittisham-vale-ward/
PARISH COUNCIL – OCT 2023 REPORT Four councillors met for the October meeting. Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of the public were also present. Church Mead bridge. Alasdair Bruce explained that the repairs to the Church Mead bridge had been put back to 16th October, due to the late arrival of materials. However all affected residents had, he understood, been advised by hand-delivered letter of the works. Potholes. Phil Twiss told councillors that the previous winter had been very challenging for road condition and safety defects. But the numbers recorded across the network had reduced to such a point that Highway Safety Inspectors (HSI) were able to re-start identifying non-safety or ‘serviceability’ defects in June, ie the holes that pose less of a problem. A trial with material called ‘Elastomac’ is taking place and this product is providing a lower carbon and cost-effective means of repairing carriageway defects. This can allow reactive works gangs to undertake repairs much more quickly when compared with conventional techniques. Gully cleaning. Phil Twiss reported that more than 5,000 drainage issues identified county-wide by the gully cleaning crews and highway officers have been resolved since April. The challenge remains dealing with more than 15,000 outstanding reported issues with limited funds available. The ongoing trial to pre-inspect gullies due to be cleaned on the cyclical programme has shown 49 per cent of gullies inspected to date do not require cleaning. A joint trial with Devon’s Flood team to place gully sensors in selected streets in Devon is in the preparation stages. It is hoped this externally funded trial will offer insight into whether technology can be used to inform policy or reaction for cyclical gully cleaning. The trial intends to run for an 18-month period from the winter period. Road closure. 24th–29th October: Road from Main Road to Eveleighs Farm. Wales and West Utilities; priority traffic control. Finance. Members agreed the finances. Crimes. July 2023: no reported crimes. Casual vacancy. Carol Hall encouraged all councillors to speak to people who might be interested in joining the parish council to represent the Vale ward. People can also contact the clerk for further information by emailing The deadline for applications is 22nd October. Old Elm Road rewilding. Councillors discussed funding for installing mesh underneath the path that leads between the Old Elm Road gateway and the existing path by the railway track. Waste bin. Councillors heard the dog waste bin at the bottom of Old Elm Road was due to be removed, and replaced with a larger standard waste bin. It will be emptied once a week. Scams. The clerk highlighted the article in the previous week’s Midweek Herald, which urged people to be on their guard against a spate of door to door salespeople who claim they are part of a rehabilitation programme. They sell a range of items at inflated prices. She said somebody had visited the village around the same time who fitted the description. Next meeting. Thursday 2nd November 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: Tel: 01404 851442 St Michael’s Church and Honiton Mission Community 200 Club – October Winners 1. Karen Miller 2,Mrs J Lovell 3.Helen Bartlett 4, Mrs E Warne 5,Mrs D Merchant Events: Saturday 21 st October 10.30am Coffee Together in the Parish Room Churchyard: Paul Wakely has been busy cutting back the grass in the old churchyard and preparing the ground for the emergence of wild flowers in the Spring. Weather depending he would appreciate help with strimming and raking up the grass cuttings. Bring your own strimmer and rake. Saturday AM 21 st October from 10am. Sunday Oct 29 th 11am Mission Community Eucharist at St Paul’s Honiton Thursday Nov 2 nd at 7pm All Soul’s Day Service at St Michaels’s Church Honiton* A note from Rev’d Tracey “This will be quiet, thoughtful and gentle, we shall be reading out the names of loved one(s) with an opportunity to light a candle, in remembrance of our loved ones, and all that they meant, and still mean, to us.” Please contact Julia 07763 111367 if you would like the name of a loved one added to the prayer list or would like a lift to the service *As you may know, St Michael’s is the former parish church of Honiton, latterly a Chapel of Ease and its grounds hold the Churchyard for Honiton Parish It is now closed for worship, but for this occasion is being especially opened. Sunday 12 th Remembrance Sunday 10. 50 am at the Lychgate followed by a Eucharist Service in Church Sunday Nov 26th 11am Lay Led Service Church Events and News It was good to welcome the Rev’d Tracey to celebrate the Eucharist at our Harvest Festival Service enhanced by a magnificent display of flowers and fresh produce thanks to our amazing team of flower arrangers. Many thanks to everyone for the donations of food and fresh produce which is being distributed between the Honiton Food Bank and Ottery Larder. We are also pleased to announce that it has now been officially confirmed that the Rev’d Tracey Voysey who was recently appointed as Team Vicar in the Honiton Team Ministry on an interim basis will be staying with us. There will be a service of welcome and celebration of her continuing ministry on Thursday 14 th December at Honiton Parish Church at 7pm.
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On?
at the village hall Pierre’s Cafe Sunday 8th Oct 07545 214940 Harvest Supper Saturday 7th October 7pm £5 07880 178297 Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm. All welcome to enjoy a free meal and good company **NEW** Yoga Thursday mornings 11-12 £10 Michelle Corrigan 07833 558253 Gentle, safe, classic yoga with attention to back care. Film Discussion Night 10th October 7pm Christmas Swap Shop and Family Quiz 2nd December Ember Pizza Pizza van by the church 1st Wednesday of the month 07751 532843 FOOD BANK Donations are always welcome to the box in the church porch
Gittisham Fete SUCCESS
Thank you for helping to raise over £2,500 for the church. 1000 visitors from the parish and further afield enjoyed the Honiton band, stalls, classic cars, a dog show and the duck race. Thank you to Alex Rowe and all those who helped organize and manage the day.
Dog Show Wow, what a lot of wagging tails! The first Gittisham dog show saw a huge turnout at Will’s Field during the fete. Dogs and owners had travelled from as far as Upottery and maybe even beyond. A lot of pretty bitches and handsome dogs made it a very hard decision for the poor judge Maryanne, but we all agreed with her choices in the end (didn’t we?). Some fantastic sets of 6 legs with a very obvious winner and quite frankly the most waggy tails every seen in one field. Thanks to all who organised and participated this brilliant event and see you all again next year.
Thank you, from Alex Thank you to everyone who supported me and the fete but a few I would like to mention ~ •The committee •The Tea ladies •Kate for painting the lovely signs •The parking chaps especially Bernie for his traffic management •Mikey with his horse and trap •Helen and the flower arrangers for the beautiful church display •Robert for coming back from London especially to help me setup
Parish Council Vacancy To represent the Vale ward. Please contact the Clerk for further information The deadline for applications is 22nd October https://gittisham.org.uk/2023/09/01/parish-councillor vacancy-gittisham-vale-ward/ And then come the nightjars Honiton Beehive Cinema Friday 13th October A heartwarming film of friendship and survival set against a backdrop of the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak The story of an unlikely friendship between a Devon farmer and the vet who is assigned to cull his precious herd.
St Michael’s Church and Honiton Mission Community Sunday Sept 22 nd 11am St Michael’s & All Angels Saints Day Service Sunday October 8 th 11am Harvest Festival Service with Holy Communion Sunday October 22 nd 11am Morning Worship ‘We’re going on an Angel Hunt’ Come and help us find the Angels! The church is open to visitors 10am-6pm (Julia Barratt Lay Minister) 200 Club – September Winners 154 D Hollis bonus £48 123 G Booth 1st£40 5 C Broom 2nd £20 79 O Morgan 3rd £15 128 M Tawse 4th £10 144 C Vyner-Brooks 5th £5 200 Club – How to Join Would you like to join the 200 club and help to fund the upkeep so necessary for this old church. It takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the increasing cost of energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes £40, £20, £15, £10 and £5. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Contact Janet Twist 01404 45484
Pumpkins
Open weekends from the 30th September to the 29th October and everyday through October half term
FETE SUCCESS by Alex Rowe
Unlike this week’s storms, at the beginning of September we had lovely sunny weather temperature at almost 30°c, I couldn’t have asked for better weather for the restarting of the fete.
Since February a small working committee of Sue, Julia, Maggie, Will, Pierre and myself had been planning for the 2nd of September. The few days prior were very hectic however we are extremely pleased with how the day panned out and very grateful to all of the residents of the Parish who came along to help with the setting up, stewarding on the day or even just came to enjoy the afternoon.
The Village was buzzing and I would approximate on 1000 visitors in total including children it was great to encompass people from the parish living in the Vale, Hayne farm and the village they all seemed very much enjoy all the fete had to offer Honiton band, the stalls, classic cars & the dog show organised by Will, compared by Hamish and kindly judged by Maryanne.
Lastly an exciting duck race concluded the event (kindly sponsored by Airband)
Robert is working on a little video of the Fete and the link will be shared shortly.
We will be having a post fete meeting to discuss any issues that arose, I apologize to those who didn’t get to experience the fete if you were helping on the day, you were invaluable to the event, thank you. If you are interested in helping with next year’s fete email and I will let you know the date of the next meeting.
We will celebrate our success at a good NYE party!
~ Alex
GRAIN TO CREAM by Russell Hayman
It was spring the last time I wrote and autumn now! So I missed summer, quite a different one to last year. Nowhere near as much sun but much more grass which the girls will and have loved. Harvest was a typical one maybe a bit more catchy than normal but we muddle by. Yields where a bit below average as a result of the lack of sunshine. Last year it was too much. never see a satisfied farmer. Also part of the problem was virus carrying aphids which infect the crop in the autumn and show no sign of infection until April May following. Unfortunately the most effective way to control this is to spray insecticide which we did once, but the mild winter could well of resulted in infection happening later; the aphids don’t like frost. The problem is it can result in complete crop failure if we get it wrong and we try to use as little chemical as possible. Hedges do harbour the aphids (don’t worry not advocating taking the hedges out) but most the trial work is carried out in the east of the country where they have less hedges and cooler winters so advice given is not always appropriate for this neck of the woods.
We still have our heron out front fishing the little stream, sparrows also seem to thrive here with the hedge bending under the weight of them all and the barn owls had chicks again, three this time! On the subject of wildlife we have also had Bicton students here and vet students as well.
The cows have been treated to a new fan by the robots to help keep flies away which appears to work though I have seen the occasional one flying into the air flow to get a good work out! We are also in the process of digging a new slurry store which will enable us to spread the good stuff over a larger area and be more flexible there-by make better use of it. Unfortunately the contractor doing the digging has let us down by leaving site before finished so we are well behind schedule.
We also have a new exciting crop introduced by Edmund fresh from uni. Of pumpkins. They are like triffids and grow at a blink of an eye. Weed control is a hoe and Edmund has made a gardener of me! He has put loads of time into it and was also in the process of doing his finals for his degree! I think it is a good year for pumpkins so his efforts have resulted in what looks like a bumper crop. (though I must admit I know nothing about them really) Looking forward to welcoming everyone here at Gittisham farm to come and pick a pumpkin or two in October.
PARISH COUNCIL – SEPT 2023 REPORT
Five councillors met for the September meeting. Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) was also present.
Sewage. Alasdair Bruce explained that EDDC’s coastal officer had produced a report which highlighted the large number of occasions where South West Water’s sewage monitors were found to be in ‘maintenance mode’, and therefore not doing the job they are designed to do. EDDC has approached the supplier for a response. River Gitt.
Floods. Councillors heard that a flood prevention consultant had advised EDDC that the best course of action would be to remove any vegetation and debris from the river, and allow for the silt to be washed away naturally during heavy rainfall. Work is due to be carried out in the next few months.
Road closure. 21st September, road through Alfington to Ottery closed 0930–1530 for pole tests. Finance. Members agreed the finances.
Crimes. May & June 2023: no reported crimes.
Casual vacancy. Carol Hall encouraged all councillors to speak to people who might be interested in joining the parish council to represent the Vale ward. People can also contact the clerk for further information by emailing The deadline for applications is 22nd October.
Planning applications.
a) 23/1631/MFUL Coastguard Road Heathpark Industrial Estate – development of 17 commercial units b) 23/1632/MOUT Coastguard Road Heathpark Industrial Estate – outline application for class B2, B8 and E(g)(iii) development within two sites (Phase 2A and 2B) comprising total floor space of 4,000 sq m (all matters reserved) c) 23/1207/LBC & 23/1206/FUL The Lodge EX14 3AD – demolition of internal wall, removal of roof to existing extension construction of new extension with parapet and roof lanterns.
Councillors resolved to have no objections to the applications. However, in relation to a) and b), they expressed concerns over the point of access onto Devonshire Road, given the nature of the road itself, lack of visibility on the bend, and the proximity of the bus stop. Councillors also discussed whether this represents an over-intensification of the site.
Bus timetable. Peter Orchard reported that Stagecoach is now operating additional last journeys on the 44 / 44A bus, Monday to Saturday evenings at 20.30 from Exeter to Honiton and at 22.45 from Honiton to Exeter. The bus will not serve Gittisham village.
Scams. Janet Twist said that Mole Valley’s IT systems had been hacked, and anyone who has an account with them should check their own bank account.
Outdoor table tennis table. Councillors heard that the funding from S106 had been approved. The proposal is now with EDDC’s legal team to sign off.
Next meeting. Tuesday 3rd October at 7pm 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: Tel: 01404 851442
St Michael’s Church Julia Barratt
Many thanks to everyone and especially to our flower arranging team led by Helen Hayman who helped to prepare and decorate the Church for the Fete Flower Festival. We had a constant stream of visitors throughout the afternoon, so much so we had to organise a one way system!
Thank you also to everyone who contributed to the collection which raised £577 as a gift for Carol McCann in recognition of her dedicated service of nearly 30 years as Churchwarden. We had hoped to present the cheque to her in person at the Fete & Flower Festival Service but sadly she wasn’t able to be with us. However, Robert Rowe kindly videoed the service and now she is back at home, she is very much looking forward to watching it. Carol was very surprised and pleased to receive both the cheque and the lovely ‘card signed by so many and sends her thanks and love to everyone. Providing Carol is well enough, we hope to say ‘Thank You’ to her in person at our Harvest Festival Service on October 8 th .
The PCC also wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fete such an enjoyable occasion with special thanks to Village Hall Committee for generously donating the profits towards the upkeep of the Church.
After a break in August, our Coffee Together meetings on the 3rd Saturday of the month have resumed and we had a full house. And everyone is much impressed with our new coffee machine kindly donated by Claire and Gary.
The Gittisham Community Kitchen served up its first meal on 21 st July 2022 to an eager and curious 35 members of the community. It has now been running for just over a year and save for three occasions when the hall has been booked out we have provided a free meal to all comers every single Thursday evening. In the first year 1,490 people have come to the meals, an average of nearly 30 per week. There have also been hundreds of ‘take-aways’ provided to people who couldn’t attend or who fancied some leftovers for the next day. Having the Community Kitchen running in the Village Hall has benefitted the Hall Committee coffers by just under £1,500 in direct cash payments and by way of grants from EDDC. And with the help of further grants from EDDC, the Beaumont Charity and the Parish Council, GCK is still holding funds which will enable us to keep going well into our second year. Here’s a very simple breakdown of the accounts over the year: Donations from diners £1,849.16 Grants and other gifts £1,845.94 Total £3,695.10
Less Cost of Hall Hire (paid direct) £ 435.00 Equipment £ 68.23 Cost of food £2,392.21 Total £2,895.44
We couldn’t do it without the donations of food that we are able to call on week after week. The wonderful fresh veg from The Pig courtesy of Peter the kitchen gardener and plentiful supplies of bread which would otherwise go to waste from The Ottery Larder. Also we’ve been really lucky to be given loads of pheasant from local shoots, delicious seasonal puddings that have been donated by the ‘pudding fairies’ and others, and numerous other wonderful offerings in response to urgent cries for help on the day! Feedback shows that the benefits of GCK have been numerous and varied. Alongside providing hot nutritious meals every week for an average of only £1.61 per meal, people have really benefitted from the chance to meet up and socialise with their neighbours on a regular basis. Anyone who was able to listen to Fiona Clampin’s brilliant radio piece on Farming Today in January will have recognised some familiar voices and, hopefully, agreed with the sentiments expressed. My thanks go in particular to those who have gone out of their way to help make it all a success: Kate, Mike, Alex, Julia, Neil, Stella, David & Sue, Claire, Bill, Amanda, Maggie, Molly, Pierre, Betty and everyone else who has stepped into the breach.
Please contact me by text on 07939 148762 or by email to if you would like to contribute to the kitchen either with food or financially. And……we are always looking for helpers to take over the cooking or to give the regulars a break from the washing up and clearing up at the end of the evening.
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On? Pierre’s Cafe Sunday 8th Oct at the Village Hall 07545 214940 Village Fete Saturday 2nd Sept 2-5pm Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm. All welcome to enjoy a free meal and good company Harvest Supper Saturday 7th October at the village hall Gittisham Folk Dancing (like a barn dance or ceilidh) Join a friendly group of people of all ages with live music and a caller to guide you through each dance. £5.50 per evening 8pm-10.15pm gittishamfolkdanceclub.org FOOD BANKDonations are always welcome to the box in the church porch
Our wonderful fete is back on Saturday 2 nd September, with all the usual entertainment and much, much more. Something for everyone, even dogs and ducks! Entry is £2 There are still tables available for crafts and tradespeople Can you help with parking or serving teas on the day? There’s arota so please get in touch if you can.
Gittisham Flower and Produce Show Thanks to all who organised this event and who helped on the day. The highlight of the day was of course the potato weigh-in, with Sarah Abbot the happy winner. What’s the secret Sarah? Other prize winners: Marker Cup: Len Abbott Homecraft: Anne Holley Reg Chown Cup for best exhibit in show: Shared between Len Abbott and Anne Holley McCann Cup: Kadence Hulbert Tony Spiller Shield: Sarah Abbott Wakley Cup for best flower in show: Anne Holley Men’s Cup: Will Wolsey Best Cake: Bill Griffiths Junior Cup: Maverick Cheffey Infant Cup: Cleo Howe
St Michael’s Church and Honiton Mission Community St Michael & All Angel’s Church Patronal Festival Village Fete SONGS OF PRAISE Thank You Service Sunday 3rd September at 4pm 200 Club Would you like to join the 200 club and help to fund the upkeep so necessary for this old church. It takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the increasing cost of energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes £40, £20, £15, £10 and £5. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Contact Janet Twist 01404 45484 Exam Results Good luck to all those getting school and college exam results this month. Best wishes for whatever the future brings for you all.
No Swimming No Swimming The Bettislake pothole highlights the challenges facing Devon County Council, with the largest Highways network in England at something over 12,000km to maintain. Much of the roads have begun life as little more than cart tracks with no real foundation, then covered and recovered in tarmac type surfacing over the years and subject to the vagaries of massive increases in traffic flow and weather. Reporting of potholes is encouraged through the website Report a Pothole. https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/ Evening buses The Stagecoach 44A bus service will be running in the later evening from September Leaving Exeter and stopping in Heathpark (not running through the village): Exeter 20:30 to Heathpark 21:23 From Honiton, stopping in Heathpark and then on to Exeter (not through the village): Heathpark 22:49 to Exeter 23:35 Check the Stagecoach website for accurate information.
Gittisham Village Hall The hall is available to hire privately with special rates for parish residents. £10.90 per hour £31.30 for a morning or afternoon £43.15 for the evening Details are on www.gittisham.org.uk or contact 07854 492347 to make a booking. School Uniform The Ottery Larder has a huge selection of uniform for our local schools. All are welcome to take from their supplies. It’s all about recycling and saving money. Please see their website or facebook page for details of opening times. Parish Council – no meeting this month
Gittisham Village Hall Committee 2024/25 (April 2023)
Gittisham Village Hall Equality and Diversity Policy 1.0 Introduction Gittisham Village Hall is committed to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst its community by creating a positive place where everyone can enjoy an environment which is safe, enjoyable and respectful. This policy reinforces our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all in our hirers and volunteers and to avoid less favourable facilities or treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. 2.0 Gittisham Village Hall’s Commitment Our aim is to ensure that all hirers and volunteers are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society. All hirers and volunteers will be treated fairly and with respect. We will provide help and encouragement to develop all our staff to their full potential and utilise their unique talents. When we select candidates for the Hall Committee or other volunteer positions, it will be on the basis of their aptitude and ability. We are committed to: Creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of everyone are recognised and valued. Creating an environment that promotes dignity and respect for everyone. Not tolerating any form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment, and to avoid hiring the facility to those that breach this policy. Making training available to all volunteers where appropriate Promoting an inclusive culture for all our community and the people that we serve. Encouraging anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures. Encouraging everyone to be treated with dignity and respect. Regularly reviewing all our practices and procedures so that fairness is maintained at all times.
We seek to promote diversity and inclusion and to respond to the needs of all individuals in a fair and equitable manner, whilst observing our commitment and responsibility to current legislation. 3.0 The community’s responsibilities All hirers, volunteers and village hall event attendees are required to assist us in meeting our commitments, to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion and avoid unlawful discrimination. We consider acts of discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation as unacceptable behaviour and hirers supporting this behaviour will result in the hall not be available to hire to those persons in the future. 4.0 Grievances If you consider that you may have been unlawfully discriminated against, you may contact the committee Chair (NICK CHAPMAN) or any member of the committee to make a complaint.
SECTION 1 Introduction Everyone has a duty to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults. This policy promotes good practice in safeguarding for those using Gittisham Village Hall facilities. The Village Hall Committee will review it annually. Definitions Children and young people: Anyone under the age of 18 years Vulnerable Adult: Anyone over 18 who is: • Unable to care for themselves • Unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation • Or may be in need of community care services To whom this policy applies • This policy applies to anyone working for or on behalf of the Village Hall Committee whether in a paid, voluntary or commissioned capacity, for example contracted to do a piece of work. • It also applies to any individual using the Village Hall facilities for the purpose of delivering any service to children, young people or vulnerable adults. SECTION 2 Promoting a safe environment In order to promote a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults, the Village Hall Committee will: • Provide safe facilities and do regular safety assessments. • Ensure that employees, councillors and leaders of activities in / on village hall facilities, are aware of the safeguarding expectations. • Ensure that the policy for users of village hall facilities includes a requirement that they are safe to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. (eg, any adults who have regular unsupervised contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults during the course of their duties should undergo appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service checks.) • Ensure that attendees at village hall events are aware that parents are responsible for their children’s safety and the location of a dedicated safe place for lost children is clear. • Display on notice boards the relevant safeguarding contacts for advice and help. Use of facilities by groups for use with children, young people or vulnerable adults The Village Hall Committee will require the leaders to: • Have public liability insurance. • Have a suitable safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adult policy and/or agree to work to the Village Hall Committee’s policy and relevant guidance. • Ensure leaders make their members aware of the Village Hall Committee Policy and ensure that it is followed whilst using parish facilities. • Ensure leaders have valid enhanced DBS checks as appropriate and know where the first aid box is. • Do risk assessments for individual activities. SECTION 3 Safe working practice All users of Village Hall facilities must follow the safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adult’s policy and procedures at all times. For example they should:
• Never leave children, young people or vulnerable adults unattended with adults who have not been subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. • Plan activities to involve more than one person being present or at least in sight or hearing of others. Alternatively, record, or inform others of their whereabouts and intended action. • Where possible, have male and female leaders working with a mixed group. • Ensure registers are complete and attendees are marked in and signed out (under 8s must be collected by a parent/carer). • Ensure that photos or videos of individuals are not taken without written permission from parents/ carers. • Ensure they have access to a first aid kit and telephone and know fire procedures. Ensure that where a child, young person or vulnerable adult needs assistance with toilet trips and when first aid is required, that this is carried out in pairs or in the latter case, that it is carried out where they can be seen. • When working outside, ensure activities, breaks and clothing are suitable for the weather conditions and that shelter is available where possible. Expectations of behaviour All users of Village Hall facilities should: • Ensure that communications, behaviour and interaction with users should be appropriate and professional. • Treat each other with respect and show consideration for other groups using the facilities. • Refrain from any behaviour that involves racism, sexism and bullying and in addition to report any instances of such behaviour as appropriate. SECTION 4 Allegations against staff and volunteers • All staff and volunteers should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child or vulnerable adult. • If an allegation is made against a volunteer, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform the Chair of the Village Hall Committee. • The Village Hall Committee should follow the relevant council procedures for managing allegations against volunteers. No attempt should be made to investigate or take action before consultation with the Local Authority Designated Officer. Whistleblowing All volunteers should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues and appropriate advice will be sought from the local authority. What should be a cause for concern Volunteers should be concerned by any action or inaction, which significantly harms the physical and/or emotional development of a child or vulnerable adult. Abuse falls into four main categories and can include child sexual exploitation and female genital mutilation:
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Neglect All volunteers coming in to contact with children need to have an awareness of safeguarding
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Our wonderful fete is back on Saturday 2 nd September, with all the