NOTICE OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING FOR GITTISHAM PARISH
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT
The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting for Gittisham will be held on Thursday 12th May 2022 at 7.30pm
The meeting will be open to the public.
Annual Parish Meeting Agenda
Introduction by Council Chair
Apologies for absence
Report on the Council’s activities in 2021/22 by the Council Chair
Annual Police Report
County and District representatives’ reports
Reports by village organisations
To consider any matters raised by residents.
Annual Council Meeting Agenda
6th May 2022
Members of Gittisham Parish Council
You are hereby summoned to attend the Annual Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Village Hall on Thursday 12th May 2022 commencing at 7.30pm (following the Annual Parish Meeting) to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.
Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council. Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf.
To elect a Chair
To elect a Vice Chair
To receive the Chair’s & Vice Chair’s declaration of Acceptance of Office
To accept and approve apologies
To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 7th April 2022
To receive the Beat Manager’s report
To receive declarations of interest
To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
To receive an update on the roll-out of superfast broadband by Jurassic Fibre
To consider the following street trading renewal application:
a) The Codfather Fish & Chip Van, far end of Old Elm Road, Honiton, EX14 2YJ
Dates: RENEWAL – Annual Trader – Every Saturday
Times: 16:30 – 19:00
To consider a proposed Speed Limit Order for Weston, Honiton, Buckerell & Gittisham reference B18790-5922
To consider a Schedule 14 Application (made after January 2005 by the Trail Riders Fellowship) to upgrade Bridleway No. 9, Landscores Lane, to Byway Open to All Traffic, points A-B-C on the proposal map HIW/PROW/22/02
To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices (Cllr Orchard)
To receive an update on highways (Cllr Orchard)
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 (Cllr Orchard)
To receive an update on public transport (Cllr Orchard)
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development (Cllr Twist)
To consider climate change measures within the parish (Cllr Twist)
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security (Cllr Twist)
To consider limited residential development in the parish (Cllr Valentine)
To consider the parish emergency plan (Cllr Valentine / Cllr Orchard)
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area (Cllr Walker)
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish (Cllr Walker)
To receive a report from the Chair
To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders
To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance:
F Clampin £228.74 + £1.70 clerk’s salary & expenses (stamps)
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10133)
Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10138)
Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10145)
RoSPA play area safety inspection £109.20
Gittisham Village Hall £30
Insurance tbc
NEST (clerk’s pension) £22.86
To consider Parish Council support for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and any funding opportunities
To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters
To consider changes to the parish council’s banking policy
Clerk’s report
For information only; items for the forward agenda
To consider any late entry correspondence
To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 9th June and Thursday 7th July 2022 at 7.30pm.
The other member of the public suggested planting a tree or bush in the rookery to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
195/21 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
196/21 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 3rd March 2022
The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd March were confirmed and signed by the Chair.
197/21 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
Feb 2021: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Cypress Close
198/21 To receive declarations of interest
None.
199/21 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
Cllr Valentine reported that EDDC had not yet considered the proposed land allocations as part of the emerging Local Plan, and has invited further offers. He was concerned that the district council may start to consider sites previously considered unsuitable.
200/21 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
COVID updates
Cllr Twiss said there is understandably some confusion with a number of matters relating to the COVID pandemic, as we move in to a largely open society once again. As we enter April, so did a new phase of living with COVID-19, where the virus will be managed like other respiratory illnesses. But the pandemic is clearly not over, and how COVID-19 will develop over time remains uncertain, so we all still have a part to play in helping keep ourselves and each other safe and protected.
The government has published important advice for people with symptoms of respiratory infections, such as COVID-19; people with a positive COVID-19 test result and their contacts; and advice on safer behaviours for everyone. Cllr Twiss circulated a separate summary sheet setting out guidance and advice for all of us, with thanks to Devon CCG and DCC Public Health Teams for their contributions.
The following and other information may be helpful, he said, particularly with regard to vaccination, booster vaccinations and eligible groups:
Vaccinations for all 5-11s began on 5 April. Spring boosters are available for over 75’s, residents in a care home for older adults, and people aged 12 and over who are immune-suppressed (have a weakened immune system) including patients with chronic leukaemia or lymphoma, and those who have had immune-suppressive treatment following an organ transplant or have had radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Free general Covid-19 testing has ended, but some people are still eligible. In Devon, a total of 2,716,251 doses were given between 8 December 2020 and 27 March 2022. This includes 994,896 first doses, 943,496 second doses and 777,859 first boosters/third doses.
The Health and Social Care Secretary has announced that people at risk of serious illness from COVID-19, and eligible for treatments, will continue to get free tests to use if they develop symptoms, along with NHS and adult social care staff and those in other high-risk settings. Under the plans free symptomatic testing will be provided for: a) patients in hospital, where a PCR test is required for their care and to provide access to treatments and support ongoing clinical surveillance for new variants; b) people who are eligible for community COVID-19 treatments because they are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID19. People in this group will be contacted directly; c) people living or working in some high-risk settings.
Booster vaccination – people who are 75 before the end of June can book appointments in advance; however they should not be vaccinated until they have had their 75th birthday. People do not need to wait to be contacted before coming forward. (The best time to have the booster is around 6 months after the previous booster, although the minimum interval is 3 months.) Appointments can be booked via the NHS National Booking System.
Ukraine
Cllr Twiss said events in Ukraine and the awful news we see and hear on a daily bass are never far from anyone and the impact is felt by all of us and Devon stands with Ukraine. Local authorities across the county are supporting local residents who want to provide sanctuary to the Ukrainian refugees who have been forced to flee their homes and the dedicated DCC web site at https://www.devon.gov.uk/supporting-ukraine/ is regularly updated with the latest news on how residents can help. DCC is now receiving the latest information from the government on the Devon sponsors who have registered, and are carrying out DBS checks on the sponsor families. And Devon’s district authorities are using a common approach to assess each sponsor’s accommodation, which will help better assess any potential safeguarding risks.
This initial phase of the Homes for Ukraine scheme is designed to supplement the Ukraine Family Visa for people in the UK to support friends and colleagues. We are now seeing several hundred people in Devon being matched and, following permission to travel, we will start to see those families arrive in Devon.
The situation is evolving quickly, with updated guidance coming through from government daily, but all ‘Team Devon’ partners are working together to develop a rapid response. Anyone who is interested in offering accommodation can register their interest via the government website at https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine – Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine. The link also contains some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for would-be accommodation providers (sponsors).
Those wishing to offer donations on the ground are advised to make financial contributions, particularly to the Disasters Emergency Committee at https://www.dec.org.uk/
Voluntary Sector, grants and funding
The voluntary sector plays an increasingly important part in our everyday lives, but in many cases requires funding and grants to survive, which can be something of a minefield, particularly for new enterprises.
A good starting point is the DCC Funding News, where you can sign up for regular online updates and another particularly helpful source of information at which to begin can be found at https://www.devon.gov.uk/fundingnews/useful-links/
Cllr Twiss said the Rural Services Network was another valuable resource in pointing people and organisations in the right direction, and he encouraged members to sign up for the newsletter. This month’s digest, which can be found at https://rsnonline.org.uk/rural-funding-digest-april-2022 has a mixed bag of ‘something for everyone’.
Cllr Twiss said the attenuation pond was on EDDC’s radar; Cllr Orchard warned that the level is rising.
Cllr Bruce said that after three attempts to get a response from EDDC regarding the Church Mead garages, an update had come through this morning, as follows:
“Dear Alasdair
Thank you for your email. I can confirm that the Allocations team have visited the garages with a view to ascertaining whether or not they are in a decent enough condition to let. A request was made to the Property & Assets team on 18th March requesting an inspection. My colleague Graham Baker, Property & Asset manager, will update you when a date has been arranged for the inspection, which will be necessary in order for a decision to be made.” Cllr Bruce said he would update as soon as he had any news.
Although not directly affecting Gittisham, Cllr Bruce said he was saddened to see an attempt to garner favour with the electorate from the controlling party a week or so back. An extraordinary full council meeting was called to discuss just one item, the redesigning of a single car park in Sidmouth to a shoppers-only car park. It was passed, despite no evidence being presented as to why only in Sidmouth and not other towns in east Devon were worthy of consideration. This was an overtly political move in his opinion, and does a grave disservice to all our other towns he said.
Cllr Bruce said a number of ward members had been in touch regarding the low flying by Western Power helicopters, centred on the standing charge levy. He had contacted our respective MPs, and Simon Jupp has agreed to investigate why helicopters are being used when drones would be cheaper.
Cllr Bruce said he wished Mr and Mrs Stansell well in their renewed planning application, adding that he was unsure how it would progress unless their agent has managed to address the concerns raised by planning at the last attempt.
Meeting in person at district council is still not happening despite the rest of the country getting back to the new normal, Cllr Bruce reported, and a promise by the chair to regularly review the situation. Cllr Bruce said he would continue to press for this to change as it has been shown to greatly hamper the smooth running of the council for all of us.
In his absence, Cllr Jake Bonetta wished everybody a happy Easter and said he hoped to resume regular reports ready for the next meeting.
Cllrs Twiss and Bruce left the meeting.
201/21 To receive an update on the roll-out of superfast broadband by Jurassic Fibre
The clerk said Jurassic had been obliged to cancel because of staff sickness. Before leaving, Cllr Twiss said he had been assured the village was cabled, but members said they had not seen any Jurassic staff working on this. Cllr Twiss agreed to ask Matt Galley at JF for an accurate picture of the situation.
202/21 To consider the following planning applications:
22/0498/FUL Shermans Farm Gittisham EX14 3AU – Construction of metal slurry store
22/0195/VAR Land SW side of Weston Lane EX14 3NY – Removal of Condition no.2 & 3 of Secretary of State’s Appeal Decision ref: APP/U1105/C/16/3146168-73 dated 14/07/2017 (East Devon ref: 13/1661/FUL dated 04/02/2014) to allow for permanent use of the land for the siting of a mobile home and touring caravans and their use for residential purposes.
Members had no objection to a). Regarding b), members discussed at length the application. Councillors took a vote on the removal of conditions, the result of which was 5:2. It was resolved to object to the removal of conditions 2 & 3. They expressed support for traveller sites in the community and urged EDDC to do more, but the PC was not able to support this application because of a risk of flooding and the likelihood that climate change will make flooding worse in future.
203/21 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices
21/2882/LBC Westgate Gittisham EX14 3AU – Installation of Tortoise fireboxes, flue liners, terracotta twin wall liner to top of chimney and bird guard. Approval with conditions.
22/0107/FUL Blamphayne Sawmill Gittisham EX14 3AN – Extension to existing Machinery Store. Approval with conditions.
To receive an update on Highways
Cllr Orchard said there was no update this month.
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
The Chair said she would look at the proposals to see if any modifications could be made that would make it easier to secure contractors.
To receive an update on public transport
Cllr Orchard said the Vale bus shelter is still being abused to the detriment of bus passengers. All items have been removed. Cllr Valentine added that some buses are still avoiding the village, and the Chair said people should report this on the village WhatsApp group so there was a log of issues.
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
Cllr Twist said all parties had now signed the host agreement. A leaflet for all Hayne Farm residents explaining how to use it once it is installed is in production. The defibrillator and its cabinet are still sitting in Cllr Twist’s hallway, until the exact location is identified.
One member of the public left the meeting.
To consider climate change measures within the parish, including rewilding proposals for land in the parish
Cllr Twist reported that Devon Climate Emergency is running a public consultation until 14th April. Cllr Rowe said there was no update from EDDC’s Countryside team.
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security
Cllr Twist said there had been numerous scam alerts sent out regarding Ukraine, lateral flow tests, HMRC and subscription refunds. She said BBC 1’s three-week series “Scam Interceptors” is worth watching. It shows how persistent and convincing scammers can be.
To consider limited residential development in the parish
Cllr Valentine said there would be a board meeting w/c 11th April where the lack of progress would be discussed. He hoped to have more positive news next month.
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
Cllr Twist said the Hayne Farm play area was progressing, and the Chair reported that the new oak had been planted in Gittisham village play area to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The other trees are doing well. Members discussed replacing the damaged oak, and it was agreed to replace it with an ornamental crab apple if space allows. The Chair said she had affixed additional ties to the top gate, as it was being left open. Cllr Walker will top up the hand sanitizer.
ACTION: Clerk to order crab apple from Trim Plants.
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
Cllr Walker said the lengthsman had looked at the build-up of stones at the Riverside bridge and the build-up of silt at the village bridge bypass culvert. He advised that this was not the parish council’s role to dredge a river bed. Cllr Walker agreed to feed back that the vegetation and strimming should continue in this area. The Chair added that Hamish Hall would produce a report assessing the situation.
Cllr Walker agreed to discuss the fence bordering the play area with the owners of Eveleighs. The Chair asked if the lengthsman could cut back the brambles on the left hand side of the link road beyond the Forge heading east, as the growth makes walking difficult.
204/21 To receive a report from the Chair
The Chair said the parish was due to receive a Ukrainian couple imminently.
205/21 To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters
The Chair said the bus shelters could do with a fresh coat of paint, and she would report back with a proposed colour scheme. She encouraged members to suggest a suitable person to carry out the refurbishment, which will include the noticeboards, solar panels and sensor.
206/21 To consider changes to the parish council’s banking policy
This was deferred for discussion at the next parish council meeting.
207/21 To consider a review of remuneration of the parish lengthsman
Members resolved to raise the lengthsman’s remuneration by 3.5 per cent in line with the national increase. From 1st April 2022 the rate will be £14.50 / hr.
208/21 To consider a review of remuneration of the parish clerk in line with the annual NALC salary scales, and associated pension payments
Members resolved to raise the clerk’s salary in line with NALC recommendations to £11.73 / hr, for the year 2021-22. The 2022-23 pay scales are yet to be determined.
209/21 To approve the April payments and to note the current bank balance
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
1150 F J Clampin £226.86 Clerk’s salary & expenses (card)
1151 F J Clampin £46.80 Clerk’s backdated pay increase for 2021-22
1152 Leonard Abbott £56 Lengthsman work, 4hrs Mar 2022 (@14/hr)
1153 Michael Poll £65 Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10133
1154 DALC £193.32 Annual subscription 2022-23
1155 34SP £95.40 Annual professional website hosting renewal, 16th April 2022
1156 34SP £15 Domain name hosting, 16th April 2022
The clerk said the first half of the precept for 2022/23 had been received. Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £25,292.84 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).
210/21 To consider parish council support for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and any funding opportunities
The Chair said the village hall committee would like to organise an event with cream teas and sandwiches. Members offered other suggestions, including a disco in the evening, a fancy dress competition for children, a tree planting, a commemorative coin for all children in the parish and a bench by the balancing pond in the Vale.
ACTION: Clerk to keep a file of funding opportunities and activities to support.
211/21 Clerk’s Report
The clerk outlined the situation regarding the likelihood of acquiring two new dog waste bins at Hayne Farm, having enquired with Baker Estates and EDDC; the stumbling block appears to be the emptying of any bins. Members discussed the possibility of resiting a litter bin currently in the Vale alongside the railway line, as these are often empty.
ACTION: Clerk to ask EDDC to inform her of any changes to dog waste bin policy, and request resiting of bin.
212/21 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Platinum Jubilee activities; internet banking policy; bus shelters upgrade.
213/21 To consider any late entry correspondence
The clerk agreed to pass on to the Chair contact details for Grainger, in connection with a parishioner returning to one of their rented homes after a spell in hospital.
214/21 Date of next two meetings. Thursday 12th May and Thursday 9th June at 7.30pm in the village hall.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2145 hrs.
A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
April 2022 Edition 242
Farm Shop news – Jo Marker and team
It finally feels like spring is on the way. We have lots of exciting things happening at the Farm Shop.
As the weather improves so does our supply of seasonal local produce, our selection changes daily depending on what the local suppliers can offer. The butcher’s counter is as always stocked full of locally reared higher welfare meat. We have released a whole new range of meat boxes, and our selection of ready meals grows daily. We will be releasing our new BBQ boxes for the summer soon too. We are taking lots of orders for Easter meat, so if you are interested in something special for the weekend, please get in contact. Our telephone number is 01404 519093.
We have expanded our seating area in the café so we can now offer customers the option to sit in to enjoy a treat and a drink; we also have our courtyard of picnic tables to sit at. We have a whole new spring menu with lots more food items for you to enjoy, including daily lunch specials.
Fresh Fish at Combe has been open for 3 months now, and is proving to be very popular. Barry, a fisherman by trade, and his step-son Darcy are at the shop 6 days a week, serving a counter full of fish and shellfish either caught by Barry or from local Lyme Bay based boats. If you haven’t popped by to see Darcy and Barry about some locally sustainable caught fish, you should.
Our 24hr vending milk machine shed is proving very popular, offering organic non homogenised whole milk from Dorset. The vending machine has a selection of butter, cream, yoghurt, cheese and bottles. We also have our milkshake syrups with 6 flavours changing frequently. If 1L is too much for you, Hollis Mead have added on a ½ Litre option, so you can pop by and grab a cup of milkshake.
The shop and Fish Counter is open Tuesday – Saturday 9am -4:30pm ( 5:30pm on Thursdays) and Sundays 9am -1pm. The café will be open 9am – 3pm Tuesday – Saturday with food being served between 10am -2pm. Sundays 10am-12noon. We have plenty of Free Parking on site, with a couple of disabled spaces closer to the fish shop and shop. Hope to see you soon at Combe Farm Shop. Hayne Lane, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3PD.
Gittisham Cabaret evenings
On 1st and 2nd April the Village Hall rang out with laughter when a cast of villagers and friends put on a show for the first time in several years. Sarah Agg-Manning and Robert Baker masterminded the sketches and songs, Bill Griffiths and Hamish Hall were the infill between acts with their usual humorous double act. Sketches included a ‘ventriloquism’ piece with live dummy by Robert Baker and Juliet Nelson with interjection from Julia Barrett and Alex Rowe. A WW1 Morse code situation with Nick Chapman and Alex Rowe, May Puckey and Solenn Graeber performed a ’trapeze’ act with a little help from Pierre Graeber then the girls did a ‘synchronised swimming’ skit.
There were songs written by Mary Chilcott, Mark Sanders (including one about the shipping stations round the British Isles), Sarah Agg- Manning and Carol McCann with poems also written by Mark. A team of ladies Jo Tomlin, Carol Hall, Jayne Morgan, Marjory Madge, Vicky McLachlan, Maggie Walker and Clare Chapman performed an hilarious black and white ‘legs dance. It was remarkably funny and took a lot of practice. Maggie – alias Gertie of Gittisham – performed her rendition of the song ‘Where do you go to, my lovely?’. Nick Chapman accompanied the singers with his guitar and Juliet gave a marvellous ‘Mills and Boon’ rendition called ‘A doctor nurse romance’. How she did it without breaking into laughter I don’t know. The show ended with the whole cast singing ‘Covid we will mock you’ to the tune of we will rock you and had the audience joining in with the chorus. The stage manager was Robert Rowe with lighting and sound by brother Alex. Proceeds from the two evenings went to Village hall funds. Thank you to all who attended and took part and it is hoped to maybe have another go next year.
Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe, 10th April
Pierre’s popular cafe returns with home-made croissants, pains au chocolat, apricot Oranais and brioche “pain au lait”. Lunch will be soup, Chicken ” Basquaise” with three pintxos (Basque tapas) piperade and rice. For vegans, a vegan piperade with three vegan pintxos. Followed by Basque lemon and vanilla cake, Basque cherry and lemon cake, brownie and Date cake.
Always on second Sunday of the month. Bring your own drinks from 10am to 4pm. Thank you to Kings School Ottery St-Mary who gave me the opportunity to show their students the Oranais recipe. It was great fun.
Booking for lunch is advised. Eat in or take away. Please call or text Pierre on 07545 214940. Payment can be by either cash or card.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 2nd-5th June 2022
The village hall committee are planning a celebratory street event on 5th June, details next month. If you are planning celebrations in your street/ close do please let the gazette know so you can have publicity.
Gittisham Gazette distribution
Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale residents wishing to receive the Gazette by email can do so, or if they have no internet access they could be posted. It does not matter how many are emailed and several households have 2 copies. I put 25 copies in the Vale bus shelter and 5 copies in the Hayne Farm sales office as they very rarely get picked up as the office is open by appointment only. The Gazette can also be found on the Website https://gittisham.org.uk I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy then many more could receive this publication. I do hope more residents from both the Vale and Hayne Farm will let me have their email addresses – you won’t be bombarded with other information other than the Gazette unless there is something that needs your attention from the Parish Council.
St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club
St. Michael’s Gittisham
With the two retired clergy being out of action at the moment for the Mission Community some of the services are having to be changed around. On Palm Sunday we are not now having a Eucharist but will be having a lay-led service with hymns and short procession of palms at 11.00am. On Good Friday there will be a reflective service with hymns and prayers at 10.30 in church followed by hot cross buns and coffee in the parish room. Easter Sunday it is planned that we have a Eucharist, but as yet are not sure who will be taking it at 11.00am. To receive details for ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol on 01404 851113 or email or Julia by email on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680. It will be lovely when we can have our beautiful kneelers out on display again. Now the days are better we try to have the church open most days in the week and as the weather is still cool and the birds are starting to nest (the swallows/martins love trying to use the church as their summer home) the door will remain closed but unlocked. If you find it closed (it is quite hard to open but keep trying) but if definitely locked and you would like to view or have prayer space please ring me Carol on 01404 851113 or Julia on 01404 850680 and hopefully one of us will be home to unlock.
Annual PCC Meeting
A forward notice that the annual parochial church meeting for St Michael’s will be held in church on Thursday 28th April at 7pm. Everyone welcome to attend and hear the annual reports from the treasurer. Ian, after many years is stepping down due to health reasons, and a new treasurer will be appointed. Christine Broom, our electoral roll officer, will be adding anyone who wishes to come onto the roll. We should hear plans for the forthcoming year. Refreshments will be served between the APCM and PCC meetings.
Telephone Service on first Sunday of the month
This is a free service starting at 11am all you need to do is, a little before 11.00 dial 0800 651 0080 you will be asked for the code 3299789 and press the hash # key (they call it the £ sign), you will then be asked to say your name and press the hash # key again, you will then be in the ‘congregation’. Julia usually delegates participants to join in with some of the components (collect, affirmation, readings etc.) If you would like to join the service please let either Julia – 01404 850680 / 07763 111367 or Carol know on 01404 851113 / 07746 409142 so we can deliver the service sheet to you. If you press the speakerphone button, you don’t have to hold the phone to your ear. This service is not likely to be every month nowadays as some of the participants do now come to the church in the better weather.
Honiton Mission Community
Honiton St Paul’s weekly services continue at 11.00am. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about services and the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations. There is also a link to the Gittisham website. The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office; see below for details. As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office by emailing or and the link will be forwarded. Alternatively, ring the Parish office to book your place in person, on 01404 44035. Messages will be replied to when someone is available. Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. The ‘virtual’ Eucharist is at 6.30pm; details from Rev’d Sue.
At St Paul’s, coffee and biscuits are served in church on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They are currently free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid or church funds. However during each Wednesday in Lent simple lunches are being offered from 12.00 to 1.30 and donations will be going to Water Aid. On Holy Saturday 16th April there is a special service at 8.00pm when the Pascal Candles are blessed.
200 Club
March was the time to renew your subscriptions for the season 2022/2023 April to March. Numbers are available if you would like to join the church’s 200 club which is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, please ring me, Carol on 01404 851113. I can send an application form. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes of £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00. Twice a year there is a 6-monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Payment can be made by cheque or cash or Standing Order, there is a form for your bank. I can email both the application and Standing order forms if required, please let me know 01404 851113 / or write to 3 School House Cottages, Gittisham, EX14 3AH.
Editor/Distributor: Carol McCann 01404 851113 / 0794 6409142 .
If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate, do please email it to Carol as early as possible. Copy date for the May edition is 3rd May. The parish council is not meeting until 12th May, so the gazette will appear around 14th or 15th.
Round East Devon 64 Mile Ultra Marathon. Saturday 30th April 2022
The East Devon Round is an annual trail ultra-marathon which occurs on the Saturday of the 1st May Bank Holiday each year. This is a small local event with around 100 entrants, and this year is occurring on Saturday April 30th. It is based out of Offwell Village Hall and comprises of 64 miles (2022 route), 10,000 feet of climbing, and links both the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the Blackdown Hills AONB plus the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site in one incredible day of running. (Fastest time for 2021 11hrs 46mins and last finisher 21 hrs 58 mins).There will be marking tape in places to help runners stay on course, which will be collected in as soon as possible once the runners have gone through. The route aims to showcase some of the highlights of East Devon; and passes near or through Offwell, Cotleigh, Dalwood, Axminster, Lyme Regis, Seaton, Sidbury, Gittisham, Honiton, Dunkeswell, Luppitt and Combe Raleigh. This year we are raising funds for Combe Raleigh Playgroup, Offwell Village School and the Rich Wigram NZ Farming Scholarship.
Gittisham Flower & Produce Show
Calling all buckets! Have you still got your potato bucket for the Gittisham Flower and Produce Show? If so, now is the time to retrieve and clean them in preparation for planting in April. Collect your seed potato from 7th April from Sue and David Fallows, Parkers, Gittisham EX14 3AS (telephone 01404 850922) – £1 per entry. For those who did not participate last year, join in the fun, a bucket and seed potato are provided for just £1. Buckets are emptied and weighed during the show on 6th August. Entries from all ages very welcome.
If you have a bucket and will not be entering the competition, please return it to Sue and David for recycling to another entrant. If you have lost your bucket, please contact Sue and David who can replace your bucket but will require a contribution towards the cost.
FLOWER SHOW LIST OF CLASSES. FULL SCHEDULE WITH INFORMATION FROM SUE OR DAVID FALLOWS 01404 850922.
SECTION “A” VEGETABLES
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)
Any flowering plant (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
An arrangement of garden flowers on the theme of the Platinum Jubilee, not exceeding 16” or 40cm in any direction.
SECTION “C” HOMECRAFT 30 Chocolate Swiss roll– as attached recipe 31 5 shortcrust sausage rolls 32 A malt loaf – as attached recipe 33 Jar of Raspberry Jam 34 Jar of chutney (any variety) 35 A photo of a Devon Coastal Scene (photo not exceeding 6”x8”) 36 A handmade knitted or crocheted scarf 37 A Homemade Toy Boat max length 30cm (must float) 38 A Homemade Jubilee Card 39 MEN ONLY – A Banana Loaf -as attached recipe SPECIAL CLASS: Potatoes in a bucket – potatoes can be collected from Sue and David Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham EX14 3AS, 01404 850922 on or after 7th April 2022 SECTION “D” CHILDREN’S CLASSES Up to 6 years 40 A Painting or Drawing of a queen 41 A Necklace made from sweets 42 4 Squares of Rocky Road 6 – 11 years
A Photo of a still life of 3 pieces of fruit (max photo size 6”x8”)
A Royal Crown
4 Cheese Scones ENJOY GARDENING? Gittisham Flower and Produce Show Committee would welcome some additional members. No experience necessary, just a willing pair of hands. The show takes place annually on the first Saturday in August and we meet one evening in April to arrange the event. Please contact Angie on telephone 01404 45101 or email Thank you.
You are hereby summoned to attend the April Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Village Hall on Thursday 7th April 2022 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.
If any member of the public wishes to join by Zoom, please contact the clerk.
Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council. Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf.
To accept and approve apologies
To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd March 2022
To receive the Beat Manager’s report
To receive declarations of interest
To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
To receive an update on the roll-out of superfast broadband by Jurassic Fibre
To consider the following planning applications:
22/0498/FUL Shermans Farm Gittisham EX14 3AU – Construction of metal slurry store
22/0195/VAR Land SW side of Weston Lane EX14 3NY – Removal of Condition No. 2 and 3 of Secretary of State’s Appeal Decisions ref. APP/U1105/C/16/3146168-73 dated 14/07/2017 (East Devon ref: 13/1661/FUL dated 04/02/2014) to allow for permanent use of the land for the siting of a mobile home and touring caravans and their use for residential purposes
To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices (Cllr Orchard)
To receive an update on highways (Cllr Orchard)
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy and S106 (Cllr Orchard)
To receive an update on public transport (Cllr Orchard)
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development (Cllr Twist)
To consider climate change measures within the parish (Cllr Twist) inc rewilding proposals for land in the parish (Cllr Rowe)
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security (Cllr Twist)
To consider limited residential development in the parish (Cllr Valentine)
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area (Cllr Walker)
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain drains and ditches in the parish (Cllr Walker)
To receive a report from the Chair
To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters
To consider changes to the parish council’s banking policy
To consider a review of remuneration of the parish lengthsman
To consider a review of remuneration of the parish clerk in line with the annual NALC salary scales, and associated pension payments
To approve the April payments and to note the current bank balance:
F Clampin £224.86 clerk’s salary & expenses £2 (card)
F Clampin £46.80 backdated pay increase for 2021-22
Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc
Len Abbott expenses £tbc
Michael Poll play area grass cutting (£65)
DALC annual subscription £193.32
RoSPA play area inspection £tbc
34SP Website hosting £95.40
34SP domain name registration £15
Trim Plants £tbc oak tree
NEST (clerk’s pension) £22.48
16. To consider Parish Council support for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and any funding opportunities
17. Clerk’s report
18. For information only; items for the forward agenda
19. To consider any late entry correspondence
20. To note the date of the next two meetings, May & June 2022 tbc at 7.30pm in the village hall.
In attendance: Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Richard Ayre & Graham Hutton (Baker Estates for agenda item 7), Fiona Clampin (clerk)
Apologies for absence: Cllr D Valentine, Cllr Jake Bonetta (EDDC), PCSO Darren England
177/21 To accept and approve apologies
Apologies were received and accepted.
178/21 To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 3rd February 2022
Cllr Orchard requested a change to minute ref 164/21, to remove the line “Cllr Bruce thanked Cllr Twiss for sorting out the blocked exit of the balancing pond south of Old Elm Road” as this is pending. The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd February were then confirmed and signed by the Chair.
179/21 To receive the Beat Manager’s Report
There was no update on figures available on the Police UK website since the last meeting.
180/21 To receive declarations of interest
None.
181/21 To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
Cllr Twist said she had contacted the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) about QR codes on benches, and had received a good response. She thought it would be possible to attach these to existing benches.
Cllr Orchard had enquired about DCC’s school transport safeguarding policy with Matthew Joll, and received a comprehensive response. The county operates a strict ‘no pass, no travel’ policy.
ACTION: Cllrs Twist & Orchard to send information on the above to Cllr Twiss.
182/21 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
DCC budget
Cllr Twiss said the Devon County Council Budget was approved at full council on 17th February after many months of work in what has been the most challenging one in living memory, for a variety of reasons, not least the pandemic. Members are probably aware that the DCC part of Council tax will go up by 2.99 per cent, the lowest increase in 7 years, adding 87p per week or £45 a year to Homes in the Band D Council tax bracket. As portfolio holder for Finance at DCC, Cllr Twiss said he had put back £1m in to Highways for cyclic maintenance, drainage schemes and pothole repairs, as well as £329k of funding for community organisations, which had been invaluable during the pandemic. He said that in recognition of greater healthcare working between the NHS and DCC, the council has received £10m to offset high service needs in the Adult Social Care sector and currently negotiating with the Department for Education on a multi-million pound settlement to help with the Special Educational needs deficit in Devon.
Council Tax rebate
Details of the Government Council tax discount, helping to counter some of the hike of upcoming fuel price increases are now known. They are an automatic one-off grant, which is not means tested, spreading across Council Tax Bands A-D. DCC has now received details of the total sum, which will then be split across the district councils to distribute as the collection authority. The £150 discount will be applied automatically and deducted from the bill, when issued. Cllr Walker asked if residents who did not pay by direct debit could slip through the net, so Cllr Twiss asked that if councillors knew anybody in this category they should follow up on this.
Energy costs
Cllr Twiss said these are clearly a major concern for the overwhelming number of our population. The Government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth around £9bn in 2022-23. He circulated a factsheet from the County Treasurer. This offers a step by step guide as to how this will work (as well as other help with the cost of living), and support in the form of grants will be administered via the District Councils, as with the Council tax discount.
Funding allocations of the allocations for the Devon Districts is shown below:
Helping Devon respond to the climate and ecological emergency, and working to protect and improve our natural environment
Working together to ensure all children are safe, healthy and can thrive with opportunities to fulfill their potential
Helping Devon achieve inclusive economic recovery and sustainable growth, ensure more people can take advantage of opportunities, and invest carefully to improve infrastructure
Making Devon a fairer place, address poverty, health and other inequalities, and ensure support for those people and families struggling most
Help people to be healthier and more resilient, ensure everyone gets the care they need, and support people to live their lives well
Support all our communities to be safer, better connected and more resilient with a focus on communities at greatest risk or in greatest need
Green transport
As a cyclist Cllr Twiss said he was particularly pleased that South Western Railway (SWR) has completed the installation of Co Bikes docking stations plus 30 e-bikes at Cranbrook and Honiton stations, launching a new eco-friendly onward travel option for their customers. He hoped this scheme will be rolled out to Axminster as well. The e-bikes, supplied by Co Bikes, will provide SWR customers with a green and efficient transport alternative, helping to tackle congestion on roads, improve air quality and give locals and visitors alike an alternative way of travelling around East Devon and Exeter, where there is already an extensive network. Over £200,000 has been invested in the schemes, which has come about through a network of partnerships between SWR, the Department for Transport, Devon County Council and others, as well as Co Bikes. There are e-bike docks available at Cranbrook Station and another 10 at Honiton and to use the new Co Bikes, people will need to download the ‘Nextbike’ app on a smart phone and register for an account. To activate the account, customers make a £10 payment which is then used for their first e-bike trips and off you go! Cllr Twiss added that DCC will be looking at making trains and buses more integrated, as the current situation is based on historic service times which do not always match up.
Covid
Covid is still very much present in our communities and while there are huge grounds for optimism, caution needs to be maintained. Cllr Twiss circulated the latest update issued by the Devon Clinical Commissioning Group on 25th February.
Cllr Bruce said in view of the current situation in Ukraine, he could not help feeling somewhat surreal writing this report and wondering what the effect would be on us all. He said he felt sure we will be able to play our part if we are called upon to help our fellow Europeans, as they look for sanctuary and support.
The rest of this report seems somewhat irrelevant in the light of this, he said, but here we go:
The strategic planning meetings continue to go through the motions towards releasing the draft plan to the public. He noted in the meetings he had attended, that the villages within his ward have been almost exclusively represented, with little input from other areas affected by this report. So he felt reasonably confident that our views have been well presented to the committee, and left them in no doubt over our concerns.
Cllr Bruce reported he was pleased to have attended a cheque presenting ceremony on behalf of Gittisham PC and EDDC, at the invitation of Baker Estates. Cheques were handed over to Admiral Nurses and Hospiscare.
Cllr Bruce said he was glad to see the parish have taken up the offer of a jubilee oak tree from EDDC as part of the celebrations, although he suspected these may be somewhat muted given the current circumstances. However let’s hope we can put on a good show for Her Majesty.
The council received hundreds of calls for assistance after the trio of storms that battered us last week.
On Friday (19 February) there were 603 calls, followed by 434 on Saturday (20 February) and 376 on Sunday (21 February). EDDC’s Home Safeguard Team has been working hard over the last week to check up on vulnerable residents to offer assistance after power outages meant they were not able to make hot food and drink, over the weekend of the storm. There have also been a steady flow of repair calls about other issues that were referred to other agencies such as DCC for fallen trees.
It is good to report, said Cllr Bruce, that more than 100 East Devon council homes are now more eco-friendly thanks to a special project that helped them upgrade their insulation, heating systems and much more. EDDC has been running a Green Homes Grant programme since 2020. The Government scheme is designed to help councils fund the cost of reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of its housing. The project has also allowed residents on low incomes to save energy and significantly lower their utility bills. EDDC has now installed a variety sustainable, eco-friendly technologies into the homes involved in this project – including air source heat pumps, solar panels, new radiators and pipework, upgraded insulation, smart controls, and intelligent hot water cylinders that harvest surplus energy generated by solar panels and store it as hot water.
Improvements to parking access to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths should be nearing completion shortly, Cllr Bruce explained. This fragile and highly valued ecological/geological area offers a rare chance to walk across a unique landscape, formed by pebbles from rivers that ran across a desert environment during the Triassic era, some 240 million years ago. These now raised beds form heathland support specifically adapted plant and wildlife, including the Dartford Warbler. As most visitors travel by car to get here, it was important to work up a parking improvement plan that allowed access, whilst ensuring the preservation of this very important site.
In his absence, Cllr Jake Bonetta circulated slides from the recent presentation to EDDC by consultants acting on behalf of Combe Estate regarding potential development in the parish.
Cllrs Twiss and Bruce left the meeting.
183/21 To receive an update on the Hayne Farm development from Baker Estates
Graham Hutton & Richard Ayre from Baker Estates outlined the proposal to build an additional 37 dwellings to the south of the current Hayne Farm development. If approved, access to this area will not be directly from Hayne Lane and there will also need to be a pumping station. If the proposed footpath between Hayne Lane and Goldcombe is granted, it will cut through this part of the development. Any temporary diversion during construction could be accommodated. It was estimated that 15-20 per cent would be affordable housing; at the entrance the density and character of the properties will be similar to the existing site, and then properties will be more spaced out further away, to give a more rural, traditional feel. There will be a consultation on 15th March where Baker Estates will be happy to answer questions from residents, and those living in properties close by on Old Elm Road. Graham Hutton reported that a site investigation had been done and they found what they’d expected in terms of contaminated material, although from experience he said he did not rule out the possibility of finding more.
Members discussed the naming of this development, and Graham Hutton said he would think about this. He said he would also enquire about a postbox. The plans are expected to be submitted to EDDC in May.
Graham Hutton & Richard Eyre left the meeting.
184/21 To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:
To note the latest planning decision notices
21/3165/TRE – 7 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN T1, T2 : Inspect and crown clean of 2 x Oak trees, crown lifting the Oak trees to approximately 6 m. Refusal.
22/0006/LBC – Westgate Gittisham Honiton EX14 3AU : Change of use of part of paddock to habitable use and construction of 3 x bay garage/outbuilding. Withdrawn.
22/0201/FUL – 2 Drillers Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AQ : Replacement windows & replacement porch on south elevation, facade repairs on north & south elevation, new internal floor finish. Withdrawn.
To receive an update on Highways
7th–11th March road from Chineway to Hare & Hounds closed for SW Water works.
Cllr Orchard said recent repairs on Hayne Lane had not addressed the collapsed part of the road, so another closure would surely be in the offing.
To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106
Cllr Orchard said he would be meeting the 14th contractor on site at the play area at the weekend, and warned that with the extensive delays already noted, previous quotes could rise in price. The Chair highlighted the requirement to comply with procurement policies.
To receive an update on public transport
Cllr Orchard said he had removed a substantial quantity of unwanted items in the Vale bus shelter, as they were taking up too much space.
ACTION: Cllr Orchard to attach another sign to deter people from dumping items.
To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development
Baker Estates expressed surprise that Cllr Twist had taken delivery of the defibrillator some time ago, and agreed to take it off her hands immediately. It will need a sign to indicate it is not yet in use. Cllr Twist said Sovereign Housing are still in the process of agreeing the host agreement, and the leaflet is still in its early stages of design.
ACTION: Clerk to discuss wording of leaflet with Cllr Twist, and Cllr Twist to investigate printing costs.
To consider climate change measures within the parish, including rewilding proposals for land in the parish
Members agreed a replacement oak tree was needed in the village play area, at a cost of approximately £85.
ACTION: Clerk to order quercus robur from Terry Trim.
To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security
Cllr Twist said a national alert had been issued for the E.On email scam; criminals are impersonating the energy company E.On promising an £85 refund in an attempt to steal personal details and money.
To consider limited residential development in the parish
Members heard that Cllr Valentine had made a short presentation to EDDC’s Strategic Planning committee voicing the parish council’s opposition to any development west of Hayne Farm, which is under discussion as part of EDDC’s draft Local Plan. The presentation was circulated. Developers and land owners have been promoting possible development opportunities to EDDC. The promoted land is both a prominent and extremely sensitive landscape and whilst not in the AONB, any development would have a serious detrimental impact on both the setting of the AONB and the village of Gittisham. It would encroach into the valley within which Gittisham is located and bring development to within 400m of the village. The proposal cannot support a sustainable development and car use will inevitably be the primary form of transportation contrary to the principles within EDDC’s own existing and proposed local plan policies.
ACTION: All to keep abreast of development proposals, so information can be correctly communicated to the parish.
To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area
Cllr Walker said she would empty the dustbin. Members heard the jubilee oak would probably be delivered w/c 7th March, and the equipment for the Hayne Farm play area was due to be delivered on 22nd March.
To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish
Cllr Walker said the lengthsman had carried out some work near to Goldcombe. He has advised that work is needed to address the build-up of stones at the Riverside bridge and the build-up of silt at the village bridge bypass culvert. This work will need a mini digger. Cllr Walker will investigate how the council carried out this work in the past, using M Locke contractors. The Chair said she will assess the engineering aspects of the reported problems and advise on exactly what’s required. A report will be provided to the next meeting.
ACTION: Cllr Walker to investigate the use of private contractors for such work in the past.
185/21 To receive a report from the Chair
Members resolved to support the 20 is Plenty campaign to request Devon County Council to normalize a 20mph limit/zone throughout all residential roads and areas in the parish of Gittisham. The Chair said the PC should notify Devon CC (Stuart Hughes cabinet member plus the local highways officer) of the PC’s support and also make contact with neighbouring parishes to tell them what the PC has done. The Chair said that Wales and Cornwall have a 20 mph speed limit in all residential areas and this campaign aims to persuade DCC to do the same. If adopted by DCC, this would establish a 20mph limit throughout the residential areas of the parish, namely Gittisham village, Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm. Research by RoSPA has demonstrated a link between the introduction of 20mph zones and a subsequent reduction in casualties. Cllr Twiss had indicated he would support this, but advised that if a large number of parishes come forward in support of the campaign, DCC will have to assess them according to priority (such as villages with schools).
The Chair said the Gittisham community has clearly expressed in the past, and continues to express, its concerns about the impacts of speeding traffic on the residents of the parish, particularly on vulnerable road-user activity (by children, older people, cyclists, mobility scooter users, parents with prams/buggies/etc, horse riders, and so on). Gittisham village has no pavements and there are no speed limit restrictions in the village or surrounding lanes, ie 60mph. The lanes in the parish are narrow and without pavements and are used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The Vale and Hayne Farm have 30mph limits but would also like to see a residential area speed limit of 20mph.
Gittiisham Parish Council is aware of an increasing number of pedestrians using the roads for leisure walking, with the expansion of the Hayne Farm housing development and a post-Covid rise in walking and cycling in the parish. GPC is also supporting the DCC climate change initiative and considers all relevant measures when addressing all aspects of parish life. A 20mph limit would be consistent with, and would underpin, these measures through, for example, significantly reduced vehicle carbon emissions throughout the parish.
Many residential areas such as Alphington, Exwick, Kenn, Starcross, have extensive areas covered by 20 mph zones/limits, in many cases with no substantive traffic calming measures having been introduced. RoSPA states: 20mph limits without traffic calming also reduce traffic speed. Their lower cost means that wider areas can be covered.
186/21 To consider upgrading the parish bus shelters
This was deferred for discussion at the next parish council meeting.
187/21 To approve the March payments and to note the current bank balance
It was resolved to approve the following payments:
1146 F J Clampin £224.86 Clerk’s salary
1147 Michael Poll £65 Grass cutting, inv. ref. 10129
1148 Leonard Abbott £28 Lengthsman work, 2hrs Feb 2022 (@14/hr)
1149 DALC £18 Being a Good Councillor 1 (training course, Cllr Fowles)
The clerk said the VAT rebate for 2019/20 had been received, totalling £2,597.78. Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £21,942.10 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).
188/21 To consider parish council support for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and any funding opportunities
The Chair said the village hall committee had begun to consider holding an event, which the parish council may be able to support in some way.
ACTION: Clerk to keep a file of funding opportunities and activities to support.
189/21 To consider the parish council’s grant-giving policy, publication scheme, complaints policy, anti-fraud & corruption policy, Freedom of Information Scheme and code of conduct
It was resolved to approve the above policies.
ACTION: Cllr Rowe to upload the FoI scheme to the Gittisham website.
190/21 To consider the parish council’s Statement of Internal Control, Financial Regulations and Risk Management
It was resolved to approve the above policies. Councillors with authorization agreed to sign a letter to Nat West allowing the clerk to discuss internet banking with them.
191/21 Clerk’s Report
The clerk said she had discussed the high printing costs of the gazette with Carol McCann. It was agreed to keep this under review.
192/21 For information only; items for the forward agenda
Platinum Jubilee activities; internet banking policy; bus shelters upgrade.
193/21 To consider any late entry correspondence
Cllr Twist and the Chair agreed to attend the Baker Estates drop-in on 15th March.
Councillors agreed to take some 20 is Plenty stickers.
194/21 Date of next two meetings. Thursday 7th April and May tbc at 7.30pm in the village hall.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2135 hrs.
There will be a vigil of prayers for Ukraine on Sunday 6th March outside the Lych-gate at 10.50 with coffee in the parish room afterwards. The church will be open to light candles, private prayer or to share your concerns with others.
A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
March 2022 Edition 241
Lillian Hayman (née Dymond)
Lilian was born in July 1929 and passed away peacefully on 15th February 2022 at her home with her family around her. She led a full life growing up at Colestocks, near Payhembury with her two older brothers on the family farm. She had fond memories of scrumping apples from next door! (apparently her brothers led her astray!) Also cycling to Sidmouth Junction (as it was known then) to catch the train.
After marrying Basil she moved to Gittisham Farm where she fed calves, managed the hens (selling many trays of eggs), and even ventured into tractor driving now & then in between the book keeping and daily running of the house along with looking after both parents! and bringing up three children! Christmas time was especially busy, not only with the running of the farm, preparing ( plucking and trussing) the geese and cooking the family feast but also finding the time to host the village carol singers, gathering around the piano with cider & mince pies, roast potatoes plus other goodies.
Mum/ Grandma took an active role in the community, from secretary of Honiton Young Farmers, secretary of Gittisham Parochial Church Council for many years, member of the Women’s Institute, organiser of the Gittisham Craft Club – Lilian was a major instigator in ordering and making the church kneelers which adorn our lovely church – and also Farm Women’s Group. She loved entering many competitions too, which saw her practising her skills of jam making, baking, preserving, flower arranging and hand crafts. A busy life shared with her children, grandchildren and many close friends.
Russell, Karen & Jennifer would just like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards, flowers and cakes which are a welcome support. Lilian’s funeral is on Friday 11th March at 11.00am in Gittisham Church followed by cremation at East Devon Crematorium for family and closest friends.
The Beaumont Charity
The Beaumont Charity was formed in 1596 and offers support to those suffering financial difficulties while living within the Parish of Gittisham. The charity is able to make a single payment to any resident who has a low income and limited savings and requires money towards a wide range of practical needs. Examples of this include energy and heating bills, a home safeguard alarm service, TV licence, assistance towards transport costs, education resources, funeral expenses and energy reduction measures to name but a few. In fact there is no restriction on the categories that the Trustees can award money to.
If you feel that you would like further information on how to apply for a payment, please contact myself, Jayne Bramley, Charles Holme, James Fuller or Mike Smith by calling Combe Estate on 01404 45576. All calls and claims will be kept completely confidential and if necessary we can support you with completing the application form. Kind regards, Richard Marker
Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe
You can never have enough pancakes, so although Shrove Tuesday has passed, Pierre will be cooking sweet and savoury Brittany pancakes with a variety of fillings at his next pop-up cafe. We will be open between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 13th March for home-made croissants, pains au chocolat and apricot pastries. Good selection of desserts and cakes. Gluten-free and vegan alternatives available. Booking for lunch is advised. Eat in or take away. Please call or text Pierre on 07545214940. Payment can be by either cash or card.
Prayers for Ukraine
There will be a vigil of prayers for Ukraine on Sunday 6th March outside the Lych-gate at 10.50 with coffee in the parish room afterwards. The church will be open to light candles, private prayer or to share your concerns with others.
Gittisham Gazette distribution
There was a leaflet drop in the Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates asking if residents would like to receive the Gazette by email or if they have no internet access they could be posted. I have had a few requests so far, it does not matter how many are emailed and several households have 2 copies. I put 25 copies in the Vale bus shelter and as the 10 copies in the Hayne Farm sales office very rarely get picked up I shall only put a couple in from this month. The Gazette can also be found on the Website https://gittisham.org.uk I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy then many more could receive this publication. I do hope more residents from both the Vale and Hayne Farm will let me have their email addresses – you won’t be bombarded with other information other than the Gazette unless there is something that needs your attention from the Parish Council.
St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club
St. Michael’s Gittisham
Our coffee morning with bring and buy cake stall held on 26th February in the village hall made £89.20 for church funds. Many thanks to Judith Turner and Pam Chown for manning the coffee side of the event. Thanks too to those who brought and bought cakes, I hope we can have a repeat in a few months. When the weather warms up we hope to have monthy get-togethers on the green when nice enough and possibly if not so nice be able to use the parish room again, but if we can’t use the parish room we can hire the hall.
March services 6th Special prayers for peace and the people of Ukraine outside the Lych-gate at 10.50. The church will be open afterwards to light candles and to pray or share concern. Coffee will be available in the parish room. All ages welcome. 13th Eucharist, 20th no service 27th Mothering Sunday, lay-led morning worship with posies and coffee afterwards at 11am.
As things are de-restricted now, we are once again using our hymn and service books. Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably be worn but if you want to sing you must wear masks. To receive details for ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol on 01404 851113 or email or Julia by email on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680. It will be lovely when we can have our beautiful kneelers out on display again. We are planning to get them out for Lillian Hayman’s funeral. I would be most grateful for some help, especially getting the boards covering the pews back up to the gallery. If you can help, please let me (Carol) know. The church is open three or four days in the week and as the weather is cool the door will be closed but unlocked. If you find it closed (it is quite hard to open but keep trying) but if definitely locked and you would like to view or have prayer space please ring me Carol on 01404 851113 or Julia on 01404 850680 and hopefully one of us will be home to unlock.
Telephone Service on first Sunday of the month
This is a free service starting at 11am all you need to do is, a little before 11.00 dial 0800 651 0080 you will be asked for the code 3299789 and press the hash # key (they call it the £ sign), you will then be asked to say your name and press the hash # key again, you will then be in the ‘congregation’. Julia usually delegates participants to join in with some of the components (collect, affirmation, readings etc.) If you would like to join the service please let either Julia – 01404 850680 / 07763 111367 or Carol know on 01404 851113 / 07746 409142 so we can deliver the service sheet to you. If you press the speakerphone button, you don’t have to hold the phone to your ear.
Honiton Mission Community
Honiton St Paul’s weekly services continue at 11.00am. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about services and the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations. There is also a link to the Gittisham website. The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office; see below for details. As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office by emailing or and the link will be forwarded. Alternatively, ring the Parish office to book your place in person, on 01404 44035. Messages will be replied to when someone is available. Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. The ‘virtual’ Eucharist is at 6.30pm; details from Rev’d Sue.
At St Paul’s, coffee and biscuits are served in church on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They are currently free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid or church funds. However during each Wednesday in Lent simple lunches are being offered from 12.00 to 1.30 and donations will be going to Water Aid. The Coffee morning on Shrove Tuesday had Rev’d Sue cooking pancakes and they were much appreciated and on Ash Wednesday Rev’d Sue led a Eucharist with ‘Ashing’. This year we ashed ourselves so there was so contact. The service commenced, at the Bishop’s request, the playing of the Ukrainian National Anthem along with pictures from the country of the atrocities heaped on them by Putin’s military might.
200 Club
March is the time to renew your subscriptions for the season 2022/2023 April to March. Numbers are available if you would like to join the church’s 200 club which is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, please ring me, Carol on 01404 851113. I can send an application form. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes of £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00. Twice a year there is a 6-monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Payment can be made by cheque or cash or Standing Order, there is a form for your bank. I can email both the application and Standing order forms if required, please let me know 01404 851113 / or write to 3 School House Cottages, Gittisham, EX14 3AH.
March 2022 200 Club Results
1st Alice Hayman 2nd Sara Trumper 3rd Cynthia Underdown 4th Sarah Agg-Manning 5th Charles Vyner-Brooks 6-month Peter Orchard
Parish Council March 2022 report
Six councillors met for the March meeting. Phil Twiss (DCC) and Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) were also present.
DCC budget.
Phil Twiss said DCC’s budget had been approved on 17th February. The DCC part of council tax will go up by 2.99%, the lowest increase in 7 years he said, adding 87p per week or £45 a year to homes in the Band D Council tax bracket. He explained that as portfolio holder for Finance at DCC he had put back £1m into Highways for cyclic maintenance, drainage schemes and pothole repairs, as well as £329k of funding for community organisations, which were invaluable during the pandemic.
Finance.
Members agreed the finances.
Hayne Farm extension.
Graham Hutton & Richard Ayre from Baker Estates outlined the proposal to build an additional 37 dwellings to the south of the current Hayne Farm development. If approved, access to this area will not be directly from Hayne Lane. It was estimated that 15-20% would be affordable housing. There will be a consultation on 15th March where Baker Estates will be happy to answer questions from residents, and those living in properties close by on Old Elm Road. Graham Hutton reported that a site investigation had been done and they found what they’d expected in terms of contaminated material, although from experience he said he did not rule out the possibility of finding more. The plans are expected to be submitted to EDDC in May.
Development in the parish.
Members heard that David Valentine had made a short presentation to EDDC’s Strategic Planning committee voicing the parish council’s opposition to any development west of Hayne Farm, which is under discussion as part of EDDC’s draft Local Plan. Developers and land owners have been promoting possible development opportunities to EDDC. David Valentine said the promoted land is both a prominent and extremely sensitive landscape and whilst not in the AONB, any development would have a serious detrimental impact on both the setting of the AONB and the village of Gittisham. It would encroach into the valley within which Gittisham is located and bring development to within 400m of the village. He explained that the proposal cannot support a sustainable development and car use will inevitably be the primary form of transportation contrary to the principles within EDDC’s own existing and proposed local plan policies.
‘20’ is Plenty.
Members resolved to support Carol Hall’s proposal to support the 20 is Plenty campaign. Wales and Cornwall have a 20mph speed limit in all residential areas and this campaign aims to persuade DCC as the county highways authority to do the same. Phil Twiss said he would support this, but advised that if a large number of parishes come forward DCC will have to assess them according to priority (such as villages with schools).
Road closures.
7th–11th March road from Chineway to Hare & Hounds closed for SW Water works. Peter Orchard said recent repairs on Hayne Lane had not addressed the collapsed part of the road, so another closure would surely be in the offing.
Play areas.
Members heard that the equipment for the Hayne Farm play area was due to be delivered on 22nd March.
Scams.
Janet Twist said a national alert had been issued for the E.On email scam; criminals are impersonating the energy company E.On promising an £85 refund in an attempt to steal personal details and money.
Next meeting will be on Thursday 7th April at 7.30pm in the village hall.
Gittisham Gazette distribution
There was a leaflet drop in the Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates, asking if residents would like to receive the Gazette by email or if they have no internet access they could be posted. I have had a few requests so far, it does not matter how many are emailed and several households have 2 copies. I put 25 copies in the Vale bus shelter and as the 10 copies in the Hayne Farm sales office very rarely get picked up I shall only put a couple in from this month.
I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy, then many more could receive this publication. I do hope more residents from both the Vale and Hayne Farm will let me have their email addresses – you won’t be bombarded with other information other than the Gazette, unless there is something that needs your attention from the Parish Council.
Editor/Distributor: Carol McCann 01404 851113 / 0794 6409142 .
If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate, do please email it to Carol as early as possible. Copy date for the April edition is TBC.
A prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and Compassion to guide their decisions Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear that you would hold and protect them We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of peace. Amen.
Energy bill information from your Devon county councillor, Phil Twiss (Conservative)
What has the government announced?
• The government has announced a package of support to help households with rising energy bills, worth £9.1 billion in 2022-23.
• This includes:
o A £200discount on their energy bill this Autumn for domestic electricity customers in Great Britain. This will be paid back automatically over the next 5 years.
o A £150non-repayable rebate in Council Tax bills for all households in Bands A-D in England.
o £144 millionof discretionary funding for Local Authorities to support households who need support but are not eligible for the Council Tax rebate.
• The devolved administrations are receiving around £715 million funding through the Barnett formula as usual where UK Government support doesn’t cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Why is the government providing support?
• The government recognises many households will need support to deal with rising energy costs, which are being affected by global factors.
• From 1 April, the energy price cap will rise from £1,277 to £1,971 – an almost £700 increase in energy bills for the average household.
• Wholesale gas prices have quadrupled in the last year. Because gas is used for electricity generation this pushes up retail electricity bills as well as retail gas bills.
How will the Energy Bill Discount Scheme work?
• Domestic energy customers in Great Britain will receive a £200cash discount on their bills this autumn. The government will provide funding to all suppliers for them to pass on to their domestic energy customers from October.
• Customers will pay back the discount automatically in equal instalments over five years, starting from financial year 2023-24, when wholesale gas prices are expected to come down. This is expected to be reflected as an increase to standing charges on bills.
• This approach will help to spread the increased costs of global prices over time in a way that is more manageable for households.
• The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will set out more detail on this policy in a consultation in the spring.
How will the Council Tax rebate work?
• Households in England in Council Tax Bands A-D will be eligible for a £150rebate in their council tax bill in April this year.
• The rebate to bills will be made directly by local authorities. This won’t have to be repaid.
• 80% of households in England are in Council Tax Bands A-D, so will benefit from this rebate. The rebate will not be paid for second homes or empty properties. • We expect the vast majority of people who pay by Direct Debit to receive this money in April. For households in Bands A-D who do not pay by Direct Debit, their councils will be ready to process their claims in April.
• For those with council tax bills lower than £150 that month, it will take a bit longer to receive the benefit in full. Almost all households should see the full benefit by May.
• The government is providing new funding to local authorities for these rebates, as well as extra funding to help with increased administrative costs.
• For those who need help with their energy bills but are not eligible – such as households on income support in higher bands (E-H) or with properties in bands A-D that are exempt from council tax – local authorities will receive £144 million of discretionary funding to help.
• Further details will be set out by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and local authorities.
Will people across the whole UK benefit?
• The £200 energy bills discount applies across England, Wales and Scotland. The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for energy policy in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Executive will be funded to provide comparable support with around £150 million through the Barnett formula next year. The Barnett formula will also be applied when UK Government spending is recovered in future years, which will result in lower funding for the Executive in those years.
• The £150 Council Tax Energy Rebate applies in England only, as Council Tax policy is devolved in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. As a result, the devolved administrations will receive around £565 million extra funding through the Barnett formula, which will enable them to provide similar support. They will be able to choose whether to spend this funding this year or next year.
• This comprises around £290million for the Scottish Government, £175million for the Welsh Government and £100million for the Northern Ireland Executive.
What other help is available for people struggling with the cost of living?
• These new measures are on top of the existing £12 billion support the government is providing for the cost of living this financial year and next. This includes reducing the Universal Credit taper rate, raising the National Living Wage, freezing alcohol and fuel duties and providing targeted help with energy bills.
• The government is continuing with plans to expand eligibility for the Warm Home Discount by almost a third and increase the rebate value to £150 each year (from £140). 3 million vulnerable households will now benefit from the £150 supplier rebate. More detail will be published shortly in the government response to the consultation on this. • A fuller explanation of how the government is helping with the cost of living is available in a separate factsheet here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government support-for-energy-bills-and-the-cost-of-living-factsheets
Pierre’s monthly cafe will be held on the second Sunday in March.
You can never have enough pancakes, so although Shrove Tuesday has passed, Pierre will be cooking sweet and savoury Brittany pancakes with a variety of fillings at his next pop-up cafe. We will be open between 10am and 4pm on Sunday 13th March for home-made croissants, pains au chocolat and apricot pastries. Good selection of desserts and cakes. Gluten-free and vegan alternatives available. Booking for lunch is advised. Eat in or take away. Please call or text Pierre on 07545 214940.
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