Parish Council agenda 6 Jan 2022

Gittisham Parish Council

Ms Fiona Clampin

Clerk to the Council

Garlands

Gittisham

Honiton

EX14 3AJ

01404 851442

gittishamparishcouncil@gmail.com

30th December 2021

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the January Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Village Hall on Thursday 6th January 2022 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

All attending are required to bring their own hand sanitiser, wear a face mask, and respect the 2m social distancing guidelines.  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.  

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 9th December 2021
  3. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  4. To receive declarations of interest
  5. To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
  6. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  7. 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)
  8. To receive a report from the Chair
  9. To agree the budget for 2022-23
  10. To set the precept for 2022-23
  11. To approve the January payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £224.86 + £0.85 clerk’s salary & expenses (stamp)

Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

Gittisham Parish Hall – December hire £10

Information Commissioner annual membership £40

Community Heartbeat Trust  Solutions, Hayne Farm defibrillator £2,280

NEST (clerk’s pension) £22.48

  1. To confirm changes to the parish council meeting schedule
  2. Clerk’s report
  3. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  4. To consider any late entry correspondence
  5. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 3rd February and March 2022 tbc at 7.30pm. 

F J Clampin – Clerk

2021-12 Parish Council meeting minutes 9th December 2021

Gittisham Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting

Held on 9th December 2021

in Gittisham Village Hall

Present:

Gittisham Village Ward
Cllr C Hall (Chair)
Cllr A Rowe
Cllr D Valentine
Gittisham Vale Ward
Cllr P Orchard
Cllr J Twist
Cllr J Fowles

In attendance: Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Richard Ayre & Graham Hutton (Baker Estates), one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr M Walker, Cllr Jake Bonetta (EDDC), PCSO Darren England

123/21   To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted. 

124/21   To confirm the minutes of the meeting held 4th November 2021

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th November 2021 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. 

125/21   To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

2 crimes, October 2021:

1 x anti-social behaviour, Ferndale Close, 1 x violence & sexual offences, Parsonage Lane.

Members agreed the police newsletter was informative and would be useful to receive on a monthly basis.

ACTION: Clerk to feed back to PCSO Darren England on police newsletter.

126/21   To receive declarations of interest

None.

127/21   To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

128/21   To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Cllr Twiss said he is regularly asked by residents about lowering speed limits to 20mph in built-up areas. There has been a pilot scheme in Newton Abbott since 2019 that DCC has been undertaking, and the results of that have been evaluated to a point where the Cabinet has approved a framework for this to happen.

Cllr Twiss circulated a paper as evidence that there is quite a bit of work for communities to undertake, including setting up a Community Speed Watch if one doesn’t already exist. Further details on this can be found at https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php and clearly this is likely to provoke debate on the merits of this in each area. A reported collision data map for the previous five years can be found at https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/safe-travel/road-safety/collision-data/collision-map/ which is not to say that in areas with low or no records, people couldn’t drive more responsibly, particularly in areas with a national speed limit.  Cllr Twiss added that as we move towards Christmas and what might usually be regarded as winter, he was pleased to report that DCC salt and grit barns are fully stocked to cope with demand if needed during cold spells.

DCC Budget 2022/23

Cllr Twiss explained that the process of budget setting has now begun in earnest and is likely to be the most testing for the authority in living memory, where DCC is legally obliged to set a balanced budget.  This is likely to impact on services provided by the council who are going to have to rise to the challenge of working in even more effective ways, having risen to the challenges thrown at it by the Covid pandemic.

Pressures being faced by services are mirrored both locally in Devon and nationally. The unprecedented circumstances we face have exacerbated and created demand growth, an increasing cost base, labour market dynamics and staffing shortages.

The autumn spending review gave some indication of the funding that may be available in the coming year, but at this time DCC has had to estimate what this may mean for Devon. There remains a risk that funding may not be at this level, but also the potential that it may be a bit better when the final settlement figure from Government is known.  Cllr Twiss said as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, it is going to be a bumpy ride for a few years.

Social Care

One of the biggest challenges facing all Tier 1 Councils is the provision of social care, which is a huge problem in rural and not so rural areas in Devon. The recently published Government White paper sets out 3 core principles to fix the clearly broken system, as below:

  • Everybody has choice, control and support to live independent lives
  • Everyone can access outstanding personalised care and support
  • Adult social care is fair and accessible for everyone who needs it

For this and the ‘levelling up’ agenda to work most effectively, local authorities in largely  rural areas such as Devon must be properly funded, after suffering from years of historic underfunding compared with urban areas. DCC will be looking for financial reform to bridge the funding gap for social care budgets to ensure that they can meet growing demands on the service and current levels of unmet need for various reasons.

The full White Paper can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/people-at-the-heart-of-care-adult-social-care-reform-white-paper  

Cllr Bruce announced with regret that meetings at EDDC will remain via Zoom, and that final responsibility for fundamental policy decisions will remain with the chief executive. Whilst he appreciated the safety concerns expressed by members of the ruling party, particularly around the latest variant of Covid-19, we are now very much out of step with regard to most of the district councils in the South West.  He expressed concern that this model of running a council is undemocratic and therefore the ability, and some might argue, the relevance of a district councillor is rendered irrelevant. He had tried to put forward an amendment to shorten the four month extension to two, but did not get support from the ruling party. He did however get a promise from the chair that the decision will be reviewed regularly and would be brought back for debate, if the landscape changed for the better. 

In his absence, Cllr Bonetta sent the following report:

Life at EDDC continues as always at full pace, with the administration working hard on many projects and policies as we approach the new budget season.

Public Toilets

At last week’s Cabinet meeting, and yesterday’s Full Council meeting, the final plans for public toilets across East Devon were approved and announced. This means that the loos in Lace Walk Car Park will remain open and operated by EDDC as Category A conveniences, and the King Street public loos have been given a stay of execution after his recommendation to the Overview Committee and Cabinet was passed. This means that both public conveniences in Honiton will remain open in one way or another, and he was proud to have played his part in securing these for the benefit of the residents of Honiton St. Michael’s. Although this does not directly affect Gittisham Parish Council, it is important to note, considering the close ties between the communities, and the strong need for town centre amenities to be protected and even enhanced.

Safeguarding

At the EDDC Council meeting on 8th December, Cllr Eileen Wragg read out a statement from a victim of a former Exmouth district councillor and convicted paedophile, John Humphreys, regarding his treatment by Humphreys and the police. This statement was extremely moving and has prompted the Leader of the Council, Paul Arnott, to announce that mandatory safeguarding training will be required to be undertaken by all district councillors. This, along with two letters that were written to the Conservative Party regarding their internal investigation and Devon and Cornwall Police asking for a referral to the IOPC, will hopefully resolve as a substantive effort by the administration to root out and prevent forever the rot of abuse that Humphreys committed.

Local Plan

In his report, Cllr Bonetta explained that work has continued with the East Devon Local Plan, with a 650-page draft copy of the plan being released last week for public viewing. Although we are not yet in the public consultation period, it is important to note the proposals within the Gittisham Village ward of the village, on the border with the Vale ward, especially surrounding the designated employment area and housing allocations between Hayne Lane and the Forge. Consultation is due to open into the document in March 2022, and therefore Cllr Bonetta highly recommended that the PC take part in the consultation to ensure its interests are heard. The document is available here: https://democracy.eastdevon.gov.uk/documents/g1671/Public%20reports%20pack%2014th-Dec-2021%2009.30%20Strategic%20Planning%20Committee.pdf?T=10

Cllr Valentine asked if it was possible to identify the guidance given to officers and members about consultation with parish councils, as he was very unhappy that so little consultation appeared to have taken place on the parish boundary review.  Cllr Bruce agreed to investigate, and Cllr Twiss added that he would ask EDDC’s Jamie Buckley who carries out public consultations.

Cllr Valentine added that there were documents circulating in connection with the draft Local Plan, looking at a variety of measures and justifying the selection of sites.  He hoped that these documents could be made public so that it would be possible to comment before the sites had been allocated.  Cllr Twiss advised him to attend EDDC’s next strategic planning meeting on 14th December to make this point.  He said the documents would be available with the agenda.

ACTION: Clerk to send strategic planning agenda to Cllr Valentine.

Old Elm Road gate

The clerk said that the issue over disabled buggy access was due to be resolved by Highways at the end of November.  Cllr Twiss agreed to ask Highways for the current state of play, and said he would suggest this could be resolved using DCC’s Doing What Matters budget.  Cllr Fowles also raised the issue of parking along Old Elm Road by the electricity substation, where there have been some near misses of late.

ACTION: Cllr Twiss to contact Cllr Fowles about walking the road on a Saturday morning to experience the issue.

Hayne Lane drains

The clerk said a resident had reported blocked drains on Hayne Lane opposite the emergency gate several times, and was unhappy with DCC’s response.  Cllr Twist said the issue appeared to originate with material emanating from tractors using the lane, and there was concern that any flooding on this corner where the lane meets the estate access road would be very dangerous in icy weather.  Graham Hutton from Baker Estates said that he and Cllr Twiss would come to a solution and let the clerk know the outcome.

129/21   To receive an update on the Hayne Farm development from Baker Estates

Cllr Bruce said he and Cllr Twiss had carried out a ‘grumble walk’ on the Hayne Farm development, and this had given them a good understanding of the proposed bus route.  He thanked Cllr Twist for facilitating this and said he considered this an important part of councillor work and an excellent way of highlighting specific issues on the ground. He would be taking forward all the identified elements that came out of this walk.

Cllr Bruce added that there was an issue with traffic sweeping round the corner into the development at a higher speed than the road was designed for.  He was concerned that when the development was finished and more children present, this could get worse.  Graham Hutton replied that at the planning stage the road had been widened to allow large agricultural vehicles to navigate down the hill.  Cllr Twiss said he would enquire with Highways whether it was possible to consider a traffic calming measure on this section of road into the site, which has now been adopted by DCC as a public highway.

Richard Ayre outlined Baker Estates’ plans for the former farmyard site (which does not include the shop and café), arguing for a logical development in a sustainable location.  It has been indicated as a potential allocation in the emerging local plan.  He said they would look to bring access through the existing Hayne Farm development when the road is finally adopted.  In terms of the design, he said there would be a natural transition from something similar to the existing estate to something more rural in design to reflect the edge of the urban area.  There will be an affordable housing element out of a total of approximately 35 dwellings, although it’s not sure how many will be affordable yet.  There would be no development on open fields with this site.  There will be a public consultation around February 2022, with a view to submitting a planning application in the early spring.  Graham Hutton said he would be happy to meet residents to discuss, and to come back to the parish council early next year.

Cllr Bruce asked if would be possible in future to have an idea of the inclination on the site, and the Chair suggested using 3D technology to communicate their plans.  Cllr Bruce queried the fake chimneys and the gas infrastructure, but Graham Hutton said it was still critical to install gas infrastructure for when hydrogen power may or may not come on stream.  Mr Hutton explained that building regulations would be changing next year, which would allow for a 31 per cent increase in energy efficiency.

One member of the public asked if nearby residents could be assured of the safe removal and disposal of any asbestos or hazardous materials on site. Graham Hutton replied that hydrocarbon oil-based contamination had been identified.  He said demolition contractors could not be appointed without a rigorous asbestos survey, and those appointed would have the necessary certification.   

Cllr Twist said drainage had been an issue on the existing development because of low-lying land, and Cllr Rowe asked if there would be an increase in surface water capabilities.  Graham Hutton said there would, and Baker Estates would be able to install new attenuation systems on site. 

Cllr Valentine enquired whether Baker Estates had any plans to extend the site in a westerly direction, but Richard Ayre said the company did not.  Graham Hutton said he was aware of the potential for allocation in that direction, but Baker Estates was not involved.

One member of the public asked if residents could be assured that the proposed build will not impact the light and privacy currently enjoyed by those occupying the current Hayne Farm site, particularly as the land rises behind Hodges Close towards the farmyard.  Graham Hutton said the member of the public was correct about the level change, and that respectable back-to-back distances would be considered.  He added that the first planning application would be outline, followed by a reserved matters application which would include more detail on point distances, heights and locations.

Members discussed the proposed defibrillator, which appeared to have stalled because Sovereign Housing had not signed the host agreement.  Graham Hutton said he would pursue the matter with Sovereign and confirm the location with them, as everything else was ready to go.

Graham Hutton agreed that Baker Estates would purchase a bin for dog waste, and the parish council would pay for a second.

Cllr Orchard enquired about progress on the play area.  Graham Hutton apologised for the delay, and said the equipment was on track to be delivered in February 2022.  Cllr Twist asked if there would be a fence next to the play area, due to the gradient.  Graham Hutton said there would be.  The Gittisham PC noticeboard will be installed by the public open space; it is currently in site containers.

The Chair thanked Richard Ayre and Graham Hutton for sharing their plans at this early stage, and for being open to discuss any issues arising with the current development.

ACTION: Cllr Twist to send Graham Hutton the defibrillator host agreement.

130/21   To consider the proposal for a parish boundary review

Members discussed the recent proposal for a boundary review, which had been discussed by EDDC Cabinet on 1st December.  Cllr Bruce, the Chair and Cllr Orchard had both spoken at this meeting.  The proposal did not gain widespread support and was therefore deferred until after the EDDC Local Plan was issued and the implications of it better understood, including any development around Hayne Farm and the garden centre.

In his report, Cllr Bonetta said he was pleased to see strong representation from Gittisham at this meeting.  He had aired his views on the subject, but was in complete agreement with the outcome of the meeting in that more consultation and discussion is needed here – especially considering the poor overall consultation response and engagement from Honiton Town Council members. Therefore, he was happy that a deferment was sought on this matter and looked forward to having fruitful discussions with the council in the future about this.  The Chair thanked Cllrs Bruce and Twiss for having supported the process.

Cllr Twiss, Richard Ayre, Graham Hutton and one member of the public left the meeting.

131/21   To consider the following planning applications:

a)         21/2882/LBC – Westgate Gittisham EX14 3AU – installation of tortoise fireboxes, flue liners, terracotta twin wall liner to top of chimney and bird guard

b)          21/2906/FUL – 3 Lower Green Way Gittisham EX14 3FT – installation of window to north facing dormer

Members resolved to have no objection to a) or b).  

Cllr Bruce left the meeting.

132/21   To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

  • To note the latest planning decision notices

21/1756/FUL – Erection of a storage building on land adjacent to Combe Garden Centre

Retrospective approval with conditions.

  • To receive an update on Highways

Forthcoming road closures in Gittisham Parish:

2-3 March 2022 road closure for Jurassic Fibre – Ironbridge to Gittisham Farm.

Cllr Orchard raised the possibility of using CIL funds to spruce up the bus shelters.  He added that the grill on Old Elm Road balancing pond had still not been cleared, and that Combe Garden Centre had added stop lines to their exit on to the lane.

  • To consider plans for expenditure in the parish under the Community Infrastructure Levy & S106

Cllr Orchard said he had contacted a further three contractors for the play area works since last month. One declined, two met him on site, but there had been no further contact since.  So far he has been in touch with 13 contractors, but frustratingly the plans are no further on.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to update Sulina Tallack at EDDC on progress so far.

  • To receive an update on public transport

Members agreed to keep an eye on the developing situation as regards buses serving the Hayne Farm development.

  • To consider the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development

Cf minute ref. 129/21.

  • To consider climate change measures within the parish, including rewilding proposals for land in the parish

Cllr Twist said there was no update on this.

  • To consider parish council support for scam awareness and security

Cllr Twist said there had been reports of criminals following delivery vans and stealing parcels left for residents who were not at home to receive them.

  • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said there was no update on this. 

  • To consider the parish emergency plan

Cllr Orchard said this should be reviewed in May 2022, and the Chair said in the meantime it could be removed from the agenda.

  • To consider the refurbishment and maintenance of the village play area

There was no update this month.

  • To consider work to be carried out by the lengthsman to maintain ditches and drains in the parish

There was no update this month.  Cllr Twist asked who is responsible for the land on the left hand side of Hayne Lane going downhill to the culvert, as brambles have started to overwhelm the pavement. 

ACTION: Cllr Walker to ask the lengthsman to trim the hedge and brambles there.

133/21   To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said she had been focused this month on the parish boundary review, which had been discussed earlier in the meeting.  She circulated the statement she had made to EDDC at the Cabinet meeting. The Chair thanked all members for their work on behalf of the parish, thanked their families for supporting them and wished all a happy Christmas.

134/21 To consider traffic and the state of the road and associated infrastructure in Gittisham village and on Hayne Lane.

Members discussed problems with water that is gushing down Hayne Lane and taking rubbish and other items with it.  Land management techniques could be investigated to address the problems of surface water run-off from fields at Hayne Lane and in the wider parish.   

ACTION: Chair to discuss with Cllr Bruce.

135/21   To consider support for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

Members resolved to support the bill.

136/21 To approve and sign the annual CIL report 2020/21

The clerk distributed details of CIL income and expenditure for 2020/21, available at https://gittisham.org.uk/2021/12/09/gittisham-parish-council-cil-report-2020-21/.  Members resolved to approve the document, and it was signed by the Chair.

ACTION: Clerk to upload the CIL document 2020/21 and send to EDDC.

137/21   To approve the December payments and to note the current bank balance

It was resolved to approve the following payments:

1134       F J Clampin                          £234.85                 Clerk’s salary & expenses (printing paper)

1135       Gittisham Parish Hall          £10         Hire for November meeting

1136       CHT                           £324      Annual support package for 2 x defibrillators

DD          NEST                                     £22.48   Clerk’s pension (5% employer, 5% employee)

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £23,048.40 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).  Members discussed measures to reduce the reserves, including sprucing up the bus shelters, installing solar panels for lighting inside the bus shelters, wild flower planting, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.  The Chair encouraged all members to speak to residents about what they would like to see.

ACTION: All to consider future expenditure to reduce the reserves, and send details to clerk in time for budget setting next month.

138/21 To consider changes to the parish council meeting schedule

Members agreed that future parish council meetings could move to the first Thursday of the month in order to make use of the village hall.  The clerk said the next two meetings would be on a Thursday.

ACTION: Clerk to canvass opinion on proposed changes from district and county councillors.

139/21   Clerk’s Report

None.

140/21   For information only; items for the forward agenda

Budget 2022/23; precept; day of meetings; Climate & Ecological Emergency Bill.

141/21   To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

142/21   Date of next two meetings.   Thursday 6th January 2022 and Thursday 3rd February at 7.30pm in the village hall. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2115 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

6th January 2022

2021-12 Gittisham Gazette Dec 2021

A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

December 2021 Edition 238

COP21 Glasgow – David Broom

I was lucky enough to spend the first week of COP26 in Glasgow, with my company Kensa Heat Pumps.  We had exhibition space in the GreenZone showcasing our ground source heat pumps and our green street concept which demonstrates how we think the wide scale deployment of heat pumps can be achieved. As heating homes contributes 21% of carbon emissions in the UK, it is an essential component of meeting our national net zero aspirations.

Our stay in Glasgow was full of meetings, presentations and seminars with some really interesting speakers on covering various parts of the climate change solutions. The level of security across the city was impressive, as we experienced on our first night when returning to our accommodation we found the street cordoned off and 6 deep with police, it turned out that the main delegation was having dinner at the end of our road and our flat was
inside the security cordon, we had to negotiate our entry and had a police escort right to the door!

The end of the first week culminated with the Ashden Awards, an international climate change award, presented at one of the COP venues we were delighted to receive the UK Climate Innovation award for our work in installing heat pumps in over 1,000 social housing properties, not only reducing carbon emissions, but taking people out of fuel poverty. The awards were presented by the President of Costa Rica, who it was an honour to meet, and to listen to speaking so passionately about the climate agenda. The awards also produced this excellent video showcasing all of the winners https://ashden.org/awards/ or this one which just shows our section https://ashden.org/winners/kensa-group/

Hazel Snell & Doreen Cooper – two dancing queens

We said farewell to both Hazel (23rd in Gittisham) and Doreen (26th at Combe Raleigh). Hazel’s coffin came in to a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace and Doreen’s to a Scottish country dance reel.  Both churches were nice and full with family and friends from all over the country. Beautifully meaningful hymns were sung at both services, Hazel exited to Katherine Jenkins singing Time to say Goodbye and Doreen went out to Lord of the Dance by the Chelmsford Citadel Singers. Hazel is now reunited with her husband William in Gittisham churchyard and Doreen joined her husband in Sidmouth cemetery. Hazel’s family put on a spread in the village hall and Doreen’s family had a friend catering in the hall of St. Peter’s, Sidford. In many ways both funerals were similar with both ladies being avid country dancers. May they now rest in peace reunited with their loved ones.

Filming for Dementia in St Michael’s Church

The church was beautifully decorated last week in preparation for a professionally filmed
Christmas concert performed by Alison Kettlewell (Valentine), together with a soprano and pianist friends from Cornwall. The filming took place on 2nd December and the event was put together on behalf of Action East Devon and the Forget-me-not charities. Once edited the programme will be circulated together with song books to care homes and Memory Cafes throughout East Devon and adjoining areas and will provide care home residents and Memory Cafe attendees opportunities to bring forward their Christmas memories and to join in with the singing of Christmas favourites. This form of communication with those struggling with dementia is known to have huge benefits. This is a wonderful cause and will also raise the profile within our local community of our beautiful St Michael’s Church. The decorations will remain in place for Advent.

Fit for Life exercise classes

Classes will re-commence in the village hall on Tuesdays from 10.00 – 11.00am starting from 
15th January. For information or to book a place please call Marjorie Madge on 01404 41090 or email marjmadge14@gmail.com. Classes are not too onerous but great fun and beneficial.

Parish Council -December 2021 & January 2022 reports will be amalgamated next month

St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club

St. Michael’s Gittisham

At our Service of Remembrance we started at the Lych-gate, Julia took this element, Richard
Marker read the ‘Ode to Remembrance’ which Cliff read for many years.  Julia found a combined rendering of the Last Post including the 2 minutes silence and Reveille.  Three wreaths were laid.  Florence Wolsey laid one in memory of her late father Andrew Hill, Ian Warne the upper one and I laid the third in memory of my grandmother, a land girl in WW1 and drove ambulances in WW2.  Father was in the RAF, mother in the ATS and stepfather the secret service in Edinburgh. There were 62 adults and 7 children for the outside service and 20 adults with 5 children came in to church for the Eucharist led by Rev. Christine.

December services will be Sunday 5th a telephone one, on 12th communion with the Baptism of baby Agatha daughter of Hattie and Olli Harrison and Sarah Agg-Manning’s newest grandchild.

On 19th our Carol Service with refreshments at 7.00pm, 25th Christmas Day Eucharist at
11.00, (there are no Midnight services this year. The only service in the Mission Community on
Boxing Day – 26th – will be a Eucharist at St. Paul’s at 11.00am. The service on 2nd January will
be a telephone one. Our Christingle service next year will be held at Candlemass, the nearest
Sunday to the 2nd of February. Numbers are less restricted but bookings would be very helpful as the service sheets still have to be printed and it will save too many pages being wasted, ring Carol on 851113. 

Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably be worn but if you want to sing you must wear masks. Our services are all at 11.00am To receive details for
ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol on telephone 01404 851113
charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk or Julia on gshaminister@gmail.com or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.

The church is open three or four days in the week and as the weather is cooler now 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 851113) and hopefully I will be home to unlock.

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 will be live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue  or the Parish Office by emailing sue41260@gmail.com or  office@honitoncofe.org 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. On December 19th
there will be an outdoor Christingle at 5.30pm on the forecourt (inside only if wet), Christmas Eve Carols on the Forecourt 5.00pm, Christmas Day Eucharist 11.00am, 26th joint Mission Community Eucharist 11.00am.

St Michael’s Awliscombe Saturday 11th December Christmas Market in village hall 10.00
– 12 noon.

St Nicholas Combe Raleigh Sunday 12th December, Christmas tea 3.00pm in the village hall, 6.00pm Carol Service out of doors at Coryhill with Caroline and Chris Padgett.  Wrap up warm and bring a chair and torch.

200 Club

Owing to the death of one of our founder 200 club members whose subscription was paid monthly (as it was in the very beginning of the 200 club in 2004), I now have numbers available.  If you would like to join the church’s 200 club please ring me, Carol 01404 851113. It’s a good way to fund 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. I can send an application form; the cost is £12 per number per year – if you join now the cost would be £3.00 per number (January, February, March).                               

December 2021 200 Club Results

1st  Richard Marker                      2nd  Len Bartlett               3rd   Jackson King                  
4th  David Fallows                           5th   Judith Turner            

Household Support Fund

Families on low incomes can get help with food and utility costs this winter via the new Household Support Fund.

Grants are available to support families with
– Providing vouchers for food
– Supporting with energy and water bills for household purposes
– Emergency boiler and heating repairs
– Essential white goods such as a fridge, freezer or cooker
– Also can provide petrol for jobs and broadband
The family needs to meet the following criteria:
– You are a family
– You are experiencing financial hardship
– You need financial help to pay utility bills or buy food and essential items linked to
food, warmth, and utilities for your family
– Not have received financial assistance from another source for the same reason.

Please contact a member of the Parish Council who will need to sign your form as the
‘supporting professional’. Earlyhelpmideastsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Carol Hall Chair of Gittisham Parish Council

Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe

Come along to Pierre’s monthly cafe on Sunday 5th December to try a range of
French-inspired dishes. Home-made croissants and pains au chocolat available in the
morning with coffee or tea, followed by a lunch of beef cooked in cocoa. Vegetarians
and vegans also catered for. In France it’s traditional to eat a yule log at Christmas,
so Pierre will serve this as dessert. Drop in or secure your place by calling Pierre on
07545 214940. Payment can be made by cash or card. The next café will be 9th Jan.

New yoga class for Gittisham

Yoga classes will be coming to Gittisham Village Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7pm to 8.15pm from January. Alison runs a weekly class on Tuesday’s at Honiton Methodist Church but on the 3rd week of the month will be at Gittisham Village Hall instead. You would be welcome to join the Honiton class for the rest of the month. Please contact Alison Hayward on 07986 179071 if you would like to find out more about her classes.

Royal British Legion poppies

I went round the village with the poppies as much as I could (when the weather was better, as on several occasions when I started out, the rain appeared as if by magic!. I have heard unofficially our village total is £190.09 and would like to thank all who contributed to this marvellous appeal.
Thanks Carol

Item for sale

Printing paper, filing shelves x2, 4-drawer plastic unit, small 3-drawer filing cabinet available.  If you are interested, contact Carol on telephone 01404 851113.  Collection only.

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. The Gazette is also available on the Gittisham website  Gittisham.org.uk.  If you would like a copy by email please let me have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. 01404 851113 I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter and Hayne Farm Estate Sales Office again until such time the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.  Do let me have your email as I am hopefully trying to save on printing costs and looking after our lovely planet. Thank you.  

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.

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 January edition is 30th December please.  I don’t yet know when I can send out the gazette, as Dance Club are now back in the village hall on Wednesdays and the parish council meeting is tbc.

Wishing you a very merry and peaceful Christmas, and a happy, prosperous and healthy 2022.  Keep safe, but have fun.

Parish Council agenda 9 Dec 2021

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin

Clerk to the Council

Garlands

Gittisham

Honiton

EX14 3AJ

01404 851442

gittishamparishcouncil@gmail.com

3rd December 2021

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the December Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Village Hall on Thursday 9th December 2021 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

All attending are required to bring their own hand sanitiser, wear a face mask, and respect the 2m social distancing guidelines.  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.  

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 4th November 2021
  3. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  4. To receive declarations of interest
  5. To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
  6. To receive an update on the Hayne Farm development from Baker Estates
  7. To consider the proposal for a parish boundary review
  8. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  9. To consider the following planning applications:
    • 21/2882/LBCV – Westgate Gittisham EX14 3AU – Installation of tortoise fireboxes, flue liners, terracotta twin wall liner to top of chimney and bird guard
    • 21/2906/FUL – 3 Lower Green Way Gittisham EX14 3FT – Installation of window to north facing dormer
  10. 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 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)
  11. To receive a report from the Chair
  12. To consider traffic and the state of road and associated infrastructure in Gittisham village and on Hayne Lane
  13. To consider support for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill
  14. To approve and sign the annual CIL report 2021/21
  15. To approve the December payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £224.86 + £9.99 clerk’s salary & expenses (printer paper)

Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

Gittisham Parish Hall – November hire £10

Community Heartbeat Trust annual support cost for two defibrillators £tbc

NEST (clerk’s pension) £22.48

  1. To consider changes to the parish council meeting schedule
  2. Clerk’s report
  3. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  4. To consider any late entry correspondence
  5. To note the date of the next two meetings, Wednesday 5th January and Wednesday 2nd February 2022 tbc at 7.30pm. 

F J Clampin – Clerk

2021-11 Gittisham Gazette Nov 2021

A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

November 2021 Edition 237

Gittisham’s Hallowe-en – Trick or Treat

On 31st October the children met outside the village hall for a bring and share tea, a few suitably scarily dressed.  After tea they set out, with some of the parents to go around the village many of the houses had beautifully carved and lit up pumpkins with some of the homes decorated with appropriate scary things.  It was lovely to see such polite and thankful children and it is a pleasure to offer treats for them to collect in their bags.  

Combe Farm Shop

As November starts we are sure everyone is starting to think of the big C word.  Well at the shop we have been thinking about Christmas for a while.  We have been busy prepping hampers, getting in lots of new stock, including stocking stuffers, advent calendars, chocolates and more treats, and already taking lots of Christmas orders.  We have plenty of local meat and vegetables in stock.  Some of our items available for Christmas are: in-house cured gammons, in-house cured bacon, homemade pigs in blankets, local Exeter turkeys and geese, our own Ruby Red beef, local lamb from Ottery St Mary, and local vegetables.

The shop is open from 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday to Saturday (late opening till 5:30pm on Thursdays) and Sundays 9am-1pm.  Our takeaway is still open offering hot and cold drinks, seasonal specials, pastries, cakes, breakfast baps and light lunches.  Open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 am to 3pm. (Hot food served 10am -2pm)

Stop by the shop to discuss how we can help with your Christmas, from veg boxes, meat hampers, turkeys and more.  We look forward to seeing you,

Joanna and team

People in the News

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Hazel Snell who died in her care home in Colyton on Saturday 30th October age 97.  Hazel moved to Gittisham in 1986 following the death of her husband.  She lived in Webbers Cottage for many years, before moving up to a bungalow in Church Mead. It was due to her ill health and failing eyesight she went to the home in Colyton, which was close to daughter Ann.  Her other daughter Debbie also lives in Devon. Ann also used to live in Gittisham with her daughter Emma and son James.  Emma and her family still live in the village.  We wish them all the peace to grieve and many happy memories to cherish. May you rest in peace Hazel. Hazel’s funeral will be in Gittisham on Tuesday 23rd November at 1.00pm.

Snippets from Shermans Farm by Jack Bartlett

Well it’s been a while since I last wrote, my fault entirely for not getting it to Carol on time ! 

A lot has changed on the farm in that time, firstly that Lauren & I are expecting! A new addition to Shermans due on 12th January. We’re both very excited. This will be Leonard & Angela’s fifth grandchild. They will have more capacity for babysitting as, after a delayed start, their house is coming along well. You will notice it as you come up the road past Shermans; with some landscaping and planning requirements for design it should blend in nicely and will be ideal for them both, being so close to them farm. 

We have had a quieter spell calving in September & October. which has been refreshing in a way. With lots due to calve over the winter months, we’re going to be busy. 

We finished renovating a calf shed at the start of the year to accommodate up to 70 calves.  This has helped dramatically with workload and health of the calves. They’re really thriving in there which is nice to see after a big investment. They have moved into this shed for weaning and stay until about five months, where they will either go to grass through the summer or Catshayes, now that the weather has taken a colder turn. 

The maize harvest came off well.  We were concerned about how wet the fields would be, but were pleasantly surprised! Hedges have been trimmed, but we only trim about half of the hedges each year.  This is part of our stewardship to help with the birds and the bees.  If it sounds noisy when we are cutting 2 years growth, it’s all for a good cause! 

We are TB testing in a couple of weeks, which makes me very nervous… Will keep everything crossed and hope for a good outcome. After speaking to a lot of local farmers the situation doesn’t seem to be improving. 

Always something to keep us on our toes. 

Parish Council – November report

Four councillors met for the November meeting. Phil Twiss (DCC), Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Jake Bonetta (EDDC) and one member of the public were also present.

Hayne Lane.    

Phil Twiss said that DCC Highways has been preparing a scheme to lay kerbs and channels on Hayne Lane to protect the edge from erosion. But when the regional officer visited the site recently with the contractor’s agent to discuss the necessary work, they saw that the bank had collapsed completely following recent storms.  He said DCC staff had tried placing sandbags and barriers to keep the lane open, but the permanent works are of a scale which will now need referring to another team to carry out the work.  Phil Twiss said he could not give a timescale for this.

Finance. 

Councillors noted the finances.

Crimes. 

Sept 2021: 1 x burglary, Devonshire Road

Road closures.

11-12 November Road closure for Western Power – Road past Shermans Farm.

22-24 November Road closure for Jurassic Fibre – Ironbridge to Eveleigh’s Farm.

Peter Orchard said he would follow up with DCC School Transport to see whether or not the school buses would be affected.

Parish boundary, Gittisham Vale.  

Parish councillors expressed their disappointment that neither GPC nor Honiton Town Council had been informed well in advance of a report proposing a review of the parish and town boundaries that went before EDDC cabinet this week.  They agreed that any change in the parish boundary between Gittisham Vale and Honiton St Michael’s in particular could have significant implications for council tax rates, and even the existence of the parish council itself.  Members heard that the item was deferred for further consideration by EDDC in December.  They agreed to ask EDDC for the discussion to be postponed until a proper consultation can take place.

Planning applications.

  1. Pomeroy House, Gittisham – Single-storey extension to side with raised patio, installation of porch canopy to courtyard west elevation and east elevation, and internal alterations, involving demolition of existing porch to side. No objection.
  2. I Hamlet Cottages, Weston – Variation of condition number 2 (approved plans) of application 21/1295/FUL (Demolition of existing workshop to be replaced with a new self-build dwelling). Objection on the grounds outlined previously, ie granting permission would establish a new residential unit in the countryside without agricultural need being sought, and it will act as a precedent for other opportunities in the future which would be detrimental to the overall policy-making of EDDC.

Old Elm Road.

Peter Orchard explained that the Old Elm balancing pond downstream exit grill is blocked. EDDC is aware and has appointed contractors urgently.

Councillor vacancy, Gittisham Vale.   

Jan Fowles was elected parish councillor for Gittisham Vale by an unanimous vote.

Scam awareness.

Janet Twist outlined two current scams: 1) a scammer impersonating an EDDC officer regarding re-banding of council tax rings and asks for money.  Jake Bonetta added that EDDC officers would never contact a resident out of the blue regarding a re-banding of council tax.  Please hang up and call EDDC on their official number.  2) Tesco “free prize draw”.  This is an email scam, asking you to complete a survey for the chance of winning a prize in order to steal people’s bank details.

Next meeting. 

Thursday 9th December, 7.30pm in the village hall.

St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club

St. Michael’s Gittisham

The Baptism on Sunday 17th October was packed with a few heart-stopping moments, when young Savannah had several ventures up into the pulpit to hide, and then thought behind the altar might also be a good place to evade ‘capture’.  The Ven. John had the patience of a saint and all the elements of the Christening were carried out successfully.  Our November services will be Sunday 7th a telephone one, on the 14th Remembrance starting at the Lych-gate about 10.50 with a short service of reflection, wreath laying and singing the National Anthem before going in to the church to continue with the communion. On the 21st Morning Worship in church and the 28th there will be a special all-age service in church to celebrate Advent, and if permitted with coffee afterwards. The 3rd December will be a telephone service.  Numbers are less restricted but bookings would be very helpful as the service sheets still have to be printed and it will save too many pages being wasted.  Please call Carol on 01404 851113.

Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably to be worn, but if you want to sing you must wear masks.  Our services are all at 11.00am  To receive details for ongoing worship,  Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol  by telephone 01404 851113 or email charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk  or Julia on gshaminister@gmail.com or for those without internet ring her on 07763111367 or 01404 850680 or they are published on the Gittisham website https://gittisham.org

Our Harvest Festival collection of non-perishable food for the Honiton Food Bank was very well received and they wrote to say a huge thank you to us.  The church is open three or four days in the week and as the weather is cooler now, 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 would like to view or have prayer space please ring me (Carol 851113) and hopefully I will be home to unlock.

Honiton Mission Community

Rev’d Sue is now back from her month’s leave.  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 will be live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue  or the Parish Office by emailing sue41260@gmail.com or  office@honitoncofe.org 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 at 6.30pm will re-commence from November 21st.  There was an email from the Cathedral advising that the cathedral prayer diary would include the HMC in the prayers during their services on the 30th October.

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.  The All Souls service this year will be held on the 7th November in the afternoon, details from Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office. The zoom virtual Eucharist service at 6.30 will be resumed on Sunday 21st November.  


200 Club

Owing to the death of one of our founder 200 club members whose subscription was paid monthly I now have numbers available.  If you would like to join the church’s 200 club which is one way of funding the upkeep please ring me, Carol 01404851113. I can send an application form the cost is £12 per number per year – if you join now the cost would be £4.00                                

November 2021 200 Club Results

1st  Dawn Merchant                      2nd  Jan Sutcliffe               3rd   Dianne Janes                 
4th  Tom Ballantyne                           5th   Cynthia Underdown             

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show

Over the years the Flower and Produce Show has collected about £200 to be spent for the benefit of the parish.  If you have any ideas please let Angie Hutchings know.  Her email is angieh13@btinternet.com or phone 01404 45101.  Thank you.


Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe

Pierre will be holding his monthly pop-up café in the village hall on Sunday 14th November from 10.00 – 4.00 serving homemade croissants and pains au chocolat then a selection of French savouries with soup and a sweet goodie or two.  Hot drinks are available but if you want alcohol please bring your own.  Payment can be either in cash or by card.  Pierre would be pleased to know if you are coming (not compulsory but very helpful especially if vegetarian or vegan)  telephone Pierre on 07545 214940.  He looks forward to seeing you on the 14th.

Change of venue for soup & sparklers on 7th November

The soup with rolls and sparklers on Sunday evening from 5.30 will now be in and outside the village hall for the logistics of keeping the soup hot, and also possibly the mulled wine, and if cold to keep the attendees warm too.  There is no need to bring sparklers but you can if you want.

Royal British Legion poppies

I have been going round the village with the poppies, if I have missed you or you were out when I called and if you would like me to call please let me know 851113.  Thanks,  Carol

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. The Gazette is also available on the Gittisham website  Gittisham.org.uk.  If you would like a copy by email please let me have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. 01404 851113 I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter and Hayne Farm Estate Sales Office again until such time the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.  Do let me have your email as I am hopefully trying to save on printing costs and looking after our lovely planet. Thank you.  

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.

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 December edition is 25th November please.  I hope to send out on 3rd December, subject to the Parish Council report being received.

2021-09 Gittisham Gazette Sept 2021

A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

September 2021 Edition 235

A very special day for George

It was a very happy occasion and a very special service for George’s Christening recently in St
Michael’s. Elizabeth and Tim, Jo and the children have now returned to Singapore where they are
enduring lock down for two weeks in a hotel. They were taken from the airport and put into
accommodation with two bedrooms with three beds for the six of them, no other space apart from
one bathroom, they were not allowed to open windows or leave the two rooms at all. The food
was inedible so the children hardly ate for two days. The first night the light didn’t switch off in the
bedroom and in calling to complain they were told to ‘get under the blankets’. They have, after a
few nights of this and after complaining they could not be expected to stay there for a fortnight,
been moved to a slightly bigger serviced apartment where at least they can cook their own food,
open a window and have a sitting room as well as two bedrooms. It makes me feel very lucky to
be able to move about freely !

Pierre’s Sunday café

Come along to Pierre Graeber’s next ‘pop-up’ Sunday café in Gittisham Village Hall on
Sunday 12th September, starting at 9.30am until 5.00pm. Delicious homemade croissants, pains
au chocolat and pains aux raisins for breakfast, traditional Breton pancakes with a choice of fillings
for lunch, and tarte tatin (French upside-down apple tart) in the afternoon. Tea or coffee available,
if you want alcohol, please bring your own.  Vegans and vegetarians catered for. Cards accepted. Booking preferred: 07545 214940.

Found

Have you lost (or left) a navy blue waterproof jacket by Berghaus? It is in the village hall
and has been for a couple of weeks or more. If it is yours, please give Judith Turner a call on
01404 851061. Thanks.

Sidmouth Junction Ploughing Match

This event will take place on 12th September 2021, starting 10:00 am at Gittisham Farm,  Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AX with kind permission from the Hayman family.  We welcome entries.  Spectators admission free.  All day food available. Raffle.  Horse Ploughing Demonstration.  https://www.facebook.com/SJDPA/ Details from Phillip Gibbins sjploughing@gmail.com or telephone 07779 685858

Happy New School Year

Wishing all our children and young people a very happy new scholastic year, those going from pre
to big school, transferring from primary to secondary and those going up to university or starting
first jobs or having a gap year before continuing their studies.  We hope you all have a good term,
meet and make new friends and work as hard as you can, especially those with big exams this
year,

Parish Council 

There is no Parish Council report this month, September and October will amalgamate.

From Grain to Cream – Russell Hayman

As always on the farm we have new arrivals popping out, but July was a little different and I am
glad to say it didn’t happen on the farm! That was the arrival of Lillie; Chris and Naomi’s first child
(Chris is our herdsman). This has meant we have been a little under staffed as he had more
important things to do.

Hopefully by the time this goes to print we will have finished the cereal harvest. It has been very
frustrating up to now and we have done very little and what we have, is wet so needs a lot of
drying. The straw though not the worst I have baled it is far from the best. Yields look to be about
average if we can get it. Then it is time to crack on and get next year’s crops in, not a big time
window it all depends on getting some good weather.

The cows are happily doing their thing but it is coming to the time of year when flies are biting
them which makes them a bit miserable. We put up fly traps have fans going too, and use a treat
spray with peppermint oil in it to try to deter them but we also have to treat them with repellent to
give them relief. All this helps and at least they smell nice!

It was nice to get to Honiton Show even if it was a miserable, wet day and quite quiet. I had
arranged to meet some people there so it did have the benefit for me not having to fight through
the crowds. With farming taking a lot of bashing of late the mood was a bit down beat, not
surprising really, the industry has gone from key workers to not required in just over a year! Quite
strange really for a country that can’t produce enough food for itself. But then the supermarkets
feed the nation! (All they really do is put it on a shelf and they are having trouble doing that now.)
On a brighter note, our resident barn owls have had a chick and were giving us a good telling off
while we covered down the silage we made beside the box. We don’t see them that often and is
always a thrill when we do, and it is good to see they are still breeding. I am quite often writing a
bit about birds in this article and I can assure you I am not a secret twitcher. I really don’t have the
patience to wait to see if tweetie pie turns up!

Charity Work

Devon Air Ambulance needs a community of volunteers to keep its 19 charity shops open
and our helicopters flying. The great thing about volunteering in our retail shops is that we have a
role to suit everyone, whether you are young or older, an outgoing type or someone who likes to
work behind the scenes. As with all volunteering roles, you can choose where, when and for how
long you volunteer.

To find out more about your nearest shop and how you can help, please contact our Volunteer Manager Cara Jones on 01392 304343 / c.jones@daat.org

Shop locations: Barnstaple, Bideford, Budleigh Salterton, Dartmouth, Exeter (Cowick St, Heavitree &
Topsham), Exmouth, Honiton, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Plymouth, Sidmouth,
South Molton, Tavistock, Totnes, and Torquay.

Cara Jones
Volunteer Manager
Devon Air Ambulance Trust www.daat.org

Force Cancer Charity, working locally to support anyone affected by cancer, are looking for
volunteers at Ottery Hospital, morning or afternoon shifts available weekdays except Wednesdays.
Helping to meet and greet patients arriving for chemotherapy, offering hot drinks and biscuits and
generally assisting the nurses when requested. Force has a centre on the Wonford site and offers
a number of enhancing therapies, patient support, therapeutic classes in art, make-up and
exercise. They also have a shop in Heavitree.

If you would like to help please contact volunteer co-ordinator Heather Taylor, volunteer co-ordinator for Force. Telephone 01392 406154 or email heather.taylor@forcecancercharity.co.uk .

Sidmouth Air Show

Amanda Acland invited me (Carol McCann) to view the air show.  We found a lovely spot above Sidbury and had a brilliant view. Amanda brought a picnic supper which we ate in the car. It was good to see the show, keeping safe from the enormous crowd in the town. The Red Arrows gave an excellent display also the Spitfire, Lynx helicopter (although that was too far away to best see the tricky manoeuvres it was doing). 

St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club

St. Michael’s Gittisham

Our monthly 11.00am Eucharist (Communion) service continues to be held usually on the 2nd
Sunday of the month.  However in October, our one in Gittisham will be on Sunday 17th October numbers are less restricted but bookings would be very helpful as the service sheets still have to be printed and it will save too many pages being wasted.  Ring Carol on 01404 851113.

Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably to be worn but if you want to sing you must wear masks.

We continue to have two lay-led and one telephone service each month sometimes the order is re-organised. September services are slightly revised: on the 3rd Sunday we will now have a telephone service.  Our Patronal Festival falls on 29th September and we plan to have a lay-led service in church to celebrate St. Michael on 26th September. Usually when there is a 5 Sunday month there will not be a service in the village as pre-Covid we would have gone to St. Paul’s. Our services are all at 11.00am To receive details for ongoing lay-led worship please telephone Carol on 01404 851113 or email charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk or Julia on gshaminister@gmail.com .  Or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680. 

If any of our elder parishioners who do not have access to the internet would like to join our
telephone service which is free of charge – all you have to do is put your phone on speaker and
dial 08006510080.  When asked for the code you key in 329 9789 and press the # key.  When asked just say your name and press the# key and you will be joining the service. We would be pleased to have new participants. The service lasts approximately half an hour and we usually have a chat afterwards with our cuppas.

Our Harvest Festival will again be held outside in the new part of the churchyard (as it was last
year). We hope you will bring your own lunch (we are not allowed to provide refreshments yet,
hence no harvest supper this year) but we would welcome parishioners who do not intend to
attend the actual service to come and join us for a communal ‘lunch’ from about 11.45. We are
hoping to be able to provide cover. There will be a basket in the porch for collections of non-perishable food for the Honiton Food Bank, if there are any vegetables or fruit we can offer them to the fresh food bank in Queen Street or the foodshare unit.
.
We are now intending to have the church open three days a week, Wednesday, Friday and either
Saturday or Sunday depending on if there is an in-church service. If you do want to visit the church at another time please contact Carol on 01404 851113 to arrange.

Honiton Mission Community

As Rev’d Sue will be on leave during October there will only be retired clergy looking after the
Mission Community with Julia helping out with lay-led. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations.  The monthly newsletter Around the Parishes is included plus details of Rev’d Sue’s weekly Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am.  As our MC churches are now having their own services, Rev’d Sue has decided that from the beginning of September the Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am, will be discontinued, however the St. Paul’s 11.00am Eucharist will now be live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office sue41260@gmail.com, / office@honitoncofe.org and the link will be forwarded.  Or ring the Parish office to book your place in person, 01404 44035.  Messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. The ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.30pm will continue; you can also get that link from Rev’d Sue. It is unlikely there will be a 6.30 Zoom service in October, but please check with Mollie.  

St Paul’s are offering outdoor take-away coffee and biscuits on a Tuesday, free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid.Their Harvest Festival is on the 12th September at 11.00 and will be non-Eucharistic and held on the forecourt. With Rev’d Sue’s leave. the All Souls service this year will be held on the first Sunday in November, details on the website.

The village of Buckerell is having a week long festival which will include their fete on Saturday 4th from 2 – 4 with stalls, raffle and teas then 5th September service with Bishop Jackie (fully booked) at 11am.

Awliscombe are also holding their fete on Saturday 4th September starting at 1.00 at the Otter
Inn, with stalls, games, duck race etc. They will not be offering teas.

September 2021 200 Club Results

1st  Ruby Marker-Morgan           2nd  Joyce Lovell              3rd   Fiona Clampin                  
4th  Julia Barrett                           5th   Julie Broadhurst      6 month Paul Miller             

There is now only one 200 club number left you can contact me – details below and I will send an
application form.. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by
standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann 01404851113, 07946409142,
charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk. Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10.,
and £5., with 2 six monthly (September and March) of £48. If you join by October 1st the cost
would be £6.00 and thereafter £12 from April next year.

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. If you would like a copy by email, please let me (Carol McCann) have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order.  Some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated.  The address is Carol McCann, 3 School Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. Telephone 01404 851113. I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter and Hayne Farm Estate Sales Office again until such time as the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.  Do let me have your email as I am hopefully trying to save on printing costs and looking after our lovely planet. Thank you.  

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946 409142     charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.

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 October edition is 27th September please.  I hope to send out on Friday 8th October.  If you can print a copy off for a neighbour who doesn’t have the internet, I would be most grateful.  Thank you.

Pierre’s cafe, 5th December 2021

Pierre’s monthly cafe will be held on the first Sunday in December, rather than the second Sunday in the month as usual.

The village hall will be open between 10am and 4pm for home-made croissants and pains au chocolat in the morning. Lunch will be a French-inspired dish, and as it’s Christmas there will be a French yule log for dessert.

Vegetarians and vegans welcome. Bring your own drinks. Cards and cash accepted. Telephone Pierre on 07545 214940 for more details, or email pierregraeber@yahoo.fr

2021-08 Gittisham Gazette August 2021

A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

August 2021 Edition 234

Macmillan Cancer Support

We are a group of four residents living in Furze Close on the Hayne Farm Estate. During the many COVID lockdowns, as neighbours we have become supportive friends and realised we have all been touched and affected by cancer within our families and the impact it has had on us and those around us. With this in mind, we have all decided to take part in The MacMillan Jurassic Mighty Hike on 4th September, walking 13 miles to raise money for this phenomenal charity. The four of us span a varied age group from 29 to 50 something, with post-lockdown and post-pregnancy fitness levels against us. The 13 mile coastal trek is to be completed in 5 hours which will definitely be a challenge for all of us. To cross the line with pride, our goal is to raise £1,000 between us for this much needed charity. We are aware that for many of us times have been tough recently; however if you could spare a little something to help us on our way, we as a group would be extremely grateful and the money would be used to support those affected by this dreadful disease. We have set up a gofundme page which you can access by going to: Go fund me and search Jurassic coast mighty hike! By Josie Hemming.

Or message Ian on 07768 741590 with your name, address and amount donated and he will add it to one of our sponsor forms. This will be collected after the walk. Thank you for sparing the time to read about us, we hope that as a community we can all come together to help us achieve our goal.
Thank you in advance.
Ian, Jan, Ness and Josie. AKA: Fitness Furze!!.                                

Pierre’s Sunday café

Pierre Graeber is running a ‘pop-up’ Sunday café in the Gittisham Village Hall starting this Sunday (8th) and will be repeating on the second Sunday of each month (except December 2021, when it will be the first Sunday).  Opening at 9.00am and serving a choice of homemade croissants, pains au chocolat, pains aux raisins, followed by ploughman’s with a selection of salads and homemade ice cream among other goodies for tea.  The café closes at 5.00pm.  For details please contact Pierre on 01404 851442,  07545 214940, pierregraeber@yahoo.fr  Coffee/tea available but if you want alcohol please bring your own.  Pierre has the facilities to accept card payments.  

People in the News

Congratulations to Hattie (nee Agg-Manning) and Olly Harrison on the birth of Agatha Robin Ophelia born on the 16th July weighing in at 9lb.2oz.  Both mother and baby doing very well.

Sidmouth Junction Ploughing Match

This event will take place on 12th September 2021, starting 10:00 am at Gittisham Farm,  Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AX with kind permission from the Hayman family.  We welcome entries.  Spectators admission free.  All day food available. Raffle.  Horse Ploughing Demonstration.  https://www.facebook.com/SJDPA/ Details from Phillip Gibbins sjploughing@gmail.com or telephone 07779 685858

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show 7th August

There was a good entry in the various classes, viewing of the entries, cream teas and raffle were available in the early afternoon. The cup winners are as follows:-

Potato in a bucket  – The Mr Potatohead trophy  Sarah Abbott with 2.137kg  
Vegetables & Herbs   The Marker Cup    most points   Leonard Abbott
Best Vegetable in show – runner beans   Leonard Abbott
Flowers   The Flower Shield   most points   Sarah Abbott
Best flower in show The Wakley Cup   Ann Stansell
Homecraft   most points   The Homecraft Cup  Anne Holley
Children’s up to 6 years Infant Cup most points Agnes Charnley
Children 6 –11 years  Junior Cup most points  William Fuller
Children in Adult classes age 12 – 16 years  McCann Cup most points Kadence Cheffey
Men’s baking – Dundee cake  Men’s Cup  Steve Minshall

Parish Council – August report

Five councillors met for both meetings. Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) was also present.

EDDC Reports.   

In his absence, Cllr Jake Bonetta (Honiton St Michael’s) sent a report thanking the community of Gittisham Vale ward for entrusting him with the office of District Councillor. He has been appointed as the Assistant Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Sport by the Leader of EDDC. Mr Bonetta said he’d received a number of complaints from residents in Honiton St. Michael’s about missed recycling collections over the past couple of weeks/month. The reason is part of a wider problem of lack of staff available due to the continuing effects of the coronavirus as well as new Brexit restrictions. Any missed recycling collections will be picked up within a couple of days of the scheduled collections.

Members welcomed the other new district councillor, Alasdair Bruce.  He began by saying that he considered himself a district councillor first, a Conservative second, and he hoped to be able to follow in the footsteps of the excellent work done by former Cllr Susie Bond.  He said that another EDDC councillor was proposing to beef up the council’s response to abuse of the planning process when it comes to the felling of trees, often during the pre-planning process. Cllr Bruce said he himself had raised the issue of Ash dieback, which often requires a rapid response due to public safety issues and cannot wait for planning approval as an example. This would also apply to farmers trying to manage trees on their land and forestry businesses.

Finance. 

Councillors noted the finances.

Crimes.   

June 2021, 1 x violence crime, 1 x other theft.

Defibrillator, Hayne Farm  

Councillors resolved to approve the purchase of a defibrillator for the Hayne Farm development.

Planning applications. 
a) Combe Garden Centre Gittisham – Erection of a storage building on land adjacent to Coombe Garden Centre for the storage of stock. No objection. Concerns were raised however over whether there is adequate onsite storage of surface water to prevent any additional run-off onto the A30. 

Play area.  

Peter Orchard reported that the replacement swing seats and chains were due to arrive on 8th October.  He also circulated a draft spec to members for the play area’s new items. Janet Twist said there was no update on the Hayne Farm play area. 

Councillor vacancy, Gittisham Vale.  

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 gittishamparishcouncil@gmail.com

Scam awareness.  

Janet Twist explained that home electric vehicle charging points can be hacked. Two home chargers, Wallbox and Project EV, have been found to be lacking adequate security when used with an accompanying app for smart phones.  Updated software is now available and owners are being encouraged to update their software ASAP.

Hayne Lane.   

Councillors agreed that Hayne Lane and Beech Walk were becoming terrible rat runs for  motorists.  Hayne Lane in particular is difficult to walk, the state of the road is poor and there is a large amount of litter.  Members agreed to ask Phil Twiss if a traffic count survey could be carried out.  A suggestion has been made that Hayne Lane could be made “Farm Traffic Only” and this will be investigated via DCC.

Next meeting. 

This will be on Thurs 2nd September (tbc) at 7.30pm              

Cake Sale

Hayne Farm Estate are holding a cake sale on Sunday 8th from 11am in Furze Close come rain or shine to raise funds for Macmillan.  They look forward to meeting you.

St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club

St. Michael’s Gittisham

On 7th August it was lovely to have a wedding in church with the couple Lorraine Dolley and Ian Frost coming from the new Hayne Farm Estate.  We wish them every happiness in their new life as husband and wife and we hope to see them in the village again soon.

Our monthly 11.00am Eucharist (Communion) service continues to be held on the 2nd Sunday.  Numbers are less restricted but bookings would be very helpful.  Please ring Carol on telephone 01404 851113.  Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks preferably to be worn, but if you want to sing you must wear masks. Angie led our lay-led morning worship on 25th July and Carol led the telephone service on 1st August, To receive details for ongoing lay-led worship please email me Carol charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk  or telephone 01404 851113.  Julia is signed off then on leave for the rest of August; after that you can contact her on gshaminister@gmail.com or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.  Our current pattern of Sunday worship at 11.00am on the 1st Sunday in the month is a telephone service, 2nd Sunday Eucharist in church, 3rd Sunday Lay-led Morning Worship in church and hopefully the 4th Sunday will be a café-style service.  But while Julia is off the 4th will either be Lay-led  in church or a telephone one.  Services will ultimately be published on the Gittisham website https://gittisham.org or you can contact Julia or myself (Carol McCann).

If any of our elder citizens who do not have access to the internet would like to join our telephone service which is free of charge – all you have to do is put your phone on speaker and dial
0800 651 0080 and when asked for the code you key in 329 9789 and press the # key.  When asked just say your name and press the # key and you will be joining the service.  We would be pleased to have new participants.  The service lasts approximately half an hour and we usually have a chat afterwards with our cuppas.

Honiton Mission Community

The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations.  The monthly newsletter Around the Parishes is included plus details of Rev’d Sue’s weekly Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am.  If you would like to join in this service do please email Rev’d Sue and she will forward the link  sue41260@gmail.com . There is also a ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.00pm. St. Paul’s is now offering a Said Eucharist on Sunday at 11.00am each week.  Places need to be booked through the Parish office on 01404 44035 or office@honitoncofe.org and messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays.  

St Paul’s are offering outdoor take-away coffee and biscuits on a Tuesday, free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid.

On 5th and 6th the Mission Community offered hot drinks and biscuits at Honiton Show.  Although the weather was mostly inclement, visitors were appreciative despite not being able to use the full facilities of the tent. On both days Rev’d Sue and helpers handed out childrens’ activity bags (500 in all!).  There were helpers from across the Mission Community, masterminded by Lyn Thatcher and Val Foss with rota help from Judith Turner.  We all hope to be at next year’s show to carry on the work of the Mission Community and hope we can get back to normal again.

August 2021 200 Club Results

1st  Amanda Acland                             2nd  John Boswell              3rd   Helen Hayman!                  
4th  Maureen Doidge                           5th   Christine Rew             

If anyone is interested in joining the church 200 club you can contact me – details below and I will send an application form. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann telephone 01404 851113, mobile 07946 409142, charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.  Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10., and £5., with 2 six monthly (September and March) of £48.  Currently there are three numbers available and if you join by September 1st the cost would be £7.00 per number  and thereafter £12 for each number.

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. If you would like a copy by email, please let me (Carol McCann) have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order.  Some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. Telephone 01404 851113. I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter and Hayne Farm Estate Sales Office again until such time as the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.  Do let me have your email as I am hopefully trying to save on printing costs and looking after our lovely planet. Thank you.  

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.

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 August edition is 23rd August please.  I hope to send out on Friday 4th September.  If you can print a copy off for a neighbour who doesn’t have the internet, I would be most grateful.  Thank you.

2021-07 Gittisham Gazette July 2021

A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

July 2021 Edition 233

My Skydiving Experience – by Kirsty Davey

This experience was amazing, invigorating and I would definitely do it again. How can I describe it well.. When I got to Dunkeswell I had a safety briefing which was really good and reassuring. I think I was quite calm during all of it. Nerves got to me only slightly as unfortunately the clouds were low, and had to wait a bit. As the day went on, the jumps started. Seeing people go up all nervous, and then coming down with massive smiles on their faces, made me more excited to go up.  They called me to get into the jumpsuits and harness. I met my brilliant instructor (Joby), and camera man (Daniel), and they put my mind at rest. We got on the plane, this is it. The plane journey to 15,000ft took about 10 mins. Once we broke through the clouds the sky was blue and so sunny. It was time to jump the door came up and kneeling in the doorway was a little scary but felt so safe, strange, I know. Looking out to the fluffy clouds below was amazing, we edged closer and then just tipped forward out the plane. We tumbled for a couple of seconds going head first towards the clouds. The freefall was the best feeling, it felt like we were floating, flying and free, but with a lot of wind and noise it didn’t feel like we were falling at all. After 10,000ft free fall lasting about a minute, Joby pulled the shoot and all of a sudden everything became quiet, the wind stopped, and we gracefully glided to the clouds which were really thick and tingled my face. I actually took control of the parachute, and could feel the slight wind pulling as I tried to steer it. When we got through the clouds we could see the view of Dunkeswell, Honiton and I think I Gittisham too. As we came in to land Joby took back the controls, we glided in, and the landing was so gentle like just sitting down.  I hope I have given enough to show you all a little bit of the experience I had.

 As some of you know I was going to do the skydive last year for my birthday (a big birthday), and after waiting for a year (due to Covid) I got to thinking with help of a couple of friends why not do a fund raiser for local animal charities that were hit hard last year by Covid. I am keeping the Go fund me page running for a few more weeks, so if you can spare a couple of pounds and would like to donate please go to: https://www.gofundme.com/skydive-for-local-animal-sanctuaries or contact me via WhatsApp if you would like to give a cash donation.  ALL money is going to be split equally between the charities listed on the go fund me page.                                

Gittisham Village Hall events

This year’s Village Hall Committee AGM will take place on Tuesday 13th July at 19:00. We are planning to hold this outdoors at the Village Hall and under a gazebo if the weather is inclement.

All welcome to join.  Thank you,

The Village Hall Committee

Gittisham Get-Together

The Village Hall Committee would like to announce a new date for the Gittisham Get-together. This will now take place on Saturday 7th August at 6pm following the Flower and Produce Show. As before, please bring your own food the barbeque will be lit, and drinks, and we look forward to seeing you! Come and make new friends.

People in the News

Farewell to Sarah and Will who lived at Westgate and will now be living in Portugal.
We look forward to welcoming the new owner of Westgate when he takes up residence.

It is with sadness I advise that Violet Quick died at Hill House Abbeyfield Combe Raleigh on 11th June aged 86. Violet worked for 3 generations of the Hayman family at Gittisham Farm. Her funeral took place at the East Devon Crematorium on 29th June, may she rest in peace.

Combe Garden Centre

It’s almost our birthday! We cannot believe it has been a whole year since we opened our doors, and what a year it has been! Thank you to everyone who has visited and continues to visit us, we love what we are doing, and are excited to see what the next year brings us.

We love all the seasonal English and local produce coming into the shop daily this time of year, including produce out of our own garden.  Our butchery counter is stocked full of everything you could want, along with our usual cuts, we have a large range of BBQ items, some ready to go in our own in house made marinades.  Si is always available to chat to about your ideas and help you pick the right cut.   We continue to bake daily a range of breads and treats, and don’t forget you can also enjoy a lovely local “Buzz” coffee from our takeaway whilst out for your shop or on a walk.

Our milk vending machine is proving to be very popular, and we have just introduced organic milkshakes.  These are also available 24hrs a day, and shortly the syrups will be replaced with homemade ones from Hollis Mead Farm. 

We will be at the Honiton show on August 5th and 6th, if you are planning on going to the show, please pop by and say hello. We would love to see you.

Thank you for your continued support

Joanna and the Team

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show 7th August

The date of the annual Gittisham Flower and Produce Show fast approaches.  Entry forms should be returned to Sarah or Len Abbott 4 Church Mead, Gittisham, EX14 3AH by 31 July. Forms were included in the March Gazette or can be printed off from the Gittisham website, www.gittisham.org.uk

With your support, 7 August will continue the long tradition of the community spirit which is Gittisham, where all are welcome to take part and enjoy the fun. So please, now is time to complete the entry form and send / take to Sarah or Len.

Entries are welcome from all residents of Gittisham Parish, which includes Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm.   Entries are also welcome from those who no longer live in the Parish, but used to, and continue to actively support the village.

Please note that all entries must be set up between 9am and 10.45am when the hall will be closed.  Our judges have another show to judge and therefore their available time is restricted.  

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Angie Hutchings telephone 01404 45101 or Sue Fallows telephone 01404 850922. See you on 7 August and meanwhile keep gardening!!

Parish Council – June / July report

Five councillors met for both meetings. Phil Twiss (DCC) was also present.

DCC Report.       

Phil Twiss said that to date more than 1.5m doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been given across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay with 679,000 people having received their second dose. Proof of vaccination can now be demonstrated using the NHS Covid Pass service where you can view and share your Covid pass for event trials and foreign travel.

Finance. 

Councillors approved the annual accounts and governance statement for 2020/21 and noted the finances for June and July.

Crimes. 

May 2021, 2 x violence and sexual offences, 1 x anti-social behaviour.

Defibrillator, Hayne Farm    

Janet Twist said November is seen as the goal date for going live with a defibrillator, which would be sited on posts near an apartment block.

Planning applications.
a) Pomeroy House Gittisham – Localised repairs & reinstatement of section of collapsed garden boundary wall. No objection.

b) Coign Cottage Gittisham – Variation of condition no.2 to allow for a change of materials used and alterations to the proposed plans. No objection in principle, but slight concern over the use of non-traditional materials to this part of Devon.

c) 1 Hamlet Cottages Weston – demolition of existing workshop to be replaced with a new self-build dwelling. Objection, as granting permission would establish a new residential unit in the countryside without agricultural need being sought.

d) Unit 5 Weston Park Devonshire Road – variation of opening hours. Objection, as concern over noise and proximity to homes, caused by music, traffic and people.

e) Bakery Cottage Gittisham – Single storey rear extension; alteration of workshop to form garden room. Concern over absence of detailed flood risk assessment including floor levels.

Play area.   

Carol Hall explained that she and Peter Orchard had met EDDC officers to understand the next steps in progressing new items in line with May’s public consultation exercise.

Old Elm Road gate.

Phil Twiss said he had discussed with the DCC Neighbourhood Highways Officer to find funding to make the emergency gateway at the end of Old Elm Road where it meets Hayne Lane    wheelchair and motorised wheelchair-accessible.

Scam awareness.  

Janet Twist explained that an ongoing scam is a cold caller impersonating a legitimate mobile network operator or supplier.  There is also a Covid Vaccine Passport scam email purporting to be from the NHS; clicking on the link will take you to a fake NHS website where you are asked for personal and payment details.  In reality details of your vaccine status are available free via the official NHS website.  Another doing the rounds is a suspicious SMS message, claiming to be from a delivery company, asking you to click on a link to track the delivery status of a package. These messages are actually linked to a banking Trojan called “FLUBOT”. It asks receiver to install a tracking app to track the status of the package, when its intention is to steal credentials and other personal data.

Road closures.   

From 20th July resurfacing work will be carried out on the A375 Sidmouth Road; overnight    closures 1900-0700 for 12 weekday nights in two phases.  Roundabout totally closed at 2300 each night.

Next meeting. 

This will be on 4th August at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Music for a Summer Night

Music by University of Exeter Chapel Choir and friends at Coryhill, Combe Raleigh, Saturday 24th July.

Concert at 6.30pm Gates Open 5.30pm Bring picnics, rugs, chairs etc.  Free parking, raffle and hot drinks on sale. Box Office: 01392285983  or  01404 46452  online booking www.exeter-cathedral.eventbrite.com  Advance tickets £12.50  or £15.00 after 20th July   –  Tickets only refundable if government policy changes. Proceeds to Exeter Cathedral Music Foundation.

St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club

St. Michael’s Gittisham

Our monthly 11.00am Eucharist (Communion) service continues to be held on the second Sunday.  Numbers are currently still restricted so  you need to book your place with Carol by telephoning 01404 851113.  Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks to be worn. Currently we are still not permitted to sing in the church, unless July 19th brings changes.  Our June outdoor lay-led ‘Café’ style church had to be cancelled with inclement weather.  We hope, weather permitting, to have more outdoor services  in varying styles and may on occasions be able to hire the village hall for these more informal services. To  receive details for ongoing lay-led worship please email Julia on gshaminister@gmail.com or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.  Julia is currently planning a pattern of Sunday worship at 11.00am and once it has been formulated the details will be published on the Gittisham website https://gittisham.org

Honiton Mission Community

The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations.  The monthly newsletter Around the Parishes is included plus details of Rev’d Sue’s weekly Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am.  If you would like to join in this service do please email Rev’d Sue and she will forward the link  sue41260@gmail.com . There is also a ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.00pm. St. Paul’s is now offering a Said Eucharist on Sunday at 11.00am each week.  Places need to be booked through the Parish office on 01404 44035 or office@honitoncofe.org and messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays.  

Combe Raleigh are holding an Open Garden Weekend over the weekend of 17th and 18th July.

St Paul’s have started outdoor take-away coffee and biscuits on a Tuesday, free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid.

On 5th and 6th the Mission Community will be offering hot drinks and biscuits to Honiton Show visitors, this year things will be slightly different due to current restrictions.  If you are going to the show and could spare an hour to help please let Judith Turner know as she is is organising the rota.  Telephone 01404 851061 or 07984829187 thank you.   

July 2021 200 Club Results

1st  Ron Kallmieir                             2nd  Joanna Marker              3rd   Sarah Agg-Manning                  
4th  Owen Morgan                           5th   Christine Rew             

Those who didn’t renew your 200 Club subscriptions by the end of May and I haven’t heard from you, I am releasing your number/s as I  assume you no longer wish to be a member.   If anyone is interested in joining the church 200 club you can contact me – details below and I will send an application form. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann telephone 01404 851113 or mobile 07946 409142 email charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.  Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10., and £5., with 2 six monthly (September and March) of £48.

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. If you would like a copy by email, please let me (Carol McCann) have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order.  Some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. Telephone 01404 851113. I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter and Hayne Farm Estate Sales Office again until such time as the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.  Do let me have your email as I am hopefully trying to save on printing costs and looking after our lovely planet. Thank you.  

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.

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 August edition is 26th July please.  I hope to send out on 6th August.

Airband July newsletter

You may be aware that in December 2020, CDS (Connecting Devon and Somerset), with support from the Government, signed contracts with Airband to deliver full fibre broadband to 40,154 homes and businesses in earmarked areas of Devon and Somerset and require the construction of an estimated 2,419 miles of fibre network. Delivery will be in phases between 2021 and 2024.

As part of this new Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) Broadband network, Gittisham Parish has a number of premises within this contract that are to benefit directly. Many other premises along the fibre route and within close proximity may also be able to access the network once completed.

The two sections of the new network that will service your Parish is due to be completed in Quarter 3, 2022. Surveying is imminent which will raise curiosity within your community. We intend to address this in advance where possible.

As the Community Liaison Executive for your region,  I will be visiting your parish in the near future to engage with your community and give details of the technology, products and process that will be available for the project, and the benefits of full fibre broadband to your residential and business communities.

If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,                                                           

Lynda Sudlow

Community Liaison Executive

Email : lynda.sudlow@airband.co.uk

Tel :        07399 050 349

2021-10 Gittisham Gazette Oct 2021

A monthly Community Newsletter published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

October 2021 Edition 236

Cars – The Modern Apocalypse by Daphne Hall

Transport: we can’t live without it. Whether you take the bus, the train, or you drive to work, you are indefinitely contributing to the close to irreversible climate crisis that is happening all around us.

In the year 2014, the average UK household released 8.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide, 34% of which was from transport, meaning transport is responsible for over a quarter of all emissions, making it the largest emitting sector in the UK.

Road traffic is one of the UK’s biggest killers, responsible for approximately 36,000 premature deaths every year. This is a result of the pollution that road traffic causes. Nitrogen dioxide inflames the lung’s lining and reduces immunity to lung and breathing related diseases. The UK government has made benchmarks for acceptable levels of pollution; however, these are often breached, leading to them losing twice already in court, for failing to handle the situation. There is no doubt that our governments are overlooking this problem.

It is clear that in order to combat the growing problem of climate change, and to stop thousands of inevitable deaths, something needs to change within the transport sector. So, if the government isn’t going to do anything about the crisis, what can you as an individual do to help tackle this issue?

  • Public transport is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint from transport – the more people travelling in a vehicle, the smaller the carbon footprint of each person. Travelling at peak times is another more environmentally sustainable option that you could consider. The bus from Gittisham can take you to Honiton, Ottery, Exeter and right to Honiton railway station which goes all the way to London. There is always a better way to travel than by car.
  • Electric cars are another of the best ways to travel, especially for people living in rural areas. However, this, being a big investment, is not always a viable option for everyone. Another option is routine car maintenance to make your car as fuel-efficient as possible. Believe it or not, keeping your tyres properly inflated can go a long way in lowering emissions over time.
  • You can also simply remove excess weight from your car, remove roof boxes and bike racks, and plan your journey better to avoid traffic. Just something as straightforward as refraining from using the air con and sticking to the speed limits is enough to drastically reduce your fuel consumption, hence carbon footprint.

Please consider these options as every action counts, and it is up to us to make this change before it’s too late.

Daphne is at Exeter College and this is part of her coursework.  Well done, I look forward to having another article in the future,  –  Carol McCann 

People in the News

Arrivals

A belated warm Gittisham welcome to the Wolsley family, Will, Florence and their children Scarlett and Wolfie.  Flo used to live in Gittisham as a child so it is like a home coming for her, but to a different house.

Congratulations to Chris (Gittisham Farm’s herdsman) and wife Naomi on the birth of baby Lillie.

Also to Alice and Jamie Burridge on the birth of second daughter Isla Charlotte Lily, a sister for Sophie. Another grand-daughter for Frances and Charles Holme.

A new family have moved to the bungalow where Hazel lived, at Church Mead we welcome them and look forward to meeting them.

Departures

It was sad to learn that Doreen Wensley lost two of her sisters within nine days of each other: younger sister Joyce and older one Peg.  Both were in Wonford. Doreen has one remaining sister and we pray they and their families have many happy memories to cherish.

Lady Mary Ann Denham, a previous Gittisham resident who lived at both Curlditch and Crabbs Cottage, died on the 27th September in Amesbury.  Her late husband Colonel John Denham is in our churchyard. I have not heard if Lady Mary Ann will come to join him.  We wish daughter Lucy and son Francis and their families peace to grieve and many happy memories.

Both Bert Whitmore (August) and Ron Kallmieir (September) passed away.  Both were supporters of the parish.  I attended Ron’s funeral on 23rd and he has now joined his late wife in St. Michael’s Honiton churchyard.  Happily reunited. We wish Beattie (Bert’s wife) and her family along with Ron’s family peace and lots of happy memories to cherish.

Moving

Doreen Cooper – a regular member of our congregation and a stalwart of the Sunday telephone service when she enjoyed participating in the readings etc. – is  currently in Wonford.  We understand she will be going into a nursing home when discharged from hospital.  We wish her well.

Combe Garden Centre

Lots of interesting bulbs for planting now, are available, plus winter and spring bedding.  Kiln dried logs and kindling an be ordered.  The Christmas decorations and lighting are now also on display as are the gift ideas in Velvet and Parade, the gift and lifestyle shop within the centre.  The Kitchen is fully up and running for breakfasts, morning coffees, lunches and afternoon teas daily.

Honiton Citizens Advice Centre

The Honiton Citizens Advice Centre (HCAS) is now open on Mondays in the lower offices of the Library offering advice and help with many types of benefit applications.  Open from 9.30am, our advisers are all trained.  There is no need to book, just turn up and we will give you as much help as we can.

Sidmouth Junction Ploughing Match

There was a splendid array of vintage tractors taking part in the ploughing match plus a pair of shire horses giving demonstrations. 

Parish Council – September / October report

Six councillors met for both meetings. Phil Twiss (DCC) was also present; Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) attended the Oct meeting; Jake Bonetta (EDDC) attended the Sept meeting.

Flooding. 

Members discussed recent flooding in Gittisham village, following concerns from some residents and councillors over the state of the drains.  It was agreed that the way forward in future would involve a combination of work by residents and the lengthsman, as well as frequent reporting on DCC’s website.  The Chair said that although it’s unlikely there’ll be funding available, awareness that the village in particular is vulnerable to flash storms might give Gittisham higher priority for drain cleaning. 

Finance. 

Councillors noted the finances.

Crime.

July 2021: 1 x anti-social behaviour, Laburnum Close
1 x criminal damage & arson, Cypress Close

Road closures.

12 October Exeter Road/Heathpark Way closed for resurfacing for 3 nights.

11-12 November Road closure for Western Power – Road past Shermans Farm.

22-24 November Road closure for Jurassic Fibre – Ironbridge to Eveleigh’s Farm.

Traffic speeds.
David Valentine reported that the speed monitoring box has been installed at the west end of the village.  Peter Orchard and Janet Twist reported they had carried out a traffic survey on Hayne Lane.  They said although the perception was that traffic numbers had increased, the numbers from the survey did not bear this out. 

Planning applications.

  1. Bakery Cottage Gittisham – Single storey rear extension and internal alterations. Creation of courtyard and parking bay with EV charging point and erection of maximum 1.8m wall/fence. Alteration of workshop/store to form garden room. (amended plans concerning revision to extension).  No objection.
  2. Combe Garden Centre Hayne Lane – Regularisation of laying of hardstanding and use as overflow parking area for staff and construction of building for storage of stock for Combe Garden Centre.  No objection in principle; however, councillors said they would like to see an additional passing place and give way signs for motorists leaving the centre. Provision for surface water drainage also needs to be addressed to prevent it flowing onto the highway.
  3. Goldcombe Farmhouse Gittisham – Change of use of holiday let to dwelling.  No objection.  Parish councillors fully support the application, and welcome having additional rented properties in the village.

Play area.    

Maggie Walker thanked Cllrs Orchard & Rowe for installing the replacement swing seats.

Old Elm Road gate.   

Peter Orchard explained that disabled access via the gate at the end of Old Elm Road may be resolved by the end of November. 

Councillor vacancy, Gittisham Vale.  

The clerk said anyone interested in becoming a parish councillor should contact the clerk for further information by emailing gittishamparishcouncil@gmail.com before 31st Oct.

Scam awareness. 

Janet Twist said a new number 159 is being trialled for a year by a group of banks and telephone firms.  Contacting this number will automatically connect you to your bank’s fraud prevention service.  Not all banks are signed up currently, although that may change.

Next meeting. 

This will be on 4th November at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Pierre’s Sunday pop-up cafe

Come and enjoy a delicious Ploughman’s lunch, French-style, at Pierre’s cafe on Sunday 10th October in Gittisham Village Hall.  There will also be home-made croissants and pains au chocolat from 10am (these sell out quickly!) to go with your morning coffee or tea.  Dessert will be a pear and almond tart or strawberry tart.  Bring your own alcoholic drinks.  Vegans and vegetarians welcome.  Booking: tel. 07545 214940.  Last orders at 4pm. Cards and cash accepted for payment.

Autumn get-together

Whilst the Village Hall Committee would love to organise an autumnal quiz and welcome everyone into the hall, we have decided to opt for outdoor events for the time being. Instead, please join us in the play park on Sunday 7th November for soup and sparklers from 5.30pm. No fireworks or bonfire due to the proximity of thatch properties, but plenty of sparkling conversation and warming food. We hope to see you there. 

Book swaps in bus shelters

The Parish Council is very happy for the bus shelters to be used for book swaps, but please keep donations within the plastic tray or box provided.  Anything more will be removed. The bus shelters must have room for people to wait for their buses and maintain social distancing. There needs to be seating on both sides please. Charities will be very grateful for donations of books and CDs too. Recycling in Ottery has parking outside.

Mighty Hike

We have finally gotten round to totalling up our sponsorship monies. With the help of everyone who supported us we have managed to raise £1,100.54 for Macmillan, we have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity considering the uncertain times that we all live in.

We completed the walk in just under 5 hours and came in 50, 51 and 52 out of 395 which was totally unexpected due to our post lockdown fitness levels.  We had an amazing day. The weather was kind, the people involved were brilliant and the walk itself was challenging in places but visually stunning.
As this was our first attempt at anything of this nature we are proposing to give one of next year’s Mighty Hikes a go and hopefully raise even more money by investing our time in organising further fund raising events prior to the walk and involving our newly found community.

We will be keeping our fund raising page open for another month just in case there are any further donations in the pipeline.  This can be found by using the link https://gofund.me/c8f082e1

St Michael’s Church, Honiton Mission Community and 200 Club

St. Michael’s Gittisham

On 10th October there will be a telephone service and our next monthly 11.00am Eucharist (Communion) service will be held on Sunday 17th October and will include a Baptism.  The November one will revert back to the second Sunday 14th which will be Remembrance Sunday.  We will start at the Lych-gate with a short service of reflection, before going in to the church to continue with the communion.   Numbers are less restricted but bookings would be very helpful as the service sheets still have to be printed and it will save too many pages being wasted.  Telephone Carol on 01404 851113.

Obviously until told otherwise, social distancing and masks should preferably be worn, but if you want to sing you must wear masks. Usually when there is a five-Sunday month there will not be a service in the village, as pre-Covid we would have gone to St. Paul’s.  Our services are all at 11.00am  To receive details for ongoing worship,  Eucharistic and lay-led, please email me Carol   charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk  or Julia on gshaminister@gmail.com or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.

Our Harvest Festival was held in church on Sunday 3rd October as the weather was not good enough to erect the marquee. There was a good collection of non-perishable food for the Honiton Food Bank, and the vegetables and fruit were taken to the fresh food bank in Queen Street.  Thanks to all who donated goods.  

We are continuing to have the church open three or four days in the week, and as the weather is cooler now the door will be closed but unlocked.  If you find it closed and would like to view or have prayer space, please ring me (Carol on 01404 851113) and hopefully I will be home to unlock.

Honiton Mission Community

Rev’d Sue is on leave during October. 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 will be live-streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue  or the Parish Office sue41260@gmail.com, /  offce@honitoncofe.org and the link will be  forwarded.  Or ring the Parish office to book your place in person, 01404 44035  messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays.  The ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.30pm will continue, from November when Rev’d Sue returns, you can also get that link from her then.

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.  Their Harvest Festival on the 12th September on the forecourt was well attended although a little chilly.  With Rev’d Sue’s leave the All Souls service this year will be held on the first Sunday in November.

Buckerell

The Harvest was held despite having had a large fall of plasterwork from the ceiling.  Their September week of festivities went well and a lot of fun was had by all.

Awliscombe

The fete on Saturday 4th September at the Otter Inn was also a success.  They were able to have a harvest supper attended by about 50, their service was also well attended.

October 2021 200 Club Results

1st  Paul Wakely                      2nd  Muriel Pearl               3rd   Peter Orchard                  
4th  Stephanie King                           5th   Nigel Blackmore             

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. If you would like a copy by email, please let me (Carol McCann) have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order.  Some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. Telephone 01404 851113. I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter and Hayne Farm Estate Sales Office again until such time as the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.  Do let me have your email as I am hopefully trying to save on printing costs and looking after our lovely planet. Thank you.  

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk.

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 November edition is 25th October please.  I hope to send out on 5th November.

Police newsletter – summary

Plant and vehicle theft costs the UK millions of pounds each year, and in some cases the stolen vehicles will be used to commit further offences. Thefts are often linked to organised crime groups and often equipment is taken out of the UK for sale.

Basic Prevention Advice 

Remove GPS systems when not in use and PIN enable StarFire Systems.  

  • Record accurately your vehicle and machinery VIN, engine & chassis numbers.  
  • Register your equipment and vehicles with the free national property register: Immobilise – https://www.immobolise.com and The Equipment Register, which is Europe’s largest database of plant and equipment.  
  • Photograph your equipment and vehicles as well as property marking including CASAR (data tag).
  • Remove keys from the vehicles when not in use and if possible, keep vehicles and machinery in a lockable shed, garage or building.  
  • Join Farm Watch and other local social media/ community groups to keep  in touch with what is happening locally. 
  • Join the Farm No Cold Caller Scheme.

 Fuel Theft – Tanks and Heating Oil

With the colder months approaching, tanks are likely to be full and with shorter days, it is more common for thefts to occur.   If you are able to, position the tank close to a house or somewhere it is overlooked. Switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and electricity supplies isolated when the tank is not in use.   Consider installing an oil level gauge as they set off audible alarms if the level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. Try to protect tanks and cylinders where you can by installing cages and use ‘defensive planting’.   Signage may act as a deterrent – please contact your local Police team who may be able to assist with this.

Rural Home Security Check

  • Is your house name or number clearly identifiable from the road?
  • This will help Police find you if called to your home address!
  • Have you got any prevention signage displayed?
  • Consider installing signage which tells you have CCTV, alarms or a dog.
  • Is the outside of your home, garden and driveway well lit?
  • Have you got visible alarms installed?
  • Are ladders and tools locked away?
  • Has your home and/ or business got adequate insurance cover?
  • Have you ensured your valuables, house and car keys out of sight?

Report any suspicious behaviour to Police, taking note of descriptions and vehicle VRM’s if it is safe to do so. Over the summer months Devon & Cornwall Police were kindly loaned a CLAAS ATOS 350 tractor by Hamblys as an engagement tool to raise awareness of rural crime. Members of the Rural East Devon neighbourhood team took the tractor to a number of shows and other local events in East & Mid Devon and were able to engage and provide prevention advice to both local residents and visitors to the area. A big thank you to Hambly’s!

If you would like a visit or advice regarding Farm Security or to discuss any other rural crime issues, please contact PCSO 30017 Darren ENGLAND:  30017@dc.police.uk