Gittisham Village Hall Committee May 2024

Date 14th May 19.30 at the Village Hall
Present Hamish, Alex, Stephen, Claire, Stella, Terry, Sue (arrived late), Janet (left early)
Apologies Cordelia, Bill, Nick, Maggie, Pierre
Next meet Tuesday 11th JuneAGM: Tuesday 2nd July
ItemDetailsActions
All actionsHamish to circulate new fee structure for approval. 
Janet to add signatories to bank account. 
Alex to check and amend website re deposit taking. 
Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of lease
Nick to progress Victoria Windows quotation
Hamish to advertise working party
Alex to lead fix of shed roof
Hamish to use caulking gun around flashing
Hamish to replace bathroom tap
Hamish to advertise Father’s Day BBQ and liaise with Damien
Carol to book Smeatharpe Aerodrome talk
Hamish to approach Steve M re beekeeping talk
Stephen to approach Villages in Action
Everyone to look for a noticeboard for foyer
Alex to progress Gazette MS Forms survey questions
FinancesJanet presented the accounts for the month.
See annexe. 
We returned to the discussion of increasing the hall booking fees, last discussed at the March meeting. T
he committee agreed that a discounted parishioner’s rate should continue to be part of the new fee structure. Hamish is tidying up the analysis of 2023/24 costs and booking utilisation with year-end figures and will circulate a proposed set of fee increases (parishioner/non-parishioner, hour/longer sessions, weddings) via email for consideration and agreement at the next meeting. We are still searching for a new Treasurer to take over from Janet after the AGM. Hamish remains in discussions with a resident. We need to have more signatories to the HSBC bank account as currently it is just Janet. Agreed that Carol and Hamish should both become signatories (the former to enable the taking and returning of booking deposits), plus the new Treasurer when one is found. Is the website clear that a deposit may be taken at the point of a booking? If not we need this to be made clear to support Carol in taking deposits. Alex to check and amend as necessary? Thank you Alex. 


Hamish









Janet



Alex
GrantsLease. A number of the upcoming grant applications need details of our lease arrangements from the estate. Hamish to write to Combe Estate requesting a copy of the lease as we have replaced our original copy. Replacement windows. Hamish has written to EDDC and paid £40 for an opinion on whether PVC windows would be acceptable on the front of the hall, given the village’s conservation status. We cannot progress further until we receive a response to this question. We have made some progress on quotations (we now have one quotation from Hani and one from Select Windows) but our third quotation from Victoria Windows is still outstanding despite Nick’s best efforts, so we need to pick up this thread again. Thank you Nick. Range cooker. Alex has applied to the South West Water grant scheme (with a video application!), a £2k application for a new range cooker. Many thanks Alex. If this grant is successful then it may be sensible for Phil Twiss’s £1k top up money to also go towards a range cooker (rather than the replacement windows). Decision deferred until we know the success of the application. Community kitchen. Carol is this week submitting the application to the Devon Communities Fund for the next grant for the community kitchen – thank you Carol.Thermal heating and insulation grant. Alex is scoping this out. Hamish


Nick

















Maintenance We agreed a date for a village hall working party for outdoor maintenance – Saturday 1st June, 11am. All committee to attend if possible, and Hamish to advertise to the wider village. Aim is to get the hall spic and span before the Father’s Day BBQ. Shed roof has been temporarily fixed with tarpaulin, thank you Claire. But long-term fix still needs to happen. Alex has sourced some galvanised roof sheets from his dad and will tackle – thank you Alex. We have made no progress on the occasional leak in the back porch so rolling on the action: Hamish to get up in the loft above and use caulking gun around the flashing. If this doesn’t fix it then we can go for a specialist.The bathroom tap needs replacement. Hamish to take forwards, thanks Hamish.

All of the above and more could be part of the working party work. 
Hamish



Alex


Hamish


Hamish
BookingsSee annexe for list of May bookings. 
Future eventsSaturday 18th May, skittles. £2 for adults, £1 for children, BYO. Stephen to advertise, including poster.Sunday 16th June, Father’s Day BBQ. £5 a head. We will use June meeting to discuss in detail. Hamish to liaise with Damian about table tennis tournament (entry fees for the tournament to go to a men’s charity; money for the Father’s Day BBQ to go to the Village Hall). Hamish also to advertise.
July – Smeatharpe Aerodrome DDay Talk. £2 entry. Carol and Hamish to organise a date on either a Tuesday or a Friday. Should be good! Villagers’ talks. All agreed this was a good idea and would get people in. Hopefully Steve M can kick this off with a talk about bees. Hamish to approach him. Then through the late summer / autumn:
Alex – stargazingHamish – flood defencesSue and David – eco-agri farming
Live music. No progress on this since the last meeting. It would be good if some of our approaches came good. 
Villages in action. Stephen to approach about late 2024/2025 bookings.
Long list of other options discussed previously but not priogresses: Ceilidh, art exhibition with scones, hosting the pizza van.



Hamish



Carol

Hamish








Stephen
AOBWe need a noticeboard in the foyer and to make better use of the noticeboard outside to advertise village hall events. 
Questionnaire to the village in the April Gazette did not receive any responses – thank you Alex for trying. We need responses to gather data to support grant applications, but we also want the communication to gather ideas on how the hall can be used and to advertise the community asset. Alex is going to have another go, this time using Microsoft Forms to create a light touch survey that shouldn’t take as long to complete. Please circulate around the committee when ready Alex so that we can comment/add questions.
Everyone

Alex
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2024 to 31 March 2025
INCOMEEXPENDITURE
2023/241.04.23- 30.04.231.04.24 – 30.04.242023/241.04.23-30.04.231.04.24-30.04.24
Balance brought forward3,627.91Insurance690.380.000.00
Non-domestic rates0.000.000.00
Hire of Hall5,588.852,025.95332.50Cleaning/grass cutting1,019.62125.00153.90
Social Events1,371.3668.0036.31Maintenance/Equipment5,840.550.0098.53
Interest0.000.000.00Water/Gas/Electric3,031.87345.00278.27
Miscellaneous2,005.9129.512,244.00Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)1,014.595.80527.95
1058.65
Balance5182.07
Total6240.726240.72
Redwood Deposit A/c£24,811.22
Miscellaneous receipt is the grant received from Devon CCMiscellaneous includes payments to Hall booker and to accountants for audit check
for the Community Kitchen

2024-05 Parish Council meeting minutes 2nd May 2024

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr D Valentine, Cllr M Walker, Cllr A Rowe

Vale ward: Cllr Adam Powell, Cllr P Orchard

In attendance: Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), one member of the public, Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr J Twist, PCSO Darren England

1/24        To elect a Chair

Cllr Orchard nominated Cllr Hall for election as Chair for 2024/25.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Walker.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Hall be elected Chair for 2024/25 of Gittisham Parish Council. 

2/24        To elect a Vice Chair

Cllr Hall nominated Cllr Rowe for election as Vice Chair for 2024/25, Cllr Twist having stood down.  This nomination was seconded by Cllr Orchard.  A roll call of members present at the meeting was then taken.  It was then resolved by a unanimous decision that Cllr Rowe be elected Vice Chair for 2024/25 of Gittisham Parish Council.  Members thanked Cllr Twist for her work in the role previously.

3/24        To receive the Chair’s & Vice Chair’s declaration of Acceptance of Office

In accordance with Section 83 of the Local Government Act 1972, Cllrs Hall & Rowe made a Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

4/24 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

5/24        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4th April 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th April 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.  

6/24        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

March 2024: 0 crimes reported.  The clerk said the online crime map appeared to be working again. 

7/24        To receive declarations of interest

None.

8/24        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

Cllr Orchard said he had placed a clipboard inside the village bus shelter to allow passengers to report late-running buses or no-shows.  Cllr Rowe reported concern over grass verges towards Gittisham Farm that had been damaged.  This was due to Devon Highways digging the hedge to fill in concrete below.

9/24 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

Cllr Twiss expressed his pleasure that thanks to hard work and reorganisation at DCC, the council will present a balanced outturn.  He reported having found some additional funding which will go towards repair of the highways network, which has taken a battering with the wet weather.

DCC to receive additional funds to support households struggling with higher energy and food costs

Citizens Advice is reporting that average energy costs are as high as last winter for many households, and that despite energy prices falling this month, around 5.3 million people are currently living in households in debt to their energy supplier. So, it’s welcome news that we are able to confirm that Devon County Council have been allocated a little over £5 million from the government to help households struggling to pay higher bills for energy, food, water, and other essential items.

This will be the fifth round of Household Support Funding received from the Department for Work and Pensions, to run between April and September 2024. It will take Devon’s total level of Household Support Funding received so far to just over £30 million.  The funding is to support households in most need, but specifically those that may not be eligible for other support that is already available from the government.

Plans must be submitted by mid-May to the Department of Work and Pensions, setting out how DCC, with Devon’s district, city and borough councils and other voluntary and community partners, will make the latest funding available.

Plans are likely to include:

A specific funding allocation to support families in receipt of Free School Meals, to provide food vouchers that can be exchanged at supermarkets to buy food during school holidays. 21,700 children in Devon were eligible for free school meal vouchers during the last holidays

Some funding will also go to provide financial support for food, energy and other essentials to eligible low income households with children and young people, through the County Council’s Early Help service. 

Team Devon’s district/city/borough councils will plan to continue helping households that are in greatest financial need and struggling to pay for food, energy and other related essentials. They will publicise further details soon, once plans have been finalised

Citizens Advice Devon will continue to receive funding to support households that are using pre-payment and credit meters, to help with energy costs

Devon Community Foundation will deploy funds to voluntary and community organisations that support specific groups who may struggle to access the help and support they need.

Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal – Combined County Authority

The proposed deal will transfer significant decision-making powers and funding from Whitehall to Devon and Torbay, so that important decisions on local priorities, such as jobs and skills, housing, and the environment, can be made locally.  Following a wide ranging consultation, the proposal itself was met with a wide range of views both for and against, although unanimous support is not a prerequisite to moving forward.

One thing is clear; The ‘deal’ may have Devon County and Torbay Councils’ signatures on the paperwork, but for devolution to work well for the one million or so residents across Devon and Torbay, the task in hand will require all levels of local government across the two areas – County and Unitary, city, district and borough, and town and parish councils – to work much more closely together.  It will also need the strong influence of advisory groups comprising experts in local industry and the voluntary sector, and geographically representing all parts of Devon and Torbay, working with the Devon and Torbay CCA.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act as passed by Parliament makes county and unitary councils responsible for leading Combined County Authorities. The responsibility for leading this CCA therefore falls to democratically-led representatives from Devon County Council and Torbay Council.  However, it is critically important that Devon’s district councils have a voice in the Devon and Torbay CCA, and the ability to influence its work.

It is proposed that Devon’s city, district and borough councils, the Devon Association of Local Councils representing Devon’s town and parish councils, the County Council and the two National Park Authorities, will all sit as part of a formal ‘Team Devon’ Joint Committee to offer its collective voice in the CCA.  District councils and housing associations will also work with Torbay Council’s housing function and the CCA to accelerate delivery of more housing across Devon and Torbay.  District councils will also be involved in the formation of a joint strategic transport plan for Devon and Torbay so that land-use and housing plan areas align to transport plans and sustainable transport options.

In addition, advisory groups comprising representatives with experience and expertise in given fields, e.g. health, housing or climate change, will have a role in providing formal advice to the CCA. As will voluntary sector and social enterprise organisations, that will need to work closely with the CCA, making sure that decision-makers are responding to local interests and addressing local priorities.

Through Local Skills Improvement Plans, the proposed CCA will work with business and education leaders to create a stronger, joined-up relationship between employers and schools, colleges and universities to provide the skilled workforce the local economy needs for the future.

Do you have a scheme to benefit the community? Grants are available

If your community group has a project that could improve people’s well-being, reduce hardship, provide a warm safe space to work, learn, or socialise within you area, you can apply for a grant.  This is the third year DCC have made funding available to support local schemes through the Growing Communities Fund.  Since July 2022, funding has been awarded to hundreds of local projects to help them respond to a specific local need.

This year’s funding allocation will mean that since the fund was launched, DCC has made more than £1.1m available to help communities build self-reliance and resilience.

Groups with schemes that bring communities together, alleviate food poverty or tackle loneliness, isolation and build self-esteem, for example, are invited to apply.  This could include offering advice, peer support or guidance on budgeting, cooking low-cost nutritional meals or supporting the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers.  Organisers of projects that have a clear and direct community benefit, such as improving the environment, or that use innovation to improve efficiency or proposals that seek to expand the reach of an existing scheme are also encouraged to apply.  For further information visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/communities/growing-communities-fund

Cllr Bruce said there was little that’s new on which to update the parish council.  EDDC’s planning officers are working through new legislation to understand the detail.  On a separate matter, the flood prevention scheme at Feniton has been delayed.

Cllr Twiss encouraged people to register their interest on the Airband website, which appeared to show some Gittisham village postcodes likely to be served by the rollout of superfast broadband at some point in the future.  Cllr Powell queried this, as he had intelligence that suggested Airband is reassessing the contracts it has with Connecting Devon and Somerset (the rural broadband programme).  The company has just appointed a new managing director.  Cllr Twiss said he was waiting for a response from CDS.

Cllrs Bruce & Twiss left the meeting.

ACTION: Cllr Twiss to send the clerk details of how to apply to the Locality Budget and the Growing Communities Fund.  Chair to complete and let Cllr Twiss know when done.

10/24   To consider the application for a proposed upgrade to the existing radio base station installation at CS_121551, SWEB Tower EX14 3TZ (NGR: E314620, N096545)

Councillors resolved to have no objection to this application. 

11/24      To consider a response to Honiton Town Council’s request to identify projects for the 2nd tranche of S106 funds

ACTION: Chair to draft a reply with suggestion for public consultation on projects.

12/24     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

  • To note the latest planning decision notices
    • None.
  • To receive an update on Highways 

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

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

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

The clerk said she was awaiting a response from EDDC’s S106 officer as to whether a plaque referring to the district council’s support is necessary.  She had not heard from Cllr Arnott regarding the invitation to attend the Father’s Day table tennis tournament in the village play area.  Members agreed to take photographs at the event and publicise in the gazette and potentially the Midweek Herald afterwards. 

ACTION: Clerk to invite Cllr Bruce to the Father’s Day tournament. 

  • To receive an update on public transport

Members heard the bus service had been unreliable in recent weeks, but appeared to be back on track.  It was agreed to publicise the delays clipboard on the village WhatsApp and in the gazette.

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

Cllr Rowe said EDDC had mown the section of land at Old Elm Road in preparation for laying the grass matting that will go underneath a footpath suitable for pushchairs in the rewilded area.  Volunteers will be needed nearer the time, he said, to help lay down the 20m-length rolls of matting and hammer in the staples but it needs a spell of dry weather.  Heavy duty grass seed will go on top.   ACTION: Cllr Powell to drum up support at the Hayne Farm development. 

  • To consider limited residential development in the parish

There was no progress to report.  Cllr Valentine provided a year overview to the Annual Parish Meeting.          

  • To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village

The clerk reported that representatives of Baker Estates would be attending the June parish council meeting to discuss the footpath, along with other matters.

ACTION: Clerk to invite Karissa Marker to the June meeting.

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

Councillors agreed to attend to the items highlighted in the annual safety inspection report, and Cllr Walker said she would share the report with Len Abbott. 

ACTION: Chair to ask residents near the village play area how use of the ping pong table is shaping up.

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

The Chair reported that Jack Bartlett (farmer) had identified a blocked culvert upstream of Catshayes.  He has cleared the blockage and now the water is flowing as it should with far less travelling down the road. 

13/24     To receive a report from the Chair

The Chair said some residents of Hayne Farm had drawn up a list of items they would like to see in the play area, with all agreeing it was important to stress that until the ownership of the land had been established on a more permanent footing (likely in two years’ time), the parish council was limited in what support it could provide.  Suggestions were made such as a play area committee and a community garden at Hayne Farm.

ACTION: Cllr Powell to investigate whether any Hayne Farm residents would like to attend the June parish council meeting.

Cllr Rowe said he had drawn up a flyer for the Gittisham Fete, and suggested perhaps it could include on one side some information about the parish council. 

14/24     To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders

Members resolved to adopt the parish council’s standing orders.

15/24     To review the parish council’s fixed asset register

Members noted the fixed asset register.

ACTION: Clerk to add ping pong table and goal posts.

16/24     To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £254.34 Clerk’s salary + £16.85 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 5 for agendas, minutes & police election notices in March & April @0.45p / mile)

Michael Poll        £65 play area grass cutting (inv. ref. 10300)

Michael Poll        £65 play area grass cutting (inv. ref. 10303)

Alvian Ltd £102 play area annual safety inspection (inv. 1068)

Community First Trading £420.44 annual insurance policy

DD          NEST                     £26.78   Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £21,351.62 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account).  The clerk said the first half of the annual precept had been received, as well as two VAT rebates for 2020-21 and 2021-22 (£224.72 and £608.48).  Members resolved to request Bluechip Payroll’s services for the annual internal audit.

17/24 Clerk’s report

There was nothing to report.

18/24     For information only; items for the forward agenda

Hayne Farm update; annual accountability & governance; broadband

19/24     To consider any late entry correspondence

As the Annual Parish Meeting had taken place earlier that day, members discussed Cllr Powell’s suggestion that other meetings focusing on single issues such as climate change could be held in a larger space.  Cllr Valentine suggested some meetings could be held at a location on the Hayne Farm development or in Gittisham Vale.

Cllr Valentine said the temporary barriers at Riverside had been there for more than one year.

ACTION: Clerk to ask EDDC when the bridge railings will be repaired.

20/24     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 6th June and Thursday 4th July 2024 at 7.30pm. 

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

Chair…………………………………….

6th June 2024

Gittisham Gazette May 2024

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

What’s On?         at the village hall

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

Skittles                   Saturday 18th May

Cake decorating         29th May homeMeadbake

Father’s Day barbecue Sunday 16th June

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

FitforLife class every Tuesday morning

Yoga with Alison           3rd Tues of the month

Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings

Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30

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

Gittisham Fete poster

Grain to Cream Russell Hayman

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

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

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

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

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

Gittisham Fete 31st August Alex Rowe

Update on fete progress-

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

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

Church Services and Events

Sunday May 12th 11am Holy Communion

Saturday May 18th   Coffee Together in the Parish Room

May 21st 7pm           APCM Tuesday  May  in the Church

Sunday May 26th           No service

Honiton Beehive

Singalong Encanto   11th May 4pm

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

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

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

Flower and Produce Show

At the Village Hall on Saturday 3rd August 

Potato bucket weigh in at 3:15pm

Show opens at 2:30pm

Teas and raffle

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

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

St Michael’s Church, Gittisham

St Michael’s 200 Club  

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

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

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

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

APCM

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

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

Thank you

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

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

Gittisham Village Hall

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

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

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

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

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

Flower and Produce Show

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

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

A reminder of the children’s classes      

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

A reminder of the Homecraft classes:

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

Full details, schedule and entry forms available from 01404 850922 

PARISH COUNCIL – MAY 2024 REPORT

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

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

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

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

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

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

Planning applications.

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

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

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

                                                   England works.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parish Council links Who’s who https://gittisham.org.uk/parish-council/

Emergency Plan https://gittisham.org.uk/parish-council/emergency-plan/Parish Council Clerk Email: 

2024-05 Parish Council agenda 2 May 2024

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin

Clerk to the Council

25th April 2024

Local Government Act 1972

NOTICE OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING FOR GITTISHAM PARISH

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT

The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting for Gittisham will be held in the parish room on Thursday 2nd May 2024 at 7.30pm

The meeting will be open to the public.

Annual Parish Meeting Agenda

  1. Introduction by Council Chair
  2. Apologies for absence 
  3. Report on the Council’s activities in 2023/24 by the Council Chair
  4. Annual Police Report
  5. County and District representatives’ reports
  6. Reports by village organisations
  7. To consider any matters raised by residents.

Annual Council Meeting Agenda

25th April 2024

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the Annual Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Parish Room on Thursday 2nd May 2024 commencing at 7.30pm (following the Annual Parish Meeting) to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council.  Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. 

  1. To elect a Chair
  2. To elect a Vice Chair
  3. To receive the Chair’s & Vice Chair’s declaration of Acceptance of Office
  4. To accept and approve apologies
  5. To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 4th April 2024
  6. To receive the Beat Manager’s report
  7. To receive declarations of interest
  8. To consider actions from last meeting not otherwise on the agenda
  9. To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives
  10. To consider the application for a proposed upgrade to the existing radio base station installation at CS_121551, SWEB Tower EX14 3TZ (NGR: E314620, N096545)
  11. To consider the following planning application: 24/0539/LBC 2 Riverside Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AE – Replace existing porch with enlarged lead flat roof porch on south elevation; replace existing extension on north elevation to create bedroom and bathroom and glazed canopy over rear door | 
  12. To consider a response to Honiton Town Council’s request to identify projects for the 2nd tranche of S106 funds
  13. 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, including publicity (Cllr Orchard & Cllr Twist)
  • To receive an update on public transport (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land off Old Elm Road (Cllr Twist / Cllr Rowe)
  • To consider limited residential development in the parish (Cllr Valentine)
  • To consider the creation of a traffic-free amenity route linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village (Cllr Rowe / Cllr Powell)
  • 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)
  1. To receive a report from the Chair
  2. To consider and adopt the parish council’s standing orders
  3. To review the parish council’s fixed asset register
  4. To approve the May payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £254.34 + £16.85 expenses (travel Ottery – Gittisham 7.5-mile round trip x 5 for agendas, minutes & police election notices in March & April @0.45p / mile)

Len Abbott lengthsman work, £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

Michael Poll play area grass cutting £65 (inv. 10300)

Alvian Ltd play area annual safety inspection £102 (inv. 1068)

Community First Trading annual insurance policy £420.44 [tbc]

NEST (clerk’s pension) £26.78

 

  1. Clerk’s report
  2. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  3. To consider any late entry correspondence
  4. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 6th June and Thursday 4th July 2024 at 7.30pm. 

F J Clampin – Clerk

2024-04 Parish Council meeting minutes 4th April 2024

Held in Gittisham Parish Room

Present:

Village ward: Cllr D Valentine, Cllr M Walker, Cllr A Rowe

Vale ward: Cllr J Twist (Vice Chair), Cllr Adam Powell, Cllr P Orchard

In attendance: Fiona Clampin (clerk)

Apologies for absence: Cllr C Hall (Chair), Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Cllr Phil Twiss (DCC), PCSO Darren England

177/23 To accept and approve apologies

Apologies were received and accepted.

178/23        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7th March 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 7th March 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Vice Chair.  

179/23        To receive the Beat Manager’s Report

Due to an error on the Police UK website it was not possible to report the crime statistics accurately. 

180/23        To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Twist declared an interest in agenda item 10 (minute ref. 186/23), as she is the treasurer of Gittisham PCC.

181/23        To consider actions from the last meeting not otherwise on the agenda

None.

182/23 To receive reports from County Council and District Council representatives

In his absence, Cllr Twiss sent the following report: “As we move towards spring and summer, it seems that our traditional four seasons are now more like the Northern Territory of Australia with just two, the wet from November to April and the dry, May to October.  Unfortunately our wet season seems to be far longer than the dry one, having a detrimental impact on the Devon Highways network, particularly in rural areas where the potholes are all too obvious to see, appearing on what are effectively former cart tracks with tarmac on the top. In urban areas, most roads are purpose built with proper foundations that are generally more robust.

This state of the public highway is by some distance the item that features most in conversations and correspondence with constituents and below is a more detailed report on how this last winter has gone for DCC Highways who are trying to keep up with rising demand, combined with limited human and financial resources.

Winter 2023/24 Highways update

DCC has established a ‘Planned and Reactive Maintenance: Potholes and Drainage Task Group’ first reporting in March 2019 and an updated Performance Dashboard Report has now been produced to councillors.  As is typical for the winter period, DCC Highways has recorded a gradual increase in the number of publicly reported pothole defects (PIPs) since November, mainly via the ‘Report a Problem’ web site. A team of Highway Safety Inspectors undertake assessments, using extended weekday and weekend working where resource allows. The main contractor called Milestone are currently in the process of recruiting three additional permanent inspectors to assist in driving further efficiencies and timely inspections.

There have been more pothole defects this financial year than 2022/23. Whilst a further 12 months of network deterioration has occurred, the impacts on network condition of the relatively early and harsh freeze/thaw cycles experienced during last winter (2022/23) were felt deep into the summer months of 2023, added to by a number of severe storms and torrential rainfall.

Additional in year Government funding of £7.5 million is enabling more reactive, short notice and planned works, including minor hand patching and dragon patching will be delivered on the minor network in Devon as a result of it. 

While there have been challenges around plant breakdowns and availability relating to gully cleaning, it is anticipated the programme to clean 150,630 gully assets will be completed on time for the current financial year. The additional high pressure jetting resource is currently resolving approximately 800 recorded issues per month, effectively maintaining pace with the number of issues reported during the flooding events experienced over the 2023/24 winter period. The service continues to trial a different approach to cleaning both urban gullies and gullies that require multiple cleans per year.

Special Educational Needs Deficit (SEND)

After a protracted and very difficult period of negotiation, a high-level agreement has been signed between Devon County Council and the Government, which will see an extra £95 million of national funds set aside to reduce the deficit on special needs education.

The cumulative spending on education for children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) over the past 10 years is set to create a deficit of £163 million by the end of this financial year.  In common with many councils across the country, DCC had been negotiating with the Government for extra funding for special needs education under the so-called Safety Valve programme.  Ten million pounds have been set aside in 2023/24 to help bring down the deficit.  The new agreement will see the Government contribute £38 million by the end of March with the remaining cash being spread out over the following eight years.  We will contribute a further £5 million a year from its revenue budget and £20 million from reserves to bring the deficit back into balance by the end of the agreement.

It is recognised that DCC must improve its service to children needing help in this area and is committed to doing this, as well as managing its finances most effectively, keeping the council on a long term sustainable basis.

Locality Budgets

Devon county councillors have a small amount of money each year called a Locality Budget to support projects in their division with small grants, where demand invariably outstrips supply.  The fund opens up again in mid-April and budget for 2024/25 is £8,000 per councillor. Further details of qualifying projects and an online application form can be found at https://www.devon.gov.uk/democracy/councillors-nav/locality-budgets/

In his absence, Cllr Bruce sent the following report: “Last week at planning this council took what I consider to be a retrograde step. Two toilet blocks are to be removed and replaced by an ugly pay to use prefab literally craned into place. One in Honiton and the other in Budleigh Salterton. Now we are often told that councils do not have to provide free toilet conveniences, but it is something we have ‘enjoyed’ for many years so it is in effect a loss of amenity.  I for one have always believed it should be a right to use a public convenience for free. To be blunt those people of a certain age and/or with a medical condition rely on finding somewhere to go and often in a hurry. So to now be faced with the option of needing to use this grotesque monstrosity, in place of the previous sanctuary of relief, and pay for the privilege is a backward step. Neither buildings contribute any aesthetic value whatsoever to these towns, and to many this change will become a contributing factor in the calculation of a shopping trip out. So in future the public and visitors in Honiton is faced with either paying to pee (providing the locks work), relying on the good graces of a certain coffee shop, or, use the facilities of the large church and leave a contribution.

“The ongoing disgrace of the quality of our rivers and seas continue to attract media attention, but with little matching concerted action by our government. It is to be hoped that the growing number of action groups and legal action will bring about a profound change in how our water is managed and safeguarded for us all.”

183/23   To consider the following planning applications:

  1. 24/0652/TRE – 1 Beaumonts Cottages, Gittisham EX14 3AG – T1, Willow: pollard to approximately 8m above ground level; maximum diameter cuts of 20cm; western limb over building; reduce to 3m off main stem.

Councillors resolved to have no objection to this application. 

184/23     To receive reports from councillors on areas of responsibility and actions since the last meeting:

  • To note the latest planning decision notices
    • None.
  • To receive an update on Highways 

20 May–7 June 2024 road through Alfington is closed for water works.

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

The clerk reported that the outdoor ping pong table was now installed.  The delivery company had suggested that a set of bats and balls should have been included, but the supplier said this was not the case.  Members thanked Carla Hulbert for donating the ping pong kit.  Cllr Walker said a tournament was planned for Father’s Day, and members agreed this would be a good moment to arrange some PR and the plaque to indicate EDDC’s support.

ACTION: Clerk to invite Cllr Arnott to a Father’s Day tournament and order a plaque. 

  • To receive an update on public transport

Cllr Rowe suggested leaving a clipboard in the village bus shelter for people to log when the Stagecoach bus is late or does not turn up.

ACTION: Cllr Orchard to source a clipboard and pen.

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

There was no update to report.

  • To consider limited residential development in the parish

Cllr Valentine said EDDC had requested further information from interested parties including Combe Estate about the planning application.          

  • To consider the creation of a footpath linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village

Cllr Powell reported he had emailed members with a summary of the points raised at the meeting with Combe EstateJustin Lascelles said he would be progressing this matter with the Marker family, tenant farmers and estate trustees. 

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

Cllr Walker said the heavy rainfall had left the play area waterlogged.  She agreed to walk the area with the lengthsman to find out if any maintenance is needed, including to the hedge, after the annual safety inspection report.

ACTION: Clerk to check status of safety inspection.

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

The clerk reported that Len Abbott had spoken to Len Bartlett (farmer) about the run-off at Catshayes, but she did not know the outcome of the conversation.  The Bartlett family has assured residents that they will step in to help should there be a flooding problem resulting from the recent work.

185/23     To receive a report from the Chair

The Vice-Chair reported that residents of the Hayne Farm development had been asking if the play area could be improved there.  Members agreed that until the ownership of the land had been established on a more permanent footing (likely in two years’ time), the parish council was limited in what support it could provide.  It had been pointed out on previous occasions that the equipment in the village play area was provided through fundraising, not capital expenditure.  The parish council is happy to assist with providing advice / support on fundraising.  Councillors agreed that it was time to invite Baker Estates to a parish council meeting to provide an update on the development, and answer concerns raised by residents about the play area to understand where the parish council might be able to get involved.

ACTION: Clerk to invite Graham Hutton to attend a parish council meeting.

Cllr Powell reported that he and Cllrs Walker and Rowe had met Richard Foord MP earlier in the day to discuss the delay in rolling out superfast broadband.  Combe Estate representatives had been unable to attend the meeting.  The MP has agreed to follow up with DCC as well as the Digital Minister in Parliament.  It appears that Gittisham parish is no longer on the list of locations for Airband, the remaining full fibre broadband infrastructure provider in the area.  Members thanked Cllr Powell for raising the profile of the lack of decent broadband. 

ACTION: Cllr Powell to reflect on how GPC can help progress Richard Foord’s media campaign on this issue.

The Vice-Chair reported that the TruckFest which had caused so many traffic problems last year in the parish had been moved to Smeatharpe. 

Cllr Twist left the meeting and Cllr Valentine took the Chair.

186/23     To approve the April payments and to note the current bank balance

F Clampin             £254.34 Clerk’s salary

34SP.com             £119.40 web hosting renewal

34SP.com             £15 domain name registration

Gittisham PCC     £21.10 electricity bill [parish council use]

Michael Poll        £65 play area grass cutting (inv. ref. 10291)

DALC                  £400.50 annual subscription 2024/25

Len Abbott           £101.50 (lengthsman work, 7 hrs Dec 2023)

Len Abbott           £14.50 (lengthsman work, 1hr Jan 2024)

DD          NEST                     £26.78   Clerk’s pension

Members were informed that the current bank balance stands at £16,399.29 (which includes approximately £7,000 in the business reserve account). 

The clerk said this did not include the first half of the annual precept, which is due to arrive in the parish council bank account.  She added that the cost of the ping pong table had already been accounted for at the July 2023 meeting, and she would invoice EDDC to have the amount (minus VAT) paid to the parish council from S106 funds.

ACTION: Clerk to contact Bluechip Payroll to arrange annual audit. 

Cllr Twist returned to the meeting.

187/23 Clerk’s report

There was nothing to report.

188/23     For information only; items for the forward agenda

The May meeting will be held following the annual parish meeting.  Clerk to find out if Baker Estates can attend in May.

189/23     To consider any late entry correspondence

None.

190/23     Date of next two meetings  

Thursday 2nd May and Thursday 6th June 2024 at 7.30pm. 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2100 hrs.

Chair…………………………………….

2nd May 2024

Village Hall Committe April 2024

Date9th April 19.30 at the Village Hall
PresentHamish, Sue, Alex, Janet, Stephen, Maggie, Pierre
+ Claire, observing
ApologiesCordelia, Stella, Bill, Terry, Nick
Next meetTuesday 14th May
AGM date: Tuesday 2nd July
ItemDetailsActions
Actions 
outstanding / rolled over
from 
previous 
meeting
Ongoing action to explore grant options, sitting with various committee members.Various
Treasurer’s 
report
Janet presented end of year accounts. See screengrab in annexe. The value of the current account loss for the year is very significant, £2,123. However, if our grants received for the community kitchen are allocated to the period to which they actually apply (so one grant within 2023/24 is accounted for in 2022/23, and one grant to be received in 2024/25 is accounted for in 2023/24), then our losses for the year are more like £800.
Accounts will go the accountant for auditing at the end of the week, with the usual gift of wine – thank you Janet for organising. The committee agreed the annual payments to treasurer and booking clerk. Janet needs to print off the remittances for Hamish/Nick to sign.  
We agreed to defer the discussion on charging rates for the hall until the May meeting so that Hamish could prepare another cost proposal based around the final end of year figures, and so that we could have as full an attendance as possible to discuss this important issue. For ease of reference, the action rolled over from the previous meeting is:
Hamish agreed to rework his analysis and present a further proposal at the April meeting. Thank you Hamish. New proposal to include for consideration: 
a cost base with the 2023/24 significant capital expenditure costs (the boiler replacement) removed, so that subsequent price increases do not need to be so steep;
separate rates for parishioners and non-parishioners;
a cheaper rate for longer bookings;
and a hike in wedding costs(?).  
Grants: Carol Hall is applying for a grant for the community kitchen, and also preparing a bid for grant for replacement windows – see maintenance below. Thank you Carol!
No applicants have responded to the advertisements in the Gazette for a new Treasurer. It was suggested that Damien Furniss might be interested – Hamish to ask Damien. 
Interest in the savings account is 3.9% and raising a not insignificant amount (£508), but could we do better if we move elsewhere? One to debate once new Treasurer in post.
Janet














Hamish





MaintenanceThe old shed has gone, the football team picture has been fixed. The tap washer issue has been resolved but alas the whole tap now needs replacement. Hamish to take forwards, thanks Hamish. 
Shed roof remains a significant issue. Claire kindly offered her tarpaulin as a temporary fix. Alex and Hamish will affix, weighted with sandbags, as a stopgap. Longer-term the committee agreed that galvanised sheeting is probably the way forwards. Alex to speak with Julian to get a quote for some sheeting. Also let’s not forget the stirling board that the church offered us. To discuss again next month.
The leak in the back porch was discussed. It’s only an issue in high winds but it still needs sorting. We agreed that the initial action should be to get up in the loft above and use caulking gun around the flashing. Hamish volunteered to tackle this at the same time as doing the shed roof. If this doesn’t fix it then we can go for a specialist.
We discussed replacing the windows at the front of the hall, which are badly damaged. On balance the committee agreed to pursue cheaper, better-insulating PVC windows, sympathetically designed, rather than wood frames which will quickly need more work and upkeep. We are applying for a grant and need at least three quotations – we have one already from Hani. Alex will approach Select Windows, Maggie will approach Anglian. Hamish will pursue with the estate how they feel about PVC windows (and also check whether this is permissible in the conservation area). To discuss at next meeting. 
We discussed maintenance days, or maintenance evenings: Committee and other volunteers coming together for a few hours to progress a series of maintenance actions. Strong support for this and also for advertising for help in the Gazette. We did not agree a date but should do this at the May meeting if not before. 
Hamish



Hamish, Alex, Alex





Hamish





Alex, Maggie, Hamish

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

(Rising?) damp in southern elevationTBD
Extractor fans in kitchenTBD
Drainage pipes
Internal repaint
New large range cooker and oven
PetitionSadly our questionnaire to the village in the last Gazette did not receive any responses – thank you Alex for trying. We need responses to gather data to support grant applications, but we also want the communication to gather ideas on how the hall can be used and to advertise the community asset. Alex is going to have another go, this time using Microsoft Forms to create a light touch survey that shouldn’t take as long to complete. Please circulate around the committee when ready Alex so that we can comment/add questions.Alex
Future events


We are all looking forward to the St George’s Day quiz, Saturday 20th April, Nick as quizmaster. Thank you Nick. And a ploughman’s supper – thank you Sue. Cheese, no soup. £7 on the door. Nick to advertise. Please be there by 5 to help set up. 
We agreed to organise an evening of village Skittles on Saturday 18th May, from 19:30. Steve to organise and advertise. 
We agreed to run the Father’s Day BBQ on Sunday 16th June, and to coincide this with the opening of the new village table tennis table. The Parish Council will be asking Damien to organise a table tennis tournament that week, with the finals on the Sunday. Entry fees for the tournament to go to a men’s charity; money for the Father’s Day BBQ to go to the Village Hall.
We agreed to pursue live music options as priority. Carol will approach Hani to see if he can run a Syrian music and food event on Saturday 20th July. But we need many live music options to pursue as we think this will be great and draw in the punters. Maggie to approach Richard Thorn, Hamish to approach skiffle band that he knows, Claire to get a quote for Joey the Lips. 
We agreed that more evening talks would be brilliant. Alex to consider / organise an astronomy talk from him / Norman Lockyer colleague, to consider at next meeting. 

Long list of other options:
Ceilidh
Art exhibition with scones…
Hosting the pizza van…
Sea defences talk
Magical mystery bus tour
Villages in action
Carol, Hamish, Maggie, Claire

Alex
AOBOn behalf of the committee earlier this month Alex attended the East Devon Village Hall Nest meeting. Thank you Alex for dedicating your time to this. A very useful talk with plenty for us to consider. Listing readout here in full as we did not have much time to discuss and we might want to pick up elements in subsequent meeting:
A number of other village halls are adding a supplementary ‘kitchen-use’ fee to their booking prices.
‘Hallmaster’ is an app that could support booking clerk – worth reviewing.
South West Water has a regional grant fund called ‘neighbourhood fund’ capped at £2k.
One village hall raised £100k simply through…crowdfunding! 
Alex will attend the next meeting of the committee on Wednesday 12th June – thank you again Alex!

Having observed us in action Claire asked to join the committee – motion approved! Welcome Claire!
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2024
INCOME
2022/231.04.22- 31.03.231.04.23 – 31.03.2024
Balance brought forward6,258.80
Hire of Hall4,953.504,953.505,588.85
Social Events1,791.041,791.041,371.36
Interest226.48226.480.00
Miscellaneous175.98175.982,005.91
Total15224.92
Miscellaneous includes the £2000 drawn dow from Redwood Bank
Gittisham Parish Hall Accounts – 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2024
EXPENDITURE
2022/231.04.22-31.03.231.04.23-31.03.24
Insurance643.79643.79690.38
Non-domestic rates0.000.000.00
Cleaning/grass cutting748.57748.571,019.62
Maintenance/Equipment3,624.973,624.975,840.55
Water/Gas/Electric2,173.822,173.823,031.87
Miscellaneous(inc. bank charges)269.50269.501,014.59
11597.01
Balance3627.91
Total15224.92
Redwood Deposit A/c£24,811.22
Miscellaneous includes payments to Treasurer and Hall booker.
Cleaning/grass cutting has risen by 36%, from last year.
The utilities have risen by just under 40%.

Gittisham Gazette April 2024

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

    What’s On?  

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

Sunday 14th April 10-4 Pierre’s Café         07545 214940  


Saturday 20th April 7.30pm
St George’s Day Quiz at the village hall

 







Honiton Beehive WICKED LITTLE LETTERS (15) Fri 19 Apr – 7.30pm A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a sinister scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, follows two neighbours: Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) & Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley).    


200 Club Winners  
Details available from Julia Barratt  

Sunday Services       
Details available from Julia Barratt

St George’s Day Quiz Saturday 20th April 7.30pm Teams of up to 6 £7 per head including ploughmans supper Contact Nick to book 07973 797447  

How’s your broadband?

The government promised national coverage at speeds at or above 24mb/s by 2024, currently most of Gittisham village and most surrounding dwellings achieve less than 10mb/s many as low as 2mb/s.

The Parish Council has contacted and met with our MP Richard Foorde to explain our situation and the delays we’ve experienced. He was given examples that show how inadequate broadband affects our lives of people. More case studies from around the village would be helpful. Please get in touch 07535233558

Grain To Cream Edmond Hayman

It wouldn’t be an appropriate article about farm life if I didn’t first have a moan about the weather. The fields are still saturated and the forecast equally miserable. As you can imagine, this has made for a challenging spring so far, with limited opportunity to get out on the fields and slurry storage nearing capacity. Some of you may have seen that additional slurry storage is being constructed in the form of a clay lined lagoon, although it currently resembles a large duck pond, we hope it will be completed for the coming winter. This will give us the flexibility of spreading slurry when crops require it most, allowing for better nutrient management and less reliance on bought-in fertiliser. On a brighter note than the weather, we have made some notable gains to animal welfare after investing in new calf housing last winter. These ‘Optimum Climate Calf Barns’ (The name hasn’t stuck), are insulated modular pens, which keep our youngest calves out of the elements, and can be easily disinfected between batches. So far, the results have been promising, with a reduction in pneumonia cases and higher growth rates. This early stage for the beef and dairy calves’ is crucial for health and performance in later life. I’ve been back at Gittisham Farm now since last summer, and it’s been great to apply some knowledge gained from Harper Adams in a practical setting, which for Dad has probably been a pain in the backside.

Jokes aside we seem to be working well together. That may change when he sees that I’ve just hijacked his treasured gazette article. Maybe we’ll just have to share it

Gittisham Fete August 31st 2024

St Michael’s Church, Gittisham

St Michael’s has been the focus of spiritual life in Gittisham for over 600 years. The first reference to the original church is in 1244. It was built, or partly so, in 1321 and named St Michael’s – though it was not at that time dedicated to this Saint and it is therefore thought that an earlier church may have existed on the same site. The actual date of dedication is not known but there is a record of the order for dedication being made in 1331 and in1498 mentioned in the will of Thomas Colpriest.  

The church stands in the centre of the village set back from the Village Green. It is built of dressed flint, with lime mortar render and is in the early English and Perpendicular styles. Distinctive architectural features include; C18th Box Pews installed in 1715; a wagon roof; a collection of hatchments; several stained glass windows and monuments and memorials to the Beaumont, Putt and Marker families – the successive owners of the Combe Estate.  There is also a Georgian West Gallery not currently accessible to the public and some interesting carvings on stone pillars including a Green Man.

The churchyard wall was built in 1720 and the oldest grave on which the inscription is still legible is dated 1616. The present Lych- Gate was erected after the Second World War and also serves as a war memorial.  

Contact Lay Minister, Julia Barrett, for details email:

07763 11136

How is your broadband ? – meetings and media campaigns

Firstly thank you to all of you who sent in witness statements about the poor broadband service you are getting in Gittisham, and the ways it negatively impacts your lives. I was able to hand three of these strongly worded statements to our MP, Richard Foord, when three Gittisham Parish Councillors (Alex Rowe, Maggie Walker, Adam Powell) met up with him recently to discuss improving broadband speeds in the Parish, specifically to get fibre connection. Richard listened carefully, we explained the uneven broadband speeds in the Parish. It was good to have Alex and Maggie present, as long-term residents as they know the history of failed attempts to install fibre connection. Four points came out of our hour-long meeting. On Richard’s part he would chivvy up the staff responsible for digital connections at Devon County Council, he had spoken up for Gittisham on this matter two years ago, so it was about time he went back to them. Secondly, Richard said he would raise the matter again with the digital minister in parliament, John Widdingdale, this may lead to more questions being asked in the House of Commons.

For our part, Richard suggested we start a media campaign to highlight the issue. Lastly, It was also suggested we work as closely as we can with the Combe Estate in achieving fibre connectivity across the Parish.

We thanked Richard for his interest and time, he didn’t over promise, but I believe he will fight our corner.

So, we need to start a media campaign! I’m sure there is someone out there reading this that can help us with this….

From my limited research a ‘media campaign’ requires three elements ;

1. Data – of download and upload speeds and how these relate to targets, the rest of

the country, dare I say to Europe.

2. Case histories – Specifically how does it affect your lives; ability to working from

home, access to health care, studying, and entertainment.

3. Collective action – this could be a petition, letters to the minister, a strike or demonstration, or probably just a group photo of those affected with a statement. With some or all of the above we will be ready to contact the media ( local and national papers, radio and TV and posts on social media). We need to provide the information, then we can get help on how it is presented. All help and ideas on the above are welcome.

A few facts about broadband.

The government promised national coverage at speeds at or above 24mb/s by 2024,

currently most of Gittisham village and most surrounding dwellings achieve less than

10mb/s many as low as 2mb/s. Would anybody like to help with a poll around residents?

Over £15 million provided for rural fibre connection has been clawed back to Devon

and Somerset County Council.

If you live within 1.6 km of a telephone connection box served with fibre your broadband speeds maybe adequate, unfortunately Gittisham village is further than this from the box at Fenny Bridges and the one opposite Lidl.

I could tell you more….much more

We need more witness statements, how does this effect you?

We need help with our ‘media campaign’, creative ideas please.

Contact Adam Powell on behalf of Gittisham Parish Council 07535233558

PARISH COUNCIL – APRIL 2023 REPORT

Six councillors met for the April meeting.

Public toilets. Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) had emailed the parish council in his absence to tell councillors about a decision taken last week at EDDC’s planning committee. Two public toilet blocks are to be removed and replaced by an ugly pay to use prefab literally craned into place. One in Honiton and the other in Budleigh Salterton. Cllr Bruce said he had always been of the belief that it should be a right to use a public convenience for free. He was

appalled by the decision, and felt it was a backward step to now be faced with the option of needing to use this grotesque monstrosity, in place of the previous sanctuary of relief, and pay for the privilege. Neither buildings contribute any aesthetic value whatsoever to these towns, and to many this change will become a contributing factor in the calculation of a shopping trip out. So in future the public and visitors in Honiton are faced with either

paying to pee (providing the locks work), relying on the good graces of a certain coffee shop, or, use the facilities of the large church and leave a contribution.

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. Due to an ongoing error on the Police UK website which the force is aware of, it is not possible to report crime statistics.

Planning applications.

1 Beaumonts Cottages, Gittisham – T1, Willow: pollard to approximately 8m above ground level; maximum diameter cuts of 20cm; western limb over building; reduce to 3m off main stem. Councillors had no objections to this application.

Road closures. 20 May–7 June 2024 road through Alfington is closed for water works.

Broadband.

Adam Powell reported that he, Maggie Walker and Alex Rowe had met Richard Foord MP earlier in the day to discuss the delay in rolling out superfast broadband. The MP has agreed to follow up with Devon County Council as well as the Digital Minister in Parliament. It appears that Gittisham parish is no longer on the list of locations for

Airband, the remaining full fibre broadband infrastructure provider in the area. Members thanked Adam Powell for raising the profile of the lack of decent broadband. To share your experience of poor broadband in Gittisham village, please contact or telephone 07535 233558.

Hayne Farm play area.

Janet Twist reported that residents of the Hayne Farm development had been repeating their calls for the play area there to be improved. Members agreed that until the ownership of the land had been established on a more permanent footing (likely in two years’ time), the parish council was limited in what support it could provide. It had been pointed out on previous occasions that the equipment in the village play area was provided through fundraising, not capital expenditure. The parish council is happy to assist with providing advice / support on fundraising. Councillors agreed to invite Baker Estates to a parish council meeting to provide an update on the development, and answer concerns raised by residents about the play area to understand where, if at all, the parish council might be able to get involved.

Next meeting. Thursday 2 nd May at 7.30pm in the parish room. This is also the annual parish meeting. All welcome.

Parish Council links      Who’s who                          https://gittisham.org.uk/parish-council/

Emergency Plan               https://gittisham.org.uk/parish-council/emergency-plan/

Parish Council Clerk       Email:                   

2024-04 Parish Council agenda 4th April 2024

GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Ms Fiona Clampin

Clerk to the Council

15 Batts Lane

Ottery St Mary

EX11 1EY

07899 932620

27th March 2024

Members of Gittisham Parish Council

You are hereby summoned to attend the April Parish Council Meeting to be held in Gittisham Parish Room on Thursday 4th April 2024 commencing at 7.30pm to discuss items on the Agenda and to make resolutions as appropriate.

Prior to the start of the meeting a period of 15 minutes is allowed to permit any resident to bring appropriate matters to the notice of the Council.  Please contact the clerk if you would like to do this, preferably by email in advance of the meeting, with a question you wish to be raised with Councillors on your behalf. 

  1. To accept and approve apologies
  2. To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 7th March 2024
  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 consider the following planning applications:
    • a) 24/0652/TRE – 1 Beaumonts Cottages, Gittisham EX14 3AG – T1, Willow: pollard to approximately 8m above ground level; maximum diameter cuts of 20cm; western limb over building; reduce to 3m off main stem
  8. 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, inc publicity (Cllr Orchard / Cllr Twist)
  • To receive an update on public transport (Cllr Orchard)
  • To consider climate change measures within the parish, including proposals for rewilding land off Old Elm Road (Cllr Twist / Cllr Rowe)
  • To consider limited residential development in the parish (Cllr Valentine)
  • To consider the creation of a traffic-free amenity route linking Hayne Farm with Gittisham village (Cllr Powell / Cllr Rowe)
  • 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)
  1. To receive a report from the Chair
  2. To approve the April payments and to note the current bank balance:

F Clampin £254.34 clerk’s salary & expenses tbc

Len Abbott lengthsman work £tbc

Len Abbott expenses £tbc

34SP.com web hosting renewal £119.40

34SP.com domain name registration £15

Gittisham PCC electricity bill [parish council use] £21.10

Michael Poll, play area grass cutting £65 (inv. ref. 10291)

DALC annual subscription £348

NEST (clerk’s pension) £26.78 

  1. Clerk’s report
  2. For information only; items for the forward agenda
  3. To consider any late entry correspondence
  4. To note the date of the next two meetings, Thursday 2nd May and Thursday 6th June 2024 at 7.30pm. 

F J Clampin – Clerk