Gittisham Gazette October 2025

3 October 2025 by Alex

Gittisham Parish Council SEPTEMBER 2025 REPORT

The Parish Council met on 4^th September.

Five councillors met for the September meeting along with three members of the public.

Broadband. Adam Powell reported that discussions are taking place between the parish council and a local start-up company interested in bringing full fibre broadband to the village. Councillors noted that the company had heard of the situation in Gittisham following the public meeting the parish council arranged with Connecting Devon & Somerset. A trial scheme of certain properties has been discussed, involving residents with poor broadband signing up to a voucher scheme and a connection box would be installed behind those properties. The discussions are at a very early stage, and all agreed on previous experience it would be wise to be cautious at this stage.

Public transport. One member of the public expressed their concern over the level of service provided by Stagecoach to those who catch the bus. They said the bus had failed to show up on multiple occasions recently, leading to missed medical appointments and delays getting to work. This was particularly noted when South West Water [SWW] closed the road to carry out some emergency repairs. Subsequently the road was reopened but Stagecoach did not appear to have this information and therefore directed its buses to avoid Gittisham village, leaving passengers stranded. Members agreed to take up the matter once again with Stagecoach to press for better communication between the company, Highways (DCC) and SWW. If you have similar experiences of the bus service in the parish, please let the parish council know.

Regarding trains, Peter Orchard said the Government’s takeover to improve South Western Railway’s performance has not gone well. From 11th August, and for the foreseeable future, trains to London are reduced to every two hours with journey times extended 45–60 minutes. The track is reportedly too dry.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances.

Crimes. May 2025: Hedge Field Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x criminal damage & arson. Hodges Close: 1 x anti-social behaviour. Hayne Lane: 1 x criminal damage & arson

June 2025: Hedge Field Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x public order

Planning applications.

a) 25/0012/TPO – Land opp Garlands, Gittisham EX14 3AJ

b) 25/1552/LBC & 25/1551/FUL – The Lodge Gittisham EX14 3AD – Remove existing asbestos roof slates and felt, and replace with new natural slate roof with new bat safe roof membrane, including partially dismantling and rebuilding existing chimney stack to match existing.

c) 25/1365/PVJ – Gittisham Farm Gittisham EX14 3AX – Prior approval for the installation of 152 solar PV panels on a pitched roof

Councillors noted a) and c) and had no objections to b).

Road closures. 14 October 2000–2359hrs Road under Ironbridge closed to repair a safety defect.

Next meeting. Thursday 2^nd October at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Less than two weeks to go! We can’t wait to welcome you all to the patch for the third year running!

PYO pumpkins

When? 11-12th, 18th-19th, 25th-31st of October. From 10am-4pm

Where? Gittisham Farm, Honiton, EX14 3AX.

Once again @ will be providing some delicious refreshments (we can’t wait!!!)

Opportunities to meet our cows and calves on our working farm.

Lots of photo opportunities (as always we’re happy take photos of you and your families).

Entry is free, with no booking required, just turn up and pay for what you pick!

OH GITTISHAM, MY GITTISHAM

The Honiton town crier does her thing

calling us all in to the summer fete.

“Rain is to be expected,” I hear someone say

as I’m leaving on a jet plane wafts across Will’s Field

from bin-liner shrouded speakers.

Rain drips beneath the gazebos,

trickles down the poles onto our wares below.

3 small goats trip by, take their place

next to the astronomer’s tent

and wait patiently to be admired.

On up the lane, the Honiton Town Band

blasts out tunes to the beat of the rain,

the queue for the cream tea grows restless,

it’s a veritable cake-frenzy.

There’s been tombola shenanigans,

wrong tickets on bottles…

the lads (young and not-so) have been damming the stream,

trousers rolled up, or tucked into wellies

in readiness for the Duck Race at half past 4.

The hi-vis team are marshalling cars and people,

the Blacksmith is terrifying the passing children,

as he winds his bellows to fan the flames

dangerously close to the basket weavers’ wares.

Here in Will’s Field, we gather for the dog show.

Hopeful canines sniff around, pull hopeful owners

to enter ‘prettiest bitch’ or ‘best 6 legs’.

The air is heady with the aroma of wet fur

and clammy cagoules

as the entrants for ‘most obedient’ parade around the paddock

to prove their worth before the gathered crowd.

And we applaud, not just for ‘best in show’

but for the band, for the Morris dancers,

the Tea Crew and The Bar, for the carriers and the shifters,

the bunting hangers and the lifters,

for the 500 yellow ducks tumbling to the finish line

for our Hi-Vis leader, Alex,

and for us, we Gittisham Folk,

for turning up and turning out

doing our thing, just joining in.

The Exeter Street Band play one last tune

and we sway, until finally

the rain pauses.

And at the church,

the bellringers ring out the day.

Gittisham Gazette September 2025

8 September 2025 by Alex

A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council

What’s On at the Hall

Dance Club Open Evening
Wednesday 10^th September 7.30pm

Pierre’s Café        Sunday 14^th September

Coffee&Cake    Sat 27^th Sept 2.30-4.30

Quiz Night      Saturday 27^th September 7pm

Harvest Supper October 4^th 7pm

Open Mic night October 18th 7pm bar and Pizza Wagon

November 29^th Christmas     Craft Fair 10am

Coffee&Cake 2.30 Bingo 7pm

Weekly
Fitness class Tuesday mornings
Folk Dancing Weds evenings
Community Kitchen Thurs eve
Yoga Friday afternoons                                                                       Church Services
Sunday Sept 14th at 11am Holy Communion
Sunday Sept 28th at 3 pm At St Paul’s Honiton Choral Evensong & Farewell Service for Rev Sue

Harvest Supper Sat Oct 4th 7pm in the Village Hall

Sunday Oct 5th Harvest Thanksgiving Service at 11am

Sunday Oct 12th at 11am Holy Communion

Sunday Oct 26th at 11am Morning Worship

Pierre’s Café 14^th September

Pierre’s monthly pop-up café will be at the village hall on Sunday 14^th September.
As well as lunch there’ll be the usual selection of freshly made croissants, pains au chocolat and other French pastries in the morning to savour with a coffee or tea.   For dessert / afternoon drop in for a range of homemade cakes.   Vegan and gluten free customers catered for.
We’ve been sold out for lunch in recent months, so please book if you can – it really helps us know how many to cater for and means we avoid having to turn people away.  Open 10-4, Gittisham Village Hall.   Text or call Pierre on 07545 214940.
Hope to see you there.

Church 200 Club July Draw Results
1st Prize M Tawse
2nd Prize M Tawse
3rd Prize F Wolsey

St Michael’s Church Helen Hayman Harvest supper Saturday 4 th October at 7 pm , tickets £10.00 adults, £5.00 children! Bring your own drinks! At Gittisham village hall, tickets are selling fast so order from Helen Hayman!

Looking ahead to November 8^th Gittisham race night! Gittisham village hall! Prize for best dressed Lady & Gent! (optional!) No booking required, bar & snacks available!
7 pm.
So come cheer on your favourite horse, win your fortune!
Everyone welcome!

Information from Helen! 07806480246

Gittisham Fete a ‘Quacking’ Success Despite the Rain

Gittisham’s annual fete, held on Saturday, August 30th, was a resounding success, drawing over 500 visitors despite the damp weather (great for ducks). The event kicked off with a grand opening by Honiton’s Town Crier, Caroline, setting a lively tone that continued throughout the day.

The air was filled with music and merriment, featuring a medley of pieces by the Honiton Town Band, vibrant performances from the Otter Morris Dancers, and the energetic sounds of the Exeter Street Band. The stalls were a fantastic sight, stretching from the Village Hall, where fantastic traditional cream teas were served (which raised nearly half the funds!), all the way up to the Church, which hosted a display titled “Gittisham Memories,” showcasing the village’s history.

Attendees also enjoyed a variety of other attractions, including classic cars and live blacksmithing demonstrations from Gittisham’s very own forge.

A brief pause in the rain allowed for the highly anticipated Dog Show, judged by Maryanne from Vale Vets. The competition was fierce, with many great entries making for some very tough decisionns. A particularly amusing moment came during the “Best 6 Legs” category, which was won by Len, who in a display of true British grit, was sporting shorts despite the downpour.

The Dog Show took place in Will’s field, which was also home to more stands. These included the Poetry stand, where Anne created a fantastic poem about the event, which was read out the following day.

There was also the popular Goat-O-Booth, where both children and adults got selfies with the gorgeous goats.

The day’s highlight was the Great Duck Race, which commenced at 4:48 PM after the sluice was opened. Spectators cheered as the ducks raced down the River Gitt, navigating obstacles and vying for the lead.

The champion duck was plucked from the water by Finley, a 10-year-old volunteer who was an integral part of the day’s operations.

Finley was recognized as a true star, assisting with everything from setup and parking to radio commentary and the final rescue of the winning duck.

Thanks to the community’s support, the fete raised just over £2,000, a fantastic achievement given the weather. The funds will go towards the maintenance of the Church and the Village Hall, two key community buildings.

The fete will return next year on Saturday, September 5th, 2026. More details about the event will be announced in the new year.

There are also lots of great events coming up in the Gittisham Village Hall soon. Be sure to check the Gittisham website and Facebook page for more details,

The success of the fete was made possible by the hard work of the many volunteers, parishioners & bakers, also the generous support of the sponsors, including the Parish Council, Carter Dawes, Combe Estate & Shermans Farm, Vale Vets, The Pig, Combe Garden Centre, Otter Nurseries, Joshuas, Devon Vale, Hare and Hounds, Norman Lockyer Observatory, Heron Farm, and OneStop Shop.

– Alex Rowe & The Gittisham Fete Committee

Images by Alex, Robert, Toni, Carla, Gary, Stella & Damian

Devon Open Studios – Octavia Madden

I will be taking part in Devon Open Studios this September and warmly invite you to visit my studio in Ottery St Mary. I’ll be showing a selection of my recent paintings, drawings and prints, and it’s a chance to see where and how I work.

Devon Open Studios is a county-wide event where artists open their doors to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore a variety of creative practices and discover new work. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome.

I look forward to welcoming you!

Gittisham Village Hall

Dear friends of Gittisham Hall,

We hope you have all enjoyed a great summer and have been able to spend time enjoying the lovely weather.

Your hall committee have been busy putting plans together for an exciting program of events this autumn.

September 10th. We have all been kindly invited to join the Gittisham Folk Dancing Club at 7.30 for a free taster of their fun dance class with live musicians.

September 27th.

Our ever-popular cake sale 2.30-4.30pm

Harvest themed Quiz 7pm

October 18th Open Mic night with bar, and Pizza Wagon, from 7pm

November 29^th

Christmas craft fair from 10am… do get in touch if you or someone you know would like to reserve a table to sell from.

Cake sale 2.30-4.30

Christmas bingo 7pm, eyes down 7.30pm

We hope you will come and join us! Your support enables us to make repairs and upgrades to our much loved and very old hall!
Over the past two months, two new hand dryers have been installed along with upgraded handwashing facilities in the kitchen, with plans to start redecorating the toilets in September.

We are always keen to hear from anyone wishing to support us, either with feedback, ideas, time or donations!

Gittisham Parish Council

The Parish Council met on 4^th September. A report will be available shortly on the village website and also in the next edition of the Gazette.

Gittisham Gazette August 2025

2 August 2025 by Alex

Village Hall Talk on Ukraine Molly Furniss

Gittisham’s popular Village Hall Talk event is set to resume on Friday 12th September, with a talk given by guest speaker Illia Vdovych, a Ukranian student who has been a refugee in the UK since 2022. Illia is an exceptional young man, and I was honoured to have him as my tutee at Exeter College. Despite arriving in the UK with limited English, he achieved excellent GCSE results and progressed on to an A level programme studying History, Economics and Further Maths. He hopes to enrol at Durham University in the Autumn, where he will study History and Politics.

Illia will give a talk at the Village Hall about Ukraine’s history, explaining how the first Ukrainian National Republic was formed in 1917, and discussing the country’s current challenges as a result of the Russian invasion in February 2022. He will also speak about the implications of the war for Britain and the world order.

I’m really delighted that Illia is happy to deliver a talk which promises to be insightful, thought-provoking and informative. Please come along to support Illia and learn more about Ukraine from the perspective of someone who has been so personally impacted by the turbulence of its recent history.

Village Playground

The village has a playground, which is leased to the parish council, and well-used by parishioners. The equipment was upgraded in 2011, following a successful fund-raising campaign by residents to provide a space for young and old alike to enjoy the outdoors. There is a boules pitch, as well as two types of swing, a balance beam, see-saw and a cow springer. Benches and a bbq are provided also.

A patch of land has been joined with the existing park to create a ‘go wild’ area. This space has a tower slide and mown paths as well as wild flowers and fruit trees, and bird, bug and bee houses.

Gittisham Parish Council

The Parish Councillors are having a well-earned break from their monthly meetings and will meet again on 4^th September in the Village Hall. Public are most welcome to attend and if you wish to speak, there is an opportunity at the start of the meeting. Or please do keep in contact with your Councillors via the Clerk

We are always happy to hear from you and over the summer we are still busy, in particular looking at the work schedule for our new Parish Lengthsman on parish drains, verges and ditches, renovating the village playground boules court, ongoing work on creating safe walking and amenity routes in the parish to contact the 2 halves of the parish and the ever-present pressure on anyone and everyone to get decent broadband into the village.

Broadband in Gittisham village and surrounds, we are not alone.

Councillor Adam Powell

For many years, possibly the last ten, Gittisham has made a lot of noise about not being connected to full fibre broadband. It is no comfort to know that nearby Weston, Hayne Farm Estate, and of course Honiton have superfast fibre provision, if they want it. We have a little bit of news on this front, but please do not get too excited.

In July 2025 Gittisham Parish Council (GPC), received by email, the results of a survey by East Devon District Council (EDDC) on Rural Broadband in East Devon. These were the findings of an online questionnaire in May 2025 EDDC sent out to town and parish councils, including GPC, many rural businesses, and chambers of commerce. More than one hundred responses were received over the three week period that the survey was live. Broadband provision was rated 1-5, 1 being very poor and 5 excellent. In summary 73.3% rated their broadband provision very poor or poor (1 or 2), 20% reported average service (3), and only 6.6% felt they had a strong service. In other words, almost three quarters of respondents reported their broadband provision was below average, with dropouts, poor speeds, or no connection at all. To amplify this many rural areas of East Devon have very poor or no mobile signal, this means no easy alternative means of connecting to broadband.

The report highlighted the frustrations of businesses, lost internet sales, inability to operate or expand, poor communication between businesses and clients, wasted download time, relocation costs, and expensive satellite alternatives. For residents the consequences of poor provision are equally dire for education, remote working, healthcare, online banking, shopping, and entertainment to name but a few areas of concern. Many witness statements were recorded in the report.

Just to clarify the provision of fast broadband fibre services in Devon and Somerset has been the responsibility of Devon and Somerset County Councils, not EDDC, more specifically an organisation called Connecting Devon and Somerset CDS, since 2015. Many millions have been thrown at this project, many commercial companies have not completed their rollouts, and CDS have not been taken to account for this failure.

Well after 10 years of failing to provide what is now considered an essential utility this report is really, to put it mildly stating what we already know, in Gittisham Parish in particular. I suppose it is reassuring to know we are not alone.

The report continues with three next steps, to summarise, EDDC will:

1.Join together with other Devon Districts to highlight poor broadband provision, and use this stronger voice to lobby central government.

2.Write to the leader of Devon County Council asking them to explain the current position and the failure of rollouts that have occurred in the past.

3.Write to the minister for digital communications (Peter Kyle MP) and our East Devon MPs asking for a clear plan of action, and a renewed commitment to deliver full fibre infrastructure in rural areas.

The key economic strategy of the current government is to increase growth and improve productivity, how are residents of Gittisham expected to do this without strong digital connectivity? The digital age has overtaken our lives in the last ten years, one cannot imagine how poor access to broadband may affect our lives in the next ten years if connectivity does not improve radically.

You may want to read the full report summary, which is available on the EDDC website;

https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/bzcleegm/rural-broadband-consultation-summary-report.pdf

Your comments and feedback would be most welcome by both the Gazette, and Gittisham Parish Council.

Gittisham Gazette July 2025

15 July 2025 by Alex

Gittisham Village Fete – We Need You!

Saturday 30th August 2025 | From 2.00pm

With just under two months to go, preparations are in full swing for this year’s Gittisham Village Fete – a wonderful celebration of our community. But to make it all happen, we need your help. Last year was a fantastic day, but we were stretched thin on volunteers. A small group ended up covering far more than expected. This year, we’re asking for more helping hands, even just for an hour or two, so everyone can enjoy the day. Whether you’re new to the village or have helped before, please consider joining the team – it’s a great way to meet people and be part of something special.

Volunteers Needed We’re looking for people to help with the following roles:

Traffic management and car parking
Admissions desk (welcoming visitors)
Duck Race team (setting up and launching ducks)
Serving cream teas in the Village Hall
Cakes! (selling and baking)
Ice cream sales
Bar team
Tombola stall
Dog show assistance
Setup and end-of-day pack away

No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a friendly face! To volunteer, email:
Or contact us via the Village WhatsApp group.

What’s On During the Fete

2.00pm – Fete opens with music from the Honiton Town Band
3.00pm – Dog Show in Will’s Field (class info to be announced on social media)
Cream teas in the Village Hall
Morris dancers, the Gittisham Memories display in the Church, and classic vehicles on the Village Green
Pizza Van
Stalls lining the main avenue and Will’s Field
Around 4.30pm – The ever-popular Duck Race

Duck Race Tickets tickets are just £1 each and will be on sale throughout August.

Prizes:
1st – £100 2nd – £50 3rd – £25 4th – £10

A huge thank you to our generous supporters: The Parish Council, The Pig, Vale Vets, and CarterDawes, whose backing helps us maintain the prizes and keep the fete going strong.

Let’s work together to make this year’s fete a day to remember – we can’t do it without your support.

More information and updates:
Website: gittisham.org.uk/fete
Email:

GITTISHAM FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW at the Village Hall on Saturday 2nd August 2025 at 2.30pm

Potato bucket weigh in at 3:15pm

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

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

Special potato class £1 – payable when your seed potato is collected

Sections A,B,C no prize money. Section D prizes 1 st = £1, 2 nd = 50p, 3 rd = 25p

McCann Junior Cup for most points by a competitor age 12-16 in Sections A,B,C

Awards for Best in Show in Sections A and B

Children must be aged 3-11, Juniors must be age 12-16 on Saturday 26th July 2025. Children are welcome to enter Sections A,B,C upon paying the entry fee.

SECTION “C” HOMECRAFT

30 Chocolate Swiss Roll – as attached recipe

31 Vegetable Tart (not exceeding 20cm)–own recipe

32 Sausage Plait – using homemade rough puff pastry

33 Madeira cake

34 A jar of strawberry jam

35 Jar of pickled vegetable(s)– any variety

36 Set of 4 Dorset Buttons

37 Homemade birthday card for a child

38 Photo of a bird in your garden – max size 25cm x 20cm

39 MEN ONLY – 6 Brownies – as recipe

Full details of flower, vegetable and children’s classes available online or from Sue Fallows

Gittisham Parish Council JULY 2025 Report

Four councillors met for the July meeting along with one member of the public.

EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine reported he had spoken to planning consultant Charlie Hopkins regarding representation at the Local Plan inquiry later this year (or early next year). His diary is busy in October, but otherwise he is happy to help. He is not representing any other parish council or party in respect of the current EDDC Local Plan. Councillors resolved to approve expenditure for Charlie Hopkins’s initial assessment. David Valentine will prepare a summary of parish council representations previously made, and give Charlie Hopkins the opportunity to assess the likelihood of GPC being successful in making further representations at the examination in public. Having the initial assessment, David Valentine argued, would provide a better basis on which to consider further expenditure over and above getting Charlie Hopkins’s professional assessment.

Councillors heard that Axminster Town Council is suggesting there were irregularities at EDDC’s Local Plan meetings, but David Valentine cautioned that if the inspector finds the plan unsound, it could open a new can of worms.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances.

Crimes. April 2025: Cypress Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences. Nether Close: 2 x violence & sexual offences. Meadow Acre: 1 x criminal damage & arson, 1 x violence & sexual offences

Planning applications.

a) 25/0659/LBC – Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – To take down existing wall to barns 1 and 2 and rebuild as masonry cavity wall with stone face

b) 25/0660/VAR – Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – Variation of Condition number 2 (approved plans) on planning permission 20/0781/FUL (Conversion of barn to holiday let accommodation) proposal to take down existing wall to Barns 1 & 2 and rebuild as masonry cavity wall with stone face

Councillors said it was not clear what changes had been made, and Carol Hall agreed to investigate and report back.

Lengthsman. Carol Hall said that FabTrim Landscaping had carried out some lengthsman-type work, including strimming the river so that it is ready for the duck race. He will be strimming the ditches by the village green, and they will be cleared once ground conditions permit. Alex Rowe said he had purchased some cones and road signs for future lengthsman work. It was agreed that a list of items to attend to should be drawn up in the coming months.

Coincidentally it emerged that some council highways contractors had visited to cut drainage splays which direct water from the road into ditches along Parsonage Lane and up to Bellevue and other areas around the village, also they have cleared the drainage holes into the river along.

Play area. Councillors discussed reviving the boules court, after a request from a resident and also having seen the new one in Tipton St John, and it was agreed to investigate how much it would cost to bring it back into use.

Alex Rowe said a resident had been in touch to ask if adult outdoor fitness equipment might be a possibility, and the clerk agreed to investigate although warned that it could come with a significant cost.

Next meeting. Thursday 4^th September at 7.30pm in the village hall.

Gittisham Gazette – June 2025

7 June 2025 by Alex

A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

What’s On                         at the Village Hall

Coffee&Cake4AKitchen    28^th June

Father’s Day BBQ       15^th June

Band and Bar         21^st June

Please support these events to help us raise vital funding for the upkeep of our beautiful village hall

Weekly Fitness class Tuesday mornings

Folk Dancing Weds evenings

Community Kitchen Thurs eve Yoga Friday afternoons

Pierre’s Café         8^th June

Gittisham Fete 30^th August

Church 200 Club May Draw Results
1st Prize Ava Marker-Morgan
2nd Prize Nigel Seward
3rd Prize David Fallows

Church Services
Pentecost Sunday June 8th

Holy Communion Sunday 29^th

June 11am Pet Service the Green

‘Around the World’ Flower Festival in the Church
Sat & Sun July 5^th& 6^th                                                          Coffee, Light Lunches and Cream Teas in the Village Hall
All day from 10am.                                                                                                                             Concert in the Church
Sat July 5^th 4.30 – 5.30 pm                                                                                                                           ‘Love Songs through the Ages’
Concert Tickets
£15 per person with complimentary Pimms.
Proceeds to St Michael’s Church For further information contact Julia at Tel 07763111367

Grain to Cream – Ed Hayman

I’m sure you will have noticed the new shed being built at Gittisham Farm on the site of the old farmhouse. It’s now been 14 years since the fire, and a lot has changed both on and off the farm; time does fly. With our calf-rearing facilities upgraded, this shed is the next step in improving animal health and performance, with weaned calves (3 months old) entering the shed and moving on again a few months later. The main benefits will be improved ventilation for the youngstock, labour savings, and a lower stocking rate across all sheds in winter. The weather has been on our side this spring, allowing us to take the 1 st cut of grass silage at the end of April before it went to seed. This means the crop is higher in energy with greater digestibility compared to grass cut at a later growth stage. Allowing the dairy cows to produce more milk from forage, and reduce the proportion of concentrates (Wheat, Rapemeal, etc) in the milking ration. It’s a sharp contrast from last spring, where I think if we had tried to take silage in April, it would have looked like a reenactment of the Somme! I’m sure we’ll soon be complaining that it’s too dry, although the clay-based soils on the farm are very good at retaining moisture. For the third time now, we have planted an acre or so of pumpkins, or a ‘hectare’ to the metrically minded. The first true leaves are showing, along with a flush of weeds, unfortunately. Luckily, I have a tractor-mounted inter-row weeder for the bulk of the work, and a begrudging workforce for the rest! Hopefully, come October, the field will be covered in every variety of pumpkin under the sun.

Cream Tea and Raffle on Saturday 14^th June 2-5pm At 5 Bracken Close, Gittisham Vale EX14 2XA All welcome, with donations towards the fabric fund of our parish church. Any donations for the raffle gratefully received. No booking needed, just turn up. St Michael’s Church Julia Barratt

We are blessed here in Gittisham, to enjoy not just on Asencion Day but all year round, the glorious stained-glass window above the altar, showing Christ ascending to heaven with the disciples looking on in awe and wonder. As Thomas Traherne, the C17th priest-poet and mystic wrote: .. our enjoyment of the world is never right till until every morning we awake in Heaven; see ourselves in our Father’s Palace; and look upon the skies, the earth, and the air as Celestial Joys’.

There is definitely a lot to enjoy this summer in and around the Church! As I write, the Church is looking wonderful with the amazing displays of flowers for Bill and Sara’s wedding. And so a very big ‘Thank You’ to the fantastic team of flower arrangers and to all those who helped with preparing the Church and also to the Churchyard Brimble’s for their work in the Churchyard!

Well Done Everyone!

With congratulations to the newlywed couple Bill and Sara

Gittisham Parish Council JUNE 2025 Report

Six councillors met for the June meeting along with Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) and three members of the public.

Village play area. Councillors discussed the appropriate management of wildness for the wild area, following a comment from a resident about the height of grass and brambles around the tower slide before they were cut. Adam Powell suggested cutting the grass right back and see what flowers next spring. He added that Devon Wildlife Trust had approached him to offer a mini tree nursery, which could be planted in a corner of the play area.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances, as well as the annual accounts and governance statement for 2024/25.

Crimes. March 2025: Nags Head Road: 1 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x other crime. Nether Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences. Hamlett Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences. Meadow Acre: 1 x vehicle crime

Planning applications.

a) 24/0514/FUL – Land adjacent to Town House Gittisham EX14 3AJ – Demolition of existing agricultural buildings; proposed housing scheme for 6x. CLT-owned affordable homes for rent, and 3x estate-owned open market houses (amended plans)

b) 25/0885/FUL – Unit 3 Iron Bridge Industrial Estate EX14 3AN – Proposed enlargement of existing commercial building to provide additional warehouse space

c) 25/0369/FUL – Roebuck Farm Weston EX14 3PB – Proposed MOT station, hard-standing and widened access track (retrospective application).

Councillors resolved to have no objection to a) or b). Regarding c), members objected to this application which potentially risks increasing vehicle movements in the surrounding area. Alasdair Bruce said many would be aware of the action taken on 23^rd May to remove a number of mature trees relating to the widening of the entrance to Roebuck Farm. Councillors expressed their concern that this didn’t appear to be part of the planning application and it was undertaken within the bird nesting season. Alasdair Bruce said he had shared the information at EDDC’s cabinet meeting, and has asked if there is anything that can be done to stop this type of destructive act being perpetrated in the future. The track entrance is in Gittisham parish.

Honiton sports provision. Peter Orchard reported that EDDC have released £200k of S106 money via Honiton Town Council to Honiton Rugby Club for improvements to floodlights and drainage. Work should start this month for completion by the forthcoming season. Part of this sum was a contribution from Baker Estates to Gittisham Parish, which councillors had decided previously was better spent on facilities in Honiton that could benefit Gittisham parishioners. Peter Orchard said that Honiton TC also has access to another pot of money for sports provision. HTC will write to all Honiton-based sports facilities and clubs asking for ideas. The next meeting will take place in September 2025, when decisions will be made on which ideas to fund.

Road closures. 4–6 August road through Alfington closed for Wales and West Utilities work. 7 August 0700–1900 temporary one-way along old A30 adjacent to Honiton Agricultural Show.

Next meeting. Thursday 3^rd July at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Gittisham Gazette May 2025

7 June 202511 May 2025 by Alex

Gittisham Parish Council MAY 2025 Report

Five councillors met for the May meeting along with Richard Jefferies (DCC) and one member of the public.

Chair & Vice Chair. Carol Hall was re-elected as chair and Alex Rowe as vice chair for 2025/26.

New county councillor. Richard Jefferies was welcomed to the meeting as the new councillor for Feniton & Honiton electoral division. He said he was looking forward to representing the views of Gittisham parish residents at county level. Members said they would very much like him to help progress the lack of superfast broadband in Gittisham village. All paid tribute to the work of Cllr Phil Twiss who fulfilled the role from May 2017 until the recent election, and his strong support for the parish.

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. No updates since the April meeting.

Planning applications. a) 25/0856/FUL – 1 Church Mead, Gittisham EX14 3AH – Replacement single storey side extension with associated internal alterations

b) 25/0369/FUL – Roebuck Farm Weston EX14 3PB – Proposed MOT station, hard-standing and widened access track (retrospective application).

Councillors had no objections to a). Regarding b), the parish council was made aware in August last year by a parishioner of a previous application for change of use at Roebuck Farm. This application was subsequently withdrawn. Although Gittisham is the adjoining parish, part of the track which serves the proposed change of use is in Gittisham parish. Councillors expressed their disappointment that a change of use appeared to have gone ahead, and objected to this application which risks increasing vehicle movements in the surrounding area.

Road closures. 4–6 August road through Alfington closed for Wales and West Utilities work.

Honiton Rugby Club. Councillors heard that East Devon District Council have released £200k of S106 money to Honiton Rugby Club for improvements to floodlights and drainage. Work should start this month for completion by the forthcoming season. Part of this sum was a contribution from Baker Estates to Gittisham parish, which the parish council offered to Honiton Town Council to spend on sports activities which would benefit Gittisham parishioners.

EDDC Local Plan. Councillors discussed the possibility of engaging the services of a planning consultant to represent the parish council when the Local Plan examination comes forward later this year. David Valentine said in its submission to the public consultation, Broadhembury PC had taken legal advice from a consultant who, on its behalf, challenged both the soundness of the plan and raised objections to what was being proposed.

Village play area. Councillors Adam Powell, Andrea Rye and Peter Orchard had attended to the items highlighted in the annual safety inspection report. Andrea Rye said some cherry trees could be trained along the back wall of the wild area by the bee hotel.

Next meeting. Thursday 5^th June at 7.30pm in the parish room.

GITTISHAM FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW SCHEDULE

To be held at the Parish Hall on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Potato bucket weigh in at 3:15pm. The show will open at 2:30pm

Teas and raffle. Admission: Adults 50p; Children 5-16 years 10p. Entrance fee Sections A,B,C 20p:

Children’s entries free

SECTION “A” VEGETABLES

Class

3 White potatoes 2. 3 Coloured potatoes 3. 1 Cabbage (any variety)

4. 1 Lettuce (any variety) 5. 5 Spring Onions 6. 5 Onion sets

7. 6 Shallots 8. 6 Sprays of Parsley 9. 3 Beetroot

10. 3 Carrots (any variety) 11. 6 Pods of Broad beans 12. 6 Pods of Peas

13. A pair of Cucumbers 14. 5 Tomatoes 15. 5 Cherry tomatoes

16. 3 Courgettes under 6” 17. 6 Runner beans 18. 6 French Beans

19. 3 Sticks of Rhubarb 20. 4 different culinary herbs (not parsley) in a jam jar

21. The longest runner bean

SECTION “B” FLOWERS Classes 24-28 to be presented in a clear glass jar (NOT A VASE)

22. An Orchid (pot not exceeding 8”) 23. 5 pansy heads floating in clear water in a clear glass bowl

24. 1 Spike Gladioli 25. 3 Dahlias

26. 6 Stems of Sweet peas 27. 4 stems of different cut flowers

28. 1 Specimen Rose

29. An arrangement of garden flowers to illustrate a song title of your choice. Arrangement not exceeding 12” or 30cm in any direction. Own vase, not jam jar. Please add a note to indicate the song

SECTION “C” HOMECRAFT

Chocolate Swiss Roll – as attached recipe 31 Vegetable Tart (not exceeding 20cm)–own recipe
Sausage Plait – using homemade rough puff pastry 33 Madeira cake

34 A jar of strawberry jam 35 Jar of pickled vegetable(s)– any variety

36 Set of 4 Dorset Buttons 37 Homemade birthday card for a child

38 Photo of a bird in your garden – max size 25cm x 20cm

39 MEN ONLY – 6 Brownies – as attached recipe

SPECIAL CLASS: Potatoes in a bucket – potatoes can be collected from Sue and David Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham 01404 850922 on or after 1^st April 2025

SECTION “D” CHILDREN’S CLASSES

0 – 5 years

40 A painted pebble 41. An animal made of vegetables 42 A garden on a plate

6 – 11 years
43. A pompom/bobble for a hat 44. An A4 poster for next year’s Flower and Produce Show on 1^st August 2026

45. 4 pieces of Rocky Road – own recipe

Entry forms from Sue Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham, EX14 3AS 01404 850922 or

Gittisham Gazette April 2025

22 April 2025 by Alex

Gittisham Parish Council APRIL 2025 Report

Five councilors met for the April meeting. Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of the public were also present.

New domestic abuse service. Phil Twiss explained that a new integrated Domestic Abuse Support Service has been launched by Devon County Council, and it aims to transform how people in the county access and receive support. The service will be provided by the Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance, a partnership of seven local organisations. Each partner brings a wealth of expertise, which will help ensure that those in need of the service, their friends and families as well as professionals receive the right advice, information and care at the right time. At the heart of this approach is My Story, a person-centred approach led by a dedicated support team, which aims to avoid individuals being referred to multiple services and then asked to share their traumatic experiences multiple times. For more information, support, or to refer someone to the service, contact: 0808 281 6161.

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. January 2025: Nether Close: 2 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x other theft, Hamlett Close: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Rowan Close: 1 x criminal damage & arson, Nags Head Road: 1 x other theft. February 2025: Nags Head Road: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Meadow Acre: 1 x burglary

Planning applications.

a) 24/0514/FUL – Land adjacent to Town House, Gittisham EX14 3AJ – Demolition of existing agricultural buildings. Proposed housing scheme for 6no. CLT owned affordable homes for rent, and 3no. Estate owned open market houses

b) 25/0637/FUL – 2 Ferndale Close Honiton EX14 2YN – Construction of two-storey side extension

c) 24/2270/FUL – Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – Remove all external render and re-render with a lime-based mortar and construct enclosed front terrace, retaining walls and gate

d) 24/2271/LBC – Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – Replace door on front elevation, replace all windows. Remove all external render and re-render with a lime-based mortar and construct enclosed front terrace, retaining walls and gate

e) 25/0659/LBC – Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – To take down existing wall to barns 1 and 2 and rebuild as masonry cavity wall with stone face

f) 25/0660/VAR – Rapshayes Farm Gittisham EX14 3AB – Variation of Condition number 2 (approved plans) on planning permission 20/0781/FUL (Conversion of barn to holiday let accommodation) proposal to take down existing wall to Barns 1 & 2 and rebuild as masonry cavity wall with stone face

Councillors had no objections to these applications.

Councillor vacancies.

Andrea Rye and Gary Pester were elected by a unanimous vote to represent Gittisham Vale and Gittisham Village ward respectively.

Next meeting. Thursday 8 th May at 7.30pm in the parish room. This is also the annual parish meeting. All welcome.

GITTISHAM FLOWER & PRODUCE SHOW SCHEDULE

To be held at the Parish Hall on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Potato bucket weigh in at 3:15pm. The show will open at 2:30pm

Teas and raffle. Admission: Adults 50p; Children 5-16 years 10p. Entrance fee Sections A,B,C 20p:

Children’s entries free

Special potato class £1 – payable when your seed potato is collected. Sections A,B,C no prize money. Section D prizes 1^st = £1, 2^nd = 50p, 3^rd = 25p. McCann Junior Cup for most points by a competitor age 12-16 in Sections A,B,C. Awards for Best in Show in Sections A and B

The show is open to all residents of Gittisham parish, which includes Gittisham Vale and Hayne Farm estate. We also welcome entries from those who no longer live in the parish, those who actively support the parish, and those with close links to the parish. Children must be aged 3-11 on Saturday 26th July 2025. Juniors must be age 12-16 on Saturday 26th July 2025. Children are welcome to enter Sections A,B,C upon paying the entry fee. All exhibits must have been made or grown by the exhibitor. One entry form per person – no sharing! Entries must be made in writing on the Entry form enclosed by marking X in the appropriate box on the form. Entry forms must be accompanied by the correct entrance fees. Entries must reach Sarah and Len Abbott, 4 Church Mead, Gittisham EX14 3AH by Saturday 26th July 2025 NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THIS DATE. Only one exhibit per person per class. The decision of the judges will be final and binding. Entries will be received at the Parish Hall between 0900 and 1045 on show day, and must remain staged until after the presentation of prizes. No exhibit should be named (including children’s exhibits)

SECTION “A” VEGETABLES

Class

3 White potatoes 2. 3 Coloured potatoes 3. 1 Cabbage (any variety)

4. 1 Lettuce (any variety) 5. 5 Spring Onions 6. 5 Onion sets

7. 6 Shallots 8. 6 Sprays of Parsley 9. 3 Beetroot

10. 3 Carrots (any variety) 11. 6 Pods of Broad beans 12. 6 Pods of Peas

13. A pair of Cucumbers 14. 5 Tomatoes 15. 5 Cherry tomatoes

16. 3 Courgettes under 6” 17. 6 Runner beans 18. 6 French Beans

19. 3 Sticks of Rhubarb 20. 4 different culinary herbs (not parsley) in a jam jar

21. The longest runner bean

SECTION “B” FLOWERS Classes 24-28 to be presented in a clear glass jar (NOT A VASE)

22. An Orchid (pot not exceeding 8”) 23. 5 pansy heads floating in clear water in a clear glass bowl

24. 1 Spike Gladioli 25. 3 Dahlias

26. 6 Stems of Sweet peas 27. 4 stems of different cut flowers

28. 1 Specimen Rose

SECTION “C” HOMECRAFT

Chocolate Swiss Roll – as attached recipe 31 Vegetable Tart (not exceeding 20cm)–own recipe
Sausage Plait – using homemade rough puff pastry 33 Madeira cake

34 A jar of strawberry jam 35 Jar of pickled vegetable(s)– any variety

36 Set of 4 Dorset Buttons 37 Homemade birthday card for a child

38 Photo of a bird in your garden – max size 25cm x 20cm

39 MEN ONLY – 6 Brownies – as attached recipe

SPECIAL CLASS: Potatoes in a bucket – potatoes can be collected from Sue and David Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham 01404 850922 on or after 1^st April 2025

SECTION “D” CHILDREN’S CLASSES

0 – 5 years

40 A painted pebble 41. An animal made of vegetables 42 A garden on a plate

6 – 11 years
43. A pompom/bobble for a hat 44. An A4 poster for next year’s Flower and Produce Show on 1^st August 2026

45. 4 pieces of Rocky Road – own recipe

ENTRY FORM

Please place an X in the square showing the number of the class(es) you intend to enter. When completed please return this Entry Form, with the correct Entry Fees, as shown on the schedule to: Sarah and Len Abbott, 4 Church Mead, Gittisham EX14 3AH on or before Saturday 26^th July 2025 No entries will be accepted after this date. Each entrant must complete a separate entry form. No sharing! Please do not name any exhibit – even the children’s

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

Entrant’s name………………………………………………………………………

Address………………………………………………………………………………….

Total entry fee enclosed………………………….

Or, if child, state child’s age………………………

Additional entry forms available, if required, from Sue Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham, EX14 3AS 01404 850922 or

Chocolate Swiss Roll

75g (3oz) plain flour Chocolate butter icing

3 eggs 50g (2oz) butter

75g(3oz) caster sugar 100g (40z) icing sugar

2 tblsp cocoa powder 2 tblsp cocoa powder

1tblsp water 2 tblsp water

Preheat oven to 180c .Grease and line a 33cm x23cm(13 x 9 inch) Swiss roll tin
Or baking tray with baking parchment.

Sift flour into a small bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl,whisk the eggs and sugar for about 10 minutes, until the mixture
Is pale and light and the whisk leaves a trail.Using a large metal spoon,

Gradually and gently fold the flour,cocoa,water into the mixture until evenly mixed.

Gently pour the mixture into the tin and lightly level the surface.Bake for 8 -10 minutes until
Wwll risen, and firm to touch.

Whilst the Swiss roll is baking,place a large piece ofof baking parchment onto the work surface and dust with icing sugar.

As soon asthe cake is baked turn out onto the paper, removing the parchment the Swiss roll
was cooked in. Trim the edges of the cake and make a score mark a 1 inch in from
the shorter edge.

Place a sheet of parchment over the Swiss Rolland roll up from a
short end, with the parchment inside and leave to cool.

While cooling, mix up butter Icing. When cool carefully unroll, remove the paper and spread icing and re roll

Chocolate Brownies

Preheat the oven to 180/160 Fan/Gas 4

Grease and line an 18 x 28cm (7 x 11 inches) tin. Bring the lining paper up a good 5cm (2in) above the rim.

50g (2oz) dark chocolate

110g (4oz) butter

2 eggs, beaten

225g (8oz) granulated sugar

50g (2oz) plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

110g (4oz) chopped nuts

Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt with the butter over a pan of simmering water.

Away from the heat stir in all the other ingredients and mix well.

Spread in the lined tin.

Bake for approx. 30 minutes until a skewer comes out just clean. The mixture will firm up on cooling, so don’t overcook.

Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then divide up and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Gittisham Gazette March 2025

7 March 2025 by Alex

A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

What’s On At the village hall

Pierre’s Kitchen
Sunday 9^th March

Community Land Trust AGM 11^th March 7pm

Finley’s Bird Club
Saturday 15^th Mar 2-3pm

Village hall closed
w/c 17 March

Yoga Retreat Day
Saturday 22^nd March
Coffee & Cake
Sat 29^thMarch, 2.30-4.30

Easter Bingo
Sat 29^th March                   __

Weekly Fitness class                        Tuesday mornings

Folk Dancing
   Wednesday evenings

Community Kitchen
Thursday evenings

Yoga
          Friday afternoons

Gittisham Fete 2025 Will be held on the 30th August, please come forward if you have any ideas for a theme for this year’s s fete or if you would like to get involved with supporting the event. Thank you, Alex

St Michael’s Church Services in March

Sunday March 9th Holy Communion at 11am                                                                                                                 Mothering Sunday
March 30th Holy Communion at 11am – with distribution of posies

Lent Lunch Fridays 12.30pm March 21^st, April 4^th a simple Lent Lunch of soup and bread at St Michael’s Cottage or in the Parish Room                                                                                                                  Church 200 Club

February Draw Results
1st Una Wakley-Beddows
2nd Ernest Wensley
3rd David Valentine

Allocation of sites for new houses and employment
Do you have an opinion about the expansion of housing and employment land towards Gittisham village? Yes? Then you need to be involved in the EDDC Local Plan Public Consultation. The deadline for comments is the end of March. If you find the EDDC online portal too much then please contact a Parish Councilor who will be happy to help you pass your views on to East Devon.

Solar Powered Village Hall This week’s community kitchen was 100% powered through what was generated on the sunny Thursday.

In November of 2024 the Hall committee applied for the East Devon District Council – Carbon Action Fund. This is a grant funded by EDDC via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We applied for the installation of a Solar Photovoltaics system along with upgrades to the lighting internally and externally to LED. This grant covers nighty percent of the cost of these works with the Village Hall paying the other ten. The grant required many documents including carbon footprint calculations and quotations from 3 separate companies. On March 5^th 2025, the 8kW solar array and 20kWh battery storage system was installed meaning now during the summer months the Hall will be self-sufficient! But will also reduce our cost during the winter, allowing the committee to focus funds on other projects to continue future proofing the Hall as a community space. LED light upgrades are due for completion too within the next couple of weeks.

Natter & nibbles at Gittisham farmhouse on Saturday 15th March Everyone welcome entrance donations towards for the upkeep of our beautiful church! 10-12 noon. Garden to wander round overlooking the animals!

Saturday 15^th March 2-3pm

Lenten Reflections from St Michael’s Gittisham

Julia Barratt Traditionally Lent begins on Ash Wednesday when Christians are marked by the sign of the Cross in ashes on their foreheads, as a sign of the fragility of our lives as human beings. A reminder of our dependence on God, the Creator, the source of Life and Love from whom we come and to whom we return. I wonder how you might choose to keep Lent this year? Within the Church, Lent is traditionally observed as a time of fasting and living more simply. Increasingly, I’ve come to be grateful for the ‘soul’ work of Lent. The invitation to be less dependent on instant gratification, but to pause, to reflect, to live more fully in the moment –‘ Lentamente’ – slowly. Living Hope Lent Group. ‘Living Hope’ is the Church of England’s Theme for Lent this year and I will be leading a Lent Group using the ‘Living Hope’ booklet’ which invites us to explore the hope offered by God – not wishful thinking but something real, robust, alive and needed more than ever in our world today. The booklets with short daily reflections will be freely available from Ash Wednesday in the church. And each week we will look at the idea of hope from a different angle as we journey in the way of the Cross and beyond to the transforming hope of Easter Day. Wednesdays 7.30pm March 12^th, March 26^th,April 9^th and Fridays 12.30pm March 21^st, April 4^th with simple Lent Lunch of soup and bread. At St Michael’s Cottage or in the Parish Room depending on numbers. For further information contact Julia at Tel 07763 111367

Pierre’s Café 9th March

Pierre’s cafe coincides with the nationwide Day of Reflection to remember those we lost during the pandemic, and mark all the amazing work done by NHS staff. Anyone coming to Pierre’s Cafe that day on presentation of a valid NHS ID card will receive a free hot drink. Two new vegan recipes of vegan Danish, I just sorted out: Apple and cinnamon swirls and
Suisse chocolate style will complete the vegan raisin swirls, vegan apricot Oranais, butter croissant and pain au chocolate. Lunch at 12.15, gluten free and vegan option.
Bring your own alcoholic drink. Café open 10am to 4pm.
Booking 07545 214940

Mother’s Day at Gittisham Church

The Mother’s Day Service is on Sunday 30^th March and everyone is welcome to join in, to admire the flower arrangements and mothers will receive a scented posy. “THANK YOU” to Paul Wakley for tending the churchyard. As some of you may have seen snowdrops & primroses are looking beautiful!

Four councillors met for the March meeting. Cllrs Twiss (DCC) and Bruce (EDDC) sent

reports in their absence.

Staying safe online. Phil Twiss said Safer Devon is running a free webinar to explore digital spaces that young people engage with, how these may influence their choices and expose them to risks and practical tips and guidance to support young people to keep safe. The free webinar will explore:

• why the digital world is a valuable space for many neuro-divergent young people

• how the online content young people interact with can shape their choices and may expose them to risks and harmful behaviours

• practical tips and guidance on creating safe and supportive online spaces for young people

This session will take place online on Thursday 27 March 78pm. Please visit the Safer Devon Eventbrite page to book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-

keeping-our-young-people-safe-online-tickets-1263976671249?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. The clerk said the Police UK website was not showing any change since last month’s reported crime statistics (December 2024).

Planning, Feniton. Alasdair Bruce reported that a major application in Feniton had been passed last week, despite a large number of objections raised by him, Feniton parish council and members of the public. Whilst many of the committee were swayed by these passionately presented arguments, he said they were ultimately persuaded by the officers into approving it. Alasdair explained that those who objected were dismayed that their first-hand information regarding flooding problems in Feniton and sewerage spills was irrelevant, if officers direct the decision-makers that these points cannot be defended if an appeal against refusal goes to the planning inspector. Alasdair said he had raised his

concerns with EDDC’s chair of planning.

EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine said EDDC’s Local Plan is now out for public consultation until 31st

March. The consultation provides an opportunity to review the final draft of the local development plan, with all submitted comments to be passed directly to the Planning Inspector for examination. Residents, businesses and other interested parties are invited to review the proposed policies and site allocations, understanding that your feedback will form part of the official submission to the independent planning review process. Councillors decided to continue for now with the parish council’s consistent objection to the allocation of sites, particularly development west of Hayne Lane. Alex Rowe said he and David Valentine would work on drawing up a template letter that residents can fill in if they share the parish council’s position. Keep an eye on the Gittisham website and social media channels. You can have your say by visiting https://eastdevonlocalplanreg19.commonplace.is/

Climate change measures. Councillors were delighted to hear from Alex Rowe that the village hall now has solar panels on battery storage. He agreed to arrange some publicity once the other works on

renewable energy and window replacements are complete.

Councillor vacancies. The clerk said the parish council can proceed to co-opt two people to the vacancies – one to represent Gittisham Vale and the other to represent Gittisham Village. If you are

interested in representing the parish, please contact

Next meeting. Thursday 17 th April at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Grain to Cheese (formally cream) Russell Hayman Spring is on the way not that it looks much like it at the moment though the rabbits are out and there is more bird song around. The winter routine of feeding and mucking out is still ongoing the cows are milking well, calves popping out and the cows getting back in calf on time the only problem with that is we are up to capacity with animals this winter (never see a satisfied farmer!) So the next stage of our calf rearing will be getting a new shed soon it was planned to happen before but as always there are other priorities at the time but the foundations are in have been for a while; just awaiting the frame. This will generate some more and better accommodation for the animals which will be better for all. (Might have to rethink the pumpkin parking) We have a routine vet visit to help keep all this on track and also analysis areas for improvement. This has shown the alterations we made at the end of 2023 have worked but as ever with farming it will be another year before we see financial reward but we do get a buzz from seeing things going well. The weather did dry up a little and we managed to roll some grass fields (the ones done will have stripes no stars; Donald’s not in control of all he thinks!) still a little damp but last year it was so wet we did not get to roll any which did not help the silage quality. Still got some fencing and with the winds we have had branches to clear up also had a bit of a shed blown away which landed on another damaging the roof there. We are getting ready for our visit from Feniton school reception class, we had our first last year which seemed to go well. So, some tiding up to do! Helen has been busy organising activities; it ties in with their science week which is adapt and change. I do believe I could well be given the roll of poo professor! Well for Christmas I got Edmund a poo sieve with which we can analysis the poo to see how the digestion is going on for the cows. Helen seems to think watching me do some poo sieving will be right up their street I get all the glamorous jobs it was Edmund present! I usually like to end my piece on a cheerful note but I think I should say something about the tax changes that are to come about. I get what they are trying to achieve as agricultural assets are a good way of avoiding inheritance tax if you are in the position of having lots of spare money you do not need to earn a lot of income from. But it will not get to these investors who are not actively farming. Under the proposed changes if I died suddenly the business would have to be sold to pay the tax and I’m a tenant. Yes I can take some precautions but they will cost money, meaning less to invest in the business as it will be another risk to insure for; is this really what they want to achieve? The new rules come in force in April 26 which could well be a dark day for UK agriculture if you are of an age where there is little prospect of living long enough to bring about changes that will ease the burden to the next generation. Some will take the decision to protect their children’s livelihood and all they and their family have worked for that killing themselves is the only option open to them; it has already happened and unfortunately it is highly likely more will. Farming already has the highest suicide rate of any profession I hope the government will listen to us and not add to it. They certainly are not at the moment rejecting proposals put to them that would generate the same tax take but ease this cliff edge. Edmund does say farmers can be really negative which it true and this does not make the sector attractive to go into or show us in a good light. It does have loads to offer directly on the farm and in the many support industries there are lots of rolls many are highly technical and rewarding in lots of ways and like I said earlier I still get a buzz trying to do a bit better every year and have no intention of pushing up daisies for quite a while.

Mary Bramley celebrated her 90^th birthday

Gittisham Village Hall

This is a very exciting month for the hall. We have lots of lovely and much needed upgrades going on to the hall w/c 17th March. Following a long period of grant applications being declined, our efforts have been rewarded with 2 successful grant applications. One from Devon County Council and another from East Devon District Council. We have had solar panels and batteries installed with roof insulation, new windows, doors and LED lights incoming. We expect to go live on the National Grid on 9th March. Huge thanks to the fantastic grant application team.

Upcoming events. We have our much-loved cake sale on March 29th 2.30 -4.30. We welcome cake donations but also your company. Invite your friends. And do remember we have the very eggcelent Easter Bingo on March 29th. 7pm for eyes down at 7.30pm. As well as a cracking raffle we have great Bingo prizes including cash flyer. Our bingo events draw people from far and wide and we don’t want you to be disappointed, so come early to be sure of entry.

Calling all young budding artists. Get your pens, paints and pencils out and bring us your best Easter picture for a chance to win a prize! Pictures need to be brought to the hall on or before March 29th 11.30 am to be exhibited for all to admire and an independent judge will choose their favourite! 2 classes, under 10’s and over 10’s. All pictures need the child’s name, age and contact number on the back (so not visible on the image) and indicate if you give consent for us to post on our social media channels. We are really looking forward to receiving your creations and having an opportunity to celebrate young creatives in the parish.

Dates for your diary:

Gittisham Cabaret 25th and 26th April 7pm. £10 to include a drink from the bar.

The Hall AGM is set for May 13th, 7pm. We would like to invite you to come along, see how we do business and consider joining the committee.

RETREAT DAYS FOR WOMEN in Gittisham Village Hall A day of retreating from your everyday life and outer world, to enter your inner world and connecting with the rhythms of the natural world, through The Medicine Wheel. These retreat days will be a small group of women and spaces are limited. We will focus on Emotions, Mind, Body and Spirit through the elements of Water, Air, Earth and Fire. AIM: to let go of old energy and welcome and embrace where you are and bringing in the new energy. To feel more connected to your body. To find some inner peace. To learn some practices to use at home. To connect with the change of seasons and the year. To connect with the Moon cycles and inner feminine self. DATES: 22^nd March (Spring Equinox), 21^st June (Summer Solstice), 20^th September (Autumn Equinox) and 20^th December (Winter Solstice). MICHELLE CORRIGAN – 07833 558253 www.headtoheartcounselling.com

A new venture was established last year in Broadhembury – Wood Lane Flowers – a flower farm run by Sally Harris. Here, Sally tells us a little bit about herself and her farm.

My obsession with flowers started as a child. When I look back on my life I have always been connected to gardens and growing, and would always favour being outside in nature. I have never lost the fascination of watching a tiny seed bloom into something beautiful. It has been a slow progression into recognising that flowers I grow bring considerably more pleasure to me than buying imported flowers. Flowers that have travelled for miles offer no scent, and very little movement, having been chemically treated and chosen for their long straight stems. The imperfection of a wonky stem or petal is attractive to me as it fits perfectly with my wilder, romantic arranging style. Using seasonal foliage brings an arrangement together, and is so commonly left out of bouquets; it always feels like something is missing without it. I have particularly enjoyed reflecting on my floral arrangements, learning by mistakes (there have been many!), celebrating successes, listening to feedback, and understanding that growing and arranging flowers will continue to evolve for me. I grow a selection of perennial, biennial, and annual flowers alongside foliage between two spaces in Broadhembury, offering different growing conditions despite their proximity. Gaining an understanding of the soil type, wind direction, drainage, and types of wildlife has been a large feature of last year. 2024 was a particularly harsh year for developing a flower farm, with an incredibly wet winter and spring, an unprecedented volume of slug damage, and a rather indifferent summer of weather. Despite this, with plenty of help from family and friends, I’m proud to have created these beautiful spaces. I have numerous people to thank for supporting me and feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community; the support really has meant a great deal to me. It has been wonderful to sell flowers from Sally’s snug in Broadhembury, and now from Joshuas Harvest store in Ottery St Mary. My flower season runs from late March through to October, but this is dictated by the great British weather. Throughout the growing season I harvest flowers to dry, and then create a range of everlasting arrangements. These remain available until they sell out, and then it’s time to start drying again. I loved running wreath workshops last year at Joshuas, and plan to offer these again this Christmas, perhaps in Broadhembury, if anyone is interested. I offer wedding, funeral and event flowers, bouquets for any occasion, and hope to offer flower field tours in the summer. Come and immerse yourself in flowers, learn about different varieties to grow and how, enjoy a glass of wine with a group of friends. Take away a posy of flowers with advice on conditioning, and extending their vase life. People often ask what there is to do on a flower farm in winter. February is a time for reflection on what grew well, and what didn’t, starting to sow some seed on windowsills and in the polytunnel, pruning, clearing beds from last years growth, weeding, checking irrigation pipes for leaks, mulching perennial beds, and planning for the coming year. I used to lift my dahlias at home during winter and store them, but have decided to leave most of them in the ground this year, mounded high with compost. It’s a topic of much debate amongst gardeners, and there is no right or wrong. It very much depends on how many you have, the soil you grow on, whether you have the perfect place to store them, and how willing you are to take risks! Once lifted they are at risk of disease and rot, so it’s not the perfect option. All will be revealed in spring as to whether or not they have made it through the winter. Let’s hope we don’t have the persistent rain we had last year. Despite early slug damage I had buckets of dahlia blooms last year, flowering well into November. I have loved watching the snowdrops and hellebores emerge through January, it always lifts my spirits during the days of less light, a sign that spring isn’t too far off. I have alliums up already and muscari are showing. The anemones have been confused and flowered in January, so I’m yet to see what they do later in the year. I haven’t grown tulips this year in any quantity. I have focused more on perennial bulbs, so I should have a good quantity of narcissi, alliums, muscari and anemone. Every year I decide that ranunculus are too much work, and that I won't bother, and then I can't resist! This year I pre-sprouted them in the dark, and then decided not to put them in the polytunnel, but to plant them out in the beds with low tunnels for some frost protection. They are actually quite hardy. They have previously grown very well in the polytunnel, if they are resisted by mice, but come spring, the tunnel gets too hot and they can wilt at the final hurdle. As I write this, it reminds me of the uncertainty of growing flowers, and that you never know quite what will reward you with blooms, and what will fail. It makes for a tense wait, but there are always memorable years of certain crops. I'll have some fresh flowers for Mother’s Day at the end of march all being well! If you want to get in touch, call me, Sally Harris 07966873048, or email me Follow me on insta/FB at woodlane.flowers I’ll be doing a monthly newsletter soon which you can subscribe to from my website. I hope to write some ramblings of what I’m doing on the flower farm!

Gittisham Gazette February 2025

10 February 2025 by Alex

WALK ON…

Surprisingly the beautiful Parish of Gittisham has one of the shortest lengths of footpaths and bridleways of any parish in Devon (less than 2km). That means there are fewer opportunities for Gittisham parishioners to simply get walking, by themselves, with their families, or their dogs, whether it be for recreation, or just going about our daily lives; work, shopping, visiting friends and relatives, and anything else not mentioned in the above (oh yes, running).

Here is the important point, that means we tend to use our cars more; well, that’s not good for our bodies or the environment. What’s more the lanes get more dangerous, and we all start moaning, as we drive along, that there are many more cars on the road than there used to be. Walking is a great way of relieving frustration and anxiety, using cars less is a positive contribution to reducing carbon emissions.

One of the projects Gittisham Parish Council has been busy with in recent years, is the establishment of safe walking routes within the Parish. The Parish Council has been focusing on establishing two functional routes. The first would follow existing farm tracks for about 750 metres from the Hayne Farm Shop, west around several fields, arable and pasture, to emerge on the lane into the village, just by a small pond. This is path would leave a walk of about the same distance into Gittisham Village on a lane, but it would enable residents of the new Hayne Farm Estate to access on foot the many community events at Gittisham Village Hall, visit the church or playground, and connect to walking routes far and beyond to Ottery St Mary, and even Sidmouth. Likewise, the route would provide a safer walking route for villagers to access Honiton facilities, or the local pubs. The second route under consideration would again use an old farm track from the Hayne Farm Estate, that went under a railway bridge traversing fields north and emerge, hey presto, at the entrance to the Combe Garden Centre, a total distance of less than 300 metres, but avoiding any traffic. The Garden Centre is a popular destination for Gittisham residents who, at the moment have to run the gauntlet along a busy single-track lane, dodging cars by hopping onto a narrow slippery grass verge, all rather treacherous.

Gittisham Parish Council has been in negotiations with the Combe Estate, Baker Estates, and Devon County Council. Understandably landowners are often reluctant to grant new rights of way, particularly when it may compromise farming. Devon County Council, in particular the highways department, has an interest in establishing new walking routes, as it believes in the well-being and environmental benefits. To that end DCC will negotiate new routes with landowners and, help fund maintenance once they are established. Historically, if one looks at old maps of the Parish around the 1900’s, there were many miles of functional routes for folk on foot. Farmers moved cattle, the postman, and doctor, and folk generally visited remoter dwellings by direct routes across the countryside. In recent times over the country, walking groups (like the Ramblers Association) and individuals, have tried quite legitimately to reopen such old routes by taking their legitimacy often as far as the courtroom. You may have heard in the last few weeks the present government removed the date of 2032 as the last date such disputed routes could be considered, there is now no time limit.

Anyway, before I start rambling on, this is an ongoing project that GPC are working steadily towards,

we have the support of the under resourced DCC, and we need to convince landowners of the huge

benefits that could ensue. If you support this project and, you might even want to get involved please get in touch, we could even form a small pressure group. Conversely, if you believe this is not the sort of activity the GPC should concern itself with, in the interests of democracy, please let us know.

Adam Powell – Gittisham Parish Councillor,

Norman Lockyer Observatory

GITTISHAM COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

There have been many changes to our village community over the past few years and perhaps the time is right to introduce to our new residents the work and objectives of the Gittisham Community Land Trust (GCLT) and at the same time to also update the rest of the community on the progress so far. The story is full of twists and turns!!!

The primary objective of the GCLT is to provide affordable housing to rent for people with a strong local connection to the village. The project has been 15 years in the making. It began with the identification of a housing need by the local community through the Parish Plan back in 2010. There were a number of practical obstacles to moving forward and nothing happened to investigate this perceived need until 2016. However, from these distant beginnings, the Community Land Trust emerged. Several events took place in 2016, including a Parish wide Housing Need survey, the outcome of which identified a need for 6 affordable homes to rent for the village community. The GCLT was formally registered as a Community Benefit Society in October 2018 and a Board of Directors was elected and accountable to shareholders within the Society. To meet EDDC Local Plan policy requirements the project must be a community led proposal. The GCLT then undertook a site selection process and a preferred site was identified at the former farm buildings serving Town Farm on Exeter Hill. The site was subsequently endorsed by the community at a public meeting in May 2019. The site lies outside the conservation area but it is washed over by the AONB. The proximity to listed buildings at Clyst Hayes and Town Farm House were recognised as important considerations to take into account in any design work. Other important considerations which needed to be addressed included access design, management of surface water, ecology, biodiversity, trees and landscaping.

Discussions with EDDC resulted in a mix of units, 4 x 2 bed and 2 x 3 bed, being agreed to provide the best balance of accommodation for the need identified and for subsequent ongoing need. A Housing Allocation Plan, which sets out the how the finished housing would be allocated with priority to persons with local connections, was prepared and agreed. A further check on housing need confirmed an ongoing need for 6 dwellings.

Throughout the project, the land owners, the Combe Estate, have been entirely supportive of this community project. They have provided the site at nil cost and will benefit by the provision of 3 serviced plots on the site for estate usage. Architect’s (ECA) were appointed and a Housing Association development partner, South Devon Rural HA (SDRHA) joined the development team in Spring 2020 together with a variety of site investigation consultants who were engaged to inform the design process. Inevitably the COVID lockdown periods (March 2020 to March 2021) created delays but a scheme emerged that picked up on aspects of the village in terms of layout, materials, setting and scale.

In February 2021 a pre-application submission was presented to EDDC and received a positive response with no additional information listed as being required. The details of the preferred scheme were put on display for public viewing and comment in the Village Hall in June 2021. The public exhibition was well attended and the vast majority of comments received were very supportive of the proposals that were presented. Further design work, together with options for managing surface water and ensuring an energy efficient development, were undertaken. At all times it must be remembered that there is a balance to be found between the cost limitations arising from the level of grant and capital funding available and

meeting every one’s expectation in respect of design, access, control of surface water etc., and of course, the core objective of delivering an affordable rented housing scheme. However, the initial costings indicated a significant overspend and consequently it was necessary to revisit the scheme to see where possible savings could be found without compromising the design concept as previously presented to the community. At this stage the SDRHA was confident that the scheme was viable. Unfortunately, we began to encounter a number of legal delays and negotiations with the Estate and the Housing Association became complicated.

In March 2023 SDRHA advised that it was unable to continue support the scheme. The loss of our HA partner at such an important stage was both disappointing and frustrating. The GCLT board in considering options for the way forward resolved that we should acknowledge the current difficulties but having achieved so much we should remain positive and proceed with the submission of the planning application

as soon as possible. A positive outcome to the planning application would provide a clear indication to any potential Housing Association partner of the wider merits of this proposal.

The planning application was submitted in February 2024 but legal issues involving the Land Registry delayed registration of the application by EDDC. Further delays in registration were encountered as a result of new legislation regarding Bio Diversity requirements. The planning application was finally registered as a valid application in June 2024. The planning application No is 24/0514/FUL. There was every reason to be optimistic that with a positive pre app consultation in 2021 and legal and site consultant reports completed, that the application would move smoothly to determination. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Despite the positive pre app outcome in 2021, English Heritage and the EDDC Conservation Officer raised design and siting objections to the proposed scheme. This was very disappointing and extremely frustrating given that the purpose of a pre app submission was to avoid such situations arising. The consequences of these new objections have been a need to review again of the design of the proposed dwellings together with some siting adjustments. The design changes to the development will show a different picture to that which was previously displayed to the community in 2021 and as a “community led” project it is important that continuing involvement of the community is maintained.

It is therefore planned that the revised drawings will be placed on display in the Village Hall on Tuesday 11^th February 2025 between 3.00pm and 8.00pm. Further viewing of the plans will be available at the Community Kitchen on Thursday 13^th February. Opportunities to comment will be available. The Annual General Meeting of the GCLT is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 11^th March 2025 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall. We would welcome any new members to the GCLT and application forms are available on the GCLT Web site (www.gittisham-clt.org.uk) and will be available at the commencement of the AGM. We would welcome new Directors to the GCLT Board and an application form will be circulated with the Notice of AGM papers.

David Valentine, Chairman GCLT

Gittisham Parish Council FEBRUARY 2025 REPORT

Five councillors met for the February meeting. Alasdair Bruce (EDDC), Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of the public were also present. Energy saving. Phil Twiss said householders who want to make their homes more energy-efficient but are unsure of what steps to take next can get free impartial advice from trusted local experts at https://www.energysavingdevon.org.uk/ The Energy Saving Devon Advice Service provides personalised consultations, helping residents to make informed decisions about improving energy efficiency in their homes. This could include a free home visit from a local energy advisor to help you understand which energy saving measures are best suited to your home, advice on grants you may be eligible for as well as solutions to issues such as damp and mould, condensation or under heating. To find out more, or to book your free home visit, contact your local community energy organisation by ‘phone or WhatsApp on 0800 999 1439, or email Carol Hall said she was waiting to hear from the service to see if they would be interested in holding an event in the village hall. EDDC Local Plan. Councillors discussed at length how the parish council should proceed in the light of the decision by East Devon District Council’s Strategic Planning Committee to approve a policy which sees land west of Hayne Lane allocated for a mixed-use development to provide 310 homes and 14.6 ha to accommodate employment. The policy will still be subject to an examination in public by a planning inspector, but councillors were undecided on what could be gained by continuing to oppose what seems to be inevitable – particularly given Government targets for house building. It was agreed that Alasdair Bruce should make enquiries at EDDC as to how much input the parish council can have in developing the masterplan for the area. Finance. Members agreed the finances. Crimes. December 2024: Meadow Acre – 1 x anti-social behaviour Hedge Field Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences Hayne Lane – 1 x violence and sexual offences Planning applications. a) 24/1420/MRES – Land Off Hayne Lane Gittisham Honiton EX14 3PD – Reserved matters application in respect of matters of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the construction of 37 no. residential dwellings and associated garages, infrastructure and landscaping all in association with outline permission 22/1322/MOUT b) 25/0061/TCA – Allotment opposite Garlands Gittisham EX14 3AJ – variety of tree pruning measures Councillors had no objection to a). They asked if b) could be revised, following the recent storm damage to trees in the allotment. Road closures. 17–19 February – road to Catshayes Farm closed for installation of replacement bridge railings. A diversion will be in place. 03-08 April: road closed through Alfington again for SW Water. Casual vacancies – new councillors wanted. The clerk said if EDDC receives no request for an election at the end of a period of 14 working days from 6^th February (i.e. by 25^th), the Democratic Services Department will advise GPC that it may co-opt two people to the vacancies. Co-option is the process by which the parish council selects a new councillor. Next meeting. Thursday 7^th March at 7.30pm in the parish room.

Gittisham Gazette January 2025

13 January 2025 by Alex

Gittisham Parish Council JANUARY 2025 REPORT

Four councillors met for the January meeting. One member of the public was also present. DCC Highways. In his report Phil Twiss (DCC) said that Devon has been allocated £83.6m from the government funding for repairs fund, more than any other council in the UK. This is broken down as £61.7m in 2025/26 and £22.5m in 2026/27. He said this will have a significant impact on the quality of the highways network, but is subject to certain criteria being met including highways, bridges, cycle ways etc and is not just for fixing potholes. In the coming weeks and months, plans will be drawn up as to how this funding can be put to best use. Councillors also discussed the regular flooding at Iron Bridge on the old A30. The Chair said she would contact Phil Twiss to see if anything can be done, as cars often get stuck there following periods of heavy rain. EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine explained that East Devon District Council’s Strategic Planning Committee had approved a policy which sees land west of Hayne Lane allocated for a mixed-use development to provide 310 homes and 14.6 ha to accommodate employment. According to EDDC’s policy document, “this allocation will need to come forward on the basis of an agreed masterplan for the whole site that clearly demonstrates how comprehensive development will be undertaken and implemented. Southern parts of the site are in the East Devon National Landscape and this area will require very careful design to take account of its landscape setting. On the western edges the site is close to the historic village of Gittisham and particular sensitivity will need to be attached to preventing adverse heritage impacts. These southerly and westerly parts will be best suited for open space uses.” This is part of East Devon’s Local Plan, which will have to go to a public enquiry. Finance. Members agreed the budget for 2025/26 and the parish precept was increased to £10,927.25; as the population of the parish has increased, this should not represent a rise at the individual level. Crimes. Hedge Field Close – 2 x violence and sexual offences Hamlett Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences Nether Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences Parsonage Lane – 2 x violence and sexual offences Donations. Members agreed to donate money to Force, Diabetes UK, TRIP, Citizens Advice and Hospiscare. Road closures. 16 January: Lane to Catshayes Farm closed for installation of South West Water sewer level equipment. 03-08 April: road closed through Alfington again for SW Water. Peter Orchard said he would ask Phil Twiss to enquire as to why it’s felt necessary to close the road during term time, with corresponding disruption to school transport. Casual vacancies – new councillors wanted. The Chair said Janet Twist had resigned from the parish council. Councillors joined the Chair in thanking Janet for her dedication to the council and service to the local community. There are now two vacancies on the parish council, one to represent Gittisham Vale and the other to represent Gittisham Village. If you are interested in taking up one of these roles, please contact for more details. The posts will be advertised in due course. Next meeting. Thursday 6th February at 7.30pm in the parish room.

	Gittisham Gazette
	A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church
What’s On at the Village Hall Village Hall Committee Quiz night 17^th May Coffee&Cake4AKitchen with VE day cakes 24^th May Father’s Day BBQ 15^th June Band and Bar 21^st June Please support these events to help us raise vital funding for the upkeep of our beautiful village hall Weekly Fitness class Tuesday mornings Folk Dancing Weds evenings Community Kitchen Thurs eve Yoga Friday afternoons Pierre’s Café 11^th May Gittisham Fete 30^th August Church 200 Club April Draw Results 1st Prize Betty Madden 2nd Prize Rory King 3rd Prize Lesley Wensley Church Services Sunday 11th May 11am Holy Communion Sunday 25th May 11am Morning Worship Sat May 10th Natter and Nibbles 10am-12 Hayne Farm Harriet Harrison (Agg-Manning) would like to thank all those who supported her in running the London Marathon in aid of Hospiscare and in memory of her father, Nick. She raised just over £5000 thanks to the donations from so many!	The Gittisham cabaret Did you have a PREEMIUM ticket for the cabaret? Did you enjoy the complimentary snacks? Or do you need refund from the “no laughter-no fee policy”? A truly professional event with some incredible performances by villagers and supporters of the parish. Who can forget Barry and his Thomas the Tank notebook, the talented dancing grannies or the poor couple in the red car that got forced into a ditch? Whatever your thoughts, a whopping £1200 was raised for the hall, so thank you for coming and putting up with it all. Well done for drinking so much beer too! Thank you to all those who helped out behind the scenes to ensure this was one of the best cabarets Gittisham has ever seen. The Village Hall Committee have several events coming up over the next few months – keep an eye on the WhatsApp, Facebook and website pages for details. Gittisham Needs You… …to bake a cake with a war time or VE day theme. Time to dust off the old recipe books and hunt out the dried egg and lard. We’re hoping for an exciting selection and a chance for all to try out what cake was like before sugar and chocolate were plentiful. Come on over on the 24^th May, enjoy some 1940s tunes and have a chat with friends. See you there! Congratulations Dale and Amalinde on your marriage. We wish you a long and happy life together. And thank you for choosing the village hall for your reception. It looked absolutely beautiful. Completely transformed into a perfect wedding paradise. And well done Village Hall Committee for all the hard work in the garden to make it look just right. St Michael’s Church Julia Barratt Our wonderful flower arrangers were busy on Easter Saturday transforming our Church as we moved from the solemnity and sorrow of the Good Friday Vigil to the Joyful celebration of the risen Christ on Easter Morning! The children helped to roll away the stone and tell Easter Story And Rev Robert blessed the water, and after we renewed our baptismal vows , sprinkled us all with it! On Easter Monday, the Easter Bunny appeared! Professor Bumble keeping the children (and adults) entertained for over an hour! For further information contact Julia at Tel 07763 111367 This month Pierre’s Café will be “Taste of French Basque country”. Home made croissants and cakes. Gluten free main courses with vegan option £9.50. Dessert £3.50. Please bring your own alcoholic drinks. Sunday 11th May at Gittisham Village Hall. Booking 07545 214940 Best wishes to Charlotte Whitfield and Andy Feakes who are getting married on 24^th May and to Bill Griffiths and Sara who are getting married on 31^st May.
Thinking of you To all the students about to take A levels, GCSEs and other end of term assessments, we wish you well and hope the questions are kind and your amazing brains recall all those facts and figures.

	A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church
What’s On At the village hall– Coffee & Cake Saturday 22^thFebruary 2.30-4.30 Community Land Trust Display of Plans Tuesday 11th February 3-8pm Tip Tip Toe Tuesday 4^th March 4pm __ Weekly Fitness class Tuesday mornings Folk Dancing Wednesday evenings Community Kitchen Thursday evenings Yoga Friday afternoons Gittisham Fete 2025, Will be held on the 30th August, please come forward if you have any ideas for a theme for this year’s s fete or if you would like to get involved with supporting the event. Thank you, Alex	Tip Tip Toe, Tip Tip Toe, please for a penny and then we’ll go Tip Toeing is the name given to a house-visiting custom held every Shrove Tuesday in Gittisham. After a legendary tea, the children call at houses chanting “Tip Tip Toe, Tip Tip Toe, please for a Penny and then we’ll go!” and once their money is collected, they move on to the next house. The cash is collected in specially made antique wooden money boxes and is divided among the children at the end. It’s been a tradition in Gittisham for generations and some believe its origins may lie in a boundary marking custom but no-one knows for sure. Though this event is run for children it isn’t connected to school so always takes place on Shrove Tuesday even when that is during the half term holiday. It’s very much a small community event so don’t expect a crowd or a big fuss. In 2025 Shrove Tuesday falls on 4th March. Exact timing for this event is tricky – it depends how quickly the children wolf down their tea. Usually, the tea ends at around 5 o’clock, and the Tip Tip Toeing following it lasted until about 6.15. Reflections from St Michael’s Julia Barratt At last January has come to an end and slowly, slowly the light is returning, as the snowdrops, once more commonly known as ‘Candlemas bells’, signal that Spring is on its way. In fact Candlemas on Feb 2nd marks the mid-point of winter, halfway between the shortest day of the year and the spring equinox, Candlemas also marks the end of Epiphany as the last great festival of the Christmas Season, long after most people have packed up away their Christmas decorations! Candlemas was and still is in some churches, a time when candles are blessed for use in the year to come, to be lit as symbols of the Christ light revealed to the world. Holocaust Memorial day on Jan 27^th this year was a sombre reminder of the need to burn the candles of hope and peace brightly in a world where mass killing of unarmed civilians and destruction of whole cities is still viewed by some as acceptable “co-lateral” in armed conflict. In the coming days as we turn our thoughts towards Lent and preparations for Easter, the need to hold on to hope, to keep alive the light of the peace and joy of Christ in our hearts and minds is more pressing than most of us have known in our lifetime.
St Michael Church Services Sunday 9th Feb 11am Holy Communion Sunday 23rd Feb 11am Morning Worship Wednesday March 5th Ash Wednesday 7pm Ashing in Church Sunday March 9th 11am Holy Communion Mothering Sunday 30th March 11am Holy Communion with blessing and distribution of posies Church 200 Club January Draw Results 1st Mrs J Lovell 2nd Miss S Trumper 3rd Julie Broadhurst Natter & nibbles at Gittisham farmhouse Saturday 15th February & Saturday 15th March everyone welcome entrance donations towards for the upkeep of our beautiful church! 10-12 noon garden to wander round overlooking the animals! No booking just turn up!	St Michael’s Church PCC The Church of St Michaels is a central and much-loved part of our village and community. Whether or not you are a regular church goer it offers a number of different benefits: a place of worship, a place for ceremonies and special occasions, a final resting place for loved ones, a meeting place, somewhere to go and sit and think or just a beautiful building and space to admire. The PCC who are tasked with overseeing the running of our Church needs to raise money to cover general running costs and forthcoming maintenance. One of the ways to give is through the Parish Giving Scheme which is done by regular direct debit and enables the PCC to claim the gift aid too. Please consider giving a regular amount no matter how small. Contact for further details. Gittisham Village Hall Dear Parishioners and Friends of Gittisham Parish Hall We need to thank you for all your support over the last 12 months which has led to the recent purchase, not just of the new cooker but also half a kitchens worth of units too! We are pleased to report that at last, the new cooker was installed on 29th Jan. We have needed some electrical upgrades which have now been completed and some shiny new stainless-steel units will also be installed mid Feb. Obviously we will be doing our best to reduce any impact to residents and hirers whilst work is ongoing. We are hopeful that with your support we will be able to complete the kitchen later this year with more units and perhaps even a fabulous new fridge! We would be delighted to hear from anyone who feels they might be able to help us either with the organisation of social events or by joining the friendly committee. Do get in touch. In the diary this month: Feb 22nd. Cake sale 2.30-4.30 March 29th, Easter Bingo 7 for 7.30pm Hope to see you at some or all of the above! From Hall Committee: Stella, Toni, Maggie, Claire, Alex, Bill, Stephen, Nick, Pierre and Damian.

	Gittisham Gazette	January 2025
	A parish newsletter brought to you by Gittisham Parish Council and St Michael’s Church
What’s On At the village hall __ Pierre’s Kitchen Sunday 12^th January Burn’s Night Supper and Dancing Saturday 18^th January Coffee & Cake Saturday 25^th January Evening talk about Joanna Southcott Friday 7^th February __ Weekly Fitness class Tuesday mornings Folk Dancing Wednesday evenings Community Kitchen Thursday evenings Yoga Friday afternoons Gittisham Cabaret April 25^th & 26th	A little piece of what might have been Paul Wakley Go past the entrance to Putts Corner caravan park, and you come to the gate of the back drive to Combe House. To the right stood Higher Lodge, a ground floor with four square rooms, diamond paned windows and thatched roof, the plot was surrounded by a white paling fence. It was demolished after becoming derelict. To the left of the gate is a piece of woodland where I found the piece of pillar, it is thought to have been a stone mason’s sample from when Combe (the Pig) was going to be rebuilt in the Palladian style. The pillar is fluted on one side and plain on the other. The great rebuilding by Tom Putt of apple fame, would have made Combe three times the present size. The brewery and bakery were demolished (the flat area to the right of the front) the facade taken down, in readiness to be refaced in stone. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Tom Putt died before the project got any further, because his heirs found there was very little money. So the facade was rebuilt much as it had been. Home Grown Gold A real superstar visited the hall in December to tell a devoted audience of fans about his journey to a gold medal in Paris 2024. Ed Fuller explained all about his interest in rowing, taking it on at national and international level and finally being picked for the Paralympic team at Paris 2024. When asked what it was that gave him the edge on his American rivals, he had to agree that knowing he had the support of Gittisham made all the difference. There were several youngsters in the audience, so who knows what this will inspire them to do? And some of the older ones!
St Michael Church Services in January Sat Jan 11th from 3pm Christingle Making in the Parish Rooms Sunday Jan 12th 11am Holy Communion with presentation of Christingles Sunday Jan 26th 11am Morning Worship A message from Pierre: Happy New Year to you and your family’s. On the 12th mains will be Mediterranean Beef Slowpot with vegetables and couscous. Vegan pancake rolls gratin with salad. Price don’t change £9.50. French king cake. All the team wish guest a Happy New Year. Church 200 Club December Draw Results 1st Aurora Wakley Beddows 2nd Catherine Wakley 3rd Will Wolsey And the Christmas Draw for £125 to Nick Chapman	St Michael’s Church Fundraising meeting – 10am Sunday 19th January in Parish Rooms An open invitation to all friends and residents to attend a short meeting on Sunday 19th January to be held at 10am in the Parish Rooms. St Michael’s Church is under considerable financial strain as our running expenses are now exceeding our income. The meeting will start with a brief presentation to explain our financial challenges after which we will have a discussion and invite ideas to help raise more income from both regular giving and events. We are particularly keen to welcome anyone who does not wish to attend church but is still interested in helping us raise funds to care for the building and grounds. Fresh coffee and pastries will be available from 09.45 and the meeting will finish at 11.15. If you are interested in coming along then do please let me or Julia Barrett know. We are particularly keen to welcome anyone who does not usually wish to attend church services but is still interested in helping us raise funds to care for the building and grounds. James Fuller Gittisham Village Hall The committee would like you to wish you all a great new year. We are busy working on an exciting program of events to bring you over the next 12 months. Now that new calendars have been started we would like to invite you to make a note of some of our upcoming events: Coffee&Cakes4AKitchen last Saturday of the month throughout the year with the exception 24th May, 19th July, 23rd August The regular programme of exciting evening talks continues on 7th Feb with *Joanna Southcott: from maid of Gittisham to mother of God* starting at 7pm Burns Night supper and dancing 18^th JanuaryEaster Bingo March 29^thFather’s Day BBQ June 15^thGittisham Village Fete August 30^thChristmas Bingo November 29^th The coffee and cake afternoons we began last year proved very popular and so we plan to run them throughout 2025 in order to raise funds specifically to renovate the kitchen. If you wish to run one on our behalf this year, do please get in touch. They are lots of fun! you are guaranteed a large crowd and some fantastic fare from the bakers in the parish! Let us know your preferred month and we will do our best to accommodate this. RIP Mike Newcombe who lived at Combe Farm and tragically died at the end of November.

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Gittisham Gazette January 2025

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