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 9th March Community Land Trust AGM 11th March 7pm Finley’s Bird Club Saturday 15th Mar  2-3pm        Village hall closed          w/c 17 March                Yoga Retreat Day  Saturday 22nd March                             Coffee & Cake                   Sat 29th March, 2.30-4.30 Easter Bingo                     Sat 29th 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 21st, April 4th 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!

	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 22thFebruary   2.30-4.30                   Community Land Trust Display of Plans       Tuesday 11th February         3-8pm                                    Tip Tip Toe   Tuesday 4th 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 27th 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.

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

What’s On?
at the village hall in
December & January

Quiz Night with Hamish
Sat 14th December

Gingerbread House making
Sun 15th & Mon 16th
3-6pm
with Emese HomeMeadBakes

An evening with Ed Fuller
Gold medal Paralympian
Rower
Friday 3rd January

Burn’s Night
18th January

Community Kitchen
Every Thurs, village hall
6.30pm.

It is with great sadness that
we have heard of the death
of Mike Newcombe from
Combe Farm. Our thoughts
are with all at Combe Farm,
especially Michael, Sasha
and Alysia.

Pierre’s Café. We would like to thank all of you who have supported Pierre’s Café over the past year. To see your smiling faces and the enjoyment you get from sharing good food with friends makes us happy. We wish you a merry

Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Please come along and bring your friends, the second Sumday of every month for home made food with a French twist. With love Pierre, Fiona, Rose, Solenn and Patch

Thank you
Gittisham Village Hall Committee
would like to thank the parish and
other Gittisham friends for
supporting the hall and the events
we have worked hard to deliver over
the past 12 months.
We are a charity and we rely on your
support to keep this valuable
Gittisham asset going.

We have enjoyed some wonderful community events over the last 12 months,
including the recent highly popular Coffee&Cake4ACooker afternoons and the
Christmas bingo. Through the support of the community we are now in a
position to purchase the much needed cooker and are now looking at ways to
refurbish the kitchen and attend to other pressing maintenance issues. We have
an exciting programme of events on the drawing board for next year and we
always welcome ideas from others.
We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas quiz, where Quizmaster Hamish
will be testing your mental and
physical dexterity. And there’ll
sausages and mash at half time to help
those who are flagging…
The Village Hall Committee would like
to wish all our supporters a wonderful
Christmas with health and happiness
throughout 2025.

Flower and Produce Show Committee  The Village Hall Committee would like to express their thanks to the Flower and Produce Show Committee for donating seven brand new square tables with folding legs, these match in hight and appearance with our larger tables and will be stored neatly bellow the stage once we make a trolley.

PARISH COUNCIL – DECEMBER 2024 REPORT

Six councillors met for the December meeting.

Broadband Councillors heard that Damian Furniss and David Fallows have met to discuss the way forward on an Openreach quote to take fibre to Town Farm Buildings. Cllr Adam Powell is working with them to draw up a number of questions they will submit to Openreach. The parish council succeeded in getting some publicity in the press for the poor broadband issue, and local MP Richard Foord mentioned Gittisham in Parliament as illustrating the challenge facing some parts of his constituency in accessing superfast broadband. The Chair said she would contact Voneus to see if there was any possibility of increased coverage with additional infrastructure.

Finance. Councillors noted the finances.

Crimes. October 2024:  Hedge Field Close – 3 anti-social behaviour, Hamlett Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences, Meadow Acre – 1 x other theft, Village Hall area – 1 x violence and sexual offences. NB Devon & Cornwall Police say the hotspots on their crime map give only a loose idea of where crimes happened. Actual locations and details of crimes are kept anonymous.

Road closures. – 09 Oct 23 December: Sidmouth Road 200m uphill south of Tesco roundabout. Temporary traffic signals. Guarding collapsed culvert causing water damage to road.

• Until 10 th December approximately: all roads in Gittisham Vale, installation of ducting for Virgin Cable. A cabinet has been added by the grass at Old Elm Road turning circle.
• 16 January 2025: Lane to Cathayes Farm closed for installation of South West Water sewer level equipment.

Future projects. Councillors discussed ideas for projects that the parish council could potentially contribute towards in the future. These included:

• Planting a horse chestnut tree for future generations to enjoy conkers
• An electric vehicle charging point
• A bench near the village end of the balancing pond
• Community shop
• Leaflet of walks around the parish
• Parish Christmas event 2025
• Funds for a planning consultant to help the parish council uphold parishioners’ interests regarding EDDC’s Local Plan

All agreed to discuss these further when setting the parish council’s budget and precept in January.

Maggie Walker. After 20 years of service, Maggie Walker has resigned from the parish council. She said it had been a privilege to serve the community, and a rewarding experience. Councillors joined the Chair in thanking Maggie for her commitment and enthusiasm over the past two decades on the council.

Next meeting. 9 th January in the parish room at 7.30pm. The Chair wished councillors, their families and all those who support the parish council a merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year.

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

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

                                                   Parish Council Clerk             Email:                          Tel: 01404 851442

Advent Message from St Michael’s Church

‘Why are we waiting?’ As a child, I remember loudly singing this refrain with my fellow schoolfriends as we stood outside,, in the playground, on a cold December afternoon, impatiently waiting to be let in for the school’s Christmas party. The headmistress was not pleased. An early Advent lesson in waiting. Waiting is everywhere! We can’t avoid it. It happens all the time. At bus stops, railway stations airports and in our everyday lives, queuing for services of one kind and another, whether we are out and about or in our own homes. It happens on our phones and online as we wait for our calls to be answered, or as we wait still for a reliable internet service or mobile phone signal. We wait to book an appointment to see a doctor, we wait for a hospital appointment, we wait for expectantly for a date for treatment. It happens here in Gittisham as we wait for a bus, which still does not come!

Waiting can be frustrating and sometimes life threatening, especially when we can’t get help when we need it. And how can we not be afraid when we are faced daily with news of a world in turmoil, threatened by war, climate change and environmental disasters in which so many suffer and afraid for their lives?

Our waiting and longing for peace, justice and mercy can seem endless. In Church our Advent readings are all about waiting often in difficult circumstances. Perhaps more than ever, we need to listen to the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary ‘Do not be Afraid!’ to be reminded that there can be hope and joy in waiting, that God’s love is stronger than our worst fears, stronger even than death.

He will come like dark

One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny masks its eye to yield the star-snowed fields of sky. He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free.

He will come like child.

(from the poem ‘Advent Calendar’ by Rowan Williams)

And so I pray that whatever your circumstances, whatever the hopes and fears you may be holding for our world, yourselves or others, that you may know the blessing, hope and joy of the coming of the Christ Child this Christmas. Julia Barrett from St Michael’s Church, Gittisham.

Upcoming Church Services and Events 

Sun Dec 15^th 4.30pm Carol Service mince pies

Children’s nativity pageant, festive drinks,

Fri Dec 20^th 5pm Carols on the Green with the Honiton Town Band

Sausages & mulled wine

Sun Dec 22^nd 4pm

Crib service

Tues Dec 24^th 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Wed Dec 25^th 11am Holy Communion

			Gittisham Gazette	November ‘24
			A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
What’s On? at the village hall in November & December   Coffee&Cake4ACooker Saturday 30th Nov     2.30-4.30 Bingo Saturday 30th Nov 7pm            Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm.     Pierre’s Café Sunday 8th December   Quiz Night with Hamish Sat 14th December Gingerbread House making Sun 15th & Mon 16th 3-6pm with Emese HomeMeadBakes           Christmas Bingo Saturday 30th November 7pm One free raffle ticket if you wear something Christmassy   Some great prizes coming forward for the bingo night, so far from Drakes Plumbing, Honiton Golf Cub, The Pig, EV Hair, Hare & Hounds. Contact Stella         07813 802292     Upcoming Church Services and Events   Sun Dec 1st 11am Advent Sunday Morning Service 6pm Advent Carol Service St Paul’s, Honiton   Sun Dec 8th  11am Holy Communion Sunday Dec 15th 4.30pm St Michael’s Carol Service   Fri Dec 20th 5pm Carols on the Green with the Honiton Town Band   Tues Dec 24th 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion   Wed Dec 25th 11am Holy Communion			Getting Fibre Broadband to Gittisham Village Thank you for attending our open meeting to discuss Broadband Connectivity in Gittisham Village and surrounds, we had thirty one in attendance, including our guests. We now know for certain that the contract with Airband has now been cancelled. Our guests from Connecting Devon and Somerset CDS, Phil Roberts, and Matt Barrow from Devon County Council DCC explained the historic failure of the three previous cancelled contracts dating back over ten years. In short, our guests suggested we explore other options to get a fibre connection to Gittisham Village. There was a lot of discussion after the meeting, on WhatsApp and in person and some good avenues were suggested.   To cover all of this thoroughly, the Parish Council has agreed, that creating an engaged fibre connection working group would be an effective way to cover these options thoroughly and discounting those that proof impractical. If you are interested in helping with a group to get Fibre Broadband to Gittisham, whether you attended the last meeting or not, please get in touch with Carol Hall or Adam Powell. Our first meeting will be in The Otter at Weston, provisionally next Friday 6.30 pm 16th November, meeting for no more than an hour. Lots of folk voiced their woeful experiences of their poor broadband connection, expressing clearly how it is making their ordinary lives difficult or aspects impossible. Fast broadband should be available to everybody enabling efficiency and opening opportunities in our lives so we can live a rural existence, but take part in the business of the wider world. The rural population do not deserve to be disadvantaged in this way, superfast broadband should enable rural lives. Adam Powell Parish Councilor , 07535233558   The path at the top of Landscore Lane – Paul Wakley   This path is part of the track that used to run from east hill to Combe House. Although the path is in Ottery parish I tend to think of it as Gittisham. At the start of the path, the wooded land on the left were gardens, Mr Marks, an estate carpenter, was, I think, the last person to till them in the thirties. Mr Marks was then living in part of Westgate. He told me that he had planed every plank of wood used in the building of the village hall!   Somewhere around the old gardens once stood a house/shack said to be the last of its kind in the area, where the fire was in a pit and the family had to sit around the edge of it. Carrying on over the track from the top of Tommy Wax, the path passes some beautiful old oaks, carry on a bit further and you come to the site of a chapel, of which nothing remains. I think the site was also subsequently used for a farmstead. The last of the bits of wall from the barns? which were built into the hillside unfortunately were used as ramps for motorbikes etc. to jump and no longer exist.   The fields to the right are very steep and now covered in bracken and scrub. The family who lived there could not afford a horse or donkey to pull the plough, so the wife had to do it!    On the way back I like to visit what I think is the biggest beech tree left on the estate.   I often think when walking out that way how lucky most of us are now.   The story of the families, I heard from people in the village and also from Peter Hill who lived in the house just beyond the style near the end of the path. He collected historic papers and maps to do with Ottery and Gittisham.   Beech Walk – photographed by Claire   A glimpse of the sun at Church Mead – photographed by Sarah             Pierre’s Café on Sunday 8th December will celebrate Christmas French style. Piere will be making the traditional French yule log for dessert, along with a mouthwatering selection of homemade cakes, pastries and of course lunch. Bring a friend and be merry!
200 Club The October draw results: James Fuller 1st prize £75, W Wolsey 2nd prize £50, G Pester 3rd prize £25   St Clement’s Day at Finch Foundary, Sticklepath Saturday 23rd November 10-4 Free Entry The National Trust invites you to celebrate St Clement the patron saint of blacksmiths and metalworkers with displays by the Blacksmiths and Metalworkers Association of the South West.  Live competitions, the famous snail race, traditional firing of the anvil and see one of the last working water powered forges in England. Health to the jolly blacksmith, the best of all fellows, who works at his anvil while the boy blows the bellows!		Devon County Council Roads and Transport DCC Report a Problem On their website there is a facility to report problems on our roads. This is particularly useful for Gittisham as we do not have a Parish Lengthsman at the moment. You can report potholes, overgrown vegetation, debris or obstructions (thick mud), flooding and blocked drains. You are directed to an interactive map where you can zoom in and select your place of concern. Or please report your ‘problem’ to one of the Parish Councillors who will be happy to do this on your behalf. The Parish Council will be procuring a Lengthsman in due course.   Village Hall Survey https://forms.gle/zfVMWdBSoLq7weft9 This is an anonymous survey for users (or potential users) of the village hall and the information can be helpful in gaining grants and deciding on events.   Gittisham Gardening Club? Would this be of interest to anyone in the parish? We could meet once a month to share skills, resources and inspiration. Contact Claire 07718 624456     Reflections from St Michael’s Church. Julia Barratt Lay Minister with responsibility for St Michael’s, Gittisham   In Church, the season of remembering begins with ‘All Saints Day’ when Christians celebrate the lives of the Saints, followed the next day by ‘’All Souls’ traditionally know as All Hallows, when we commemorate the lives of the Faithful departed. As a Christian Minister, people often assume that I disapprove of Halloween celebrations and can be surprised when I say that I don’t. Joining in the fun, while staying firmly in role, is I’ve discovered quite an effective way of playfully scaring little demons! However I am sad that the tradition of remembering and giving thanks for the lives of loved ones on the feast of All Souls appears to be largely forgotten in our secular world today. On Remembrance Sunday the mood turns more sombre when as a nation, we collectively remember all who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars and in wars since, both past and present, as we offer our prayers and heart felt longing for peace between the nations. Remembering, helps us to make sense of who we are and where we’ve come from, reminding us, as we receive the sacrament afterwards in Church, that we are not alone as we carry the hopes and fears of past and future generations in the way we live our lives today. Though as we look around our world with wars being waged once again in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, it can be tempting to despair. Yet, as November draws to a close and the season of Remembrance gives way to Advent, once again we will wait in hope and longing for the coming of the Christ Child, the mystery of the Word made flesh, dwelling among with us, even in our darkest nights. Julia Barrett. LLM,

PARISH COUNCIL – NOVEMBER 2024 REPORT

Five councillors met for the November meeting along with Phil Twiss (DCC), Graham Long (rural broadband campaigner), Phil Roberts (Connecting Devon and Somerset Programme Manager), Matt Barrow (CDS Stakeholder Engagement Officer) and 22 members of the public.

Broadband. The majority of the meeting was dominated by the fall-out from the announcement on 31^st October that Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) and Airband had agreed to scale back Airband’s contract agreements to deliver full fibre broadband to properties in the region. This means that Gittisham will not be included in the areas remaining under Airband’s modified contract. It’s the fourth time in more than ten years the village has been let down by providers promising to bring superfast broadband to the parish. Many people outlined the difficulties they have working from home or attending online appointments with a very poor broadband connection, even for those who have Voneus wifi which is unreliable and for technical reasons cannot serve some properties in the

village. Many residents have weak mobile ‘phone coverage, which makes using 4G impossible. Several teenagers explained how, during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic, having slow broadband had left them particularly disadvantaged as they could not always participate in online lessons and therefore missed out on their education. Adam Powell explained what the parish council had been doing to highlight the issue. Phil Roberts and Matt Barrow from CDS said it was a humbling experience to hear the challenges people face first hand. They outlined the possible scenarios for bringing superfast broadband to the village, acknowledging that none were likely to be delivered quickly. There are voucher initiatives which involve working with providers to find a solution, but finding a provider to take this on could be a challenge. There is also central Government’s Project Gigabit, a £5 billion programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access superfast gigabit-capable broadband. Building Digital UK (BDUK) is launching phased contracts to deliver this, but none include East Devon at this point. This could change as BDUK continues its market research.

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances.

Crimes. August 2024: Hamlett Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences. Nether Close – 1 x anti-social behaviour. Hedge Field Close – 3 anti-social behaviour, 4 x violence and sexual offences. Cypress Close – 1 x violence and sexual offences. Laburnum Close – 1 x other theft. Rowan Close – 1 x vehicle crime. September 2024: Hedge Field Close – 3 anti-social behaviour, 1 x violence and sexual offences

EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine said he’d attended the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 29^th October, where he had addressed those present on potential site allocations in the Honiton and Axminster areas (including Gittisham). He outlined the parish council’s opposition to the inclusion of two sites in the Local Plan, with a further 310 dwellings proposed west of Hayne Lane towards the Forge. He explained that this is not a sustainable site for residential development and is contrary to EDDC’s own sustainability objectives. He declared himself very frustrated by the process, which he felt was undemocratic in many ways. However, EDDC’s officers’ recommendation to allocate both sites in the Local Plan was approved by a majority of 8 to 3. The final consultation

plan is due to be published before the end of 2024 with an examination in public in 2025.

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

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

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

Parish Council Clerk       Email:                   Tel: 01404 851442

August 2024

 

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

What s On? at the village hall   Saturday 3rd August Flower & Produce Show   Sunday 11th August Pierre s Caf 07545 214940 Saturday 31st August Gittisham Fete   Community Kitchen A free hot meal for all every Thursday at 6.30pm   Our very own Paralympian Rower           Ed s heats are on Friday 30th August and the final is on Sunday 1st September You can do it Ed! Make every stroke count! CHAAA     St Michael s 200 Club June 1st Joanna Marker 75 2nd Ava Marker Morgan 50 3rd Mrs P Broadhurst 25   July 1st Alan Broom 75 2nd Ruby Marker Morgan 50 3rd Stephen Howe 25   If you would like to join contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator email Tel 01404 45484. At 3 a ticket per month, this is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church open. Currently it costs 100 per day to maintain and keep St Michael s open.   Coffee and Cake for Cancer Thank you to all those who supported the afternoon of coffee and cake at the village hall on 27th July. We raised 342 for Breast Cancer Now     Parish Snippets Some years ago when I was walking the postmans path from Kercombe up to Gittisham common, I noticed a drain pipe coming out of the side of the hill. A few days later I mentioned this to Mrs (Rosemary) Marker, ‘ho‘ she said that was to drain the fox hole, for a split second I thought why would anybody want to drain a fox’s hole. Then I remembered that there had been an ammunition dump in the sand pits along Beech Walk during the war. I suppose there are worse places to be on guard ! (Paul Wakley)     Gittisham Parish Council No meeting in August   Next meeting Thursday 5th September at 7.30pm in the parish room.     The Beehive, Honiton presents INSIDE OUT 2 (U) Thu 22 Aug – 11am. Adults 8, U16’s 7, Family x4 26 Teenager Riley’s mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust.

Village Fete Alex Rowe Just under a month to go until of Village Fete, a celebration of our fantastic community. Spread the word to your friends and family. Following on from last year we have Honiton Town band playing a medley of pieces once the fete is opened by Honiton s town crier from 2pm. At 3pm the competitive dog show will be taking place in Will s field keep an eye out for the classes which will be shared out on social media before the fete. Grab a cream tea in the Village Hall then hitch a pony and trap ride passing the Morris dancers on your way to the church where you can view the flower display and classic vehicles on the village green. Stoll back visiting the stalls along the main village avenue & Will s field in time for the start of the Duck race around 4:30pm. As always, we are in need of keen volunteers to spend an hour of their afternoon either helping with car parking, cream teas, cake stall (cake baking), ice creams, the bar, tombola, dog show, setup and pack away. We are very thankful to the Parish Council, The Pig, Vale Vets and Heltor Fuels for their support! This has meant we can maintain prizes for the Dog Show and Duck Race. I ll be knocking on doors over August selling Duck race tickets they are 1. First prize is 100, 2nd 50, 3rd 25, 4th 10 Stallholders and volunteers contact me pitches are by donation so if you know of a local craftsperson that would like have a pitch share the details. Keep an eye on the Village WhatsApp and the website gittisham.org.uk/fete for updates   The Tom Putt Apple Paul Wakley   The apple Tom Putt apple is supposed to have been named for an 18th-century landowner, Thomas Putt of Combe (Gittisham), who died in 1787 and was nicknamed “Black Tom”.   There is a Tom Putt apple tree in the community orchard at the village playground and another in the churchyard.   Some of the Putts were keen gardeners, one, Anna Maria Putt, who I believe lived in Pomroy. Had her paintings, drawings and quotations that she had done, made up into four volumes which she had bound in Honiton in 1789. The books were shown on an Antiques Road Show in 1991 from Darlington. They were then valued at between 3000-4000. Grain to Cream Russell Hayman After Helen and I had our trip of a life time in the USA during June which had the added benefit of missing the run up to the general election it is back to good old Blighty. Yes, they have space (directions on the sat nav 200 miles turn left) was not uncommon and a massive hole they call the Grand Canyon which really is big but it did get quite hot 46 C. it s good to be back and see some green. Edmund was keeping the show on the road and confirmed what I already knew. I may be useful but I am far from essential. Silageing has been on the go and we are preparing for harvest so we need some good weather now it does not take long to spoil. We have wheat and oats this year no oilseed rape which is a good crop to have in the rotation for its soil improvement but it has become very risky to grow and given the horrible autumn we had for sowing last year I am so glad I did not take the risk. We are always looking to how to improve what we do and having a rotation which helps the soil is a major part of that so will have to find a way around it. The wheat and oats are all for animal feed the oats will be all fed to our own stock and about half the wheat is sold rest goes into our animals. It is really difficult to grow wheat for milling in the southwest not impossible but the damp weather compared to the east of the country make it a bit of a lottery plus the bread mills are mostly in the east so any premium is reduced by haulage costs and there is always the risk it may be rejected once it gets there. Animals are so good at making food we can t eat into something highly nutritious plus tasty! ( Angus is so much better than Bison which taste like they look by the way) And what comes out the back in such lovely volumes does wonders for the soil in truth without them the farm would not be sustainable. We have also been topping the grazed grass, this is to cut off the seed heads which appear during the summer which are not as nutritious and encourage fresh growth to come forward which is both tastier and better feed. The barn owls have done well this year there were six up in the shed this year apparently. I was not here to see them so assuming four chicks usually just see two. I never go to check just what I happen to see as I know my ugly mush will scare them off!! Pierre s Cafe   For Pierre’s next pop-up caf on 11th August in Gittisham Village Hall he will be serving a Ploughman s lunch with a French twist. The main element is a p t en croute – a French meat pie with pork and chicken, served with a range of tempting salads, raw veg, fruit, cheese and chutney.  There will be a selection of home-made cakes and pastries, coffees, teas and soft drinks including Gittisham-grown elderflower cordial served from 10am-4pm.  Vegans and coeliacs catered for.  If the weather is fine you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your food outside.  Please book for lunch if you can, as it helps us with numbers.  Call or text Pierre on 07545 214940.  Cash and cards accepted. Environmental Summer Bucket List (Part 2) Hi there, my name is May and I m a 16-year-old from Gittisham who s passionate about environmental issues, especially the climate crisis. I have just finished my GCSEs and am enjoying a long summer, and thought I d put together a bucket list of some small things you can do to help the planet which make a real difference. (This is part 2, you ll find points 1-4 in the July Gazette.) 5. Attend a local climate march or talk on the issue. I think a really important part of addressing the climate crisis is educating yourself and those around you, especially as in the UK we are currently less affected by the issue than in other parts of the world. I have also met so many like-minded people by attending these sorts of events, which can feel very liberating when it s an issue that few people in power seem to focus on. 6. Planning on going abroad? Research how you can travel more sustainably. Flying is one of the worst things for the planet, with the average plane emitting 340 times more than the average car. I really recommend the Eurostar from my own experience, though there are other ways you can travel abroad too such as by boat. Have a great summer everyone!

St Michael s Gittisham Julia Barratt

 

Summertime and the living is easy. George Gershwin s words could be aptly applied to August, when many of us take holidays or perhaps visit our

local beaches just a few miles away, or simply make the most of a break in our normal routines to wind down and take life a bit more easily. However, while

summer is a season, it is also a state of mind. We all have periods in life, which are summer-like but can lead us to forget or take for granted the Giver of all good things. So what better way to remember than in music and song; to come together with friends and neighbours to sing our favourite hymns and relax afterwards with a glass of Pimm s! Especially the day after the Fete in our beautiful flower filled Church.

 

A reminder also that the Church is usually open every day 10am- 5pm over the summer but we do need a few more volunteers to help keep it open. Please contact Julia () if you able to assist.

 

Church Services Sunday August 11 th at 11am followed by refreshments

Sunday Sept 1 st at 4pm Hymns and Pimms

 

A Git in Wales Alex Rowe

Last week I made one of my rare trips out of the county of Devon to help steward the metalwork section at the Royal Welsh Show, much like the Devon County Show the Welsh is on the National Blacksmiths Competition Circuit that tours many of the larger shows, the smiths bring static items that are setup and displayed by us these are then judged and the overall winner and reserve winning 10 & 4 points respectively towards the National competition at the end of the year these are added and the winner becoming the Static National Champion Blacksmith.

 

I got involved through my time studying in Hereford 5 years ago and it is nice to catch up with the metalwork team each year. We also were fed well with free stewards breakfast and supper over the 6 days!

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

What’s On?    at the village hall

Sunday 16^th June 12noon   Father’s Day BBQ lunch and table tennis tournament             

Village Hall AGM                   Tuesday 2^nd July

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

FitforLife class every Tuesday morning

Yoga with Alison             3^rd Tues of the month

Folk Dance Club Wednesday evenings

Tufty Tots Toddlers Thursday 9.30-11.30

Yoga with Angela Fridays 1pm

A Gittisham bible is returned to the Church after a long absence

People in the news

Gittisham resident discusses football with the Prime Minister

200 Club winners May

1st Sharon Wensley £75

2nd Mrs K Jackson £50

3rd Peter King £25

Outdoor Church 

Sunday 23^rd June

• Forage in the wild area
• Create a collage
• Make a bee hotel
• Plant a wild flower-seed bomb

Gittisham Fete 31^st August Alex Rowe

Dog show, Honiton town band, Morris Dancers, Classic vehicles and much more!

 

We can always do with more helpers!  So I am formulating a spreadsheet rota for volunteers during the fete day. I have a few names up to now but if anyone would like to come forward let me know. I am about to start advertising for pitches so if you know of anyone who would like to sell their craft items or anything else the email is 

St Michael’s 200 Club  

200 Club The first draw on the new 200 Club draw took place at ‘Coffee Together’ in May. The next draw will take place Sat June 15th so if you register quickly, you are still in with a chance to win the monthly prize of either £75, £50 or £25 with an extra prize draw of £125 in December.

If you would like to join as a new member or have been intending but have as yet to renew your membership please contact Janet Twist, the 200 Club administrator who will be pleased to assist. Email Tel 01404 45484. At £3 a ticket per month, this is a simple and affordable way of helping to keep our beautiful village Church open. Currently it costs £100 per day to maintain and keep St Michael’s open.

New Curate 

We look forward to welcoming the Rev Scott Angell, who, fresh from being ordained as a Deacon on Saturday 29th June at Exeter Cathedral, will be taking part in his first service in the Honiton Mission Community (HMC), Sunday 30th June 11am at St Pauls, Honiton followed by a shared lunch. Scott has already moved to Gittisham Vale and so you may see him around and about before then, perhaps making good use of the Combe Garden Centre and Farm Shop vouchers, St Michael’s contribution to the HMC house warming gift.

Gittisham Village Hall

On 16^th June the annual Father’s Day BBQ will be held at the village hall, with a table tennis tournament this year. The sun will shine, the food will be lovely with veggie options and we hope to have some music too. Starts at 12 and then well into the afternoon. Spread the word – all welcome and bringing a father is not compulsory.

This is a fundraising event to help with vital maintenance work at the village hall. Please support your village hall.

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

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

The Beehive, Honiton

Exhibition On Screen: MY NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery of London is one of the world’s greatest art galleries. It is full of masterpieces, an endless resource of history, an endless source of stories. But whose stories are told? Which art has the most impact and on whom? The power of great art lies in its ability to communicate with anyone, no matter their art historical knowledge, their background, their beliefs.

This film gives voice to those who work at the gallery – from cleaner to curator, security guard to director – who identify the one artwork that means the most to them and why. An assortment of people from all walks of life who have a strong connection to the gallery make surprising choices of both well-known and lesser-known artworks. Finally, some well-known celebrities explain what they head for when they visit the gallery.

Tickets: General Admission £13.00

On a Lane in Spring John Clare (1793-1864)

 A little lane—the brook runs close beside,
And spangles in the sunshine, while the fish glide swiftly by;
And hedges leafing with the green springtide;
From out their greenery the old birds fly,
And chirp and whistle in the morning sun;
The pilewort glitter ‘neath the pale blue sky,
The little robin has its nest begun
The grass green linnets round the bushes fly.
How mild the spring comes in! The daisy buds
Lift up their golden blossoms to the sky.
How lovely are the pingles in the woods!
Here a beetle runs—and there a fly
Rests on the arum leaf in bottle-green,
And all the spring in this sweet lane is seen.”

How many of us are as observant as Clare? When did we last walk slowly as he did seeing everything in that ‘sweet spring lane’ of his? We miss so much as we rush by these precious places.

PARISH COUNCIL – JUNE 2024 REPORT

Seven councillors met for the June meeting along with Nicole Stacey & Mark Sexton (Baker Estates), Justin Lascelles (Combe Estate) and six members of the public.

Hayne Farm development update. At present the development managed by First Port, but Baker Estates said they could provide advice on how residents could set up a management company made up of a board of directors. This would give residents more control over what maintenance is done there and when. Mark Sexton said he was happy to meet residents for a walk around the estate to look at what needs to be done, and take action on whatever falls

within the remit of Baker Estates. He will suggest some dates for a walkabout which will be circulated in due course.

Hayne Farm play area. Some residents feel that there are many gaps in the provision. Baker Estates said the

playground facilities that have been provided have met the legal obligations with EDDC. If residents would like to see additional equipment in the play area, it will need to be under the management of Hayne Farm residents (directors) before this can happen. Maintenance, insurance and safety inspections of this play equipment will also fall under the authority of the directors. This would be same for bins and dog bins. The parish council will be happy to help advise on funding for new equipment, as was done at the village play area. 

Finance. Councillors agreed the finances, as well as the annual accounts and governance statement for 2023/24.

Crimes. March 2024: No reported crimes.

Planning applications. 

a) 24/0539/LBC – 2 Riverside Cottages, Gittisham EX14 3AG – Replace existing porch with enlarged lead flat roof porch on south elevation; replace existing extension on north elevation to create bedroom and bathroom and glazed

canopy over rear door

b) 24/0988/FUL – Parkers East Gittisham EX14 3AS – Proposal to repair and preserve existing brick and timber greenhouse within the curtilage of a listed building

Councillors had no objections to either application.

Footpath.

Councillors discussed proposals for a traffic-free footpath to connect Hayne Farm with the village and with the garden centre. Justin Lascelles explained that this would have to be a ‘permissive footpath’, not a legal public footpath and the route would need to minimise impact on the environment and on the tenant farmers’ activities. He said there may be some funding the estate can access through stewardship schemes which could provide for capital works and annual maintenance. He invited the parish council to submit a definitive route which he can put before Combe Estate trustees for discussion.

Public transport.

Peter Orchard said he would follow up with Stagecoach regarding the late arrivals or no-shows noted on the clipboard in the village bus shelter.

Next meeting. Thursday 11 th July at 7.30pm in the parish room.

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

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