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

Gittisham Village Hall

Tufty Tots

Hello! My name is Jasmine, I am a great niece of Uncle Reg and Pam Chown and have strong family connections with Gittisham. My family and I now live in Honiton but enjoy visiting the park. My husband and I have two young daughters- who keep us very busy. Tom is a graphic designer and I am a primary school teacher. During my childhood visits and family parties  I often visited the Gittisham Village Hall. The beautiful building and space has now inspired me to start up TuftyTots, baby and toddler classes.

I will be running- Tufty Tots – on a Thursday morning. The classes will run from 9.30-11.30 with inclusive activities tailored for children from 6 months- 4 years old. The sessions will include stories, songs, sensory activities and tuft tray activities to ignite curiosity and imagination. To look after the adults there will of course be a selection of homemade cakes and strong coffee!  And time for a good natter. 

TuftyTots classes will be informed by the Early Years Framework- to develop a love for learning and help children to reach their milestones.

On the last Saturday of each month we will also be running a family  – stay and play brunch – these will be themed, based on books and children’s interests such as dinosaurs or princesses! No age limit. 

TuftyTots is still in the planning stages, but soon we will have a website and more information available. TuftyTots will be launched in March, but booking will be available from February. During the Thursdays in February I will be running pilot sessions for families and friends so you may see and hear little people mischief in and around the hall! I ask for your patience with families parking in and around your lovely village. If there are any problems or parking queries please do not hesitate to pop in and see me or ask Carol Hall for my contact details. 

Kind regards and best wishes, Jasmine Chugg-Rogers 

PARISH COUNCIL – JANUARY 2023 REPORT

Six councillors met for the January meeting. One member of the public was also present.

DCC Budget. In his report Phil Twiss (DCC) said that setting DCC’s budget for the next financial year would once again be a challenging task. More than 79% of the net revenue budget of £743.4 million proposed for 2024/25 is spent on children’s and adult service areas i.e. £588.5m with £154.8m for the others. The council is identifying savings and alternative sources of income, including grants, but the majority is derived from council tax and business rates. He explained that social care provision is particularly impacted by increases to the national living wage, which at first glance a 30p per hour increase announced by the Government does not seem vast. However, it will add an extra £25.7m to the DCC wage bill, which will need to come from further savings and efficiencies.

Broadband. Following the acquisition of Jurassic Fibre and three other internet service providers, All Points Fibre (APF, part of Fern Trading) has looked again at the business case for bringing full fibre broadband to Gittisham village. A representative of APF was due to join the meeting remotely, but due to issues with broadband it was not possible to connect. Members expressed their profound disappointment that the company would not be pursuing its roll-out, which APF explained was no longer commercially viable. Phil Twiss indicated in a recent email that the contract for Airband to deliver the roll-out under the Connecting Devon & Somerset scheme appeared to be the most likely option.

Finance. Members agreed the budget for 2024/25 and the parish precept was increased to £10,139.08; as the population of the parish has increased, this should not represent a rise at the individual level.

Crimes. Due to an ongoing error on the Police UK website, it is not possible to report crime statistics. In his report, Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) said the ongoing issue of anti- social behaviour on the Hayne Farm development has been raised with Sovereign Housing and the council officer whose brief it is.

Donations. Members agreed to donate money to Force, Diabetes UK, TRIP, Citizens Advice and Hospiscare.

Road closures. 20 March: road to Catshayes closed to install sewer level equipment.

Play area. The Chair and Vice Chair signed the grant funding agreement for EDDC to release S106 funds to allow the parish council to go ahead with the purchase of the outdoor ping pong table.

Limited residential development. David Valentine said Gittisham Community Land Trust was drawing up a memorandum of understanding with Combe Estate. The planning application is due to be submitted very soon. Research into a possible housing association partner is ongoing.

Footpath. Councillors discussed how they could take forward the proposal for a permissive path connecting the Hayne Farm development with Gittisham village. All agreed it would fit with the parish council’s climate change agenda and take cars off the road. Adam Powell (new parish councillor, Gittisham Vale) highlighted the success of a recently created path linking Feniton and Colestocks.

Next meeting. Thursday 1 st February at 7.30pm in the parish room. The Chair wished everyone a happy 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

Gittisham Gazette	Dec ‘23 Edition
A monthly community newsletter published by St Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

PARISH COUNCIL – NOVEMBER 2023 REPORT

Five councillors met for the December meeting.

Flooding Councillors noted the recent flooding along the Honiton Link Road which has made it impassable. They highlighted the statement in the outstanding planning application for the proposed Combe Farm shop that the development will not increase the flood risk elsewhere. Councillors expressed serious concerns that the recent rainfall and surface water flooding have shown this proposed development to be unsuitable, and will highlight this to EDDC planners.

Councillor Walker reported that the lengthsman had been clearing the drains up Parsonage Lane, and he had also dug a hole along that stretch which had kept one entrance to Gittisham village free from flooding.

Finance. Councillors noted the finances.

Crimes. Due to an ongoing error on the Police UK website, it is not possible to report crime statistics. However other sites report 1 x violent crime in Aug 2023 for Honiton Rural, which covers several parishes. Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) said he had passed on information to EDDC and Sovereign Housing regarding an incident of anti-social behaviour at Longlands Way at Hayne Farm. Apparently this has been aggravated by unnamed residents removing the security locks on the main doors.

Road closures. 7th January 0930-1530 road through Alfington closed for BT pole work

Trains. The railway line between Salisbury and Exeter St David’s is expected to re-open on 11 th December, following work to remedy a landslip at Crewkerne. Rail replacement buses have been affected by the recent flooding.

Buses. Phil Twiss (DCC) said the £2 bus fare is to be continued until end 2024 (although there

are still cheaper fares available, depending on the journey). Not only does this help with the cost of living, it also encourages more people to use buses thereby reducing congestion and helping with decreasing carbon emissions. The revised Stagecoach timetables beyond the parish are now bedding in and there are a lot fewer complaints. Unfortunately, the changes coincided with an increase in illness, mainly respiratory infections amongst bus drivers. Resilience will improve as Stagecoach now has a full cohort at the bus training school.

Councillor vacancy, Gittisham Vale. Adam Powell was elected parish councillor for Gittisham Vale by an unanimous vote.

EDDC Local Plan. David Valentine reported that East Devon District Council has decided to proceed with the development of a second new town of 8,000 homes between Exeter Airport and Crealy. He said this was likely to have some sort of impact on the reallocation of development sites in the Local Plan.

Scam awareness. Janet Twist said WhatsApp users are being encouraged to be vigilant after scammers

hacked into accounts and asked their victim’s friends and family for money.

Beavers. Following the visit of a beaver to the River Gitt for the first time since their re-introduction, the clerk said she had reported this to the Devon Wildlife Trust who have suggested giving a presentation on how parishes can manage beaver colonies.

Next meeting. 4 th January in the parish room at 7.30pm. The Vice 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

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

What’s On?  Pierre’s Café   Sunday 12th Nov   Community Kitchen  Every Thurs, village hall  6.30pm. All welcome to   enjoy a free meal and  good company  Act of Remembrance  at the Lych gate Sunday  Nov 12th 10.50 followed  by Eucharist in Church  Ember Pizza  Pizza van by the church 1st Wednesday of the month  07751 532843  Coffee Together  18th Nov 10.30-12   at the Parish Room inc  double 200 club Nov &  Dec draw  ‘Getting   ready for Advent’  Sun Nov 26 th  11am at the   church   Quiz   Saturday evening   2nd December   Quizmaster Hamish  Christmas Swap Shop  2nd December

Come and join us in our   beautiful church as we begin   the lead up to Christmas. We   are presenting a lovely festive   concert suitable for all ages   with professional singers. Join   us in our carol singing and  enjoy a drink and a mince pie.   There will also be a prize draw   with a splendid lunch for two to   be won at The Pig’s Folly. Book   early to avoid disappointment!   The proceeds will be shared   between Force Cancer Charity   and St Michael’s Church,   Gittisham.

Christmas Swap Shop Saturday 2^nd December 3-6pm at the Hall 

“For a more sustainable Christmas” 

Swap toys, decorations and lights. 

One gift donation entitles the giver to one free gift.  Donations from 10am at the hall. Good quality only. 

Mulled wine, mince pies and cream teas from 3pm 

Quiz Night 

At the village hall Saturday 2^nd December  

Quizmaster Hamish 

Combe Farm Shop 

Its nearly time to start thinking about Christmas. Here at  the Farm shop we are looking forward to a busy festive  season. 

We have lots of lovely things planned including our late  night Christmas shopping event, where you can meet  some of our suppliers, enjoy some free samples, listen to  a local choir and even meet Santa. There will be hot  drinks, mulled wine and turkey baps available in the  Café. We will also have some great deals on, so it could  be a chance to get some Christmas present shopping  done. This is going to be on December 2^nd. 

We will be hosting our popular wreath making workshops  again with a local florist and using locally sourced  greenery. We will be running them on November  29^th and December 13^th in the evening. Mulled wine and  nibbles are included. If this interests you, please let us  know to book your spot as numbers are limited. We also  have capacity to run private wreath workshops for small  groups. 

We also have our diary open for Christmas orders. We  have Local Turkeys from near Exeter (Rosamond Farm),  Turkey breast rolls, in house cured Gammon ( using local  free range pork from Prestige Pork), Pigs in Blankets,  Carvery Rib, Rolled Sirloin, Ducks, Chicken and so much  more. We also offer our Christmas Meat Hampers. All  information can be found on our Facebook page or pop  by the shop to speak to one of the team. 

Look forward to seeing you soon, 

Joanna and the Farm Shop Team. 

01404 519093 

Community Theatre 4All  presents  

An evening of 2 short plays Gentle comedy from a bygone era. The Laboratory by David Campton The Bear by Anton Chekov 

Talaton Parish Hall Thurs 16^th, Fri 17^th and Sat 18^th November 

 Tickets £6 from www.ticketsource.co.uk 07867 791093

Auction of Promises Saturday 10th February 7 pm at the Hall 

Do you have a service or skill you could  donate as a lot? This would be placed in  a catalogue for Auction in February in  the village hall, bar and nibbles  available on the night  

It’s raining cats and dogs 

Our wonderful Devon village lies at the bottom of a pretty steep valley and when it rains heavily, we know it. Large rivers with big catchments, like the Exe, cause problems after prolonged and extensive rainfall – for example, a flood can take several days to reach Exeter after the rain has started. The River Gitt, however, has a tiny catchment area to the centre of the village, just a few square kilometres. This small area, coupled with the steep nature of the catchment  – means we are less susceptible to low-intensity prolonged rainfall, but are far more sensitive to short-duration, high-intensity rainfall.

 

This means when we have heavy rain it reaches the village in minutes! All the floods that have affected the village over the years have followed this pattern  – where there is so much rain it cannot soak in and often exceeds the capacity of drains and sometimes the river too. The event that recently caused a lot of surface water flooding, followed this pattern. The graph, from a rain gauge in Honiton, shows just how heavy the rainfall was. The event in the early hours of the  2nd of November did not last for long but had a peak rainfall intensity of over 60mm an hour – which is a lot!  Even though the event only lasted a few hours – enough rainfall landed to overwhelm the soil’s ability to infiltrate water and the drainage system’s ability to convey water adequately. 

Forecasting really intense rainfall is difficult as the weather systems that create them can be small and intense and predicting where and when they will travel and how heavy the rain will be is hard. For somewhere like Gittisham, with a catchment that reacts very quickly to rainfall, it is also then hard to give a flood forecast. So, working out if the village or nearby roads will flood has to be made based on a combination of weather forecasts, with their inherent uncertainty and observing how heavy the rain is. An online rain & river level gauge in the village could help us better understand the relationship between rainfall and flooding. I’d be happy to chat with anyone who wants to know more about flooding, forecasting flooding and how to manage risk. Hamish () 

St Michael’s Church and Honiton Mission Community 

Advent and Christmas Services 

Advent Sunday Christmas Concert Dec 3 rd 4pm 

2 nd Sunday Eucharist Dec 10 th 11am 

St Michael’s Carol Service Sun Dec 17 th 4.45pm mince pies and festive drinks 

‘Carols on the Green Fri Dec 22 nd 5pm sausages and mulled wine’ 

Sunday Dec 24 th Midnight Eucharist 11.30pm 

Monday Dec 25 th Christmas Day Eucharist 11am 

Around the Parishes – for events and news see copies in Church or visit https://honitoncofe.org/newsletter. Rev’d Tracey Voysey – licensing service as Team Vicar changed to Mon Dec 4 th 7pm at St Paul’s. 

Blue Foodbank Box Church Porch – donations gratefully received

PARISH COUNCIL – OCT 2023 REPORT 

Six councillors met for the November meeting. One member of the public was also present. 

Flooding. Councillors discussed the flooding in the parish which had occurred in the early hours of Thursday  morning, 2nd November. The member of the public, who works for a flood risk organisation, advised the parish  council that when serious flooding occurs, getting involved in mitigating its effects during the event can be  dangerous and it is often best to wait until the worst has passed. For example inspection covers often lift in floods  and can’t be seen under water or in the dark. Flood risk is best dealt with proactively, he said, and the parish  council is not in a position to advise individuals. All agreed that with climate change bringing about more extreme  weather events, people would have to adapt their behaviour and take further precautions to try to minimise flood  damage. 

Parish emergency plan. Given the recent weather, councillors were reminded that there are various locations marked on the emergency plan where sandbags are stored. (A copy of the emergency plan can be found on the  Gittisham website www.gittisham.org.uk click on the ‘parish council’ tab.) Additional sand for the sandbags will be  ordered. In the event of a dangerous flood, those affected should call the emergency services. Carol Hall (Chair)  thanked Alex Rowe for clearing the drain under the railway bridge by the Forge. 

Highways. In his report sent to the council in his absence, Phil Twiss said Devon’s Highways teams have taken an  absolute battering this year where climate change, and flooding events in particular, have decimated planned  maintenance. But despite that, Highways are pressing on with as much of the programme as possible when not  dealing with ’risk to life’ events or clearing up after flooding, fallen trees and damaged buildings. He asked for  understanding that they must prioritise workload for those ‘risk to life’ events, while not diminishing the necessity of  alerting them to issues on the parish’s roads. Peter Orchard reported that the internal channel of the balancing  pond has filled with rubble, so it needs to be cleared out. Alex Rowe said the broken grit bin on the road heading west out of the village had been reported. 

Residential development. In his report sent to the council in his absence, Alasdair Bruce said he was somewhat encouraged by the statements that have come out of EDDC’s latest Strategic Planning Committee meeting. If  implemented in full, they could offer an element of protection from the scourge of never ending developer-led  mass housing applications, he said. The Government will be issuing a new National Planning Policy Framework in  the near future. This should help empower EDDC’s planning committee to make a stand against inappropriate  development, he said. A case in point was last week’s refusal of the application for 63 houses to the south of Ottery  St Mary. Despite officer recommendation, the committee decided to refuse. Alasdair Bruce said it remains to be seen if the council lawyers come back with reasons why these grounds will fail, something he described as an  unfortunately familiar scenario. 

Finance. Members agreed the finances. 

Crimes. Due to an error on the Police UK website, it was not possible to report the crime statistics for August and  September 2023. 

Casual vacancy. Carol Hall encouraged all councillors to speak to people who might be interested in joining the  parish council to represent the Vale ward. People can also contact the clerk for further information by emailing  The deadline for applications is 3rd December. 

Next meeting. Thursday 7 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

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

What’s On?  at the village hall  Pierre’s Cafe  Sunday 12th Nov   07545 214940  Christmas Concert  Sunday 3rd December  4pm £10 (u16 free)   Carol Singing   drinks & mince pies   at the church   Community Kitchen  Every Thurs, village hall  6.30pm. All welcome to  enjoy a free meal and  good company  Folk Dancing   Wednesday evenings village hall  Fit for Life class   Tuesday mornings   village hall  Yoga   Monthly Thursday   village hall  Christmas Swap Shop and Family Quiz  2nd December  Ember Pizza  Pizza van by the church 1st Wednesday of the month  07751 532843  Coffee Mornings  3rd Saturday of the month  at the Parish Rooms   (village green)

Pumpkins – Ed Hayman  This year at Gittisham Farm, between finishing my studies and Graduating with  a degree in Agriculture at Harper Adams University, I have been busy growing  a field of pumpkins as a ‘pick your own’ experience. So far, we have been open  for three weekends, and I’m very happy with how it’s gone. Everyone seems  to be enjoying the experience of visiting the farm, seeing our cows and calves  and of course lots of pumpkins. With plenty of questions and intrigue,  it’s been great to show people more about the produce they buy beyond the  sight of a supermarket shelf.  The pumpkin patch offers lots of different varieties from tiny decorative  gourds right up to huge Atlantic Giants that are a handful to say the least!  There is also plenty of seasonal hot food and drink to beat this cold October  weather.  It’s been great to see a few people from the village visit us already, and anyone  who would like to come along is more than welcome. As Halloween  approaches, the patch will be back open again 10-4pm everyday through  October half term, from Saturday 21st up to the following Sunday on the 29th. Harvest Supper  The annual Harvest Supper was a well supported event, with about 70 people  attending. The menu of chicken casserole or nut roast. Baked potatoes and peas  followed by apple crumble and ice cream went down well. Second helpings were  taken up enthusuastically! (Community Kitchen could be serving pudding for  weeks to come, due to the generosity of the cooks.) This was a truly communal  effort, with about 20 people involved in preparing, cooking, serving, washing up,  setting up and tidying up. Many thanks to all. Sue Fallows, Gittisham Village Hall  Committee

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

What’s On?  at the village hall  Pierre’s Cafe  Sunday 8th Oct   07545 214940  Harvest Supper  Saturday 7th October 7pm £5 07880 178297   Community Kitchen  Every Thurs, village hall  6.30pm. All welcome to  enjoy a free meal and  good company  **NEW** Yoga  Thursday mornings 11-12 £10  Michelle Corrigan   07833 558253  Gentle, safe, classic yoga  with attention to back care.  Film Discussion Night 10th October 7pm  Christmas Swap Shop and Family Quiz  2nd December  Ember Pizza  Pizza van by the church 1st Wednesday of the month  07751 532843  FOOD BANK  Donations are always  welcome to the box in the  church porch

Gittisham Fete SUCCESS  Thank you for helping   to raise over £2,500   for the church.  1000 visitors from the   parish and further   afield enjoyed the   Honiton band, stalls,   classic cars, a dog   show and the duck   race.  Thank you to Alex   Rowe and all those  who helped organize and manage the   day.

Thank you, from Alex  Thank you to everyone who supported me and the fete but a few I would like to mention ~  •The committee  •The Tea ladies  •Kate for painting the lovely signs  •The parking chaps especially Bernie for his traffic  management  •Mikey with his horse and trap  •Helen and the flower arrangers for the beautiful church  display  •Robert for coming back from London especially to help  me setup

Parish Council Vacancy  To represent the Vale ward. Please contact the Clerk for  further information    The deadline for applications is 22nd October  https://gittisham.org.uk/2023/09/01/parish-councillor vacancy-gittisham-vale-ward/  And then come the  nightjars   Honiton Beehive Cinema  Friday 13th October  A heartwarming film of friendship and  survival set against a backdrop of the  2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak  The story of an unlikely friendship  between a Devon farmer and the vet  who is assigned to cull his precious  herd.

Pumpkins 

Open weekends from the 30^th September to the 29^th October and  everyday through October half term

FETE SUCCESS by Alex Rowe 

Unlike this week’s storms, at the beginning of September we had lovely sunny weather temperature at almost 30°c,  I couldn’t have asked for better weather for the restarting of the fete. 

Since February a small working committee of Sue, Julia, Maggie, Will, Pierre and myself had been planning for the  2nd of September. The few days prior were very hectic however we are extremely pleased with how the day panned  out and very grateful to all of the residents of the Parish who came along to help with the setting up, stewarding on  the day or even just came to enjoy the afternoon. 

The Village was buzzing and I would approximate on 1000 visitors in total including children it was great to  encompass people from the parish living in the Vale, Hayne farm and the village they all seemed very much enjoy all  the fete had to offer Honiton band, the stalls, classic cars & the dog show organised by Will, compared by Hamish  and kindly judged by Maryanne. 

Lastly an exciting duck race concluded the event (kindly sponsored by Airband) 

Robert is working on a little video of the Fete and the link will be shared shortly. 

We will be having a post fete meeting to discuss any issues that arose, I apologize to those who didn’t get to  experience the fete if you were helping on the day, you were invaluable to the event, thank you. If you are interested in helping with next year’s fete email and I will let you know the date  of the next meeting. 

We will celebrate our success at a good NYE party! 

~ Alex 

GRAIN TO CREAM by Russell Hayman 

It was spring the last time I wrote and autumn now! So I missed summer, quite a different one to last year. Nowhere  near as much sun but much more grass which the girls will and have loved. Harvest was a typical one maybe a bit  more catchy than normal but we muddle by. Yields where a bit below average as a result of the lack of sunshine.  Last year it was too much. never see a satisfied farmer. Also part of the problem was virus carrying aphids which  infect the crop in the autumn and show no sign of infection until April May following. Unfortunately the most  effective way to control this is to spray insecticide which we did once, but the mild winter could well of resulted in  infection happening later; the aphids don’t like frost. The problem is it can result in complete crop failure if we get  it wrong and we try to use as little chemical as possible. Hedges do harbour the aphids (don’t worry not advocating  taking the hedges out) but most the trial work is carried out in the east of the country where they have less hedges  and cooler winters so advice given is not always appropriate for this neck of the woods. 

We still have our heron out front fishing the little stream, sparrows also seem to thrive here with the hedge bending  under the weight of them all and the barn owls had chicks again, three this time! On the subject of wildlife we have  also had Bicton students here and vet students as well. 

The cows have been treated to a new fan by the robots to help keep flies away which appears to work though I  have seen the occasional one flying into the air flow to get a good work out! We are also in the process of digging  a new slurry store which will enable us to spread the good stuff over a larger area and be more flexible there-by  make better use of it. Unfortunately the contractor doing the digging has let us down by leaving site before  finished so we are well behind schedule. 

We also have a new exciting crop introduced by Edmund fresh from uni. Of pumpkins. They are like triffids and  grow at a blink of an eye. Weed control is a hoe and Edmund has made a gardener of me! He has put loads of time  into it and was also in the process of doing his finals for his degree! I think it is a good year for pumpkins so his efforts have resulted in what looks like a bumper crop. (though I must admit I know nothing about them really)  Looking forward to welcoming everyone here at Gittisham farm to come and pick a pumpkin or two in October.

PARISH COUNCIL – SEPT 2023 REPORT 

Five councillors met for the September meeting. Cllr Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) was also present. 

Sewage. Alasdair Bruce explained that EDDC’s coastal officer had produced a report which highlighted the large  number of occasions where South West Water’s sewage monitors were found to be in ‘maintenance mode’, and  therefore not doing the job they are designed to do. EDDC has approached the supplier for a response. River Gitt. 

Floods. Councillors heard that a flood prevention consultant had advised EDDC that the best course of action  would be to remove any vegetation and debris from the river, and allow for the silt to be washed away naturally  during heavy rainfall. Work is due to be carried out in the next few months. 

Road closure. 21st September, road through Alfington to Ottery closed 0930–1530 for pole tests. Finance. Members agreed the finances. 

Crimes. May & June 2023: no reported crimes. 

Casual vacancy. Carol Hall encouraged all councillors to speak to people who might be interested in joining the  parish council to represent the Vale ward. People can also contact the clerk for further information by emailing  The deadline for applications is 22nd October. 

Planning applications. 

a) 23/1631/MFUL Coastguard Road Heathpark Industrial Estate – development of 17 commercial units b) 23/1632/MOUT Coastguard Road Heathpark Industrial Estate – outline application for class B2, B8 and E(g)(iii)  development within two sites (Phase 2A and 2B) comprising total floor space of 4,000 sq m (all matters reserved) c) 23/1207/LBC & 23/1206/FUL The Lodge EX14 3AD – demolition of internal wall, removal of roof to existing  extension construction of new extension with parapet and roof lanterns. 

Councillors resolved to have no objections to the applications. However, in relation to a) and b), they expressed  concerns over the point of access onto Devonshire Road, given the nature of the road itself, lack of visibility on the  bend, and the proximity of the bus stop. Councillors also discussed whether this represents an over-intensification  of the site. 

Bus timetable. Peter Orchard reported that Stagecoach is now operating additional last journeys on the 44 / 44A  bus, Monday to Saturday evenings at 20.30 from Exeter to Honiton and at 22.45 from Honiton to Exeter. The bus  will not serve Gittisham village. 

Scams. Janet Twist said that Mole Valley’s IT systems had been hacked, and anyone who has an account with them  should check their own bank account. 

Outdoor table tennis table. Councillors heard that the funding from S106 had been approved. The proposal is  now with EDDC’s legal team to sign off. 

Next meeting. Tuesday 3rd October at 7pm 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

St Michael’s Church Julia Barratt 

Many thanks to everyone and especially to our flower arranging team led by Helen Hayman who helped to prepare  and decorate the Church for the Fete Flower Festival. We had a constant stream of visitors throughout the  afternoon, so much so we had to organise a one way system! 

Thank you also to everyone who contributed to the collection which raised £577 as a gift for Carol McCann in  recognition of her dedicated service of nearly 30 years as Churchwarden. We had hoped to present the cheque to  her in person at the Fete & Flower Festival Service but sadly she wasn’t able to be with us. However, Robert Rowe kindly videoed the service and now she is back at home, she is very much looking forward to watching it.  Carol was very surprised and pleased to receive both the cheque and the lovely ‘card signed by so many and  sends her thanks and love to everyone. Providing Carol is well enough, we hope to say ‘Thank You’ to her in person at our Harvest Festival Service on October 8 th . 

The PCC also wishes to thank everyone who helped to make the Fete such an enjoyable occasion with special  thanks to Village Hall Committee for generously donating the profits towards the upkeep of the Church. 

After a break in August, our Coffee Together meetings on the 3rd Saturday of the month have resumed and we  had a full house. And everyone is much impressed with our new coffee machine kindly donated by Claire and  Gary. 

Julia Barrett. LLM. St Michael’s.

August ‘23 Edition 256

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

What’s On?   Pierre’s Cafe Sunday 8th Oct at the Village Hall 07545 214940 Village Fete Saturday 2nd Sept 2-5pm Community Kitchen Every Thurs, village hall 6.30pm. All welcome to enjoy a free meal and good company   Harvest Supper Saturday 7th October at the village hall   Gittisham Folk Dancing (like a barn dance or ceilidh) Join a friendly group of people of all ages with live music and a caller to guide you through each dance. £5.50 per evening 8pm-10.15pm gittishamfolkdanceclub.org         FOOD BANK Donations are always welcome to the box in the church porch	Our wonderful fete is back on Saturday 2 nd September, with all the usual entertainment and much, much more. Something for everyone, even dogs and ducks! Entry is £2 There are still tables available for crafts and tradespeople Can you help with parking or serving teas on the day? There’s arota so please get in touch if you can.
Gittisham Flower and Produce Show Thanks to all who organised this event and who helped on the day.   The highlight of the day was of course the potato weigh-in, with Sarah Abbot the happy winner. What’s the secret Sarah? Other prize winners: Marker Cup: Len Abbott Homecraft: Anne Holley Reg Chown Cup for best exhibit in show: Shared between Len Abbott and Anne Holley McCann Cup: Kadence Hulbert Tony Spiller Shield: Sarah Abbott Wakley Cup for best flower in show: Anne Holley Men’s Cup: Will Wolsey Best Cake: Bill Griffiths Junior Cup: Maverick Cheffey Infant Cup: Cleo Howe	St Michael’s Church and Honiton Mission Community St Michael & All Angel’s Church Patronal Festival Village Fete SONGS OF PRAISE Thank You Service Sunday 3rd September at 4pm   200 Club Would you like to join the 200 club and help to fund the upkeep so necessary for this old church. It takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the increasing cost of energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes £40, £20, £15, £10 and £5. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September). Contact Janet Twist 01404 45484   Exam Results Good luck to all those getting school and college exam results this month. Best wishes for whatever the future brings for you all.
No Swimming   No Swimming The Bettislake pothole highlights the challenges facing Devon County Council, with the largest Highways network in England at something over 12,000km to maintain. Much of the roads have begun life as little more than cart tracks with no real foundation, then covered and recovered in tarmac type surfacing over the years and subject to the vagaries of massive increases in traffic flow and weather.     Reporting of potholes is encouraged through the website Report a Pothole. https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/ Evening buses The Stagecoach 44A bus service will be running in the later evening from September Leaving Exeter and stopping in Heathpark (not running through the village): Exeter 20:30 to Heathpark 21:23 From Honiton, stopping in Heathpark and then on to Exeter (not through the village): Heathpark 22:49 to Exeter 23:35 Check the Stagecoach website for accurate information.	Gittisham Village Hall The hall is available to hire privately with special rates for parish residents. £10.90 per hour £31.30 for a morning or afternoon £43.15 for the evening Details are on www.gittisham.org.uk or contact 07854 492347 to make a booking.   School Uniform The Ottery Larder has a huge selection of uniform for our local schools. All are welcome to take from their supplies. It’s all about recycling and saving money. Please see their website or facebook page for details of opening times.   Parish Council – no meeting this month

    GITTISHAM GAZETTE  
    A monthly Community Newsletter
      Published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

June 2023                                       Edition 255

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REWILDING IN THE PARISH

About 18 months ago the Parish Council approached East Devon District Council with a view to rewilding some of the parish open spaces.
The result of this is that the area on the corner of Hayne Lane and Old Elm Road was proposed as an area of wildflower, and work started recently, beginning with scarifying the planting area. 
Seeds will be sown, and for a few weeks the area will look bare. Once past this initial period there will be a sea of colour year after year. 

                                       
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GOREN FARM EX14 3EN
Looking for somewhere to go where you can get close to nature and relax for the day? Then look no further than Goren Farm, a rural idyll nestled in the foothills of the Blackdown Hills. They give you a map and point you in the right direction to start your stunning nature trail walk amongst 70 acres of wild flowesrs teeming with butterflies and birds. They also have a Woodland Adventure trail.  Just follow the mown paths. Dogs welcome (on a lead!).
Back on the farm, there’s a trampoline, hammock and monkey bars to keep children entertained whilst you sample the cider in our working cider museum.
There’s a walled vegetable garden for you to wander around and a café selling delicious homemade Devon cream teas and cakes and a selection of teas or enjoy a pint of cider! and ice creams
Open from 11am Wednesday to Sunday. £7 entrance for meadows for adults and £3 for children,
Goren Farm Ex14 9EN
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 PIERRE’S POP-UP SUNDAY CAFÉ SUNDAY 11^TH JUNE

 At Pierre’s monthly pop-up café on Sunday 11th June in Gittisham Village Hall, he will be serving roast glazed pork, accompanied by a vegetable gratin.  Vegans and vegetarians will also be catered for, with homemade burgers wrapped in cabbage leaves.  There’ll be a selection of tempting cakes and desserts, as well as freshly made croissants and pains au chocolat.  Come and try our homemade elderflower cordial for a refreshing drink, and let’s hope the weather stays sunny so people can sit outside.  To book lunch, please call Pierre on 07545 214940 or email  Doors open at 10am.
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OPEN GARDEN
Richard and Nellie Marker opened their Garden at Beech Walk over the weekend 19/20/21 May in aid of various charities including Hospisecare and the NGS.  There was a lovely cream tea with cake and the sunshine made it a perfect day.  I understand they raised over £4,000.00.  Congratulations to all concerned.
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GITTISHAM VILLAGE HALL NEWS

Events are run by the Village Hall Committee throughout the year and aim to make a bit of a profit to keep the hall running and of course to provide fun and socialising for us all. The Hall is also available to hire privately and details of this are on the gittisham.org.uk or contact Carol Hall  on 07854 492347 to make a booking.  Sunday 18^th June, Father’s Day Bar-b-q

OUR TRADITIONAL COUNTRY GITTISHAM VILLAGE FETE   SATURDAY 2^ND SEPTEMBER
Please keep a look out for the next meeting – to be announced via the village WhatsApp – and come along to give ideas and help out.  The more, the merrier, it would be nice to get back to one of our traditional fetes, please put the date in your diary.  Regards  Hamish

“This year’s fete is being held on Saturday 2nd September 2pm till 5pm and will hopefully be a good afternoon out for people who come along as well as raising money for our St Michael’s Church.  Since February a small working group has been putting together a plan for the afternoon and as it stands the main attractions are  Honiton town band kicking off the event at 2 o’clock from then on there will be stalls around the village, classic vehicles around the church green with a flower festival happening within the church, at 3pm we will be holding a “very” competitive dog show so get training! Then at 4pm-ish the infamous duck race will take place!  Hopefully that give you a rough idea of what to expect and I’m trying to add in a few more exiting bits so keep an eye out for that – www.gittisham.org.uk/fete  If anyone who is able to volunteer with the   •Setup     •Sign painting and leaflets    •Duck Race     •Admisions and Carparking,   •Manning a stall (Tombola, ice cream, plant stall & cake stall),   •Cake baking,   •Refreshments,   •Packing away etc.    Please get in touch    Thank you for your support hopefully it will all fall together. Alex Rowe

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DEVON AIR AMBULANCE NEEDS YOUR HELP
“The Devon Air Ambulance needs a community of volunteers to keep our 19 charity shops open and our emergency helicopters flying. Could you spare an hour or two to help your local shop? We have a host of tasks which need to be completed to make our shops a success. You do not have to have any previous retail experience as we offer friendly support, training and encouragement. So why not give volunteering a go and arrange a trial session at one of our shops. We also have other volunteering opportunities, from event support, delivering community talks, box collections through to one off projects and supporting our Head Office operation. If you would like to support a much loved local charity,  help to save lives and meet new people, we would love to hear from you! To find out where your nearest shop is and how you can help, please contact our Volunteer Engagement Officer, Charlotte Fleetwood on 01392 466 666 or email ”

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THE TOM PUTT APPLE

Last month we heard about the Tom Putt apple trees that have been planted in the churchyard. Here’s a bit more info about this very special apple variety:   By Carol Hall.

       “Tom Putt” is a traditional variety of dual purpose apple, often used as a cider apple, originating in Devon. The apple Tom Putt was supposed to have been named for an 18th-century landowner, Thomas Putt of Combe   (Combe House, Gittisham), who died in 1787 and was nicknamed “Black Tom”. Putt, a barrister, is reputed to have perfected the variety and is also said to have won prizes for his fruit trees at agricultural fairs in Honiton.

GITTISHAM’S NEXT MONTHLY COFFEE GET-TOGETHER SATURDAY 17^TH JUNE 
It would be lovely if I could have some volunteers to help with our get togethers each month, (3^rd Saturday) if you could offer help please contact me Carol 851113 thanks.  June 17th, Margaret and Michael Hawkins have kindly invited us to their home 21 Cypress Close, Gittisham Vale, EX14 2YW  for our coffee get together from 10.30 – 12.00. Parking slightly limited.  July’s will be back in the parish room on Saturday 16^th 10.30 – 12.00
______________________________________________________________________________ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH AND THE HONITON MISSION COMMUNITY (M.C.)
Thank you to all who undertake sides-peoples duties, I am not sure how long it is going to take for me to get fully up and running again or when I will be driving again. Forthcoming services for  June, 4^th none 11^th Eucharist, 18^th none, 25^th lay led morning worship. Julia organised a lay led post Coronation service on the 7^th May at which 14 adults and 3 children attended, the hymns were very appropriate for the happy occasion.  

18^th June, Father’s Day bar-b-q 12.30 at the village hall £6.50 adult, £4.00 secondary age child and free for primary age child. Vegetarian available, bring own drinks.  Booking or information
St. Paul’s Honiton
Weekly services still continue to be at 11.00am The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about  services, there is also a link to the Gittisham website.  The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office see below for details.  As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is also being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact the Parish Office and the link will be forwarded, or ring, 01404 44035  messages will be replied to when someone is available, Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9.00 to 12.30.  Coffee and biscuits are served in the church on Tuesdays and Saturdays 10.00 – 12.00 and after Sunday services, donations are welcomed.  Details of the other M.C. church services can be found in the Around the Parishes under each church and the service details including Readings and Collects for the month and will certainly be helpful if you join the live streamed Sunday service.
St. Nicholas, Combe Raleigh
Has a new church project which was launched over the Coronation weekend. They intend to install a stained-glass window in the church as a memorial to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.   Pledge forms are available for anyone who would like to contribute and as a huge incentive, all individual pledges are being matched by an anonymous donor. If you’d like further details please phone 47156 or 43166
Awliscombe & Weston Fete is booked for Saturday 17th June at 1.00pm. at the Otter Inn with stalls, games, teas etc.

200 CLUB RESULTS  JUNE
1^st   Olive Collis                     2^nd  Sarah Agg-Manning                3^rd   Karen Loveland
4^th   Richard Marker              5^th   Sara Trumper

I am no longer running the 200 club, Julia Barratt has decided that Janet Twist and Angie Hutchings are to take it over.  If you would like to join the 200 club which is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the spiralling costs for energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, please ring Angie Hutchings on 07774 146209 or Janet Twist 01404 45484 they can send or email the application form. The cost is £12 per number per year. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00.  Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September).  Payment can be made by cheque, cash or preferably Standing Order, there is a form for your bank.  They can email both the application and Standing order forms if required or print them off for you, please let them know
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DID YOU V0TE IN THE LOCAL ELECTIONS?    the Conservatives won by only 7 votes, the smallest margin for a very long time.  I hope you remembered your id, the first time this has been required and the two tellers were new to the village.

PARISH COUNCIL – JUNE 2023 REPORT

Six councillors met for the June meeting. Two members of the public were also present.

Broadband.

Faye Cross, Community Liaison Officer for broadband provider Airband, explained that

the company is joining forces with Connecting Devon and Somerset to bring superfast

broadband to previously excluded communities. The company plans to install new

infrastructure, which would likely include poles. The aim is to complete this work in

Gittisham by the end of 2024. Members welcomed the proposals, but felt the timescale

might be too ambitious based on previous experience, combined with the challenges

presented by the village setting, AONB, listed buildings and land owner negotiations.

Finance. Members agreed the finances, as well as the annual accounts and

governance statement for 2022/23.

Crimes. March 2023: no reported crimes.

Church Mead bridge.

Maggie Walker explained that following a visit by EDDC staff and contractors, work will

begin to install a pedestrian footbridge with disabled access, and the existing bridge will

be dismantled while repairs take place. Residents and visitors will have to park

elsewhere during this period, which is expected to last approximately one month.

Planning applications.

a) 23/1056/FUL Unit B Weston Park Devonshire Road Heathpark Industrial Estate –

installation of vents and flues on north, west and east elevations, removal of window on

north elevation

b) 23/1009/FUL Landscores Cottage EX14 3AU Single storey extension to dwelling

and general purpose agricultural barn

c) c) 23/0110/LBC Charlies Cottage 1 Beaumont Cottages EX14 3AG – Replace all

windows to match existing with slim line double glazing; gas central heating; Install

underfloor heating system to the entire ground floor; Block up doorway on north

elevation; New window on north elevation to kitchen.; New internal doorway between

dining room and created bedroom/office.; New window on east elevation to create

bedroom/office; new conservation roof window to the new bedroom/office on east

elevation; Open up the fireplace for an investigation, reinstate fireplace. Radiators at first

floor.

Councillors resolved to have no objections to the three applications, and particularly

welcomed the proposals in c) to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Combe Farm Shop licensing application.

Councillors expressed serious reservations about the application to sell alcohol seven

days a week, including evenings. They considered it an inappropriate location for

reasons including access, lack of lighting, impact on adjoining residential properties,

crime and disorder, and an increase in traffic and pedestrian movements (especially in

the vicinity of Hayne Lane).

Scams.

Janet Twist reported that there are cold callers going round park homes in East Devon,

to ask if people are interested in purchasing insulation. There has also been a rise in the

online impersonation of brands. The advice is to type the address of a website you wish

to use, rather than choose from a search engine.

Old Elm Road.

Councillors welcomed the news that wildflower seeds have been sown at the bottom of

Old Elm Road, with further plans to start tree planting along the strip of land that backs

onto Ferndale Close later this year. EDDC has leafleted neighbouring properties to

inform them.

Next meeting. Thursday 6 th July at 7.30pm in the parish room.  
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Rev’d Sue Roberts

Bishop Jackie has kindly encouraged Rev’d Sue to take a somewhat overdue sabbatical this year. she was all set to take it in 2020, but Covid-19 put a stop to that. “I was reluctant to take it so soon after being off last year,
but have been assured that it is absolutely in order.”  To help in the Mission Community while she is away, from 1 Sept—30 Nov, Rev’d Tracey Voisey from the Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Axminster, will be joining the Honiton Mission Community.  Tracey will be the Acting Team Vicar while The Revd Prebendary Sue Roberts is away. 

THE GITTISHAM GAZETTE DISTRIBUTION
I am hopefully finished with hospital stays but would appreciate offers of help to deliver round the village and to the few homes in Cypress Close, Ferndale and Laburnum plus the Gittisham Vale bus shelter as am currently not allowed to drive, as my vertebrae keeps breaking, fingers crossed I shall be able to use my car soon.  I would like to thank everyone who has taken me to appointments or to the shops, and with my walking not too good either, I hope to be able to finish using the wheelie walker soon.

If you wish to receive the Gazette by email or by post do contact me 851113, 30ish  copies are usually put in the Vale bus shelter The Gazette can also be found on the Gittisham Website https://gittisham.org  I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer but as I can’t go upstairs yet I have to rely on someone bringing the printing down.                                                          

                                                    EDITOR / DISTRIBUTOR:
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     . if you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate,  do please email it to Carol as early as possible, copy date for the July edition is 27^th June the Gazette will hopefully be ready by the 8^th July.

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

March 2023 Edition 253

Burns Night

Many fa’ and honest, sonsie faces were to be seen at the village hall to celebrate a traditional Burn’s Night. There were indeed many great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-races consumed, along with tatties and neeps and an incredible onion gravy. We all tak our place aboon them all and consumed with gusto, washed down with wine and great company.

Our resident kilted Scotsman addressed the haggis in true Scottish style, admiring the groaning trencher and we all marvelled at hurdies, which were indeed like a distant hill. Finally the ceremony came to an end, with the Scotsman’s knife seeing Rustic-labour dight and he cut the glorious haggis up ye up wi’ ready slight. It was amazing to see the gushing entrails bright. And then, O what a glorious sight, warm-reekin, rich!

What followed was an equally bizarre and chaotic night of traditional Scottish dancing, with the talents of the dance caller often ignored in favour of a more freeform dance. 

Well done to all who cooked, set up, cleaned, sold tickets, danced and generally supported a most excellent night.  The event was organised by the Gittisham Village Hall Committee with funds raised going to pay for the upkeep of our wonderful building.

Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe, 9th April

Pierre will be serving a lunch from 12.30 – 4pm on Easter Sunday,  followed by a dessert. Vegans and vegetarians will also be catered for.  There’ll be the usual selection of homemade croissants and pastries in the morning, as well as delicious cakes including gluten-free options.  Doors open from 10am in Gittisham Village Hall.  Please book to avoid disappointment and to give Pierre an idea of numbers.  Bring your own drinks.  Please telephone Pierre 07545 214940 for further information.

Open Gardens Children’s Hospice South West

The fundraising team of Children’s Hospice South West would like t bring your attention to the Open Garden events which take place every summer. Gittisham is such a beautiful village and might be the sort of place where people could enjoy opening their gardens either to the public or just to friends and family to support a very good cause. Here is a link to the website and they will also help with posters. etc.   
Tina Lunt       01404 234086 and 07341 153409.

Gittisham Village Hall news

Saturday 1st April – an evening of Gittisham games.  Are you a ping pong prodigy, a dab hand at duckpins? Or just keen to gaze on the cut and thrust of Gittisham’s gamest gamers?  Table Tennis tournament from 5pm   Ploughman’s and soup at 6pm West Country Skittles from 7.00.  Laughter and jollity throughout! £5.00 on the door.  BYOB.  Brought to you by your friendly Village Hall Committee

Our traditional country Gittisham village fete is being planned for Saturday 2nd September. Please keep a look out for the next meeting – to be announced via the village WhatsApp – and come along to give ideas and help out.  The more, the merrier, it would be nice to get back to one of our traditional fetes, please put the date in your diary.

Events are run by the Village Hall Committee throughout the year and aim to make a bit of a profit to keep the hall running and of course to provide fun and socialising for us all.
The Hall is also available to hire privately and details of this are on the gittisham.org.uk or contact Carol Hall  on 07854 492347 to make a booking.

Mary Wakely

Mary Wakely, a lifelong resident of the village, passed away this month and we all send our best wishes to Paul and family. Mary was the Post Mistress at Eveleigh’s for many years, helped by her lovely goose Grizedale.

From Grain to Cream – Russell Hayman

As I write, part of the farm is having the soil analysed for the nutrient levels and acidity (the soil here naturally graduates towards acidity). These results form the application levels required for the following crops. We test about 20% of the farm each year which is rotated around the farm to give us an indication of the base levels as most of the levels take years to alter. We do not test for nitrogen as this alters through the year and is much more related to the previous crop. We aim for a p.h. neutral soil and to achieve this; ground limestone (mainly) is applied. Some crops are more tolerant than others of acid soils i.e. grass and oats; legumes (peas / clovers) and maize less so. This means we try to check and apply lime before we grow these crops as this is where the greatest benefit can be had.

As I am sure you will be aware of the shortages in the supermarkets of some foods. There are many things the retailers will say are the cause and most do have a contributory effect but the main reason is they don’t pay enough! Why is there veg on the shelves in Europe when UK ones struggle to have an apple! Why does my milk buyer put enormous efforts into promoting its exports of cheese all over the world (the biggest buyer is France) and they know a little about good food! It’s because the retailers here won’t pay a fair price. I must admit it makes me fume slightly when the retailers claim they are working hard to help the public.  What is really meant is to maintain their own margins and they are very good at that. Our milk price has now dropped by 7.5 pence per litre in the last two months so we are now been paid below the cost of production and with the level of investment required it won’t go on for ever, especially as our support payments are changing from having to farm to qualify; so subsidising the price of food which in effect it what has happened with food deflation for over the last 25 years plus with only the sad outbreak of war in Europe finally pushing prices up and showing the real value and security of your own food production. (How right my father was with his comment when the Berlin wall came down: “bad day for farming bit of fear makes them value food”.)

On a more cheery note, out the other night feeding a newborn calf, a barn owl came swooping. In the morning posh car came down the road stopped for a bit there and then proceeded to do a bit of flapping about so I enquired if everything was OK. Turns out it was more than OK as they had a mouse on the windscreen and where in the process of removing it which they did. Not that we have a shortage of mice but it is nice to see they are going upmarket! Plus it was a nice plump one and the barn owl will have a great tea!

Parish Council report – March 2023

Six councillors met for the March meeting along with Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) and 
Phil Twiss (DCC).

Bus fares.

Phil Twiss reported that the Government’s fare cap scheme, encouraging passengers to ‘Get Around for £2’ has now been extended to the end of June 2023. The scheme is backed by Government funding, and offers a saving of 30% on the average single fare. It’s hoped the scheme will encourage people to swap their cars for bus journeys, helping families save money during cost of living pressures, while also reducing carbon emissions by taking cars off the road and encouraging greater bus use to help the industry in its continued recovery from the pandemic. 

Church Mead garages.

Alasdair Bruce reported that EDDC has finally authorised repairs to the Church Mead council garages. A date when they will be available for rent will be forthcoming shortly. Dare we hope, he asked, that this frustrating saga may be finally coming to a favourable conclusion.

EDDC Local Plan.

David Valentine explained that EDDC had passed a resolution at its meeting on 14^th February regarding the draft Local Plan to continue with background technical work, including discussions with consultees and infrastructure providers. But no further discussions or decisions will be made with regard to the sites or their allocations until the government has delivered the finalised National Planning Policy Framework.

Finance.

Members agreed the finances.

Crimes.

Dec 2022 & Jan 2023: no reported crimes.

Planning applications. 

a) Pomeroy House, Gittisham – Internal and external remodelling with new kitchen
No objection.
b) 2 Mitchell Cottages Gittisham – 7 x Lawson Cypress Conifer – to dismantle to ground level. No objection.

c) Nags Head Farm Gittisham – extension to agricultural building. No objection.

Development in the parish.

David Valentine reported that Gittisham Community Land Trust would be looking for a new affordable housing provider for the scheme, as South Devon Rural Housing Association had reconsidered its position in the light of delays and rising costs. Sewage, Hayne Farm. The clerk said she had been in touch with Baker Estates to enquire about the drainage /sewage system on the development, as some residents have reported problems, particularly following periods of high rainfall. Baker Estates told her the foul drainage system has been technically approved by South West Water and they have also inspected the installation. However, issues have arisen and BE contractors are regularly jetting the drain out to ensure it continues to run freely whilst they investigate the cause of the issue. BE said now that outline planning permission has been granted for the development of the farmyard, they hoped that any storm run-off from there would be resolved. They will be keeping a close eye on the situation until a permanent solution can be found.  

Village play area.  

Members resolved unanimously to approve the most cost-effective provider for the table tennis table, which was one of the most popular choices in the public consultation carried out before the pandemic.

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

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

St. Michael’s Gittisham

St Michael’s Mothering Sunday service was enjoyed by parents, grandparents and children with a big thankyou to Carol Hall for making the lovely posies distributed by the children, and also to Helen Hayman for organising the flower decorations and to all our wonderfully creative and talented flower arrangers who decorated the Church. Traditionally, this day is known as ‘Refreshment Sunday, so we were able to relax our usual practice of no flowers in Lent.

Churchyard.

As the clocks spring forward and the daylight hours lengthen, we are looking forward to developing the wild area in the old churchyard and looking for volunteers to help us prepare for the new season. Please contact Maggie Walker for further information. We have already added to our stock of snowdrops and Paul Wakely has kindly grown several varieties of wild flowers which will be ready for planting later in the season.

Also Paul has kindly cared for and recently planted (as part of the Queens Canopy) two Tom Putt apple trees, grown from root stock purchased from Adam’s Apple Trees, a local business now based in Dulford.

Holy Week & Easter Services

Palm Sunday April 2^nd  All Age Service in Church at 11am with blessing of Palms at the Lych Gate  followed by the service in Church. Good Friday April 7th  Morning Prayer and Reflection at 10.30am followed by Hot Cross Buns in the Parish Room. Easter Day April 9^th Eucharist at 11am followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the children in the Churchyard.

Later in the month: All Age Worship at 11am on the fourth Sunday of the month  April 23^rd at 11am. Looking ahead to the Coronation of King Charles 111, there will be a Service of Celebration on Sunday May 7^th at 11am.

To receive details for ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol, on 01404 851113 or email charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk or Julia by email on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.  

Gittisham’s next monthly coffee get-together is Saturday 15th April in the parish room from 10.30 – 12.30.  It would be lovely if we could have some volunteers to help with our get togethers each month, if you could offer help. please contact me, Carol McCann (Tel 851113). Thank you.

Honiton Mission Community

The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office; see below for details.  As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office by emailing or and the link will be forwarded.  Alternatively, ring the Parish office to book your place in person, on 01404 44035.  Messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. Coffee and biscuits are served in St Paul’s church on Tuesdays and Saturdays and after Sunday services, donations are welcomed.  Details of the other M.C. church services can be found in the Around the Parishes under each church and the service details including Readings and Collects for the month and will certainly be helpful if you join the live streamed Sunday service.

200 Club

I was approached by villagers who wanted to join the 200 club but I am afraid I couldn’t remember who, could they please contact me.  I am currently able to offer numbers for the 200 club, (there are several available). If you want your number and forgot to pay the sub please let me know and I will re-instate you upon receipt of the full subscription amount. If you would like to join the 200 Club, please ring Carol, I can send or email an application form. This is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the spiralling costs for energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, The cost is £12 per number per year.  The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes: £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September).

Payment can be made by cheque or cash or Standing Order, there is a form for your bank. I can
email both the application and Standing order forms if required, please let me know by telephone 01404 851113 or or write to 3 School House Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH.

February 2023 200 Club Results

1^st  Sarah Agg-Manning                 2^nd Nigel Blackmore               3^rd Peter Stansell        
4^th  Sarah Abbott              5^th   Cynthia Underdown

March 2023 200 Club Results

1^st  Betty Madden                2^nd Maggie Walker               3^rd Daggie Weaver          
4^th  Jack Bartlett              5^th   Christine Rew

Six-monthly Owen Morgan

Gittisham Gazette distribution

I must apologise for the missing February Gazette, [the editor writes] I was in hospital for 6 weeks from the 6^th to 14^th March and sadly back in again on the 17^th and am doing this in my bed in the ward. I do hope I will get the April one done in reasonable time.

Once I come out of hospital  I would appreciate offers of help to deliver round the village and to the few homes in Cypress Close, Ferndale and Laburnum plus the Gittisham Vale bus shelter.

This is to advise if any Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates residents wish to receive the
Gazette by email or if they have no internet access, they can receive it by post, (many are emailed and several households have 2 copies). I put 30+ copies in the Vale bus shelter and as the Hayne Farm sales office is by appointment only, I have stopped putting any in the office. I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer, and understand there is a Hayne Farm WhatsApp group which links with the Gazette. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy, then many more could receive this publication. It would also be good to receive news from both the Vale and Hayne to let us know what’s going on etc.

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113 / 07946 409142     .

If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate, do please email it to Carol as early as possible.  Use the Arial font using Word and not PDF, thanks.

 

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show schedule 2023

To be held at the Parish Hall on Saturday 5th August 2023

• 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 10p: 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 29th July 2023
            Juniors must be age 12-16 on Saturday 29th July 202

• 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 29 th July 2023
• 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
• 3 Coloured potatoes
• 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.   2 Parsnips
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
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 on the theme of the Coronation, not
~exceeding 12” or 30cm in any direction. Own vase, not jam jar.

SECTION “C” HOMECRAFT

30 Victoria Sponge in a round 8” or 20cm tin – as attached recipe
31 Quiche Lorraine
32 Tear and Share bread (own recipe)
33 Jar of Rhubarb and Ginger Jam
34 Jar of chutney (any variety)
~35 A photo of an insect (photo not exceeding 6”x8”)
36 Homemade oven gloves
37 Homemade game
38 A Homemade Anniversary Card~
39 MEN ONLY – Treacle Tart (recipe attached)

SPECIAL CLASS: Potatoes in a bucket – potatoes can be collected
from Sue and David Fallows, Parkers East, Gittisham 01404
850922 on or after 6 th April 2023

SECTION “D” CHILDREN’S CLASSES
Up to 6 years
40 A Painting or Drawing of a pet~
41 A. animal made of vegetables
42 A marshmallow caterpillar
6 – 11 years
43. A Photo of people playing (max photo size 6”x8”)
44.   An animal made of vegetables
45.   3 Shrewsbury biscuits

VICTORIA SPONGE
Grease and line two 8inch (20cm) sponge tins
Preheat oven to Gas 3, 325F, 170C, (150fan)
8oz (225g) butter at room temperature
8 oz (225g) caster sugar plus a little for the top of the cake.
~4 large eggs (lightly beaten)
8 oz (225g) sifted self raising flour.
A few drops of vanilla essence

Cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs a little at a time
Stir in the vanilla essence~
Gently fold the flour into the mixture.~
The mixture should be of dropping consistency. If not add 1-2 tsps hot water.
Divide the mixture equally between the two tins and bake for approx. 25
minutes.~Cool on a rack and sandwich with raspberry jam.
Sift caster sugar lightly over the top of the cake.

Treacle Tart
Pre heat oven to Gas 6, 200C (180 fan).
35g butter
35g vegetable shortening
150g plain flour
2 tbsp cold water
675g golden syrup
270g coarse white breadcrumbs
Zest and juice of a lemon

Rub the fat into the flour to get rough breadcrumb texture. Bind with the
water to form a soft dough.~
Use the pastry to line a 20cm tart tin, preferably with a removable base.
Chill for 20-30 minutes.~
Gently warm the syrup
Stir in the lemon zest and juice and the breadcrumbs.
Pour the mixture into the uncooked pastry case
Bake for 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to 180C (160 fan) Gas 4
Bake for a further 15-20 minutes

Gittisham Flower & Produce Show  Saturday 5th August 2023

ENTRY FORM

Please place an X in the square showing the number of 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 29 th July 2023
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

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

January 2023 Edition 251

A village happy new year

The village hall was buzzing with lots of familiar faces all clearly intent on waving goodbye to the hard times of the old year and welcoming in the new year. It was a wonderful display of community spirit with even Oliver Hardy and Elvis making an appearance. There was enough food to feed an army and the drink was flowing. Music was provided by Alex and Robert Rowe who did amazing job of making sure even the shyest got up and danced. They even provided a countdown clock to take us up to midnight when everyone staggered up to the green to hear the sound of the church bells and then sing Auld Lang Syne in a great big circle followed by a rendition of Happy Birthday to Stanley who then turned 13. It didn’t end there though; most returned back to the hall for karaoke and more food. A few who were worse for wear, (not mentioning any names but one who was donning a rather lovely red velvet jacket), had to be chaperoned home! (There are photos if anyone wishes to pay enough for them!)

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and if anyone who didn’t would still like to donate to Alex for his efforts, please let me know.
Maria Whitton 

I was unable to attend the party due to ill health but having heard from several people, I would like to thank Maria for suggesting and arranging the evening. Carol

Pierre’s pop-up Sunday cafe, 8th January

This month Pierre will be serving a Middle Eastern special for lunch: lamb khoresh, a type of stew with meltingly soft aubergines.  It’s followed by a dessert of baklava, maamoul and Turkish Delight.  Vegans and vegetarians will also be catered for.  There’ll be the usual selection of homemade croissants and pastries in the morning, as well as delicious cakes including a gluten-free option.  Doors open from 10am in Gittisham Village Hall.  Please book to avoid disappointment and to give Pierre an idea of numbers.  BYOB.  Tel. 07545 214940.

Gittisham Community Kitchen

The first (nearly) six months of the community kitchen has been a great success and hopefully the project will go on from strength to strength into 2023 and beyond.  We have had 22 weekly sessions so far and nearly 700 meals served, not including ‘takeaways’ for those who have not been able to attend for one reason or another.  There has always been plenty of food and an urgent need for plastic tubs to accommodate leftovers!

I am really grateful to those who have provided food at various times: the Pig for the veg, the Ottery Larder for the Bread, Tescos for a £50 voucher, Claire for the fish, Sarah Palfrey for the pheasant, Pierre and Paul for extra veg, Peter and Anne for the lovely puddings and Sue and David for the chutney.  Thanks also to Carol Hall for arranging the grant from East Devon District Council to cover the hire of the Hall and the cost of the food for 6 months until March 2023.

Special thanks must go to the following people for their unstinting support: Alex and Mike for setting up every week, Julia for collecting the bread, Kate and Stella for their kitchen duties, and Jayne, Owen, Bill, Bernie, Sue, David, Pierre and the rest of the army of washer uppers and putters away.  Apologies if I’ve left anyone out.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursdays in 2023.  Free meal, every Thursday, 6.30pm in the Village Hall.

Sara

Gittisham Village Hall news

Events are run by the Village Hall Committee throughout the year and aim to make a bit of a profit to keep the hall running and of course to provide fun and socialising for us all.
The Hall is also available to hire privately and details of this are on the gittisham.org.uk or contact Carol Hall on 07854 492347 to make a booking.

Cabaret is back again.
After a resounding success in 2022, the Cabaret is coming back to Gittisham –  working Title –  I’m not being funny –  but.  We are holding an initial session to see who wants to get involved, get writing, help backstage etc on Sunday 15^th January at 5:30 PM in the village hall –  all welcome!  Planned date for the event to start is 1^st April 2023 for two nights and possibly one matinee.  Rehearsals usually on a Sunday night in the village hall.

Burns night. 

After a few years’ break, we are back in the hall to celebrate with fine food, good company and of course dancing.  We will be catching the usual finest vegetarian and meat haggis well in advance of date 28^th January – from 7pm in the village hall.  This will be a ticketed event @ £7 per head, which includes dinner and our splendid dancing caller –  Mary Marker.  Please let Hamish know if you would like to come ( or 07880 178297)

There will be another quiz night in February so watch out in the next Gazette 

Regards  Hamish (VH chair)

Parish Council report – January 2023

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

Back to School advice.

Phil Twiss circulated guidance from the UK Health Security Agency regarding ‘flu, Covid and scarlet fever. If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved. Lessons learned during the epidemic about the importance of good hand hygiene are also key. Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues then binning them is another simple way to help stop illnesses spreading, as well as adults trying to stay home when unwell and if you have to go out, wear a face covering. The ‘flu vaccination is still available for all eligible groups and is the best protection against the virus, according to the advice. 

EDDC Local Plan.

Councillors discussed the PC’s response to EDDC’s draft local plan and agreed the objection letter circulated by David Valentine. Carol Hall encouraged everyone who had not already done so to respond to the public consultation by 15 th January deadline, and thanked councillors for their work in raising awareness of the draft plan proposals in the community. One location put forward is for a development of up to 100 homes west of Hayne Lane towards Gittisham village, as well as a 15ha employment allocation west of Hayne Lane. The parish council objects to both proposals, and understands there is considerable local opposition. Concerns were also raised over access to another proposed site which is just outside the parish, but would be reached by roads in Gittisham Vale. Further information and a template letter to respond is available on www.gittisham.org.uk (under ‘Latest News’).

Finance.

Members agreed the budget for 2023/24 and the parish precept was increased to £9307.41; as the population of the parish has increased significantly, this should not represent a rise at the individual level.

Crimes.

Oct 2022: 1 x violence & sexual offences, Beech Walk.

Nov 2022: no reported crimes.

Scam awareness. 

Janet Twist said an alert had gone out about missing dog scams circulating on Facebook, asking people to click on a link.

Donations.

Members agreed to donate money to Operation Rudolph, Diabetes UK, TRIP and Hospiscare.

Public transport.  

Peter Orchard explained that single bus fares have been capped at £2 until the end of March. All single journeys will be capped at a maximum of £2 for the duration of the scheme. The same £2 cap applies to child and concessionary fares. If the fare is currently less than £2, the price will stay the same.

Road closures. 

16 January: overnight road closure under Iron Bridge for bridge inspection. 

Planning applications.   

a) Combe Garden Centre Gittisham – New farm shop and associated landscaping works adjacent to the site of the existing Combe Garden Centre. Objection for reasons of prematurity, as well as the potential impact on highways and increased flooding.
b) 2 Mitchell Cottages Gittisham – 5x Lawson Cypress Conifer – dismantle to ground level. No objection.

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

Tom Putt apple trees

We now have the two Tom Putt apple trees for planting in the churchyard, as agreed at a recent PCC meeting.  Paul Wakley has kindly agreed to look after and plant them when the time is right, hopefully they will have a productive life when they grow up.

Mattresses for sale

Looking for a good home for two, good quality comfy single mattresses.  Would suit a child’s bed or a single.  Both contain 390 individual pocket springs and are filled with breathable English wool and super-soft polyester (to help the mattress hold its shape for longer).  Topped with neutral damask and edged with a classic ticking stripe.  Selling for £85 individually or £150 for both together.  Pick-up only from Gittisham.  For details call Fiona on 07899 932620.

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

St. Michael’s Gittisham

As I have been out of action for a while, I’d like to thank Julia for opening/closing the church and for all who undertook sides-peoples duties, I am not sure how long it is going to take for me to get fully up and running again.  The Carol Service with lots of readings, poems and carols  on 18^th December was well attended with 37 adults and 8 children, some of the children sang the first verse of Away in a Manger after Julia’s piece about the stable and birth of Jesus.  Refreshments of wine, sherry and mince pies were well received.  We held the service a bit earlier this year 4.45pm which seemed to work well with families and Ken played the organ before going on to Buckerell’s service.  On Wednesday 21^st we had our annual Carols on the Green with mulled wine and bangers, once again with some of the Honiton Town Band playing for us. Thanks so much to Angie for mulled wine, Helen for the bangers and Amanda for veggie bangers and buns. The First Eucharist of Christmas on the 25th was, well attended with Julia and Rev. Christine leading our worship with a lovely talk for the children who installed the ‘baby Jesus’ in the manger.   

Our services for  January: 8th  Christingle with  Eucharist, 15th no service, 22nd 11.00am lay-led, 29th no service, February 5^th no service, 12^th Eucharist. 

To receive details for ongoing worship, Eucharistic and lay-led please contact me, Carol, on 01404 851113 or email charli.mcc@mypostoffice.co.uk or Julia by email on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.  We will be making the Christingles on Saturday 7th January in the Parish room at 2.00, it would be good to have some children to help with the assembly.

Gittisham’s next monthly coffee get-together is in the parish room from 10.30 – 12.30.  The December coffee morning with stalls in the hall made just over £100, despite inclement weather. Thanks to all who provided cakes, bric-a-brac and helped.

Honiton Mission Community

Rev’d Sue is still on lighter duties. Weekly services still continue to be at 11.00am The
website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about services and the latest
guidelines on the Covid regulations there is also a link to the Gittisham website. 

The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office; see below for details.  As our MC churches are now having their own services, Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s is being live streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue or the Parish Office by emailing or and the link will be forwarded.  Alternatively, ring the Parish office to book your place in person, on 01404 44035.  Messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays. Coffee and biscuits are served in St Paul’s church on Tuesdays and Saturdays and after Sunday services, donations are welcomed.  Details of the other M.C. church services can be found in the Around the Parishes under each church and the service details including Readings and Collects for the month and will certainly be helpful if you join the live streamed Sunday service.

Awliscombe

are having a Curry Night on Saturday 28^th January in their village hall.  For details ring Alison on 07507 949412. 

200 Club

I was approached by villagers who wanted to join the 200 club but I am afraid I couldn’t remember who, could they please contact me.  I am currently able to offer numbers for the 200 club, (there are several available). If you want your number and forgot to pay the sub please let me know and I will re-instate you upon receipt of the full subscription amount. If you would like to join the 200 Club, please ring Carol, I can send or email an application form. This is one way of funding the upkeep so necessary with this old church which takes a lot to keep it heated (especially with the spiralling costs for energy) and watertight, keeping the churchyard in good order and kind to nature, The cost is £12 per number per year; however as January has been drawn, this year’s sub until March will be £2 for February and March 2023. The draw takes place at the beginning of each month with 5 prizes: £40.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00 and £5.00. Twice a year there is a 6 monthly prize of £48 (March and September).

Payment can be made by cheque or cash or Standing Order, there is a form for your bank. I can
email both the application and Standing order forms if required, please let me know by telephone 01404 851113 or or write to 3 School House Cottages, Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH.

January 2023 200 Club Results

1^st  Carole Rowe                 2^nd Olive Collis               3^rd Jayne Bramley          
4^th  Sandra Moss              5^th   Betty Madden

Gittisham Gazette distribution

Since coming out of hospital I have had a bit of a struggle and my broken vertebrae is not mending, I would appreciate offers of help to deliver round the village and to the few homes in Cypress Close, Ferndale and Laburnum, plus the Gittisham Vale bus shelter.

This is to advise if any Hayne Farm and Gittisham Vale estates residents wish to receive the
Gazette by email or if they have no internet access, they can receive it by post, (many are emailed and several households have 2 copies). I put 30+ copies in the Vale bus shelter and as the Hayne Farm sales office is by appointment only, I have stopped putting any in the office. I apologise to those who do not get the Gazette and do my best to print as many as I can on my own printer, and understand there is a Hayne Farm WhatsApp group which links with the Gazette. If you have a neighbour who doesn’t have access to the internet and you could print off a copy, then many more could receive this publication. It would also be good to receive news from both the Vale and Hayne to let us know what’s going on etc.

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113 / 07946 409142     .

If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate, do please email it to Carol as early as possible.  Use the Arial font using Word and not PDF, thanks.

The February 2023 edition of the gazette has been delayed, due to ill health.  Get well soon Carol!