Gazette

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

October 2021 Edition 236

Cars – The Modern Apocalypse by Daphne Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People in the News

Arrivals

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

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

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

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

Departures

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

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

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

Moving

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

Combe Garden Centre

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

Honiton Citizens Advice Centre

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

Sidmouth Junction Ploughing Match

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

Parish Council – September / October report

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

Flooding. 

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

Finance. 

Councillors noted the finances.

Crime.

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

Road closures.

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

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

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

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

Planning applications.

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

Play area.    

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

Old Elm Road gate.   

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

Councillor vacancy, Gittisham Vale.  

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

Scam awareness. 

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

Next meeting. 

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

Pierre’s Sunday pop-up cafe

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

Autumn get-together

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

Book swaps in bus shelters

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

Mighty Hike

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

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

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

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

St. Michael’s Gittisham

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

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

Our Harvest Festival was held in church on Sunday 3^rd October as the weather was not good enough to erect the marquee. There was a good collection of non-perishable food for the Honiton Food Bank, and the vegetables and fruit were taken to the fresh food bank in Queen Street.  Thanks to all who donated goods.  
. 
We are continuing to have the church open three or four days in the week, and as the weather is cooler now the door will be closed but unlocked.  If you find it closed and would like to view or have prayer space, please ring me (Carol on 01404 851113) and hopefully I will be home to unlock.

Honiton Mission Community

Rev’d Sue is on leave during October. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about  services and the latest guidelines on the Covid regulations.  There is also a link to the Gittisham website.  The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around the Parishes is available by email or post from the Parish Office see below for details.  As our MC churches are now having their own services,  Sunday Morning Eucharistic Worship at 11.00am, in St. Paul’s will be live-streamed. If you would like to join this service do please contact Rev’d Sue  or the Parish Office , /  and the link will be  forwarded.  Or ring the Parish office to book your place in person, 01404 44035  messages will be replied to when someone is available.  Mollie the Church administrator is there on Tuesdays.  The ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.30pm will continue, from November when Rev’d Sue returns, you can also get that link from her then.

At St Paul’s, coffee and biscuits  are served in church on  Tuesdays and Saturdays.  They are currently free of charge but donations are welcomed for Vaccine Aid.  Their Harvest Festival on the 12^th September on the forecourt was well attended although a little chilly.  With Rev’d Sue’s leave the All Souls service this year will be held on the first Sunday in November.

Buckerell

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

Awliscombe

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

October 2021 200 Club Results

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

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

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     .

If you have events or news items including pictures, for inclusion in the gazette from the village, the Vale or Hayne Farm Estate,  do please email it to Carol as early as possible.  Copy date for the November edition is 25^th October please.  I hope to send out on 5th November.

Police newsletter – summary

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

Basic Prevention Advice 

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

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

 Fuel Theft – Tanks and Heating Oil

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

Rural Home Security Check

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

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

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

A monthly Community Newsletter

Published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

May 2021 Edition 231

The Environment Matters

Can you join in with “No Mow May” in your garden?  The whole lawn, a patch or just mow some paths.  It will be interesting to see what flowers come up if they are left to grow and how many insects will enjoy them.  The church is considering leaving some of the little used areas in the churchyard for the month and maybe longer.  The play park also has created paths in the orchard area.  It would be good to hear your results with perhaps a photo send to either Carol Hall or me Carol McCann   and perhaps in a later edition pictures could appear in the Gazette.  Let us all try to do our bit for the environment and help the insects and birds survive and thrive.  Many thanks.

Scribblings from Shermans by Jack Bartlett

May is here and the chilly evenings have meant the long trousers and coats haven’t been hung up yet. The long dry period of April is soon forgotten, and a bit of rain has soon made the countryside green up. We managed to get all of our maize into the ground before the rain came, this was risky as the ground temperatures and evenings were too cold. But we felt the dry conditions were better for preparing a good seed bed than waiting for the warm weather. The pessimistic side of us said when the weather turns that may be it for a while so we took the opportunity. We also got some of the grass silage into the clamp being caught out in the showers in the last couple fields. 

May bank holiday is often a busy time for farmers but with the showery forecast we managed to pop out and about. Taking the dogs for a walk and some lunch in Simonsbath on Exmoor. What a lovely place and relatively close to home. I fear that Devon and Cornwall is going to become overwhelmed with traffic this summer with people not being able to travel abroad so easily. Great for the south west tourism industry never the less.  Lauren has now got some hens here at Shermans, she’s always liked poultry from a young age but decided a handful wasn’t enough! Therefore we have plenty of eggs for sale! There is a cupboard at Shermans entrance with fresh free range eggs stacked up! Please come and try as we have had some positive feedback so far. Breakfast time now for me… poached eggs today! 

Gittisham Village Hall events

Village Film Night Thursday 20th May
Join at 7pm for a chat before the film, then again afterwards to talk about the film.
Film to be decided on the night – so a surprise!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85028985842

Spud in a Bucket

If you still haven’t got your potato to grow for the Gittisham Flower and Produce Show it should have been planted in April. You can contact  David or Sue Fallows, Parkers, Gittisham (telephone 01404-850922) – £1 per entry to see if there are any left.  Buckets are emptied and weighed during the show on 7th August.  Entries from all ages very welcome. If you have a bucket and will not be entering the competition, please return it to David and Sue for recycling to another entrant.  If you have lost your bucket, please contact David and Sue.

People in the News

A warm Gittisham welcome to the Whitton Family  who will be moving into Winsor Cottage when their proposed renovations are completed.  We wish them a happy time and look forward to meeting them at some of our village events. Congratulations to James Trevett and partner Frankie on the birth of their baby daughter Willow, mother and baby both doing well.

A New Home Needed

I have a pale grey desk, 158cm x 80cm x 74cm high with 2 drawers.  If anyone is interested, please contact Angie on telephone 01404 45101.

Combe Garden Centre

Plenty of bedding plants now ready both annual and perennial offers on various composts.  All your gardening implements, plant feeds, weed killers etc. plus seeds – both vegetable and flower.  The Kitchen is now open again, still outside only and serving between 10.00 and 3.30, the new garden area is well on the way to being finished.  The gift shop, Velvet and Parade, also has some lovely items and worth a visit when looking for that special present or finding things for the home.  Garden Centre and Gift Shop both open 9.00 – 5.00 Monday – Saturday and 10.00 – 4.00 Sunday.

Combe Farm Shop

There are lots of new and exciting things happening at the Farm Shop this spring.  With the easing of restrictions, we are happy to announce you can now enjoy your takeaway outside at one of our picnic tables, to coincide with this we have released a few new menu items, including wraps, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and smoothies, to go along with our existing offering of coffees, teas and pastries.   Food served from 10.00 – 2.00, ,  drinks and cakes 9.00 – 3.00 Tuesday – Sunday. Takeaway Sunday 10.00 – 1.00

We have 2 new vending machines outside the shop provided by Hollis Mead Organic Dairy.  One has a selection of items including double cream, kefir, butter and milk bottles.  The other is an organic semi skimmed milk dispenser. The vending machines are 24hr access and payment is contactless.  They are frequently monitored so fresh organic milk is always available. 

We have lots of meat boxes available, including new BBQ boxes just in time for the summer.  We also have a wide selection of new items on the butchery counter, including our house made marinated BBQ meats and ready to cook meals.   As always our bakery is producing bread daily, and we are always happy to accept repeat orders, custom requests or just set a loaf aside for you to collect when convenient.   We are still able to offer delivery or click and collect if you are unable to come out to the shop yourself, if you need more details on this please feel free to contact us directly.  We hope to see you soon!           

Joanna and the Team        

Telephone 01404 519093

Your suggestions and ideas needed for the Gittisham play area

Gittisham Parish Council needs your ideas, please. We have money to spend on “Sports Pitches” to go alongside a new Boules Court in the village playground. What would you like? Please send your suggestions to the Clerk  before the end of May.

Parish Council May report

Six councillors met for the May meeting. Susie Bond (EDDC) and three members of the public were also present.
Chair. Carol Hall was elected as chair for 2021-22.

EDDC / DCC Report.    Susie Bond explained that as part of the Local Plan review, meetings of the Strategic Planning Committee have been scheduled for each month with the intention to have a draft plan put before the committee at their December meeting.

Finance.  Members agreed the finances.

Crimes.  March 2021, 2 x violence and sexual offences.

Councillor vacancy (Vale ward)    The clerk said the vacancy remains unfilled, and encouraged anyone interested in joining the parish council should contact

Planning applications.
a) Pomeroy House Gittisham – Outdoor pool with plant in existing outbuilding and re-grading / landscaping works within the walled garden; localised repairs and reinstatement of section of collapsed garden boundary wall. Members had no objections to a). 

Play area.     Members agreed to replace the current toddler swing seats and chains. Carol Hall explained that if the parish council wished to include additional items funded by S106 to the boules pitch, it would be easy to carry out a further consultation.  Once GPC has agreed any additions to the project, EDDC will include it with the allocation for funding.

Climate change.    Carol Hall encouraged people to use the World Wildlife Fund’s carbon footprint calculator https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/#    This is not so much about comparing our scores, she said, but more about “how can I change my own score” and understanding how our personal choices affect our carbon footprint.  She reminded members that a parishioner volunteers at the Ottery Food larder, and if there is excess bread on Saturdays she brings it to the village bus shelter for sharing.

Fly-tipping.     The Chair said she encouraged any parishioners noticing fly tipping to report it using the EDDC app.

Vale bus shelter.   Peter Orchard said although a sign had been put up asking people not to deposit more than the basket on the bench can hold, there have since been two significant deposits of books and DVDs.  He said these and any future large deposits would be removed.

Highways.     Peter Orchard said approximately 10 reflective posts had been installed on Hayne Lane south of the railway bridge to discourage drivers mounting the soft verges.

Road closures / diversions.     The road through Alfington will have temporary signals on Thursday 13 May, while Jurassic Fibre conduct works.

Public access.   Members discussed disappointment among some parishioners over increasing restrictions on exercising dogs off the lead.  It was agreed that access to private land was not a matter for the parish council.

Scam awareness.     Janet Twist said there is a presentation on how to spot scams on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyc3ITOxvsY presented by the new SW Fraud Protect adviser.

Next meeting.  This will be on 10th June at 7.30pm in the village hall with Covid-secure measures in place.

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

St. Michael’s Gittisham

It was lovely to have our 1st monthly Eucharist in church on 11th April, the next is 9th May then 13th June, and hopefully the 2^nd Sunday each month thereafter, and if possible, vicar permitting there may be more each month, all at 11.00am and with numbers restricted you need to book your place with Carol 851113, obviously social distancing and masks to be worn. Currently we are still not permitted to sing in the church, I do hope this might change after the June restrictions are lifted.  Julia is working on plans for the other Sundays and her telephone services will continue when not in church, to receive the details for this please email Julia on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.

Honiton Mission Community

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

200 Club

If you haven’t renewed your 200 Club subscriptions (£12 per number per year) please do so as soon as possible.  If I haven’t heard from you by the end of May, I will assume you no longer wish to be a member. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann 01404 851113, 07946 409142, .  Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10., and £5., with 2 six monthly (September and March) of £48.

May 2021 200 Club results                            

1^st  Michael Neve                      2^nd Nicky Wakley               3^rd   Valerie  Clifford                 
4^th  Sandra Moss                      5^th   Bob Williams             

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

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     . If you have events or news items for inclusion in the Gazette do please email it to Carol as early as possible (using Arial font please)  Copy date for June edition is the 24^th  May please.  I hope to have the edition ready to send out on Friday 4^th June.

Gittisham Community Land Trust

Recent activity by the Project Team has focused on footprint design. A number of options have been assessed and debated within the team. The Zoom channel has been pretty busy! There was an initial brief provided for the architect which, in short, required the architect to come forward with a proposal which respected the sensitivity of the location and the setting of the site in relation to the village and the form of development within the village.

Alongside the work of the Project Team discussions have continued with EDDC and it has been encouraging to have received support for the GCLT proposals from the Housing department and recent communication with the Planning department has also been positive. Work has now been extended to looking at design, construction and surface materials.

The village has a wide range of traditional materials and elements taken from this palette of materials are being considered for the onsite designs. Please don’t expect ‘Grand Designs’ and remember that building costs have to be controlled in order that rentals are truly at an affordable level. The full application submission will include the designs for the 3 estate plots (Combe are employing the same architects) so we will have a comprehensive picture of how the development will look.

We have now reached a stage where the details of a preferred site layout can be released. Please take a little time to have a look at the proposed site layout which is attached to this Newsletter.

This is the first stage of a public consultation process which will culminate in a public exhibition of the proposals including building design and site treatments, which will be placed on display in the Village Hall on Friday 11^th June from 3.00pm to 8.00pm.

We would like to have your comments on the details of this proposed development and would encourage everyone to come and take at look at what is being proposed. It is hoped that representatives from the architects, the Housing Association, EDDC Housing and our own CLT will be on hand to answer questions and explain how the design has evolved.

Opportunity to make comments will be available at the public exhibition or can be sent to 

David Valentine

Chairman Gittisham CLT

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

June 2021 Edition 232

No Mow May

Several villagers joined in with “No Mow May” including parts of  the churchyard, some of which will be left for a slightly longer period.  The play park also has created paths in the orchard area.  Let us all keep trying to help the environment and give the small mammals, insects and birds a chance to thrive. I have a variety of lovely birds in my garden which is rather like a floral jungle.

Gittisham Village Hall events

The BBQ organised by the Village Hall committee has been postponed, due to Covid restrictions on gatherings.  A new date will be issued in due course.

People in the News

Congratulations to Edward Fuller who won a prestigious rowing cup at Eton Dornay last weekend beating competitors from all over the U.K. by 12 seconds and several lengths.  This weekend he is rowing in a quad with brother Tom at the same venue.  It is lovely that regattas have started up again, I expect the boys will be very busy this summer and Helen will be doing a lot of driving.  We wish Ed and Tom every success and lots more trophies.

Music for a Summer Night at Coryhill, Combe Raleigh

Music by University of Exeter Chapel Choir and friends, Saturday 24th July 2021.    Bring a picnic, rugs, chairs and wine.  Free parking, raffle and hot drinks on sale.  Gates open 5.30pm, Concert at 6.30pm

Box Office: 01392285983  or  01404 46452  online booking www.exeter-cathedral.eventbrite.com
Advance tickets £12.50  or £15.00 after 20^th July   –   Tickets only refundable if government policy changes.

Proceeds will support the Exeter Cathedral Music Foundation Trust.  Kindly supported by Canonteign Falls.    Exeter Cathedral Music Foundation Trust is a registered charity no. 297365

Other events

Buckerell fete has been postponed and will now be held on Saturday 4^th September at Splathayes. 

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

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

Gittisham Community Land Trust

Affordable rented housing to meet a local need

The project has been 11 years in the making. It began with the identification of the housing need by the local community, through the parish plan back in 2010. From these beginnings, the Community Land Trust has now emerged.

An initial CLT steering group began by identifying the housing need within the parish/village of Gittisham. They held several events in 2016, the outcome of which identified a need for 6 affordable houses for the community. The survey helped crystallise the view that affordable housing was needed to serve the village. The GCLT was formally registered as a Community Benefit Society in October 2018.

The GCLT then undertook a site selection process and evaluated four possible sites in the village. The preferred site was identified as the former farm buildings serving Town Farm on Exeter Hill and was subsequently endorsed by the community at a public meeting. In planning policy terms, there is no clear village boundary. The site sits outside the conservation area but it is washed over by the AONB. It is considered a rural exception site due to the local, affordable housing that it would provide for the community. This is supported in the EDDC local plan strategy 27 and through the recently adopted Affordable Housing, Supplementary Planning Document. The site also benefits from a previous planning permission granted in 1999 for offices and storage buildings. Whilst the currently proposed use for the site is very different to the historic approval, many of the same issues of access and landscape impact remain the same.

Discussions with EDDC Housing 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. Throughout the project, the land owners, the Combe Estate have been entirely supportive of this community project. They have provided the site and will benefit by the provision of 3 serviced plots for estate usage. They have signed a heads of terms agreement for a conditional land purchase with the CLT. They have also asked the community to lead the project as much as is possible and the architects appointed by the CLT are also acting for the estate. This has all helped derive a scheme that has been directed entirely by the needs of the CLT.

The architect’s (ECA) have been given a clearly defined brief and a ‘clean’ site. Following numerous meetings on Zoom the project has evolved into a unique scheme that picks up on aspects of the village in terms of layout, materials, setting and scale.

We are now at a stage where we can present a preferred scheme through a public consultation with the community. The details of the preferred scheme will be on display for public viewing and comment in the Village Hall on Friday 11^th June 2021 from 3.00pm to 8.00pm. Representatives from the architects, the GCLT, Combe Estate, and our Housing Association partner, will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments. On behalf of the GCLT I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.

David Valentine

Chairman, GCLT

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

St. Michael’s Gittisham
Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting was held on the 20^th May by Zoom, Both Angie and I remain as wardens, Ian continues as treasurer and the PCC remains as in 2020.  We have now had two monthly Eucharistic services in church the next one is on Sunday 13^th June at 11.00am and thereafter on the 2^nd Sunday each month, numbers are still restricted so  you need to book your place with Carol 851113, obviously social distancing and masks to be worn. Currently we are still not permitted to sing in the church, unless June 21^st makes changes.  On the 30^th May we were able to hold a lay-led ‘Café’ style church on the green with croissants made by Pierre, rockcakes by Angie and a choice of hot drinks. 20 parishioners attended the refreshments with 3 leaving before the short service, it was lovely to be able to sing the hymns led by Sarah Agg-Manning.  It is hoped, weather permitting to have more outdoor services  in varying styles to  receive the details for these please email Julia on or for those without internet ring her on 07763111367 or 01404850680.

Honiton Mission Community

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

200 Club

Those who didn’t renew your 200 Club subscriptions by the end of May and I haven’t heard from you, I am releasing your number/s as I  assume you no longer wish to be a member.   If anyone is interested in joining the church 200 club you can contact me – details below and I will send an application form.. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann 01404 851113, 07946409142, .  Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10., and £5., with 2 six monthly (September and March) of £48.

June 2021 200 Club Results

1^st  Alice Hayman                      2^nd  Sue Fallows               3^rd   Diane Janes                 
4^th  Ian Warne                           5^th   Helen Hayman              

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

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     . If you have events or news items for inclusion in the Gazette do please email it to Carol as early as possible (using Arial font please)  Copy date for July edition is the 28th June please.  I hope to have the edition ready to send out on Friday 9^th July as the Parish Council do not meet until the 7th.

A monthly Community Newsletter

Published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council

Edition 230

Megan and Carol’s walk for Dementia UK

Megan the dog, resident of the village, walked 100kms in March, raising £82 for Dementia UK. What started as a smallish national event has grown like crazy to include 25,000 people and their dogs and has raised £1.5 million. Megan, age 13, especially enjoyed exploring new trails on East and West Hill. Although her owner, Carol Hall, walks dogs for a living they did a lot of extra walks and some special weekend adventures. “Amazing how much new scenery you can find within a few miles of your house”. Carol also said she was thrilled to be part of such a fantastic fundraising effort, helping to raise awareness of Dementia UK and is very grateful to all her friends for their support. If you would like to donate ring Carol on 07854 492347.

Grain to Cream – Russell Hayman

Spring is here so it is time for us to come out of the yard and get some field work done. We have drilled some oats and barley which if the birds don’t eat all the seed, will be ready for us to mill in the winter. Grass fields will be rolled to push stones and dirt down fertiliser to go on and dung to spread. I know it seems we are always spreading the stuff! It is good for the crops and the more we have the less we use out of the bag. It is analysed so we can accurately assess what’s going on. We always valued it but as now it is a little more precise. We are also getting the fields ready to sow the maize crop.

The cattle will soon also be out in the fields hopefully enjoying some sunshine. Let’s hope they can do it in peace and not have any dogs worrying them. The only problem is we have a TB test in the middle of May so they will all have to be injected and read. Means catching twice, it’s a lot of work in the winter when they’re in, but it is even more once in the fields and don’t always want to cooperate. We usually manage though, even if it does get a little frustrating at times.

Edmund has gone back to Shropshire to study there though apparently Agriculture is not a practical degree so he can’t go into the university. No mention of a reduction in the cost of his education though. He has secured a job in Yorkshire for the next year a requirement of his course to get practical experience. Didn’t think it was a practical course! So we won’t see so much of him then, we’ll miss the help over harvest.  We also seem to have managed to attract a large population of sparrows in the front of the farm. Well they have been there for a long time really but the chirping volume has gone up of late, I can’t hold a ‘phone conversation over them now.

Gittisham Village Hall Events

SATURDAY APRIL 17th 2021.  GITTISHAM BAKE OFF 2
PIERRE’S ORANGE, ROSEMARY AND PISTACHIO CAKE

For this session, I would like to do an orange, rosemary and pistachio cake.

There is also a vegan option.

Ingredients: 2 big juicy oranges, 120g sugar, 120g plain flour, 100g salted butter, 2 eggs, 5g baking powder, 2 table spoons of apricot jam ( cheapest one). 1 little branch of fresh rosemary, a piece of butter for the mould and 40g crushed pistachios.

Vegan ingredients: 2 big juicy oranges, 120g sugar, 120g plain flour, 90g vegetable margarine, a pinch of salt, 3 table spoon of golden linseed mixed with 6 table spoon of water, 5g baking powder, 2 table spoons of apricot jam (cheapest one), 1 little branch of fresh rosemary, some margarine for the mould and 40g crushed .pistachios.

If anyone would like some fresh rosemary for this recipe and some golden linseed, you are welcome to come to Garlands Cottage.

Materials: a little bowl to melt the butter or margarine, a big bowl to mix all ingredients, a cake mould (diameter 18 to 20 cms), a large spoon , a tablespoon, a little pan, a zester, a juicer, a whisk, baking paper (enough to cover the bottom and the sides of the mould), microwave or a pan of boiling water and an oven at 180 C.

I normally do this cake in ten minutes so no worries, do it with me at the Zoom session. Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84423682368

Meeting ID: 844 2368 2368

Buckets of Fun!!

Have you still got your potato bucket for the Gittisham Flower and Produce Show?  If so, now is the time to retrieve and clean them in preparation for planting in April.  Collect your seed potato from 4th April from David and Sue Fallows, Parkers, Gittisham (01404 850922) – £1 per entry.  For those who did not participate last year, join in the fun, a bucket and seed potato are provided for just £1.  Buckets are emptied and weighed during the show on 7th August.  Entries from all ages very welcome.

If you have a bucket and will not be entering the competition, please return it to David and Sue for recycling to another entrant.  If you have lost your bucket, please contact David and Sue who can replace your bucket but will request a contribution towards the cost.

People in the news

Congratulations to Barnaby and Helena on the birth of their daughter Frieda Margaret, born on 9^th April, following a very long labour and weighing in at 8lbs 5oz, both mother and baby well.  Another grand-daughter for Maggie Walker, niece of Molly and Oliver and cousin of May and Dora.

A warm welcome to Gittisham to Ana and Nathan plus dog Gala who have moved into 2 School House. We wish them a happy time and look forward to seeing them at some of our village events.

Parish Council – April report

Six councillors met for the April meeting. Susie Bond (EDDC), Phil Twiss (DCC), Chris Watton, Graham Hutton & Tom Biddle from Baker Estates (BE), and two members of the public were also present.

EDDC / DCC Report.     Phil Twiss said it had been a pleasure to serve the parish as county councillor, as elections approach. 
Susie Bond explained that work on EDDC’s local plan review carries on apace, with the ambitious target of December for publication of a draft local plan. The total of 750 sites is far less than the 950 houses required to be built by EDDC every single year.

Finance.  Members agreed the finances.

Crimes.  Feb 2021, 2 x violence and sexual offences.

Councillor vacancy (Vale ward)  The clerk said the vacancy remains unfilled, and encouraged anyone interested in joining the parish council to contact

Planning applications.

a) 21/0730/VAR Phases 1 – 4 Hayne Lane Gittisham Variation of condition 1 of application 20/2179/VAR

b)         21/0437/MFUL Part Of Honiton Show Ground Nags Head Road Gittisham Use of the land as a caravan site for up to 100 tents, touring caravans and motorhomes from April to October of each year and siting of portable toilets and showers

Members had no objections to a).  Tom Biddle explained that the current application affects 27 properties in total, and would allow BE to respond to changes in the market and feedback from current residents.  BE is proposing to move some of the affordable units elsewhere on the site, change the size and internal figuration of some properties, and provide new house types which were not on the original application.  He said that none of the changes affect height parameters, highway design or public open space provision. 

Regarding b), councillors resolved to object strongly to this application as the information given is minimal and sometimes incorrect, it does not address concerns over flooding, highways, traffic, the scale and siting, use of land, and proximity to settlements.  There are no suitable services and utilities close by, it is not sustainable, the sewerage system is already exhausted and environmental concerns are not addressed in the application.   

Hayne Farm development   Graham Hutton told members that Baker Estates was proposing to build 40 additional homes on the old farmyard site, and he has met EDDC for a pre-application meeting.  There would be no additional access off Hayne Lane. 

Scams.    Janet Twist another new scam doing the rounds is called “fleeceware”.  This is a mobile application that comes with a short free trial followed by excessive subscription fees (e.g. £50 / week).  You have to cancel the subscription rather than just delete the app, she said, or the money will still be taken.

Bus shelters.   Peter Orchard said items in the Vale bus shelter were threatening to take over, and it was agreed a small box could be provided as space for passengers is important.

Kings School bus.   The clerk said DCC has confirmed it will be providing a privately contracted service for Kings School pupils from September 2021.

Road closures / diversions.   19-23 April 2021; Vodaphone will be working on the A30 between the Ironbridge and Turks Head.

Next meeting.  This will be on 5^th May at 7.30pm via Zoom.

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

We observed the National Day of Reflection on 23^rd March where several villagers met on the green, Maggie tolled one bell before the minutes silence, followed by a short prayer from Julia.  On Good Friday 14 villagers attended our outdoor service commencing with the Cross being brought from the church and three stations were observed before erecting it on the grass by the church wall. David and Alison led us in two hymns. The reading took the form of a Passion and prayers were reflective.  On Easter Sunday, 24 attended and with the tomb having the stone removed surrounded with butterflies, the cross with flowers at the base and villagers invited to adorn it with butterflies.  Alison and David again led us in the hymns, the gospel read in parts as were the prayers. We were lucky with the weather on all our outside services.  Now that the Covid restrictions are loosening we will be having a monthly Eucharist in church once a month, starting on Sunday 11^th April, then 9^th May and 13^th June, all at 11.00am and with numbers restricted you need to book your place with Carol (tel. 851113). Obviously social distancing needs to be observed and masks to be worn. Julia is working on plans for the other Sundays and her telephone services. To receive the details for this please email Julia on or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680.

The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about the latest guidelines on the new covid  regulations there is also a link to the Gittisham website.  The monthly newsletter Around the Parishes is included plus details of Rev’d Sue’s weekly Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am, if you would like to join in this service do please email Rev’d Sue and she will forward the link , there is also a ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.00pm. St. Paul’s is still closed. The Parish office is also closed to visitors,  but can be contacted on 01404 44035 or and messages will be replied to when someone is available.  

If you haven’t renewed your 200 Club subscriptions (£12 per number per year) please do so A.S.A.P.  If you no longer require your number/s please let me know so I can offer to another person. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann 01404 851113, 07946 409142, .  Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40, £20, £15, £10, and £5, with 2 six monthly of £48.

APRIL 2021 200 CLUB RESULTS                             

1^st  Colin Newcombe                 2^nd Lillian Hayman               3^rd   Alice Vyner-Brooks                  
4^th  Sharon Wensley                  5^th   Doreen Wensley      

Gazette printing is still not possible with the ongoing restrictions, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. The Gazette is also available on the Gittisham website  gittisham.org.uk.  If you would like a copy by email please let me have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order. Some help with 2^nd class postage would be appreciated: Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham,Honiton, EX14 3AH.  I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter again until the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.

Editor/Distributor: 
Carol McCann  01404 851113/07946409142     . If you have events or news items for inclusion in the Gazette do please email it to Carol as early as possible (using Arial font please). Copy date for May edition is the 23rd April please.  I hope to have the edition ready to send out on Friday 7^th May.  

A monthly Community Newsletter
Published by St. Michael’s Church and Gittisham Parish Council
March 2021 Edition 229

Spring has sprung

Well we seem to be well on the way to warmer times, the lovely wild flowers and
Shrove Tuesday leading us into Lent. Gittisham church usually collects ‘jars of change’ for
WaterAid and I do hope some of you have started collecting, I know not many people use coins these days but I’m sure you might be able to find a note.

Tip Tip Toe

Gittisham’s annual Tip, Tip Toe took place this year on Zoom to keep up the tradition on Shrove Tuesday with children going round the village chanting “tip, tip toe please for a penny and then we’ll go, if you haven’t got a penny a halfpenny will do, if you haven’t got a halfpenny then God bless you.”

2021 Census

Census weekend is the 21st March It is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. You should receive a paper copy in the post. For more information visit www.census.gov.uk

People in the news

Lewis Lawrence-Jones and Katalin Kristo announced their engagement on the 16th February.
Lewis is grandson of Lilian Hayman, Katalin comes from Szeged Hungary 20 miles from Serbia
we congratulate them and wish them every happiness.

Jack and Lize Hunt announced the arrival of Lily Florence Hunt , 4kgs , born in Dubai on
Sunday 17/1/21. Ruth sent some photos but I couldn’t copy them despite having permission as they were sent PDF. This is their first grandchild.

Hazel Snell has moved from Church Mead to a care home in Colaton Raleigh, we wish her
every happiness as she settles in.

Becky Knowles and James have moved to Torquay as James was able to get a transfer from his Ambulance station in Yeovil and is joining Becky at hers in Torquay. We will miss them and puppy Tor and wish them good house hunting.

Chris and Naomi Lancaster have moved to 2 Westgate, Chris is herdsman at Gittisham Farm
and Naomi (on furlough) works in the travel industry, we welcome them to Gittisham.

Gittisham Village Hall dates to save for your diary

THURSDAY 18th MARCH. FILM NIGHT. 7pm
The film will be Educating Rita, to be watched on BBC iPlayer, with chat before and discussion afterwards.
Zoom link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85731315536?pwd=RGdRVmRrZ1lsWForbW1LcERCRGRFUT09
Meeting ID: 857 3131 5536
Passcode: 840046

SATURDAY APRIL 17th. GITTISHAM BAKE OFF 2
Following the successful and enjoyable baking last time we hope for another well supported Bake Off.
(Hamish has requested a single ingredient recipe!).
Zoom link will be in the April Gazette.

PLAY READING. Date in April to be confirmed
SATURDAY JUNE 26th: GITTISHAM BASH

A start to a summer of enjoyment! A great event to make up for all those missed birthday parties, Christmas get-togethers, Easter, Father’s Day, Burns Night….. We plan a Duck Race, BBQ, Bar, Band / Disco…..

SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST GITTISHAM FLOWER AND PRODUCE SHOW (See end of Gazette for full show schedule)

Proposed events and services for and around Easter

Mothering Sunday – due to Covid restrictions sadly there will be no service, but posies will be available in the church porch for collection.

National Day of Reflection: March 23rd will be exactly one year since lockdown for the Covid pandemic. From 11.50 to 12 noon one church bell will be rung followed by a minute’s silence at the Lych Gate, as part of the national day to reflect on our collective loss and to support those who’ve been bereaved. Other suggestions include shining a light in your window at 8pm for everyone to see.

Good Friday: A Cross will be brought from the church and affixed to the lych-gate and there will be a short service. There will be an invitation to place a flower by the Cross to remember those who have lost: their lives to the virus.

Easter Day: at 11.00am there will be a short service on the green and the bells will be rung and again an opportunity to place a flower by the cross as a sign of the new life promised by Christ’s Resurrection.

Easter Monday: we are planning for Easter Egg hunt in the church yard and/or trail round the village. Watch out for a poster in the porch or bus shelter in due course.: please, please, please remember to observe social distancing regulations for all the services and events. For further information see notices in church porch and posted on St Michael’s Gittisham Facebook Page.

Parish Council March report

EDDC / DCC Report.
Phil Twiss said in what has been a very difficult past year due to the pandemic, there is finally genuine cause for hope that we are emerging from it with the escalation of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, a reduction of daily cases, hospital and community deaths and a cautious roadmap in lifting lockdown restrictions, where we can look forward with optimism towards a good summer for us and our families and friends, as well as the recovery of our economy. He outlined DCC’s budget for 2021/22. There is to be an increase for a Band D Council Tax property by 4.99 per cent to £1,511.28 per household. Phil Twiss reminded councillors of DCC’s holiday food voucher scheme, which is a way of providing funds to ensure families of children who are eligible for free school meals during term time are able to purchase food over the holidays to replace the meals a child would have received during a school day. DCC has also been given Government funding to support a holiday activities and
food programme.
Susie Bond said EDDC had approved an increase in Council Tax of 3.41 per cent. Car park charges across the main car parks in East Devon are set to increase by 20 per cent (i.e. from £1 per hour to £1.20 per hour). However, this increase has been deferred to 2022 in an attempt to help businesses during the Covid recovery.

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. January 2021, 1 x anti-social behaviour

Councillor vacancy (Vale ward) Carol Hall encouraged all councillors to speak to people who might be interested in joining the parish council.

Planning applications. 21/0428/FUL 34 Meadow Acre Road Gittisham EX14 3FE Construction of single side/ rear storey extension

Members had no objections.

Superfast broadband. Jurassic Fibre gave a short presentation to bring councillors up to speed on their plans to extend broadband infrastructure to Gittisham. Members heard that once construction was underway in summer 2021, the company would be in a position a few months down the line to offer individual installations. Residents interested in receiving the service should register on the Jurassic Fibre website, and in doing so there is no obligation to sign up for their services at a later date. Phil Twiss asked for reassurance that the roll-out would happen sooner than the end of 2021, but Matthew Galley said applying for road closures and such like for construction usually takes three months.

Scams. Janet Twist warned members that with Census Day due on 21st March, the latest round of scams would undoubtedly use the census in some way to trick people.

Bus shelters. Carol Hall explained that the swap system in the village and Vale bus shelters would finish at the end of March. Items in good condition will be passed to charity shops once they reopen, and those in poor condition will be disposed of.

Sports facilities. Carol Hall said she would be meeting Honiton Town Council’s chair to discuss how S106 money from the Hayne Farm development (which belongs to GPC) can be spent, and what proportion could be spent in Honiton itself. A proportion will be earmarked for Gittisham to use as appropriate.

Next meeting. This will be on 7th April at 7.30pm via Zoom.

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

St. Michael’s Gittisham: Like the other members of the Mission Community St. Michael’s Church remains closed for visitors and services; however if you would like to contact our Lay Minister Julia Barrett her details are within the Mission Community piece below. The churchyard is of course open and is looking very springlike with all the grave flowers and daffodils coming up. Once we are permitted we hope to have a churchyard tidy-up with lots of people helping at the same time. At our PCC meeting on 4th March the annual accounts prepared by treasurer Ian Warne were ratified as was the annual report, thanks go to Ian for all his hard work as he has to prepare accounts in several different ways for the Diocese of Exeter.

The Honiton Mission Community: The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about the latest guidelines on the new covid regulations there is also a link to the Gittisham website. The monthly newsletter Around the Parishes is included plus details of Rev’d Sue’s weekly Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am, if you would like to join in this service do please email Rev’d Sue and she will forward the link There is also a ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.00pm. Julia our Lay Minister also holds a telephone (freephone) Morning Worship service at 11.00am to receive the details for this please email Julia on or for those without internet ring her on 07763111367 or 01404 850680. St. Paul’s is still closed. The Parish office is also closed to visitors, but can be contacted on 01404 44035 or and messages will be replied to when someone is available.

200 Club: March is the time to renew your 200 Club subscriptions (£12 per number per year)
There are some numbers available If you would like to have a number do please let me know, I can email or post an application form. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann 01404851113, 07946 409142, . Draws are made monthly with prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10., and £5., with 2 six monthly of £48.

MARCH 2021 200 CLUB RESULTS
1st Steve Minshall

2nd Margaret Ballantyne

3rd Michael Hawkins

4th Edith Phillips

5th Jane Whitehouse

6-monthly Helen Fuller

Printing

Gazette printing is still not possible with the lockdown situation, as the Parish Office in Honiton remains closed. The Gazette is also available on the Gittisham website gittisham.org.uk. If you would like a copy by email please let me have your email details or if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order some help with 2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages, Gittisham,Honiton, EX14 3H. I will leave a few copies in the Vale bus shelter again until the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.

Contact details

Editor/Distributor:
Carol McCann 01404 851113/07946409142 . If you have events
or news items for inclusion in the Gazette do please email it to Carol as early as possible (using Arial font please) Copy date for April edition is the 29th March please. I hope to have the edition ready to send out on Friday 9th April.

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

February 2021

Edition 228

St Michael’s Church and Quinquennial Repairs

Gittisham PCC would like to thank all those who have helped fund the Church during lockdown
by contributing via the Parish Giving Scheme. As it has been impossible to run fund raising events or obtain donations via church services the Parish Giving Scheme has been a lifeline. The PCC is using
the current period of lock-down to carry out much needed repairs. This will mean that our reserves will
be depleted and the PCC would be grateful if anyone else would like to join the Parish Giving Scheme to
provide a regular income to support the work of the church, maintain the building and the churchyard.

The 2021 planned repair works are now well underway focusing on the overhaul and redecoration of the gutters and downpipes, exterior decoration of doors, internal repairs to the gallery ceiling as well as minor repairs to roof slopes and valleys and some minor stone and tarmac path repairs. The work is being undertaken by The Bucknall Partnership and Bill Griffiths and his team are doing an excellent job for us. Len Abbott has also done a fabulous job of installing two new oak gate posts and softwood safety rails to the new churchyard extension and the entrance now looks very smart! Rufus Lyle will be undertaking the repairs to the churchyard wall.

Free to a Good Home

I have a much loved child’s toy pram in good condition. The height of the handle is 60cm and the navy body lifts off the collapsible metal frame. All enquiries welcome.
Telephone Angie on 01404 45101.

Combe Farm Shop

We are back open! Thank you for your support through a very busy and exciting first Christmas season for us. After a lovely two week break, the farm shop reopened on Jan 12th. We are operating slightly reduced hours at the moment, to allow us to be able to offer a delivery service to the local area. Tuesday to Friday 10-3pm and Saturdays 10-4. We are offering our full butchers counter, bakery items, fresh fruit and veg, homemade frozen ready meals and more. You can see the full list of items available on our social media or on the main estate website.

We have some specials coming up from the butchery counter, our meat boxes, 3 for £10 on selected
items, special valentines deals. As always, we use local meat and do all the butchery in house.
Please contact the shop if you are interested in our “click and collect” or delivery service.
Thanks, Joanna and the Team. 01404 519093

Census 2021

Every household across the nation will soon be asked to take part in the 2021 Census.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and
households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. The Census is a snapshot of who we are and how we live our lives. The information is vital for assessing community needs for services such as schools and Doctors surgeries as well as how our communities are made up and changing.

Census weekend is 21st March. It is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for
people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”
Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years,
kept safe for future generations. For more information visit www.census.gov.uk
Thank you
Kind regards
Carol Hall Gittisham Parish Council
Carol Hall Dog Daycare and Home Boarding
Part Drillers, Gittisham. EX14 3AJ
01404 850793 07854 492347
https://www.facebook.com/CarolHallDogdaycare

Where did January go? Life at Sherman’s Farm by Jack Bartlett

A strange Christmas and new year was had, not seeing family and friends. I’m grateful that us farmers can carry on pretty much as normal. I’m not sure how we had time for socialising before lockdown became a thing. In the first month of 2021 we had 40 new mothers join the herd, obviously this means lots of calves. We have modified a couple of sheds to house the extra babies! Sexed semen has resulted in a good run of heifer calves born, this is good for the future of the herd. Genetics and breeding are improving the herd year by year. We now take a DNA tissue sample of each heifer calf born. This DNA is read in a lab where a report is created for us, we then know exactly which heifers are best suited to be milked by the robots. The process is called genomic testing.

Through the winter Dad buys in store lambs at market, we buy these in to graze off the pastures and all of last year’s left overs. This allows completely fresh grass to grow and hopefully results in better silage. These sheep do a very important job. Keep safe & well.

Parish Council February 2021 report

Six councillors met for the February meeting. Susie Bond (EDDC), Phil Twiss (DCC) and one member of
the public were also present.

EDDC / DCC Report.
Phil Twiss said coronavirus infection rates in the UK appear to have peaked and are now beginning to
recede due to the impact of lockdown and the vaccination programme to a lesser degree. Thankfully we have no seen COVID variants in our area, he said, and with the new door-to-door testing regime in areas identified let’s hope it remains that way. He reported on a recent visit to County Hall where a pop-up testing site has been set up. It’s able to test up to 2,000 people each day, adding to other sites around Exeter. It is quite likely that in due course a vaccination site will also be located at County Hall to add significant capacity to the programme, as well as more jabs being delivered at local GP surgeries and some private pharmacies in supermarket locations that have space to maintain social distancing. Susie Bond said EDDC is currently consulting on the issues and options for a revised Local Plan. People can comment at this early stage of the review process: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/news/2021/01/have-your-say-on-futuredevelopments-in-east-devon-local-plan-consultation/ She explained that in the last 3 years, a total of 2,868 new homes were built within the district, which is comfortably over the target of 928 pa. Susie Bond said she had attended EDDC’s Cabinet meeting beforehand to discuss whether to part-fund a masterplan for an extension to the Heathpark Industrial site at Hayne Lane. David Valentine urged the council to express either support for some of what EDDC is saying such as the renewables and energy-saving features, or concern regarding future growth for Honiton. He reminded members that previous planning applications such as that for the south side of Honiton above the Vale may well come back into focus. The consultation period expires on 15th March.
Finance. Members agreed the finances.
Crimes. December 2020, 1 x anti-social behaviour, 4 x violent & sexual offences
Councillor vacancy (Vale ward) The clerk said the parish council could now fill this vacancy by co-option. Anyone interested in becoming a parish councillor should contact
Planning applications:
20/2656/LBC Winsor Cottage Gittisham Ground floor: remove walls in kitchen/breakfast room and install new door and removal of stone cladding around fireplace and under 2x. windows in lounge. First floor: remove and construct walls and doors in bedroom no.4; create door opening from bedroom no.1 onto landing for bathroom; remove and construct walls in bedroom no.1 to create ensuite and replace existing metal stair balustrade with timber balustrade. Members had no objections.
Roadworks & highways.
09 Feb Lane to Catshayes Farm: BT pole installations.
22-26 Feb Chineway to Hare & Hounds. Water works.
24 Feb-5 Mar Hayne Lane pothole repairs
Peter Orchard said he would get in touch with DCC Highways to inform the team of a blocked pipe at the entrance to a field on Hayne Lane.
Off-road vehicles.
Carol Hall said the off-roading situation is improving with the involvement of Combe Estate, DCC rights of way, Cllr Twiss, the police and local residents.
Next meeting. This will be on 3rd March at 7.30pm via Zoom

Gittisham Village Hall News and Upcoming Events

On Saturday 16th January the village hall hosted a Bake-off competition on Zoom – several
villagers competed and followed Pierre Graeber’s masterclass making a Galette des Rois.
The resulting bakes were then posted on WhatsApp, I think Angie Hutchings’s submission was
voted best. There is talk about possibly doing another one might be in the offing watch out for the
next edition.

Valentine’s Day Zoom quiz

Hamish Hall will chair the first Zoom quiz of 2021 on Saturday February 13th at 7.30
It is quiz time again. General knowledge, local knowledge and a splash of silliness. All are very
welcome so please come along. If you have any queries, please contact your quizmaster Hamish
on 01404 850793. Link to the zoom meeting below. Everyone most welcome to join in the fun
from near and far!!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83597798283?pwd=c0FSbU9iK1pKSE1ZbEt5RG5NckV0dz09
Meeting ID: 835 9779 8283 Passcode: 878019

Village Hall Film Night

For anyone missing cinema trips, the village hall committee would like to try to bring elements of
the cinema experience to you. Not so much the oversized popcorn tub as the joy of watching (and
then debriefing on) a film with others. On Thursday 18th February, you are invited to join members
of the village and parish in watching Bringing Up Baby with Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant
using the BBC iPlayer platform.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0078ddk/bringing-up-baby
The communal film watching will begin at 7.15pm. If you would like to chat with others before
and/or after the film, please use the Zoom link below and join from 7pm.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81122748942?pwd=ZXFDVnBhN2dNY3ZlbWc0clRsNzZ3dz09
Meeting ID: 811 2274 8942
Passcode: 750272

Gittisham Community Land Trust (GCLT)

Despite the restrictions and difficulties of the COVID lockdown the work of the GCLT in bringing
forward a small residential development of affordable homes to rent on the site of the former
estate and agricultural buildings adjacent Town Farm, has been progressing with the focus being
on designing a site layout and house design which would reflect a traditional farmyard layout whilst
meeting current building regulations, drainage standards, access requirements together with cost
constraints. The Project Team and GCLT Board are meeting regularly and it is hoped that a
preferred option for the development on the site can be presented for public consultation early in
the spring. Details of how the public consultation will take place are still to be finalised and will be
dictated by COVID restrictions. David Valentine (Chairman, GCLT)

Village Gateway

The Parish Council and more recently the Gittisham Community Land Trust have been concerned
about the speed of traffic entering the village from the Exeter direction. The approach into the
village is down a fairly steep hill. There are no pavements or street lights in the village. There is no
speed limit other than the national speed limit (60 mph) through the village. It is the view of both
the Parish Council and GCLT that there should be investigations regarding the provision of a traffic
management scheme which would seek to slow down the speed of traffic entering (and exiting)
the village. In order that further investigations can take place it is a requirement that we provide
evidence of consultation and community approval for a scheme to come forward. To help in these
difficult COVID times it would be particularly helpful if, as a local resident, you might like to indicate
your support (or objection) for a scheme to be the subject of further investigation by commenting
by email to

David Valentine

Gittisham Parish Emergency Plan

Gittisham Parish Council is one of the few in Devon that has an Emergency Plan anticipating
reaction to severe weather and other events.

The recent cold and wet weather is a timely reminder that such plans need to be reviewed and
updated periodically. The Parish Council is looking for volunteers who would be able to assist in
the case of extreme wet weather (flooding threat), and snow and ice for village, Vale and Hayne
Farm areas.

If you feel able to assist your community on these rare occasions, please forward your name,
address and phone number to , including, if relevant, any
background information.

Many thanks

Peter Orchard

Telephone 07956 263260

Gittisham Flower and Produce Show 2021

All being well we will be holding the Gittisham Flower and Produce Show on Saturday August 7th 2021. A full schedule will be published in the Gazette next month, so you can plan what to grow, and the
Potato in a Bucket competition will go ahead, even if the show itself has to be cancel
Sue Fallows

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

Like the other members of the Mission Community St. Michael’s Church remains closed for visitors
and services however if you would like to contact our Lay Minister Julia Barrett her details are
within the Mission Community piece below. The churchyard is of course open. We do now have
the 2021 church diaries which only arrived in January owing to the company’s lockdown
restrictions, if you would like one do please let Carol know by telephone 01404 851113. I can post it or you can collect. I’m sorry it is so late, hopefully the 2022 one will be with us well before Christmas.

Honiton Mission Community

The website www.honitoncofe.org is updated regularly and has news about the latest guidelines on
the new covid regulations. The monthly newsletter Around the Parishes is included plus details of
Rev’d Sue’s weekly Zoom Sunday Morning Worship at 10.00am, if you would like to join in this
service do please email Rev’d Sue and she will forward the link , there is
also a ‘virtual’ Eucharist at 6.00pm. Julia our Lay Minister also holds a telephone (freephone)
Morning Worship service at 11.00am to receive the details for this please email Julia on
or for those without internet ring her on 07763 111367 or 01404 850680. St. Paul’s is currently closed so the weekly Sunday Eucharist is suspended. The Parish office is
also closed to visitors but can be contacted on 01404 44035 or and
messages will be replied to when someone is available.

200 Club

March is the time to renew your 200 Club subscriptions (£12 per number per year)
There are some numbers available If you would like to have a number or two do please let me
know, I can email or post an application form. Payment can be made by cheque – payable to
Gittisham PCC, BACS or by standing order – I can email or post this form too. (Carol McCann
01404 851113, 07946 409142, . Draws are made monthly with
prizes of £40., £20., £15., £10., and £5., with 2 six monthly of £48.

February 200 Club Results:
1st Phylis Broadhurst

2nd Sarah Agg-Manning

3rd Una Wakley-Beddows

4th Jean Bruce-Merrie

5th Ann Stansell

Gazette printing is still not possible with the lockdown situation, as the Parish Office in
Honiton remains closed. If you would like a copy by email please let me have your email details or
if you have no internet it can be posted to you until things get back to order some help with
2nd class postage would be appreciated, Carol McCann 3 School Cottages,
Gittisham, Honiton, EX14 3AH. As an experiment I will try to leave a few copies in the Vale
bus shelter until the whole print run can be delivered by Peter and Ann again.

Editor/Distributor:
Carol McCann 01404 851113 or 07946 409142 . If you have events
or news items for inclusion in the Gazette do please email it to Carol as early as possible (using
Arial font please) Copy date for March edition is 24th February please. I hope to have the
edition ready to send out on Friday 5th March.