Notice of public rights 2023-24 – exempt authorities

WHAT EXEMPT AUTHORITIES NEED TO DO TO ADVERTISE THE PERIOD DURING WHICH ELECTORS AND INTERESTED PERSONS MAY EXERCISE RIGHTS RELATING TO THE ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 require that:

1. The statement of accounts prepared by the authority (i.e. the Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) Part 2), the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested, during a period of 30 working days set by the smaller authority and including the first 10 working days of July.

2. The period referred to in paragraph (1) starts with the day on which the period for the exercise of public rights is treated as having been commenced i.e. the day following the day on which all of the obligations in paragraph (3) below have been fulfilled.

3. The responsible financial officer for an exempt authority must, on behalf of that authority, publish (which must include publication on the authority’s website):

(a) the Accounting Statements (i.e. Section 2 of the AGAR Part 2), accompanied by:

(i) a declaration, signed by that officer to the effect that the statement of accounts will not be audited on account of that authority’s self-certified status as exempt, unless either a request for an opportunity to question the auditor about the authority’s accounting records under section 26(2) or an objection under section 27(1) of the Act, results in the involvement of the local auditor;

(ii) the Annual Governance Statement (i.e. Section 1 of the AGAR Part 2); and

(iii) the Certificate of Exemption (i.e. Page 3 of the AGAR Part 2); and

(b) a statement that sets out—

(i) the period for the exercise of public rights;

(ii) details of the manner in which notice should be given of an intention to inspect the accounting records and other documents;

(iii) the name and address of the local auditor;

(iv) the provisions contained in section 25 (inspection of statements of accounts etc), section 26 (inspection of documents etc) and section 27 (right to make objections at audit) of the Act, as they have effect in relation to the authority in question;  

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

You will meet statutory requirements if you fully and accurately complete the notice of public rights pro forma in this document; and publish (including publication on the smaller authority’s website) the following documents, the day before the public rights period commences:

  1. the approved Sections 1 and 2 of Part 2 of the AGAR; and
  2. the completed Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return (Exempt Authority). Please note that we have pre-completed it with the following suggested dates: Monday 3 June – Friday 12 July 2024. (The latest possible dates that comply with the statutory requirements are Monday 1 July – Friday 9 August 2024); and
  3. the notes which accompany the Notice (Local authority accounts: a summary of your rights).

Smaller authority name: GITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN (EXEMPT AUTHORITY)

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 25, 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

NOTICENOTES
    1. Date of announcement_17th June 2024____________________________(a) 2. Each year the smaller authority prepares an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).  The AGAR has been published with this notice. It will not be reviewed by the appointed auditor, since the smaller authority has certified itself as exempt from the appointed auditor’s review. Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the AGAR, the accounting records for the financial year to which it relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2024, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:   (b)             Fiona Clampin (clerk, Gittisham Parish Council), Tel. 07899 932620 email:   commencing on (c) __Monday 24 June 2024 _______________________     and ending on (d) ___Friday 2 August 2024 ________________________   3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:   The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.   The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.   4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is only subject to review by the appointed auditor if questions or objections raised under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 lead to the involvement of the auditor.  The appointed auditor is:   PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team) 15 Westferry Circus Canary Wharf London E14 4HD ()   5. This announcement is made by (e) Fiona Clampin Clerk / Responsible Financial Officer Gittisham Parish Council      (a) Insert date of placing of the notice which must be not less than 1 day before the date in (c) below                     (b) Insert name, position and address/telephone number/ email address, as appropriate, of the Clerk or other person to which any person may apply to inspect the accounts   (c) Insert date, which must be at least 1 day after the date of announcement in (a) above and at least 30 working days before the date appointed in (d) below   (d) The inspection period between (c) and (d) must be 30 working days inclusive and must include the first 10 working days of July.                                               (e) Insert name and position of person placing the notice – this person must be the responsible financial officer for the smaller authority

LOCAL AUTHORITY ACCOUNTS: A SUMMARY OF YOUR RIGHTS

Please note that this summary applies to all relevant smaller authorities, including local councils, internal drainage boards and ‘other’ smaller authorities.

The basic position

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (the Act) governs the work of auditors appointed to smaller authorities. This summary explains the provisions contained in Sections 26 and 27 of the Act. The Act and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 also cover the duties, responsibilities and rights of smaller authorities, other organisations and the public concerning the accounts being audited.

As a local elector, or an interested person, you have certain legal rights in respect of the accounting records of smaller authorities. As an interested person you can inspect accounting records and related documents. If you are a local government elector for the area to which the accounts relate you can also ask questions about the accounts and object to them. You do not have to pay directly for exercising your rights. However, any resulting costs incurred by the smaller authority form part of its running costs. Therefore, indirectly, local residents pay for the cost of you exercising your rights through their council tax.

The right to inspect the accounting records

Any interested person can inspect the accounting records, which includes but is not limited to local electors. You can inspect the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records. You can copy all, or part, of these records or documents. Your inspection must be about the accounts, or relate to an item in the accounts. You cannot, for example, inspect or copy documents unrelated to the accounts, or that include personal information (Section 26 (6) – (10) of the Act explains what is meant by personal information). You cannot inspect information which is protected by commercial confidentiality. This is information which would prejudice commercial confidentiality if it was released to the public and there is not, set against this, a very strong reason in the public interest why it should nevertheless be disclosed.

When smaller authorities have finished preparing accounts for the financial year and approved them, they must publish them (including on a website). There must be a 30 working day period, called the ‘period for the exercise of public rights’, during which you can exercise your statutory right to inspect the accounting records. Smaller authorities must tell the public, including advertising this on their website, that the accounting records and related documents are available to inspect. By arrangement you will then have 30 working days to inspect and make copies of the accounting records. You may have to pay a copying charge. The 30 working day period must include a common period of inspection during which all smaller authorities’ accounting records are available to inspect. This will be 24 June-2 August 2024 for 2023/24 accounts. The advertisement must set out the dates of the period for the exercise of public rights, how you can communicate to the smaller authority that you wish to inspect the accounting records and related documents, the name and address of the auditor, and the relevant legislation that governs the inspection of accounts and objections.

The right to ask the auditor questions about the accounting records

You should first ask your smaller authority about the accounting records, since they hold all the details. If you are a local elector, your right to ask questions of the external auditor is enshrined in law. However, while the auditor will answer your questions where possible, they are not always obliged to do so. For example, the question might be better answered by another organisation, require investigation beyond the auditor’s remit, or involve disproportionate cost (which is borne by the local taxpayer). Give your smaller authority the opportunity first to explain anything in the accounting records that you are unsure about. If you are not satisfied with their explanation, you can question the external auditor about the accounting records.

The law limits the time available for you formally to ask questions. This must be done in the period for the exercise of public rights, so let the external auditor know your concern as soon as possible. The advertisement or notice that tells you the accounting records are available to inspect will also give the period for the exercise of public rights during which you may ask the auditor questions, which here means formally asking questions under the Act. You can ask someone to represent you when asking the external auditor questions.

Before you ask the external auditor any questions, inspect the accounting records fully, so you know what they contain. Please remember that you cannot formally ask questions, under the Act, after the end of the period for the exercise of public rights. You may ask your smaller authority other questions about their accounts for any year, at any time. But these are not questions under the Act.

You can ask the external auditor questions about an item in the accounting records for the financial year being audited. However, your right to ask the external auditor questions is limited. The external auditor can only answer ‘what’ questions, not ‘why’ questions. The external auditor cannot answer questions about policies, finances, procedures or anything else unless it is directly relevant to an item in the accounting records. Remember that your questions must always be about facts, not opinions. To avoid misunderstanding, we recommend that you always put your questions in writing.

The right to make objections at audit

You have inspected the accounting records and asked your questions of the smaller authority. Now you may wish to object to the accounts on the basis that an item in them is in your view unlawful or there are matters of wider concern arising from the smaller authority’s finances. A local government elector can ask the external auditor to apply to the High Court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, or to issue a report on matters which are in the public interest. You must tell the external auditor which specific item in the accounts you object to and why you think the item is unlawful, or why you think that a public interest report should be made about it. You must provide the external auditor with the evidence you have to support your objection. Disagreeing with income or spending does not make it unlawful. To object to the accounts you must write to the external auditor stating you want to make an objection, including the information and evidence below and you must send a copy to the smaller authority. The notice must include:

  • confirmation that you are an elector in the smaller authority’s area;
  • why you are objecting to the accounts and the facts on which you rely;
  • details of any item in the accounts that you think is unlawful; and
  • details of any matter about which you think the external auditor should make a public interest report.

Other than it must be in writing, there is no set format for objecting. You can only ask the external auditor to act within the powers available under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

A final word

You may not use this ‘right to object’ to make a personal complaint or claim against your smaller authority.  You should take such complaints to your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, local Law Centre or to your solicitor. Smaller authorities, and so local taxpayers, meet the costs of dealing with questions and objections.  In deciding whether to take your objection forward, one of a series of factors the auditor must take into account is the cost that will be involved, they will only continue with the objection if it is in the public interest to do so. They may also decide not to consider an objection if they think that it is frivolous or vexatious, or if it repeats an objection already considered. If you appeal to the courts against an auditor’s decision not to apply to the courts for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, you will have to pay for the action yourself.

For more detailed guidance on public rights and the special powers of auditors, copies of the publication Local authority accounts: A guide to your rights are available from the NAO website.  If you wish to contact your authority’s appointed external auditor please write to the address in paragraph 4 of the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return.  

Certificate of Exemption – AGAR 2023/24 Part 2

To be completed by smaller authorities where the higher of gross income or gross expenditure did not exceed £25,000 in the year of account ended 31 March 2024, and that wish to certify  themselves as exempt from a limited assurance review under Section 9 of the Local Audit  (Smaller Authorities) Regulations 2015

There is no requirement to have a limited assurance review or to submit an Annual Governance and Accountability Return to the external auditor, provided that the authority has certified itself as exempt at a meeting of the  authority after 31 March 2024 and a completed Certificate of Exemption is submitted no later than 30 June 2024 notifying the external auditor.

Gittisham Parish Council

certifies that during the financial year 2023/24, the higher of the authority’s total gross income for the year or total gross annual expenditure, for the year did not exceed £25,000

Total annual gross income for the authority 2023/24: £10,426
Total annual gross expenditure for the authority 2023/24: £14,872

There are certain circumstances in which an authority will be unable to certify itself as exempt, so that a limited  assurance review will still be required. If an authority is unable to confirm the statements below then it  cannot certify itself as exempt and it must submit the completed Annual Governance and Accountability Return Part 3 to the external auditor to undertake a limited assurance review for which a fee of £200 +VAT will be payable.

By signing this Certificate of Exemption you are confirming that:

  • The authority was in existence on 1st April 2020
  • In relation to the preceding financial year (2022/23), the external auditor has not:
  • issued a public interest report in respect of the authority or any entity connected with it
  • made a statutory recommendation to the authority, relating to the authority or any entity connected with it
  • issued an advisory notice under paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 8 to the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (“the Act”), and has not withdrawn the notice
  • commenced judicial review proceedings under section 31(1) of the Act
  • made an application under section 28(1) of the Act for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful, and the application has not been withdrawn nor has the court refused to make the declaration
  • The court has not declared an item of account unlawful after a person made an appeal under section 28(3) of the Act.

If you are able to confirm that the above statements apply and that the authority neither received gross income, nor incurred gross expenditure, exceeding £25,000, then the Certificate of Exemption can be signed and a copy submitted to the external auditor either by email or by post (not both).

The Annual Internal Audit Report, Annual Governance Statement, Accounting Statements, an analysis of  variances and the bank reconciliation plus the information required by Regulation 15 (2), Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 including the period for the exercise of public rights still need to be fully completed and,  along with a copy of this certificate, published on the authority website/webpage* before 1 July 2024.  By signing this certificate you are also confirming that you are aware of this requirement.

*https://gittisham.org.uk

ONLY this Certificate of Exemption should be returned EITHER by email OR by post (not both) as soon as possible after certification to your external auditor, but no later than 30 June 2024. Reminder letters incur a charge of £40 +VAT

Annual Internal Audit Report 2023/24

Signed by the Responsible Financial Officer

Clerk Signature

Date 06/06/2024

Signed by Chairman

Date 06/06/2024

I confirm that this Certificate of Exemption was approved by this authority on this date: 06/06/2024

as recorded in minute reference: 35/24

Generic email address of Authority:

Telephone Number 07899 932620

Published Web address www.gittisham.org.uk

Gittisham Parish Council

www.gittisham.org.uk

During the financial year ended 31 March 2024, this authority’s internal auditor acting independently and on the basis of an assessment of risk, carried out a selective assessment of compliance with the relevant procedures and controls in operation and obtained appropriate evidence from the authority.

The internal audit for 2023/24 has been carried out in accordance with this authority’s needs and planned coverage. On the basis of the findings in the areas examined, the internal audit conclusions are summarised in this table. Set out below are the objectives of internal control and alongside are the internal audit conclusions on whether, in all significant respects, the control objectives were being achieved throughout the financial year to a standard adequate to meet the needs of this authority.

Internal control objectiveYesNo*Not covered** 
A.  Appropriate accounting records have been properly kept throughout the financial year.Y   
B.  This authority complied with its financial regulations, payments were supported by invoices, all expenditure was approved and VAT was appropriately accounted for.Y   
C.  This authority assessed the significant risks to achieving its objectives and reviewed the adequacy of arrangements to manage these.Y   
D.  The precept or rates requirement resulted from an adequate budgetary process; progress against the budget was regularly monitored; and reserves were appropriate.Y   
E.  Expected income was fully received, based on correct prices, properly recorded, and promptly banked; and VAT was appropriately accounted for.Y   
F.  Petty cash payments were properly supported by receipts, all petty cash expenditure was approved and VAT appropriately accounted for.  Not applicable 
G. Salaries to employees and allowances to members were paid in accordance with this authority’s approvals, and PAYE and NI requirements were properly applied.Y   
H. Asset and investments registers were complete and accurate and properly maintained.Y   
I. Periodic bank account reconciliations were properly carried out during the year.Y   
J. Accounting statements prepared during the year were prepared on the correct accounting basis (receipts and payments or income and expenditure), agreed to the cash book, supported by an adequate audit trail from underlying records and where appropriate debtors and creditors were properly recorded.Y   
K. If the authority certified itself as exempt from a limited assurance review in 2022/23, it met the exemption criteria and correctly declared itself exempt. (If the authority had a limited assurance review of its 2021/22 AGAR tick “not covered”)Y   
L. The authority publishes information on a website/webpage, up to date at the time of the internal audit, in accordance with the Transparency code for smaller authorities.Y   
M. The authority, during the previous year (2022-23) correctly provided for the period for the  exercise of public rights as required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations (evidenced by the notice published on the website and/or authority approved minutes confirming the dates set).Y   
N. The authority has complied with the publication requirements for 2022/23 AGAR  (see AGAR Page 1 Guidance Notes).Y   
 O. (For local councils only)   Trust funds (including charitable) – The council met its responsibilities as a trustee.Not applicable
   

For any other risk areas identified by this authority adequate controls existed (list any other risk areas on separate sheets if needed).

Date(s) internal audit undertaken                              Name of person who carried out the internal audit

04/06/2024 – 06/06/2024                     Trudie Jenkins Avery

Signature of person who carried out the internal audit  

                        

Auditor Signature
  Date06/06/2024
*If the response is ‘no’ please state the implications and action being taken to address any weakness in control identified (add separate sheets if needed). **Note: If the response is ‘not covered’ please state when the most recent internal audit work was done in this area and when it is next planned; or, if coverage is not required, the annual internal audit report must explain why not (add separate sheets if needed).

Section 1 – Annual Governance Statement 2023/24

We acknowledge as the members of:

Gittisham Parish Council

our responsibility for ensuring that there is a sound system of internal control, including arrangements for the preparation of the Accounting Statements. We confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, with respect to the Accounting Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024, that:

Agreed
 YesNo‘Yes’ means that this authority:
1. We have put in place arrangements for effective financial management during the year, and for the preparation of the accounting statements. Y prepared its accounting statements in accordance   with the Accounts and Audit Regulations.
2. We maintained an adequate system of internal control including measures designed to prevent and detect fraud and corruption and reviewed its effectiveness.  Y made proper arrangements and accepted responsibility  for safeguarding the public money and resources in  its charge.
3. We took all reasonable steps to assure ourselves      that there are no matters of actual or potential              non-compliance with laws, regulations and Proper       Practices that could have a significant financial effect              on the ability of this authority to conduct its        business or manage its finances.  Y has only done what it has the legal power to do and has complied with Proper Practices in doing so.
4. We provided proper opportunity during the year for  the exercise of electors’ rights in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations.  Y during the year gave all persons interested the opportunity to inspect and ask questions about this authority’s accounts.
5. We carried out an assessment of the risks facing this authority and took appropriate steps to manage those risks, including the introduction of internal controls and/or external insurance cover where required.  Y considered and documented the financial and other risks it faces and dealt with them properly.
6. We maintained throughout the year an adequate and  effective system of internal audit of the accounting  records and control systems.  Y arranged for a competent person, independent of the financial controls and procedures, to give an objective view on whether internal controls meet the needs of this smaller authority.
7. We took appropriate action on all matters raised  in reports from internal and external audit.  Y responded to matters brought to its attention by internal and external audit.
8. We considered whether any litigation, liabilities or  commitments, events or transactions, occurring either during or after the year-end, have a financial impact on this authority and, where appropriate, have included them in the accounting statements.  Y disclosed everything it should have about its business activity during the year including events taking place after the year end if relevant.
9. (For local councils only) Trust funds including  charitable. In our capacity as the sole managing  trustee we discharged our accountability  responsibilities for the fund(s)/assets, including  financial reporting and, if required, independent  examination or audit.N/Ahas met all of its responsibilities where as a body corporate it is a sole managing trustee of a local trust or trusts.
   

*For any statement to which the response is ‘no’, an explanation must be published

This Annual Governance Statement was approved at a meeting of the authority on:

06/06/2024

Signed by the Chairman and Clerk of the meeting where approval was given:

Chairman

Chairman Signature

       Clerk

Clerk Signature

and recorded as minute reference: 33/24

Other information required by the Transparency Code (not part of the Annual Governance Statement)
The authority website/webpage is up to date and the information required by the Transparency Code has  been published.Yes
  

www.gittisham.org.uk

Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2023/24 for

Gittisham Parish Council

Year ending
 Notes and guidance
31 March 2023 £31 March 2024 £Please round all figures to nearest £1. Do not leave any boxes blank and report £0 or Nil balances. All figures must agree to underlying financial records.
1. Balances brought  forward21,94321,935Total balances and reserves at the beginning of the year  as recorded in the financial records. Value must agree to Box 7 of previous year.
2. (+) Precept or Rates and Levies8,3239,307Total amount of precept (or for IDBs rates and levies) received or receivable in the year. Exclude any grants received.
3. (+) Total other receipts3,1451,119Total income or receipts as recorded in the cashbook less the precept or rates/levies received (line 2). Include any grants received.
4. (-) Staff costs3,0623,590Total expenditure or payments made to and on behalf  of all employees. Include gross salaries and wages,  employers NI contributions, employers pension  contributions, gratuities and severance payments.
5. (-) Loan interest/capital repayments00Total expenditure or payments of capital and interest made during the year on the authority’s borrowings (if any).
6.  (-) All other payments8,41411,282Total expenditure or payments as recorded in the cashbook less staff costs (line 4) and loan interest/capital repayments (line 5).
7. (=) Balances carried forward21,93517,489Total balances and reserves at the end of the year. Must equal (1+2+3) – (4+5+6).
8. Total value of cash and short term investments21,93517,489The sum of all current and deposit bank accounts, cash holdings and short term investments held as at 31 March – To agree with bank reconciliation.
9. Total fixed assets plus long term investments  and assets30,30833,844The value of all the property the authority owns – it is made up of all its fixed assets and long term investments as at  31 March.
10. Total borrowings00The outstanding capital balance as at 31 March of all loans from third parties (including PWLB).
11. (For Local Councils Only) Disclosure note re Trust funds (including charitable)N/AN/AN/AThe Council as a body corporate acts as sole trustee for and is responsible for managing Trust funds or assets.
 NN.B. The figures in the accounting statements above do not include any Trust transactions.

I certify that for the year ended 31 March 2024 the Accounting Statements in this Annual Governance and Accountability Return have been prepared on either a receipts and  payments or income and expenditure basis following the guidance in Governance and Accountability for Smaller  Authorities – a Practitioners’ Guide to Proper Practices  and present fairly the financial position of this authority.

Signed by Responsible Financial Officer before being  presented to the authority for approval:

Clerk Signature

Date 06/06/2024

I confirm that these Accounting Statements were approved by this authority on this date:

06/06/2024

as recorded in minute reference: 34/24

Signed by Chairman of the meeting where the  Accounting Statements were approved

Chairman Signature

Auction of Promises

Auction of promises in the Gittisham village hall

  • Catalogue with draw entry and drink on night- Helen Hayman
  • 07806480246
  • Plenty of lotts for everyone!
  • Proceeds towards St.Michaels, Gittisham
  • No need to book- pre Bid form available

Gittisham Vale ward – parish councillor vacancy

Notice of Parish Council Vacancy

  • Do you want to serve your community?
  • Do you have time or expertise which could benefit your community?
  • Do you want to make a difference to those around you?
  • Are you passionate about your local area?
  • Do you want to represent the views of local people?

If you would like to make a difference, and be involved in shaping the future of your local community, you could apply to become a Gittisham Parish Councillor

Gittisham Parish Council is looking for a new Parish Councillor for the Vale ward.  If you are interested, please contact the Clerk, Fiona Clampin, on

You will need to fill in a short application form and be prepared to submit a short paragraph on your suitability for the role

The closing date for completed applications to be with the Clerk is

23.59 on Sunday 3rd December 2023

To qualify to become a Parish Councillor a person must *be a British subject over 18 years old *be listed on the current electoral roll *live in Gittisham, or occupy as owner/tenant any land/premises therein or have a principal place of work within the Parish *must not be disqualified from holding office as a Councillor.

Gittisham Community Kitchen Report

Written by Sara Trumper

GCK FIRST YEAR

The Gittisham Community Kitchen served up its first meal on 21 st July 2022 to an eager and
curious 35 members of the community. It has now been running for just over a year and
save for three occasions when the hall has been booked out we have provided a free meal
to all comers every single Thursday evening. In the first year 1,490 people have come to the
meals, an average of nearly 30 per week. There have also been hundreds of ‘take-aways’
provided to people who couldn’t attend or who fancied some leftovers for the next day.
Having the Community Kitchen running in the Village Hall has benefitted the Hall Committee
coffers by just under £1,500 in direct cash payments and by way of grants from EDDC.
And with the help of further grants from EDDC, the Beaumont Charity and the Parish
Council, GCK is still holding funds which will enable us to keep going well into our second
year.
Here’s a very simple breakdown of the accounts over the year:
 Donations from diners £1,849.16
 Grants and other gifts £1,845.94
Total £3,695.10

Less
 Cost of Hall Hire (paid direct) £ 435.00
 Equipment £ 68.23
 Cost of food £2,392.21
Total £2,895.44

We couldn’t do it without the donations of food that we are able to call on week after week.
The wonderful fresh veg from The Pig courtesy of Peter the kitchen gardener and plentiful
supplies of bread which would otherwise go to waste from The Ottery Larder. Also we’ve
been really lucky to be given loads of pheasant from local shoots, delicious seasonal
puddings that have been donated by the ‘pudding fairies’ and others, and numerous other
wonderful offerings in response to urgent cries for help on the day!
Feedback shows that the benefits of GCK have been numerous and varied. Alongside
providing hot nutritious meals every week for an average of only £1.61 per meal, people
have really benefitted from the chance to meet up and socialise with their neighbours on a
regular basis. Anyone who was able to listen to Fiona Clampin’s brilliant radio piece on
Farming Today in January will have recognised some familiar voices and, hopefully, agreed
with the sentiments expressed.
My thanks go in particular to those who have gone out of their way to help make it all a
success: Kate, Mike, Alex, Julia, Neil, Stella, David & Sue, Claire, Bill, Amanda, Maggie, Molly,
Pierre, Betty and everyone else who has stepped into the breach.

Please contact me by text on 07939 148762 or by email to if you
would like to contribute to the kitchen either with food or financially.
And……we are always looking for helpers to take over the cooking or to give the regulars a
break from the washing up and clearing up at the end of the evening.

Parish Councillor vacancy – Gittisham Vale ward

Notice of Parish Council Vacancy

  • Do you want to serve your community?
  • Do you have time or expertise which could benefit your community?
  • Do you want to make a difference to those around you?
  • Are you passionate about your local area?
  • Do you want to represent the views of local people?

If you would like to make a difference, and be involved in shaping the future of your local community, you could apply to become a Gittisham Parish Councillor

Gittisham Parish Council is looking for a new Parish Councillor for the Vale ward.  If you are interested, please contact the Clerk, Fiona Clampin, on

You will need to fill in a short application form and be prepared to submit a short paragraph on your suitability for the role

The closing date for completed applications to be with the Clerk is

23.59 on Sunday 22nd October 2023

To qualify to become a Parish Councillor a person must *be a British subject over 18 years old *be listed on the current electoral roll *live in Gittisham, or occupy as owner/tenant any land/premises therein or have a principal place of work within the Parish *must not be disqualified from holding office as a Councillor.

2023-05 Gittisham Gazette May

 

 

 

Gittisham Gazette

May 2023 Edition 254

 

 

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

Dates for your diary

__

Pierre’s Cafe

Sunday 14th May at the Village Hall

07545 214940

__

Village Fete

Saturday 2nd September 2-5pm

__

Coffee Get-Together

20th May in the parish room 10.30-12

 

Image of Coronation Celebration

200 Club Results

April

1st Ann Stansell

2nd J Lawrence-Jones

3rd Nellie Marker

4th Sarah Abbott

5th Nicky Wakley

May

1st S Agg-Manning

2nd Ernie Wensley

3rd Karen Loveland

4th Christine Broom

5th Gary Pester

 

Gittisham Celebrates the Coronation

Gittisham Village Hall Committee and the Parish Council held a Coronation Party on Saturday 8th May

Starting with live screening of the coronation in the morning and then there was a free bar, bbq for people to cook their own food and a funky disco with DJ Alex. There was much merriment which went on until late. What a lovely way to celebrate such a momentous occasion, the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

God save the King!

 

Tom Putt

Two Tom Putt apple trees have kindly been planted in the churchyard by Paul Wakley along with several spring bulbs and he has kindly agreed to look after them.

 


 

Gittisham Gazette

 

 

Open Gardens – Children’s Hospice South West

Would you be interested in hosting an “open garden” for Children’s Hospice South West?

Gittisham is such a beautiful village and seems to be just the sort of place where people might enjoy opening their gardens either to the public or just to friends and family to support a very good cause.

Please contact Tina Lunt if you are interested 01404 234086 or 07341 153409. She can arrange posters.

 

Pierre’s Café

Sunday 14th May at the village hall.

Pierre will be serving a Chicken Casserole lunch from 12.30-4pm, followed by dessert. Vegans and vegetarians will be offered Salsify Ragout. 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. Please book to avoid disappointment and to give Pierre an idea of numbers 07545 214940. Bring your own drinks.

 

People in the news – new arrivals

Stephanie and Peter King have welcomed Rory Joshua Marker King on April 17th.

Hattie and Ollie Harrison have welcomed Huxley Jamieson Max on 2nd May.

Elizabeth and Jurgen Heddes have welcomed Owen on 4th May.

 

 

Gittisham Village Hall

The evening of Gittisham Games. Table tennis and duckpins, with Ploughman’s and soup and then afterwards West Country Skittles. Very successful and well attended. Laughter and jollity throughout. Hoped to be repeated again soon.

Events are run by the Village Hall Committee throughout the year and aim to make a profit to keep the hal running and of course to provide fun and socialising for us all.

The hall is also available to hire privately. Details are on www.gittisham.org.uk or contact Carol Hall to make a booking 07854 492347

 

Gittisham Village Fete

Saturday 2nd September

A call out to crafts and tradespeople who might be interested in having a pitch at this year’s village fete in Gittisham.

Also looking for volunteers that could help with the setup and running of the fete.

Please get in touch with Alex

 

Coffee Get-Together – Forward Notice

For June 17th, Margaret and Michael Hawkins have kindly invited us to their home 21 Cypress Close, Gittisham Vale EX14 2YW 10.30-12

 

 

 

       

St Michaels Church and Honiton Mission Community

 

Services for May 14th Eucharist, 21st none, 28th Lay led, June 4th none, 11th Eucharist

Julia Barratt led a coronation commemorative service after which a toast was raised to the king with a glass of prosecco.

 

Combe Raleigh are holiday a plant sale on Sunday 14th May 2-5pm in gthe garden of The Barton just behind the church. This is always worth a visit as they have excellentplants and reasonable prices.

 

At St Pauls there will be a Eucharist to celebrate the wonderful feast of the Ascension on Thursday 18th May at 7.30pm. They have achieved their Bronze Award from Eco Church. This was quite a process and very grateful thanks went to Jane Scriven, Julia Beaman and all the working group who put in so much time to enable this to happen.

Weekly services still continue to be at 11am. The website (honitoncofe.org) is updated regularly and has news about services. The monthly Mission Community newsletter Around The Parishes is avilable by email or post from the parish office 01404 44035

 

Christian Aid Week is 14-21 May. Cream tea 4.30pm and Christian Aid Serice after at about 5pm Sundat 21st May at St Pauls. The envelopes will be placed on the bench in churcg and some will be delivered around the village. There will be some in the Vale bus shelteer and the few houses that normally get them.

 

Church Warden Retirals: Honitons Lyn Thatcher, Buckerells Penny Pear and Cotleighs Pam Lane have all retired from being Church Wardens. They have each held the position for many yearfs and we wish them well in their retirement.

 

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


 

Parish Council April 2023 Report

Six councillors met for the April meeting. Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) and nine members of the public were also present.

 

Horses.

In his absence, Phil Twiss (DCC) sent a report outlining the county councils support for the British Horse Societys (BHS) Dead Slow road safety campaign. The aim is to educate motorists on how to approach and pass horses safely on Devons roads, with

the posters advising drivers to reduce their speed to a maximum of 10mph and leave at least two metres space. Since 2018, around 375 incidents involving equestrians on Devons roads have been reported to the police and the BHS.

Voter ID Dont forget your photo ID to vote in the local elections on 4 th May. This is a new

requirement for anyone visiting a polling station. This will apply to:

Local elections

Police and Crime Commissioner elections

UK parliamentary by-elections

Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

 

Finance. Members agreed the finances.

Crimes. Feb 2023: no reported crimes.

 

Planning applications.

a) Batts Cottage, Gittisham Remove existing front door and frame and replace with new on front (south west) elevation. No objection.

b) Batts Cottage, Gittisham – Proposed shed / studio building to replace oil tank and fenced enclosure. No objection.

c) Blamphayne Sawmill, Gittisham Proposed storage building for timber. No objection.

d) Gittisham Farm – Construction of earth-banked slurry lagoon. Councillors resolved to have no objection to d) in principle. However, members had concerns over access for large farm & construction vehicles via Chaghayes (Shaggys) Lane, and would like use to be mitigated where possible.

 

Village play area.

The Chair explained that in order to obtain S106 funds allocated to the parish council for sport, leisure and play, it had had to go through a public consultation process mandated by EDDC. She said the majority of those who responded had suggested an outdoor ping pong table; of all the suggestions put forward by parishioners, this was the item which had received the most votes. Members discussed the concerns over potential noise and disruption raised by some members of the public over the outdoor ping pong table. The Chair said she had received some hedge plants from the Woodland Trust which could potentially shield the adjoining properties.

 

Scams.

Janet Twist reported that a new scam is circulating on WhatsApp. A criminal gets in touch via a group chat and sends you a six-digit code. Taking action on this will lock you out of your account, and allow the criminal to send the same scam to your address book.

 

Vale bus shelter / Old Elm Road. Members heard that moss had been removed from the pavement and the hedge cut

along Old Elm Road. Peter Orchard reported that the Vale bus shelter had once again been swamped with books, but they had since been removed.

Notice of Poll

Dated Tuesday 25 April 2023

Mark R. Williams
Returning Officer
Printed and published by the Returning Officer, Blackdown House, Border Road, Honiton, EX14 1EJ


NOTICE OF POLL
East Devon
Election of a District Councillor for
Feniton
Notice is hereby given that:

  1. A poll for the election of a District Councillor for Feniton will be held on Thursday 4 May 2023, between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.
  2. The number of District Councillors to be elected is one.
  3. The names, home addresses and descriptions of the Candidates remaining validly nominated for election and the names of all persons signing the Candidates nomination paper are as follows:
Name of CandidateHome AddressDescription (if any)Names of Signatories
ProposerSeconder
BRUCE Alasdair S(address in East Devon)Conservative Party candidateSuzanne M WilkinsChristopher J Wilkins
COLLINS Jane(address in East Devon)Green Party candidateClaire L SaltGary P Grove
  1. The situation of the Polling Stations and the description of persons entitled to vote thereat are as follows:
Situation of Polling StationStation NumberRanges of electoral register numbers of persons entitled to vote thereat
Buckerell, Splatthayes Studio, Buckerell, Honiton79TK-1 to TK-233
Feniton Sports & Social Club, Acland Park, Feniton, Honiton90TU-1 to TU-1548
Gittisham Parish Hall, Gittisham, Honiton92TW-1 to TW-452/1
  1. Where contested this poll is taken together with the election of Parish Councillors.

King Charles III Coronation

Saturday, May 6th

Live viewing of the coronation in the village hall from 10 AM

The King’s coronation party is held by the Village Hall committee from 5 pm.

Open to all the parish with a free disco and free drinks, bring your own food for the BBQ!

View other upcoming village hall events here https://gittisham.org.uk/village-hall/upcoming-events/