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Gittisham Gazette June 2026

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Mid June 2026 — Produced for the Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

A Standing Ovation for the Flower Festival!

This year’s Church Flower Festival brought the magic of the stage to Gittisham with the fabulous theme: “Welcome to the Theatre!” A huge thank you to our incredibly talented flower arrangers. They truly brought the church to life with beautiful scents, vibrant colours, and brilliantly creative props hidden amongst the displays. The journey into the church was a show in itself, starting at the Lychgate with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, passing by Bedknobs & Broomsticks on the path, and stepping through a beautiful Sound of Music porch by Carol Hall.

Inside, the church was transformed with a spectacular lineup of displays:

  • The Jungle Book: Betty & Helen Madden
  • Carmen: Nikki & Paul Wakely
  • Old Time Theatre: Kate Kimber
  • A Night at the Theatre: Angie Hutchings & Sue Trivett
  • Cinderella, Phantom of the Opera & Mamma Mia: Helen Hayman
  • Alice Through the Looking Glass: Octavia Madden
  • The Tempest: Anne Stansell
  • Matilda: Florence Wolsley & Merial Hill
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Heather & Maggie
  • South Pacific: Sue Fallows
  • The King & I: Sarah Abbott & Lynn Denn

A Roaring Success in the Village Hall Café Despite the disappointing weather, the festival catering over in the Village Hall was a triumph. A steady stream of satisfied customers enjoyed lunches, teas, and a fabulous spread of cakes, scones, and the “world’s best meringues” produced by our industrious village bakers to suit all dietary needs. The hall looked wonderful thanks to Paul Wakely’s beautiful table flowers, and the service was top-notch thanks to two incredible volunteer teams organised by Sarah Trumper:

  • The Fabulously Glamorous Saturday Team: Julia Barrett, Maggie Walker, Sarah Agg-Manning, Sue Fallows, and chief dishwasher John Adamson.
  • The Stunningly Proficient Sunday Team: Richard Marker (who deserves a special mention for a fetching pinny/shorts combo!), Will Wolsey, Nick Chapman, Scott Angell, and Jayne Bramley.

Music and the Grand Total The Saturday was capped off with a fantastic musical performance organised by John McGregor, showcasing an amazing array of local talent with singing, Celtic flute, keyboard, organ, guitar, accordion, and fiddle!

Thanks to everyone’s hard work, generous baking, and wonderful support, the festival raised an incredible £1,000+ to support our village church! A final round of applause to Helen Hayman, the dedicated “Holy Dusters,” and everyone who contributed to such a show-stopping weekend.

​

Gittisham’s Water by Paul Wakley

 For years the main supply of water for the village were the wells dotted about. Myrtle cottage Eveleigh’s, Riverside are a few. And the village pump, which I always thought was too close to the graveyard for comfort!

 There is a line of springs which stretches from the Sidmouth road to East Hill. Houses and farms were built near them, Kercombe, Rapshayes, Coign ( the Parsonage), Beech Walk/Combe. There are several springs in Chalcombe bottom, at least three of these were capped ( in the thirties or forties?) and piped to an enclosed reservoir. The water was piped to the village and surrounding houses and farms, Pomeroy made use of a spring up Parsonage lane, the water was piped under the fields and Kings Cottage garden, which could also make use of it.

   Now we are on the ‘mains’ though, a few years ago South West water accidentally turned the valve outside our houses the wrong way, after flushing out, and put us back on the old supply, it was a bit stagnant after all those years in the pipe!

What’s On?

-Village Hall

Open Bookings

  • Tuesdays – Tai Chi & Quigong 09:50 am- 11:10am
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month- Yoga 18:15
  • Wednesday – Folk Dance Club 7pm
  • Thursday- Community Kitchen 18:30
  • 2nd Sunday of the Month Pierre’s Cafe 10am (Not July)

Hire the hall: www.gittisham.org.uk/village-hall/hire-the-hall/

Committee Events

  • 21st June Father’s Day BBQ
  • 27th June  Coffee and Cake. 2.30  – 4.30pm
  • 11th July Band Night.  Exeter Street Band 7pm
  • 1st August Flower and Produce Show
  • 29th August Coffee and Cake 2.30  – 4.30
  • 5th September Gittisham Fete and Scarecrow Competiton
  • 17th October Jumble Sale
  • 31st October Halloween Party/ Coffee and Cake
  • 28th November Christmas Craft Fair, expressions of interest in tables being taken 
  • 28th November Christmas Bingo 7pm for 7.30pm 
  • 23rd January Burns Night Celebration

–Church

  • Sunday June 28th  @ 6pm Choral Evensong with the HMT Choir
  • Sunday July 12th  @ 3pm  Juila’s Leaving Service
  • Monday July 13th at St Paul’s Honiton @ 7.30pm Rev Tracey’s Licencing Service
  • Sunday July  26th @11 am Holy Communion

200 Club Winners June

    • 1st Prize              £75     Tony John
    • 2nd Prize             £50      Peter Stansell
    • 3rd Prize              £25      Stephanie King

Events are also listed here: https://gittisham.org.uk/whatson/

Holy Dusters Needed
Can you spare a little time at your convenience?
Cleaning products are in the church by the vestry door.
Thank you.    

200 Club

Join the Gittisham 200 Club!

The 200 club is a licensed small lottery raising funds to pay for the upkeep of our beautiful church and paying prizes in a monthly draw.

There are a number of tickets still available for purchase. 

Tickets cost £3 per month and you can buy up to 3 for any named person.  Some members buy tickets for children and grandchildren as well as for themselves.

The draw takes place once a month, usually at Natter & Nibbles, and there are cash prizes of £75, £50 and £25 each time.

Contact Sara at  for an application form and further details.

Gittisham Village Hall Monthly Update

Gittisham was serenaded with a stunning and whimsical piano performance last weekend when Michael Allen Harrison chose to perform a delightful selection of pieces to a packed audience of all ages at the village hall. Michael is an international composer, film scorer and soloist from Oregon who by chance met members of the village Betty and Alan, while staying at the Pig. The recital included his own compositions as well as entrancing versions of several well known tunes including Summertime and Imagine. Each piece was introduced with a fascinating and informative explanation of their history and meaning.
The concert took a charming turn when Michael asked young Dora to play and they played a lovely duet.
The musical cognoscenti of the village showed enthusiastic appreciation. Overall donations generously raised £480 which was split equally between the village hall and Michael’s own charity Play It Forward that provides children and families musical instruments, professional instruction, and performance opportunities to foster their mental and social development.

Some of you may have noticed the reinstatement of flagpoles to the hall, which has been undertaken with the hall’s centenary next year in mind. The village hall committee fully understands that the flying of different flags can for some be an emotive and divisive issue while for others is an expression of identity and unity. We would hope that in the interests of the general welfare of our community and it’s overridingly positive and friendly nature, we should keep the debate respectful and avoid unnecessary personal language whether in writing or in person. We are working to find a solution amenable to everyone. Before making a final decision of flags and the flying of which flag when, anyone who has not expressed their views to the committee and wishes to do so can write to the hall email .

As you may be aware, the Gittisham village hall is a privately owned community building run by a charity whose stated object is to provide a place of instruction, recreation and entertainment for its parishioners. The committee are keen that this cherished facility continues to be used by and feel welcoming to all residents and visitors.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Gittisham Village Hall, we look forward to welcoming you to our parish hall soon

Community Land Trust AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Gittisham CLT will be held on Tuesday 30th June at 7.00pm in the Gittisham Village Hall. It would be nice to see as many members as possible of the GCLT attending for what is an important but, I promise, not a long meeting.

The planning application process for the GCLT  village development has been particularly long and frustrating, however, the EDDC Planning Officer’s report finally became available at the beginning of the year and documented in detail the planning considerations that had taken place. In conclusion the officer commented :

The proposed scheme represents an example of a strongly community-led development that would, on account of its benefits in terms of affordable housing provision, realise significant social benefits in line with one of the three main objectives to the achievement of sustainable development set out at paragraph 8 of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework).

It would also likely generate moderate economic benefits, more particularly though the construction phase, including direct and indirect employment provision, but also for the limited range of services and facilities provided in the village. When considered against the likely limited impact of the development upon the wider character of the National Landscape and the significance of the adjacent designated heritage assets and the absence of any concerns having regard to the other contextual issues set out above, it is considered that the overall planning balance weighs firmly in favour of the proposal.

Approval is therefore recommended subject to a legal agreement (Section 106 Agreement) being entered into to secure the proposed affordable housing and open space and its maintenance and conditions as set out below.

Once the  Section 106 has been finalized the formal planning permission will be issued.  

There is still work to be done and finding a Registered Provider (RP)/Housing Association management/development partner is proving to be another difficult challenge. There is a major significant economic squeeze on RPs’ capacity for development at present due to having to divert funds to accommodate meeting requirements of incoming legislation. On the bright side, once we have found a partner, there is plenty of capital grant for new house-building in the government’s new 10-year, £39bn national programme.

For further details of the work and membership of the GCLT please contact David Valentine ().

Dear Geraldine

I write with the utmost concern regarding this year’s potato-growing competition.

While I have always believed the event to be a shining example of agricultural integrity, recent observations have left me questioning whether all competitors are relying solely on sunshine, rainwater, and honest gardening.

Rumours abound that one particularly enthusiastic grower has been administering suspicious quantities of Viagra to his prize potatoes in the hope of achieving unusual firmness and impressive dimensions. While I am no horticultural scientist, I struggle to believe that potatoes should stand quite so proudly at the weigh-in.

Furthermore, another competitor’s harvest appears remarkably similar to the specimens available at the local supermarket. Several villagers have reportedly witnessed furtive

movements involving carrier bags and a suspiciously clean bucket shortly before judging commenced.

I am not making accusations, merely raising questions that any reasonable potato enthusiast would ask.

Questions such as:

  • Why do some potatoes arrive cleaner than a surgeon’s instruments?
  •  Why do certain competitors become nervous when asked why their potatoes look different to everyone else’s?
  • Why does one exhibit appear to bear the exact dimensions of a commercially graded baking
potato?

For the preservation of village honour, I respectfully suggest stricter inspections, random bucket checks, and, if necessary, performance-enhancing substance testing for all root vegetables.

Yours in the pursuit of fair competition, A Deeply Concerned Potato Grower

(who definitely did not come second last year and is absolutely not bitter about it)

Dear Concerned Potato Grower,

Thank you for your letter, which arrived on my desk accompanied by a quantity of indignation rarely seen outside parish council meetings and parking disputes.

First, let me assure you that I take allegations of vegetable misconduct extremely seriously. The suggestion that a competitor may be administering Viagra to potatoes is certainly a novel one. However, until science confirms the existence of performance-enhancing drugs for root vegetables, I would advise caution before drawing conclusions from a potato’s size, firmness, or overall confidence.

As for the accusation that another grower may be supplementing their harvest with shop-bought specimens, I must point out that the burden of proof is rather higher than “it looked a bit too tidy.” Some gardeners are blessed with green fingers; others are blessed with the ability to remove soil without causing an international incident.

My advice is simple. Resist the urge to become the village’s self-appointed Potato Detective. Instead, focus your energies on your own crop. Water diligently, feed appropriately, and avoid staking out supermarket vegetable aisles with binoculars.

Should you discover a competitor wheeling a trolley full of baking potatoes directly into the show tent, then by all means alert the organisers. Until then, remember that village shows are intended to celebrate community spirit, not launch agricultural tribunals.

And if someone does produce a potato of truly extraordinary proportions, perhaps the correct response is not suspicion but admiration—or at least a request for their growing tips.

Yours faithfully,

Geraldine Gitt 

Forever supplying boomer wisdom. 

Father’s Day BBQ

Whose home is this? Climbing Potato Plant?

Email in

Last months gas powered home was Claire’s congratulations to Gary for his correct guess!

Fix Your Own Potholes

Did you know there are about 8000 miles of tarmac road in Devon, that is more roads than in the Netherlands and Belgium combined.
Many miles of rough surfaced tracks in Devon were tarmaced after the Second World War, partly to make remote farms more accessible, but also to create work for the unemployed.

Maintaining Devon’s tarmac road surface in good order is a mammoth task, so potholes have become a hot topic of conversation. Recently alot of busier roads have been resurfaced, often at night. The A373 from Honiton to Cullompton is now a dream drive and, try the road from Broadhembury upto Dunkeswell, so smooth.
However it is unlikely all the minor lanes will be fixed soon. But Devon County Council (DCC) have a scheme where Rural Parishes can do it themselves. DCC provide training, especially on safe working on roads, tools and clothing, and yes 50 tubs of tarmac, all free of charge.

I heard about this Road Warden Scheme from Simon in Awliscombe Parish, they have so far got through 75 tubs of tarmac. Have a look at the road upto Awliscombe Church, that was their first project.
We need a few people to go on the training and any number of additional folk who fancy a fun few hours filling potholes. Simon tells me it is satisfying, fun, and a great community activity.

Gittisham Parish Council are planning to join the scheme so we need a few people to do the training and volunteers to help them. May be five or six people to start off with.
You don’t have to be super strong, and you don’t have to commit to hours of hard labour, you only need a willingness to help make our lanes smoother.

Please contact the Fiona Clampin, the Parish Council Clerk if you would like to offer a few hours occasionally in the Gittisham Pothole Fixing Team, no official name yet but suggestions welcome.

On Sunday 12th July here at Gittisham St. Michael’s Church there will be a special service to thank Julia Barrett for her support & work within the Parish Community especially here at Gittisham which will be at 3 pm followed by refreshments in the village hall!

Any donations can still be given to Helen Hayman & also a rough idea of numbers attending the tea so please contact Helen -Preferably by end June! Thank you Gittisham PCC

Exeter Street Band are performing on July 11th from 6pm at the Hall

A Very Warm Welcome!

We are absolutely delighted to welcome some new faces to the parish! A huge Gittisham welcome to Taylor, Sarah, and Ophelia, who have recently moved into their new home down at Church Mead. We hope you are settling in smoothly, finding your way around the boxes, and already feeling at home. If you see them out and about exploring the village, please do stop, give them a wave, and say hello!

Gittisham Fete is on Saturday 5th September 2026 

We need as many helpers as possible please get in touch with Alex, 

Returning for 2026 is the Gittisham Parish Scarecrow Competition!
Get your thinking caps on!

Authentic Indian Food
in Gittisham — Punjabi Home Cooking

When I moved to Devon, I found myself craving the flavours of my childhood. There were plenty of places serving Indian food, but nothing captured the true essence of Punjabi home cooking — the slow cook, the depth of spice, the recipes passed down through generations. I missed the comfort, the warmth, and the feeling of being nourished in the way only home food can.

So I returned to my roots: my mother’s recipes, my family’s traditions, and the soulful cooking that shaped who I am. From that longing, Spice@Five was born — bringing authentic Indian curries and Punjabi home food to Devon, made with the same care and patience it deserves.

Every dish is cooked the way it was taught to me: slowly, lovingly, and with respect for the flavours that define our culture. And now, all you need to do is Just Heat and Eat — real home-cooked Indian food, ready when you are.

Private party catering available — from intimate gatherings to family celebrations. Just email or call us to arrange your bespoke event:  – 07354 349636 (Hayne Farm Estate, Gittisham)

For pre orders. www.spiceatfive.co.uk order by Monday 7pm for collection on Thursday between 5-7pm.

Parish Council Updates

PARISH COUNCIL – June 2026 REPORT

Three councillors met for the June meeting along with Simon Ricketts (AwliscombeParish Council) and Tom Hills (Radio Fibre / Bush Broadband).  

Flytipping.

In his absence, Cllr Alasdair Bruce (East Devon District Council) sent an update: there has been a notable upsurge in reported cases of fly tipping across east Devon recently. In the past he said it was a minor issue, but criminals have been emboldened by the numerous national stories in the press regarding giant flytipping incidents. Cllr Bruce said the clerk had reported one particular incident to him, which will be followed up by a team from EDDC.  He encourages anyone in the parish to report any further incidents as quickly as possible. Cllr Bruce said it seems that rubbish left acts as a magnet for others to dump, so a rapid clear up helps to stop a bad situation getting worse, and avoid additional expense.

Finance.  Councillors agreed the finances, as well as the annual accounts and governance statement for 2025/26.​

Crimes. April 2026: 

Honiton link road: 1 x shoplifting

Parsonage Lane: 1 x violence & sexual offences, 1 x other theft

Broadband.

There was a lot of discussion with Tom Hills about the technicalities and legal negotiations required to install superfast broadband.  The proposal is to lease an Openreach line from Fenny Bridges to the edge of the village, and a further 2kms ‘ring of fibre’ is then trenched around the outside of the village along the boundary of each property.  Eligible homes and businesses can access Government-funded vouchers to help towards the suppliers’ costs of installing a gigabit-capable broadband connection. Tom Hills encouraged all residents to apply for the voucher, even if they didn’t intend to use it, as it allows others in the community to access fibre broadband.  Each property that requests a full fibre service is able to specify the route the fibre takes from their property boundary into their home.  Councillors said the signs were encouraging and looked forward to making this project a reality at long last.

Road closures.

27 July–1 August road through Alfington closed overnight for surface dressing and stud removal.

Road warden scheme.

Simon Ricketts, chair of Awliscombe PC, explained how his parish has become involved with Devon County Council’s road warden scheme over the past two years.  The scheme enables communities to carry out approved minor works on or around the public highway, including filling in small potholes.  Each community can choose the activities that they have the volunteers to support, and that will make the greatest local impact. DCC will pay for a maximum of three volunteers to attend a one-day course on highways work, and the parish council can recruit further volunteer road wardens who do not have to be councillors.  DCC also provides third-party (public liability) insurance for volunteer work completed in accordance with DCC guidance. Simon Ricketts said the scheme was proving successful in his parish, and he reminded councillors that any defect that poses a risk to public safety on the roads will still be repaired by DCCmaintenance teams.

Play area.

Councillors agreed that the hedge at the top end of the play area is getting overgrown, and there are also weeds growing up through the tower.  The clerk said she would arrange for these to be trimmed. (After checking for nests etc.)

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

Gittisham Sky Watch: What to look for this Month

We are officially in the season of the shortest nights! During the weeks surrounding the Summer Solstice, the sun barely dips below the horizon, leaving us with a beautiful, lingering twilight instead of true darkness. Here is what to look out for over the parish:

  • The Summer Solstice: On June 21st, we celebrate the longest day of the year. From this point on, the days will slowly begin to shorten again, but for now, enjoy the endless evenings! It is the perfect time to sit in the garden and watch the bats emerge as the light finally fades.
  • Electric Blue Clouds: Mid-summer is the only time of year you can spot one of the most magical sights in the sky: Noctilucent Clouds. These are the highest clouds in Earth’s atmosphere, made of ice crystals. Long after the sun has set for us on the ground, it still shines on these high-altitude clouds, making them glow with an eerie, electric-blue light. Look towards the northern horizon about 90 minutes after sunset to try and spot them!
  • The Full “Buck” Moon: Our next full moon will rise at the end of the month, peaking around June 29th. Traditionally known as the Buck Moon (because this is the time of year when male deer begin to grow their new antlers), it will sit very low on the horizon. Because it stays so low, it often takes on a beautiful golden or reddish hue, shining warmly through the thick summer air.
  • Summer Triangle Still Shining: As the sky deepens into its midnight blue, look straight up. The three bright stars of the “Summer Triangle” (Vega, Deneb, and Altair) will be directly overhead, anchoring the summer sky.

Thank you to everyone who contributed pieces to this Gazette. If you would like to submit something for next month’s issue, please email .

Casual vacancy, Gittisham village ward

by

FROM:       Returning Officer, East Devon District Council,   Blackdown House, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Border Road   Honiton, Devon, EX14 1EJ

TO:             Clerk of the Gittisham Parish Council

1.      I note that a casual vacancy exists in the office of Parish Councillor on the Parish Council of the Parish of Gittisham (Village Ward) following the resignation of Cllr. Carol Hall.

2.      The period during which any ten electors can give notice requiring an election to fill the vacancy will expire on the 24th day of June 2026.

          DATED this         4th  day of                 June 2026         

          SIGNED.……………………………………………..

                             Name                       Melanie Wellman

Returning Officer

Gittisham Gazette May 2026

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Gazette Logo

Mid May 2026 — Produced for the Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

Grain To Cream

It’s been a while since I last wrote so time to update about the going’s on here at Gittisham Farm.

Well after a long wet first few months of the year we now could do with a little bit of rain. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the ground can dry in the spring, we have had quite a bit of wind which speeds things up. Now we are out of winter and new growth is marching on, always a great to see.

We are now preparing for winter it’s long term thinking this farming lark!

The first cut of silage has already been taken and looks promising and the grass is growing away nicely for the next cut. We have planted all the maize so we wait with anticipation to see it germinate and poke through the soil. We have also sown some grass which we will hope to see soon. We usually plant the grass in the autumn after a crop of wheat, as we have less weed competition but this was sown where the pumpkins were and it was too late by the time they are picked and the field needed a break from pumpkins and grass is a good restorative crop as it can stay in the soil so it has a break from cultivation improving the soil structure!   I have just ploughed the field we will use for pumpkins this year so don’t fear you will still be able to get your pumpkin fix here! (As long as they grow; mustn’t count my chickens before they hatch so to speak)

​As always calves are being born, we have just started using some new calf pens which are proving to be successful.

​After not seeing or hearing them for a while I have heard the barn owls again, I was a little worried if bird flu may have got them but thankfully not and as per usual the ducks are waddling around pairing up. The females don’t half lead the drakes on.

​The cows are now grazing for a short while as they need and want access to the milking machine all day. It is a bit of a learning curve as we must gauge how much food they require on top.  If it was easy the supermarkets would do it!  We are doing it to cut costs a bit less silage to make, once out the girls soon want to come back in and are queuing for the robots, and they don’t queue like Brits well I suppose there is Danish, Swiss and Dutch heritage in their breeding so very European but I do think they are more Italian in their style!

​For the eagle eyed among you, you may have seen some white sticks in our field of wheat on the left towards Fenny Bridges. This is some trial plots for different fungicides. We have trials here quite often in the wheat, maize and grass for different things like weed control and disease so things are always progressing.

​

Gittisham PCC

The Parochial Church Council (PCC), is the group responsible for the running of our beautiful Gittisham church, St Michael’s. We are comprised of 10 people who live in or near the village and meet on average six times a year. We form part of the Honiton Mission Community (HMC) which oversees a number of other churches within our neighbouring parishes. The Honiton Mission Team is based at St Paul’s church Honiton and we are all part of the Diocese of Exeter. 

As the mid-point in 2026 nears, we approach a sad date for the PCC and for Gittisham as a whole. Sunday 12th July will be Julia Barrett’s last service as Lay Minister at St Michael’s. Julia who started her post in Gittisham in 2018 has led the church faithfully and spiritedly for almost 8 years, whilst also providing dedicated pastoral care for the wider community. Her tenure here will be an indelible part of the church’s history and we wish her all the very best in her retirement. Please join us at 3pm on 12th July for Julia’s farewell service.

In other news, the vacant Team Rector position at HMC has been successfully filled and we are delighted with the appointment of Reverend Tracey Voysey. The PCC has worked with Tracey for some time and looks forward to continuing to do so in her new capacity.

Lastly thank you to all those that have supported the church through donations, maintenance and cleaning, helping with fund-raising events and attending services. The church is good physical, administrative and spiritual order as a consequence.

Flower Festival

Various Performers in Gittisham Church on the Saturday 6th June!
Starts 5 pm , no entry fee!

Delicious refreshments in the village hall all weekend from 10-5 pm!
Not to be missed, information from Helen on 07806480246!

What’s On?

-Village Hall

Open Bookings

  • Tuesdays – Tai Chi & Quigong 09:50 am- 11:10am
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month- Yoga 18:15
  • Wednesday – Folk Dance Club 7pm
  • Thursday- Community Kitchen 18:30
  • 2nd Sunday of the Month Pierre’s Cafe 10am

Hire the hall: www.gittisham.org.uk/village-hall/hire-the-hall/

Committee Events

  • 30th May coffee and cake 2.30 – 4.30
  • 6th & 7th June Flower Festival 
  • 21st June Father’s Day BBQ
  • 27th June  Coffee and Cake. 2.30  – 4.30pm
  • 11th July Band Night.  Exeter Street Band 7pm
  • 1st August Flower and Produce Show
  • 29th August Coffee and Cake 2.30  – 4.30
  • 5th September Gittisham Fete
  • 17th October Jumble Sale
  • 31st October Halloween Party/ Coffee and Cake
  • 28th November Christmas Craft Fair, expressions of interest in tables being taken 
  • 28th November Christmas Bingo 7pm for 7.30pm 
  • 23rd January Burns Night Celebration

–Church

  • Sunday May 24th 11am  Pentecost (Whit) Sunday
  • Flower Festival 6 th & 7 th June With refreshments in hall & entertainers!
  • Natter and Nibbles, June 13th
  • Sunday June 14th  11am Holy Communion
  • Sunday June 28th  6pm Choral Evensong with HMT Choir
  • Sunday 12th July Julia’s farewell service
  • 200 Club Winners June
    • 1st Prize              £75      Clara Hall
    • 2nd Prize             £50      Amanda Ackland
    • 3rd Prize              £25      Julia Barrett

Events are also listed here: https://gittisham.org.uk/whatson/

Holy Dusters Needed
Can you spare a little time at your convenience?
Cleaning products are in the church by the vestry door.
Thank you.    

200 Club

Join the Gittisham 200 Club!

The 200 club is a licensed small lottery raising funds to pay for the upkeep of our beautiful church and paying prizes in a monthly draw.

There are a number of tickets still available for purchase. 

Tickets cost £3 per month and you can buy up to 3 for any named person.  Some members buy tickets for children and grandchildren as well as for themselves.

The draw takes place once a month, usually at Natter & Nibbles, and there are cash prizes of £75, £50 and £25 each time.

Contact Sara at  for an application form and further details.

Gittisham Village Hall Monthly Update

Well that was another busy and successful month at the hall, and have you seen how wonderful the gardens are looking now?

It was wonderful to see so many of you join us for our recent Coffee & Cake afternoon. The sunshine was certainly on our side, with the garden parasols making a most welcome first appearance of the year. It was lovely to spend such a relaxed afternoon together.

April also saw our much-anticipated kitchen inspection from the Food Safety Agency. Much of the work undertaken in the kitchen over the last 9 months has been with this inspection in mind, given we now need to register with the FSA. We are delighted, and just a little relieved, to report that we passed with flying colours, achieving a fantastic 5-star rating! We proudly display our shiny new certificate and sticker, knowing how much hard work and community support has gone into achieving and maintaining such high standards.

Thanks also to Jim who has given the hall foyer a much needed lick of paint. What a brilliant job he has done and what a difference that has made!

We enjoyed a great turnout for our recent Quiz Night. A huge thank you goes to Hamish Hall for being such an excellent Quiz Master, keeping everyone entertained with a wonderfully varied selection of questions — some certainly more challenging than others! The evening finished with a hilarious final challenge that tested knees rather than knowledge! Thank you to Sue for keeping us well fed, again!

Many of you will know that we held our AGM last week. The Chairman’s Report is available to read on our website, and we were pleased to share that the hall remains in profit despite the significant upgrades and improvements made this year. Everything we achieve is thanks to the incredible support of our community, and we are always keen to hear your thoughts and ideas for future events. Please do send us your feedback using the QR code provided or by emailing the committee directly.

We are hoping to continue with our program of improvements with replacement of the now dilapidated back garden bench. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions as to who might be able to approach for help with this, we are all ears. We are also hoping to arrange some signwriting in our newly painted foyer and to continue with garden upgrades.

We have plenty of exciting events coming up over the next few months. Plans are already underway for a Jumble Sale in October, while nearer at hand we are looking forward to our Father’s Day BBQ in June.

Make sure to save the date for Saturday 11th July, when the fantastic Exeter Street Band will be bringing their energy and music to the hall for what promises to be a brilliant Band Night.

Finally, we look forward to welcoming everyone once again to our next Coffee & Cake gathering at the end of the month, May 30th! We are always grateful to the incredible bakers we have in Gittisham for their gorgeous bakes!

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Gittisham Village Hall, we look forward to welcoming you to our parish hall soon

New Village Information Boards

Conceptualised by Councilor Pester, funded by the Parish Council and Made by Taylor signs. These mark the start of a project to inform visitors about the village another is being sited close to the Village Hall.

Dear Geraldine

Introducing Geraldine, your new go-to agony aunt column—where no problem is too small, too strange, or too serious to share.

Life has a way of tying us in knots, whether it’s love, friendships, family drama, workplace dilemmas, or those quiet worries you can’t quite put into words. That’s where Geraldine Gitt comes in. With warmth, wit, and a refreshingly honest perspective, Geraldine is here to listen without judgment and offer thoughtful, compassionate advice.

Got a burning question? Stuck in a situation you can’t untangle? Or simply need an outside perspective? Send in your problems and let Geraldine help you make sense of it all. Chances are, if it’s on your mind, someone else is wondering the same thing too.

Write in, open up, and let’s figure it out—together.

On Sunday 12th July here at Gittisham St. Michael’s Church there will be a special service to thank Julia Barrett for her support & work within the Parish Community especially here at Gittisham which will be at 3 pm followed by refreshments in the village hall!

Any donations can still be given to Helen Hayman & also a rough idea of numbers attending the tea so please contact Helen -Preferably by end June! Thank you Gittisham PCC

Spring in the Village

Road past Keepers by Owen Morgan

Morning River Mist by Claire

Red Kite at Westgate by Paul

Whose home is this? Gas fire with real logs?

Email in

Last months garden tool home was Maggie’s congratulations to Paul for his correct guess!

My name’s Claire and I sing with the Sidmouth Gospel Choir (we’re the enthusiastic, slightly-too-loud-in-a-good-way kind 😊)
Picture Sister Act — but instead of a group of vibrant young singers, imagine a collection of men and women who are mostly over the hill and have less time left on their hands than Noah watching the rain clouds gather!

We’re hosting a charity event at St Peter’s Church in Sidford, and we’re putting together a fun Silent Auction to raise as much as we can for a great cause. Plus there will be alcoholic refreshments, some scrummy home-made cakes and a raffle!

All proceeds are going to an orphanage in Uganda, where we hope to raise enough to replace essential water pipe to return the orphanage to self-sufficiency. We are going to quite literally, turn wine into water!!

Tickets are selling but concessions are also available, if someone wants to come along but can’t afford the £10 entrance fee, just get in touch.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Huge Congratulations to Connor Davey

On graduating from No.1 Radio School, RAF Cosford! From trainee to Cyberspace Communication Specialist, onwards and upwards to your next phase and future in the Royal Air Force. We are so proud! Per Ardua ad Astra.

Parish Council Updates

PARISH COUNCIL – May 2026 REPORT

Six councillors met for the May meeting and annual parish meeting, along with Richard Jefferies (DCC) and one member of the public.  

Chair & Vice Chair.

Alex Rowe was elected as chair and Peter Orchard as vice chair for 2026/27.

Finance.  Members agreed the finances.​

Crimes. Feb 2026 Parsonage Lane: 1 x other theft

Longlands Way: 1 x violence & sexual offences

Laburnum Way: 1 x drugs

March 2026 Parsonage Lane: 3 x violence & sexual offences

[Please note police crime report areas lack specificity primarily due to legal privacy requirements such as the Data Protection Act, which prevents identifying individual victims, suspects, or exact residential addresses.  As a result, exact incident locations are placed in general hotspots, or rounded to broader geographic units.]

Planning applications.

a) 26/0570/FUL – 1 Hamlet Cottages Weston EX14 3PB – Change of use of existing outbuilding to hair salon with alterations to fenestration and construction of a new roof

b) 26/0457/LBC – 2 Mitchell Cottages Gittisham EX14 3AF – Re-slate roof (re-using where possible) & extend existing ventilation through rear roof space; repairs to chimney stack; replacement of cement render to front elevation with lime equivalents; refurbishment of the stone and timber windows WG1, WG2, WG3, WF1, WF2, WF3 & WF4; replace external suspended ceiling; internal replacement of cement plaster with lime, and installation of ventilated panelling to defective timber framed and party wall

Councillors had no objections to the above applications.

Road closures.

04-22 May 2000-0600hrs Construction / Improvement/Upgrading – A30 westbound and eastbound, Daisymount to Turks Head junctions.

CIL.

The clerk reported that GPC had received approximately £27k in CIL receipts [Community Infrastructure Levy] from East Devon District Council.  According to EDDC, a local council must use CIL receipts passed to it in accordance with the CIL Regulations 2010 to support the development of the local council’s area, or any part of that area, by funding:

a) The provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; 

b) or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area

Councillors agreed to reflect on ways of spending these funds and to come to the next meeting with suggestions for how to take this forward.  A public consultation is advisable.

Vale bus shelter.

Peter Orchard said that the solar panel and the floodlight had been removed or stolen from the Vale bus shelter.  Councillors agreed to replace them in the autumn.  

Green Gittisham.

Gary Pester said that he had contacted a range of wildlife organisations who would be interested in visiting the parish to see what could be done to improve biodiversity.  Councillors agreed that an event could be arranged for early next year, with stalls and workshops.

Next meeting.  Thursday 4th June at 7.30pm in the parish room.  

Gittisham Sky Watch: What to look for this Month

As we head towards the longest day of the year, the night sky never gets truly dark. This period of “perpetual twilight” gives us a wonderful, deep blue sky to explore. If you are enjoying a warm evening in the garden, here is what to look out for over the parish:

  • The Return of the “Summer Triangle”: As the evenings warm up, look toward the eastern horizon just after sunset. You will begin to see three incredibly bright stars rising: Vega, Deneb, and Altair. Together, they form a massive shape known as the Summer Triangle. It is a sure sign that summer has officially arrived in Devon!
  • A Kiss Between the Moon and Mars: On the evening of June 3rd, look low toward the western horizon just after sunset. You will see a beautiful, waxing crescent moon passing extremely close to a bright, reddish “star”—that is the planet Mars! It’s a wonderful sight that requires absolutely no binoculars.
  • The “Strawberry Moon”: The next full moon peaks on May 31st. Traditionally known by early Native American tribes as the Strawberry Moon, it marked the time of year when the wild strawberries began to ripen.
  • Spot the Space Station: Because the sun never dips far below the horizon in June, it is the best time of year to spot the International Space Station (ISS). It looks like a very bright, fast-moving star gliding silently and steadily across the sky (usually taking about 3 to 4 minutes to cross).

Thank you to everyone who contributed pieces to this Gazette. If you would like to submit something for next month’s issue, please email .

Famous Pianist to Play at the Hall

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Due to a chance encounter last year, Alan and I met Michael Allen Harrison, the internationally renowned pianist and composer. He was staying at the Pig Hotel in Gittisham with members of his family, and we have kept in touch ever since. He is returning to the UK for a series of concerts in Oxford before travelling on to Vienna, and in the interval between these engagements he will be staying with us.

Very generously, he has offered to give a free concert in our Village Hall, having been made so welcome in Gittisham last year. The concert will take place on Saturday, 16th May, with doors opening at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Michael plans to play a selection of his own compositions alongside works by Chopin, Gershwin, and John Lennon — a wonderfully varied programme.

As mentioned, the concert is free of charge, and light refreshments will be available to purchase during the interval. Michael cowrote the music for the musicals Prometheus and Soul Harmony, and served as musical director for the film Claire of the Moon.

I do hope you will be able to join us. It would be lovely to see you, introduce you to Michael, and to share a relaxing evening together in our newly decorated hall, which will be set with tables, candles, and a warm friendly atmosphere.

Betty

Gittisham Gazette April 2026

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Gazette Logo

April 2026 — Produced for the Parish Council and St Michael’s Church

Gazette Updates

The Gazette is getting a bit of a digital spruce-up. By moving to this new automated email system and website format, we can get village news, beautiful photos, and event updates out to you faster and more reliably than ever before. Please subscribe to our mailing list on the website https://gittisham.org.uk/subscribe-gazette/

However, before we look to the future of the Gazette, we must take a moment to look back and offer our deepest gratitude to Carol Hall.

Carol has been the editor, creator, and driving force behind the Gazette for the past few years. Her hard work, dedication, and love for our community have kept us all connected, informed, and entertained. As Carol steps back from the editor’s desk to enjoy a well-deserved rest, we want to say a massive thank you on behalf of the whole village. Carol, the Gazette wouldn’t be what it is today without you!

We need your voices! While the look might be a bit different, the heart of the Gazette remains exactly the same: this is your village newsletter. We want to fill these pages with your stories, updates, and announcements.

Do you have:

  • A summary of a recent village event?
  • Announcements for the Parish Council or Church?
  • Beautiful photos taken around the parish?
  • A bit of local history or a gardening tip to share?

Please send your pieces, ideas, and photos directly to our new email address: .

Thank you for reading, and here is to the next chapter of Gittisham news!

Warm regards,

The Gazette Team

Green Gittisham: No Mow May & Helping Our Local Wildlife

At our Parish Council meeting last week, we had a really inspiring discussion about how we can work together to make Gittisham a little more environmentally friendly and support our fantastic local wildlife.

We are looking at a few initiatives and would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can make our parish a haven for nature!

Pledging a Patch for “No Mow May” Next month marks the return of the national “No Mow May” campaign, which encourages people to lock up their lawnmowers for the month to let wildflowers bloom and provide vital nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Don’t panic! You do not have to let your entire garden turn into a wilderness. If you love a neat lawn, perhaps consider just leaving a small “wild patch” in a back corner, letting the edges grow out, or leaving a strip of grass untouched. Even a one-meter square of wild grass can produce enough nectar to feed hundreds of bees a day!

Owl Boxes and Hedgehog Highways Beyond the lawns, we are exploring other ways the parish can support our wildlife. One idea discussed was building and installing owl boxes around the village to support our beautiful local barn and tawny owls.

We are also thinking about encouraging “Hedgehog Highways” (making sure there is a small CD-sized gap at the bottom of garden fences so hedgehogs can roam safely at night) and building bug hotels.

We Want Your Input! How can we make Gittisham greener?

  • Do you have an idea for an environmental project we could tackle as a village?
  • Would you be interested in a community afternoon where we build bird boxes or owl boxes together?
  • Are you planning to leave a wild patch in your garden this May?

We would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, and ideas. Please email us at or have a chat with any of the Parish Councillors. Let’s see what we can achieve together!

What’s On?

-Village Hall

Open Bookings

  • Tuesdays – Tai Chi & Quigong 09:50 am- 11:10am
  • 3rd Tuesday of the month- Yoga 18:15
  • Wednesday – Folk Dance Club 7pm
  • Thursday- Community Kitchen 18:30
  • 2nd Sunday of the Month Pierre’s Cafe 10am

Hire the hall: https://gittisham.org.uk/village-hall/hire-the-hall/

Committee Events

  • 25th April Coffee and Cake 2.30 – 4.30
  • 9th May Quiz. 7pm
  • 11th May Village Hall AGM 7pm
  • 16th May Piano concert. International Pianist Michael Harrison  6pm
  • 30th May coffee and cake 2.30 – 4.30
  • 6th/7th June Flower Festival 
  • 21st June Father’s Day BBQ
  • 27th June  Coffee and Cake. 2.30  – 4.30pm
  • 11th July Band Night.  Exeter Street Band 7pm
  • 1st August Flower and Produce Show
  • 29th August Coffee and Cake 2.30  – 4.30
  • 5th September Fete
  • 28th November Christmas Craft Fair, expressions of interest in tables being taken 
  • 28th November Christmas Bingo 7pm for 7.30pm 

–Church

  • 22nd April 7 pm is APCM, in the church, anyone welcome to sit in until our PCC meeting afterwards!
  • St Michael’s, Gittisham Sunday April 26th Holy Communion at 11am
  • Natter and Nibble at Gittisham Farm May 9th
  • Flower festival June 6 th & 7 th With refreshments in hall & entertainers performing!
  • 200 Club Winners April
    • 1st Prize              £75       Karissa Marker
    • 2nd Prize             £50       Helen Hayman
    • 3rd Prize              £25       Alan Broom

Events are also listed here: https://gittisham.org.uk/whatson/

Holy Dusters Needed
Can you spare a little time at your convenience?
Cleaning products are in the church by the vestry door.
Thank you.    

Gittisham Village Hall Monthly Update

Village Hall
What an exciting month March has been at the Parish Hall! A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported our events – it’s been wonderful to see such a fantastic community spirit.

Our BIG Breakfast which we put on to celebrate National Village Halls Week marked our first venture into a morning event, and what a start it was! It certainly put both our new kitchen and the committee through their paces, but we’re delighted to say the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Encouraged by your support (and appetites!), we’re already gathering ideas and volunteers to plan the next one.

We also enjoyed a lovely coffee and cake afternoon, which proved a big hit with many of you, offering a chance to relax, chat, and indulge in some delicious homemade treats. And of course, who could forget our epic Easter Bingo! With a hotly contested raffle and plenty of excitement throughout the evening, it was a true highlight. Special mention must go to our very own professional bingo caller Marty, who continues to be a much-loved village legend!

Looking ahead, we have a change of pace with a quiz night planned for May 9th– a great opportunity to test your knowledge and enjoy a fun evening with friends and neighbours.

We will also be holding our Parish Hall AGM soon (May 11th). We warmly encourage you to come along, hear all about what we’ve been up to over the past year, and learn more about our plans and hopes for the future. Your ideas, support, and involvement are what keep our hall thriving.

Thank you once again for your support and being part of such a vibrant community – we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Young Councillor of the Year Finalist

Last month, I had the honour of travelling to London as a finalist in the Star Council Awards, in the Young Councillor category. It was a really special experience, and something I feel very grateful to have been part of.

I would like to sincerely thank Gittisham Parish Council for putting me forward for this nomination — it means a great deal to have that support. Being recognised in this way reflects not just my own efforts, but the strong sense of community we are fortunate to have here.

It is genuinely a pleasure to serve Gittisham. I feel very lucky to be part of such a kind, supportive village, where so many people quietly give their time to help others and keep things going.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to making Gittisham what it is — I’m proud to play a small part in it. – Alex

Flower and Produce Show 2026

Flower and produce images

A Little Bit of “Dirty” Fun!

Get ready to dig deep and show us what you’ve been growing behind closed doors! Whether you’re a master breeder or a first-time fumbler, we want to see your best bits on August 1st.

We’ve got a category for everyone, so don’t be shy:

  • Vegetables: We know size isn’t everything, but who will have the longest runner or the biggest cucumber?
  • Flowers: Show us your sweet peas and your impressive spikes! (Please ensure your pansies are floating comfortably in clear water).
  • Homecraft: Is your lemon drizzle moist enough? Looking for a date? The Date and Walnut Cake is nutty, moist, and guaranteed to satisfy. Remember, we want to see if you can truly make your pie and eat it.
  • Men Only: Can you handle the Drunken Sunken Chocolate Cake, or will it all end in a soggy bottom?
  • Potatoes: If you haven’t started yet, get your hands on Sue and David’s buckets—everyone loves a good tuber.

Don’t just stand there clutching your walking stick—come and show the parish what you’re made of!

Schedule available here: https://gittisham.org.uk/events-directory/flower-and-produce-show/

Hall Kitchen Refurbishment

Old Kitchen
New Kitchen

Before and After

Thanks to a £20,000 national lottery grant from the community fund and the hard working efforts of the committee and the lovely community. The new village hall kitchen is complete! 

We had a fantastic opening ceremony in February where Sue Fallows kindly cut the ribbon declaring it open!  Thank you everyone

Sue cutting the ribbon for the new kitchen

Whose home is this? Utalising the umbrella holder for their gardening tools!

Email in

Gittisham Fete is on Saturday 5th September 2026 

We need as many helpers as possible please get in touch with Alex, 

Returning for 2026 is the Gittisham Parish Scarecrow Competition!
Get your thinking caps on!

Parish Council Updates

PARISH COUNCIL – APRIL 2026 REPORT

Six councillors met for the April meeting, along with one member of the public.

EDDC report.

Alasdair Bruce (EDDC) sent a report in his absence, saying that potholes have been dominating his inbox of late.  He said he had experienced six separate road closures the day before, two of which were diversions from main roads and ended in closures further along.  He said he would be writing to Devon County Council demanding urgent action around what appears to be an unplanned and uncoordinated approach to the state of our roads.

There may be a vote later this month at full council with a view to garner a statement that a tourist tax will not be imposed by EDDC, Alasdair Bruce reported.  He has reservations around any tax, including how much impact this may have on the already struggling tourist industry, both positive and negative. Secondly, he said it is not always clear where any collected revenue would go and who would oversee it. If it was properly ring-fenced for purely supporting the industry, it could be used to improve and upgrade facilities used by tourists and locals alikesuch as public toilets.  However, he feared that a tourist taxmay get absorbed into a general fund with little money, if any, targeted in such a way that will benefit visitors who pay it. 

Crimes.

January 2025

Longlands Way: 1 x other theft

Finance.  Members agreed the finances.

Climate change.

Councillors decided on various small ‘wins’ that would reflect the parish council’s commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change.  It was agreed to buy some owl boxes, and we would like to hear your suggestions of where they can be installed. Councillors are also hopeful of organising a bird box making session and a nature-type event in the village play area.  The parish council will be promoting no-mow May next month; this is turning into an annual event that allows wildflowers to bloom, providing vital nectar for pollinators and increasing biodiversity.

Emergency plan.

Councillors discussed buying a salt spreader for the parish, and mulled over various different models.

Bus shelters.

The Chair said Michael Poll had done an excellent job in sprucing up the village bus shelter, adding some shelves and painting it inside and out.  It’s hoped the Vale bus shelter can get similar treatment in the near future. 

Road closures.

04–22 May 2000-0600hrs Construction / Improvement/Upgrading – A30 westbound and eastbound,Daisymount to Turks Head junctions.

14 May 0930–1530. Road through Alfington closed for Openreach pole test.

Carol Hall.

This was Carol Hall’s last meeting as Chair, as she has tendered her resignation as a parish councillor.  All present thanked Carol for her outstanding service to the local community and dedication in leading the parish council, and said she would be greatly missed.

Next meeting.  14th May 2026 at 7.30pm in the parish room.  This is also the annual parish meeting.  All welcome.

Gittisham Sky Watch: What to look for this April

As the spring evenings begin to draw out, April offers some fantastic stargazing opportunities right above the parish. If we get a clear night, step out into the garden and look up:

  • Catch the Evening “Star”: Venus is returning to our western evening sky this month. It is incredibly bright and easy to spot just after sunset. On the evenings of April 18th and 19th, look west to see a beautifully thin crescent Moon sitting right alongside Venus—a perfect photo opportunity!
  • The Lyrid Meteor Shower: The first major meteor shower of the year peaks on the night of April 22nd (into the early hours of the 23rd). Caused by dust from Comet Thatcher, you might see up to 18 “shooting stars” an hour. Tip: The moon will set just after midnight, meaning our dark Devon skies will be perfectly pitch-black for meteor spotting in the early hours.
  • The “Pink” Moon: We already had our Full Moon right at the start of the month (April 2nd). Traditionally known as the “Pink Moon” after the early spring wildflowers, it was also the Paschal Moon, which determined the date of Easter this year! Our next full moon will be the “Flower Moon” on May 1st.

Flower and Produce show 2026

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2026 Gittisham Flower & Produce Show: A Little Bit of “Dirty” Fun!

Get ready to dig deep and show us what you’ve been growing behind closed doors! Whether you’re a master breeder or a first-time fumbler, we want to see your best bits on August 1st.

We’ve got a category for everyone, so don’t be shy:

  • Vegetables: We know size isn’t everything, but who will have the longest runner or the biggest cucumber?
  • Flowers: Show us your sweet peas and your impressive spikes! (Please ensure your pansies are floating comfortably in clear water).
  • Homecraft: Is your lemon drizzle moist enough? Looking for a date? The Date and Walnut Cake is nutty, moist, and guaranteed to satisfy. Remember, we want to see if you can truly make your pie and eat it.
  • Men Only: Can you handle the Drunken Sunken Chocolate Cake, or will it all end in a soggy bottom?
  • Potatoes: If you haven’t started yet, get your hands on Sue and David’s buckets—everyone loves a good tuber.

Don’t just stand there clutching your walking stick—come and show the parish what you’re made of!

Schedule available here: https://gittisham.org.uk/events-directory/flower-and-produce-show/

Gittisham Parish Council Local Plan Submission

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EDDC LOCAL PLAN 2nd REG 19 CONSULTATION

SUBMISSION BY GITTISHAM PC

This is the submission that was made on behalf of Gittisham Parish Council.

The consultation period has now expired.

“The Gittisham Parish Council has consistently challenged the allocation of land for residential and industrial development on land to the west of Hayne Lane. The GPC have submitted as part of the 1St  Reg19 consultation a wide range of objections to the allocations Gitti-03/04 and 05.

The lack of detailed and robust infrastructure and viability assessments  to support the delivery of proposed allocations has been an area of concern which has been previously raised by Gittisham Parish Council directly with EDDC. It is clear that sustainability has been sacrificed in order to meet housing and employment targets.

The additional evidence now provided as part of the 2nd Reg 19 Consultation raises additional concerns regarding the allocation of residential and industrial land in unsustainable locations.

It is also noted that an updated East devon Local Plan Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) has been submitted as additional evidence as part of 2nd Reg 19 consultation. 

The opening comments within that document state:

Infrastructure delivery is fundamental to supporting sustainable development. Strategic and well-planned infrastructure ensures that new developments contribute positively to community needs and objectives. Developments lacking appropriate infrastructure risk being suboptimal or unacceptable and may result in environmental harm. Comprehensively understanding infrastructure requirements and establishing robust delivery mechanisms is crucial for substantiating the Local Plan, informing planning documents, guiding Community Infrastructure Levy allocations, and supporting broader council initiatives.

It is against the background of this statement together with the additional evidence to be found in the Waste Cycle Study Nov 2025 (additional evidence to support 2nd Reg 19 Consultation) that Gittisham Parish Council wish to reaffirm in this 2nd Reg 19 Consultation the objections previously made to the proposed allocations Gitti-03/04/05, and to submit that Honiton is not a sustainable location for the level of residential and industrial development being promoted.

Prior to the publication of the Water Cycle Study (WCS) the Environment Agency (EA) in response to the EDDC Sustainability Appraisal (Feb 2025 page 77) expressed concerns about the Sustainability Appraisals “limited focus” on “….sewage capacity”. They also advised policies (in the new Local Plan) should “require proof of sewage infrastructure adequacy prior to any development approval” and also that “policies must explicitly tie development phasing to infrastructure delivery”. These concerns have now been confirmed.

It is submitted that the findings contained within the Water Cycle Study together with the concerns of the EA, seriously undermine the likelihood of the Honiton allocations coming forward within the plan period. Looking in detail at the Water Cycle Study the current waste discharges into the River Otter at Honiton are significantly exceeding capacity and, that to meet the requirements resulting from the housing allocations alone at Honiton (including Gitti-05) would require an increase in capacity at the Honiton STW  of 73%. That capacity would also have to be increased further as a result of the 15 ha industrial allocation at Gitti-03/04.

It is notable that there is an absence of any SWW investment programme to provide any improvements at the Honiton STW. The level of investment required to address existing and future demands cannot be financed from developer contributions alone. Given the current and projected capacity issues at this STW together with the absence of any investment strategy by SWW, and in parallel with other known existing infrastructure deficiencies, it is submitted that Honiton cannot be regarded as a sustainable location for the scale of development that the Local Plan is promoting.

Although the IDP and WCS are not part of the emerging Local Plan the IDP is “crucial for substantiating the Local Plan” (IDP para 1.2). Given its shortcomings the IDP clearly fails to perform this “crucial” task and, consequently challenges the soundness of the Local Plan.

In the absence of there being a clear and robust viability assessment for each of the major Honiton allocations and particularly those allocations Gitti-03/04/05, and in the light of the new evidence, in particular the IDP and WCS, forming part of the 2nd Reg 19 Consultation, the Gittisham Parish Council continues to raise its objections to the continuing allocations of Gitti-03/04/05 for employment and housing purposes and to object in general to Strategic Policy SD03 : Honiton and its development allocations, as the evidence supports the opinion that Honiton is not a sustainable location for the scale of development proposed.”

Cllr David Valentine

February 2026

Welcome Pack for New Residents

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Compiled by Councillor Pester, Gittisham Parish Council is delighted to release this welcome guide for new residents. We hope this helps you settle into our wonderful parish! If you would like a physical copy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Welcome Pack

Gittisham Village Hall Report 2025

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As this year draws to a close we wanted to reflect on the extraordinary year it has been!

Over the past 12 months, our village hall has been quietly building sustainability and whole

community engagement, having had some success with grant applications with both Devon

County Council and the National Lottery. We’ve gone greener with solar panels, warmer with

full window replacements to double-glazed units and loft insulation, and safer with new secure

doors. Inside, the toilets have enjoyed a refresh with a fresh coat of paint and shiny new hand

dryers, while behind the scenes a commercial fridge is already in place, and a freezer is on its

way (cool news indeed). Outside, the garden has had a glow-up too, with new shrubs,

colourful perennials and over 1,000 bulbs planted—expect a springtime showstopper. We have

also added some new benches, one that will accommodated users in wheelchairs. We’re also

part-way through installing a brand-new commercial kitchen, due to be finished early in the

new year. And we’re not stopping there: plans are already lined up to carry this great work

into 2026, with painters ready to give the main hall itself a fresh new look.

It’s been a truly buzzing year on the social front, with a packed programme of events that

were all enthusiastically supported (thank you for keeping the kettle permanently busy).

Burns Night was a sell-out, the much-anticipated Cabaret more than lived up to expectations,

and Easter Bingo proved that competitive instincts don’t take holidays. We fired up the grills

for a fabulous Father’s Day BBQ, enjoyed an exciting live music event, shortly followed by

our own Open Mic night, and welcomed well-attended evening talks from local speakers. The

Village Fete drew visitors from far and wide—and quite possibly set a hall record for cups of

tea served in one afternoon. Add in quizzes for the fiercely competitive and the cheerfully

clueless, our much-loved coffee and cake afternoons, a lively Christmas Bingo, and a

wonderfully supported Christmas Craft Fair for local makers: it’s fair to say the hall has

been full of laughter, conversation, and community spirit all year long.

Alongside our packed calendar of organised social events, the Parish Hall has continued to be

a popular choice for private hire, playing host to family parties, pop up restaurants, milestone

celebrations and last year, 3 glorious weddings!

It’s wonderful to see the hall so well used -clearly its not just a building, it is where the

community choose to come together to celebrate

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our wonderful local community for the

continued support throughout the year, including the local business community who have

gifted many items making these projects possible. From turning up in great numbers to our

events, to lending a hand setting them up and clearing away and helping with the ongoing

improvement works at the hall, your time, energy and enthusiasm make everything possible.

The village hall truly thrives because of the people who use it, support it and care about it –

and we couldn’t do it with you!

We’re already busy behind the scenes putting together a fun-filled programme of events for

the year ahead. Much-loved favourites will be making a welcome return, alongside some

exciting new ideas that we can’t wait to share with you. It’s shaping up to be another great

year at the village hall, with something for everyone – so keep an eye out for dates, dust off

your diary, and get ready to join in the fun!

Gittisham Fete Report 2025

by

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

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


Attendees also enjoyed a variety of other attractions, including classic cars and live blacksmithing demonstrations  from Gittisham’s very own forge.
A brief pause in the rain allowed for the highly anticipated Dog Show, judged by Maryanne from Vale Vets. The competition was fierce, with many great entries making for some very tough decisionns. A particularly amusing moment came during the “Best 6 Legs” category, which was won by Len, who in a display of true British grit, was sporting shorts despite the downpour.


The Dog Show took place in Will’s field, which was also home to more stands. These included the Poetry stand, where Anne created a fantastic poem about the event, which was read out the following day.
There was also the popular Goat-O-Booth, where both children and adults got selfies with the gorgeous goats.



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


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

Finley was recognized as a true star, assisting with everything from setup and parking to radio commentary and the final rescue of the winning duck.
Thanks to the community’s support, the fete raised just over £2,000, a fantastic achievement given the weather. The funds will go towards the maintenance of the Church and the Village Hall, two key community buildings.


The fete will return next year on Saturday, September 5th, 2026. More details about the event will be announced in the new year.
There are also lots of great events coming up in the Gittisham Village Hall soon. Be sure to check the Gittisham website and Facebook page for more details,
The success of the fete was made possible by the hard work of the many volunteers, parishioners & bakers, also the generous support of the sponsors, including the Parish Council, Carter Dawes, Combe Estate & Shermans Farm, Vale Vets, The Pig, Combe Garden Centre, Otter Nurseries, Joshuas, Devon Vale, Hare and Hounds,  Norman Lockyer Observatory, Heron Farm, and OneStop Shop.
– Alex Rowe & The Gittisham Fete Committee
Images by Alex, Robert, Toni, Carla, Gary, Stella & Damian