News

There was a big cheer from one table at the Tally Ho in September when Nicki Hawkins won second prize in the Littlehempston Lottery. She was with friends from Hemsford Barns enjoying a meal and the monthly quiz set by landlord, Mike Joiner.

Ruby took time off from waiting on tables to draw out the ball for the first prize of £111, which went to a very happy Jennie Montgomery.

Thanks to all who took part – this draw raised a very welcome £139 for the Community Space, which was a huge help in paying energy bills. You can find details on how to enter the December draw on the Littlehempston Lottery page.

The Parish Council has been exploring the possibility of three new permissive paths that might enable a safer walking route from the village to the south side of the A381 by going under the main road. At present getting between the two public rights of way on either side of the A381 involves walking along the road for several yards and crossing over it on a blind bend. Walking from the village to Gatcombe without going a fair way up Ackrells Hill currently involves walking up the lane to the bus stop, and then across the viaduct. Devon County Council will not permit road speed restrictions or crossings.

The Parish Council has now made an agreement with landowners for a new permissive path from the Pig and Whistle car park, along Gatcombe Brook, to the existing public footpath that crosses the field to Ackrells Hill. The route is now signposted and officially up and running (Permissive Path 2 on the attached location map).

Two agreements are currently in process with landowners for two additional separate permissive paths. One path (Permissive Path 5 on the attached location map) will join the above path (Permissive Path 2) and create a route from the Littlehempston village road across a field to a potential new wooden footbridge over Gatcombe Brook. The second path (Permissive Path 1) will spur off from Permissive Path 2 under the A381 and join the existing Public Right of Way Footpath that runs from the A381 to the Gatcombe Road. Both the paths require some physical infrastructure (bridge and gates) before they can be operational.

Littlehempston Parish Council has discussed and agreed with landowners to fundraise for a footbridge over Gatcombe Brook, which the Parish Council will own and insure.

The three new routes – once connected up – will enable access under the A381 to the two existing Public Rights of Way that currently require crossing the dangerous Totnes – Newton Abbot A381 road.

Consultation has taken place with Devon County Council, South Hams District Council, The Ramblers Association, the landowners, and the Parish Council. All are in favour of this solution. The new Permissive Paths will provide an opportunity for more people to have safer walking and open up good views of the spectacular grade II listed Gatcombe Viaduct.

The bridge across Gatcombe Brook would be from Devon County Council’s bridge supplier.

Applications for grants have been made to South Hams District Council who have given £380 and Devon County Council who have offered £200. Applications for funding have been made to the Devon Community Fund, South West Water Community Fund and the Lottery Fund. The bridge will cost about £4,500 to buy and install (less if volunteer labour is available). The Parish Council has set up a GoFundMe fundraising page and The Ramblers’ Association has very kindly offered to match any funds raised through the GoFundMe page up to £1000 and possibly more if the above grant applications are unsuccessful.

If you would like to donate to the bridge – click on this link to access the GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/gatcombe-brook-bridge-for-new-permissive-path

You can also copy the link and send it to anyone that you think might want to support the project.

It is hoped that sufficient funds will be raised and the project completed by the spring 2023. If the project does not raise the funds required any donations via the GoFundMe page will be returned (less the small GoFundMe commission).

If you would like any further information please contact Littlehempston Parish Council Clerk – Mark Eyers 07513 464756.

Information on Public Rights of Way, Permissive Paths and the differences between them can be found on this Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rights_of_way_in_England_and_Wales
and this government page:
https://www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land

Fancy a bit of ping pong in the Space in the church? There’s a table tennis table languishing at the back of the nave – once well used, it is now gathering dust, so unless somebody would like to start using it regularly, it will be sold to free up space. Please get in touch if you either fancy playing regularly with friends or family, or if you’d like to buy the table for your home. It could be a smash hit.

We sang and danced in the sunshine at the end of August, as those talented local musicians Broadband returned to entertain at the open-air concert in the Community Orchard. First up, as we settled onto our rugs, was Dave Lewis, a very talented jazz guitarist from Landscove, followed by Littlehempston local, John Garner, and his son Nick who entertained with songs and guitar. Then came Broadband, belting out a great mix of old rock classics, whilst we drank Pimms, ate delicious home-baked cakes and savouries … and danced under the shade of an apple tree. This year we were up against the final day of the new Totnes Music Festival as well as the Dartmouth Regatta, but despite that lots of people came, including passersby who could not resist the music.

Thanks to the wonderful Broadband and all who helped make this such a fun event (and raise £500 into the bargain) including Mike the Generator Man, the strimmers, the Gazebo Team, Stall holders, Admissions and Car Park Teams!