In 1922, the Marquess of Northampton granted ownership of a property within the village of Cotleigh to a group of Trustees for them to “…..use the income, rents and profits from that property in any manner which the Trustees may in their absolute discretion deem conducive to the spiritual, moral, intellectual or physical well-being of the inhabitants of the Parish of Cotleigh….”
Nearly one hundred years later, the Trust still exists and in September 2020 four new Trustees were appointed to replace the existing Trustees who wished to step down. The new Trustees are Len Spiller, Ian Piper, Janet Patch and John Woollacott.
Given the restrictions caused by the pandemic, the new Trustees have had limited opportunity to meet and it has taken longer than usual to arrange the transfer of the Trusts bank accounts etc. to the new Trustees. This work is now complete.
The current assets of the Trust comprise an amount of invested cash plus ownership of the playing field adjacent to the village hall. Although the new Trustees have only had limited time to assess the overall state of affairs, it is evident from the income and expenditure of the Trust for 2020 that income from investments did not fully cover the expenses of managing the playing field and associated children play area. As it stands, this means the fund has fallen below a level that is ‘self-sustaining’ and even if we only meet minimum obligations in respect of the playing field, the fund will diminish over time.
In light of this, the Trustees have discussed and agreed on an approach to utilisation of the Trusts funds going forward. The Trustees have agreed that any future utilisation of funds should be toward items that can potentially benefit the whole community, rather than individuals or small groups.
Should anyone have a great idea that would benefit the wider community please do let any of the Trustees know and it will be considered.
The Trustees can be contacted on email at piper500@btinternet.com
Thank you.

The Devon & Cornwall Office of Police and Crime Commissioner has circulated the following link for sharing with members of the public in England and Wales so they can  report suspected Covid-19 breaches to the police.

https://www.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/v7/tell-us-about-a-possible-breach-of-coronavirus-covid-19-measures/

Information from EDDC 11/1/21:

Coronavirus Community Support Hub

We’re continuing our Coronavirus Community Support Hub, which can provide support and guidance to residents in need. Residents can ask for help using our online form: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/community-support/coronavirus-community-support-hub/ or by calling 01395 571500 (the same number as before).

The Coronavirus Community Food Fund

Our food fund is open to applications from you: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/community-support/coronavirus-community-food-fund/

It gives quick grants of between £500 and £2,500 for projects related to providing food to residents of East Devon who are in food poverty during Coronavirus. Projects can include, for example:

• A food bank whose stocks of items are running low and they need an immediate donation to enable them to restock.
• A foodbank that needs different items to what they have, for example if they need nappies or cleaning products that they aren’t receiving through donations.
• New equipment / resources that allow groups to have the capacity for the increased number of people needing their food related service.
• A service providing hot meals delivered to the homes of vulnerable people, children or adults, who might otherwise not have a hot meal.
• Costs related to collecting food donations and delivering food to those in need.
• Training of staff and volunteers working on food related projects.

It can be used to fund eligible capital (so for physical things like equipment) and revenue costs (so for things like training, petrol costs).

Financial Hardship Fund

If residents are struggling to afford food or other essentials, ask them to fill in our online application form: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/benefits-and-council-tax/information-financial-hardship-fund/ Help available includes access to emergency short term support through shopping vouchers, food bank referrals, utility top ups, paying for essential travel needs, or essential advice and support services, or referrals to apply for Benefits.

Residents newsletter

If you haven’t already done so, you’d probably find it really useful to sign up to our residents newsletter, and encourage residents to sign up as well to get the latest updates from us: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKEDDC/subscriber/new  

 

The Harvest Festival service will be at St Michaels on Sunday 3rd Oct at 11.15am.  Everyone is most welcome.

During this uncertain time please do keep an eye on your neighbours, offer to get shopping or prescriptions if you are going to town for those that are self-isolating or socially distancing themselves.  The Kings Arms, Stockland and The Sidmouth Arms, Upottery are offering a takeaway service and selling essentials such as eggs, milk, toilet rolls etc.  If anyone needs support or help with anything please do contact Nigel & Sharon Young 01404 831300, Chris & Tessa Henley 01404 831028, Martyn & Gillian Broom 01404 831498, Sarah and John Lilley 01404831813 or Kerry Kennell on 01404861129.