How do you think Johnny’s legacy should be used?
The John Griss Charity has decided to ask every parishioner in Clayhidon what they think should be done with the generous bequest to the parish two years ago.
Published: 18 February 2022
John Griss left his rather rundown cottage in the Bolham Valley to the parish when he died, as well as his land, some 40 acres, and five lakes or ponds that he built himself and stocked with fish.
He made no stipulations in his will as to how his bequest should be managed, only that it was for the benefit of the parish of Clayhidon.
Not surprisingly there have been many different viewpoints as to what should happen and because of the pandemic there has been no chance of a public meeting.
So now the charity formed by Clayhidon Parish Council has agreed to write to everyone in the parish and seek their views. Current arrangements only last until December this year so important decisions have to be taken soon.
Registered Number 1193024
Can we have your thoughts and ideas?
The John Griss Charity was formed when the late John Griss left his entire estate to the parish council for the benefit of the parish of Clayhidon. The parish council formed a charity to administer this generous legacy. The trustee of the charity is the parish council and is represented by the 7 elected parish councillors. It held an Open Day at the lakes last year and shared with you its proposed plans to develop Rose Cottage with a local developer. Many of you attended the event and talked with councillors about ideas for the future of the inherited assets (Rose Cottage and Hartsmoor Lakes and land).
The existing agreements to manage the lakes and land expire at the end of the year and so the charity needs to consider what it should do with the assets over the longer term and how the assets might benefit the parish.
If you have any ideas or suggestions or perhaps would like to be more involved with the charity please email the clerk to the charity using the email below.
Please send your suggestions/ideas etc. to the clerk by 14th March 2022, at Park Farm, Dunkeswell, Honiton, Devon EX14 4RN, or email thejohngrisscharity@gmail.com
Charity Update
Rose Cottage
A planning application to demolish Rose Cottage and build a row of 3 terraced houses has been delayed whilst various wildlife surveys are completed. The scheme includes the redevelopment of the developer’s Brethren Chapel, next door to Rose Cottage.
If planning permission is granted, the charity would look to own two of the terraced houses, which might be rented at affordable rents to local people.
At this stage no decision has been made on how the charity might proceed with Rose Cottage and it will obtain legal advice to ensure it complies with any Charity Commission regulations/guidance.
Hartsmoor Lakes
Mike Leigh-Mallory is continuing to manage the lakes on behalf of the charity until December 2022.
A specialist engineer inspected the fishing lakes and has produced a report giving the charity advice on how best to mend the temporary fix to the outlet pipe on Greensands Lake. The charity intends to follow his advice and recommendations. Firstly, it involves arranging for a specialist company to CCTV the outlet pipe to pinpoint the exact location of the temporary fix. It then hopes to grout up the old outlet pipe and install a new outlet.
The Environment Agency (EA) conducted a bathymetric survey of Greensands Lake which provided much valuable information, including confirmation that the current water volume of 24,186m3 does not fall under the Reservoir Act. This is good news for the charity as it does not have to concern itself with the extra compliance and regulations that would result if the management of the lakes were governed by this act. However, it should be pointed out that if the capacity reduction enacted in Wales in 2016 is implemented within England (which could happen in the next 5 years) then the Greensands Lake would need to be registered under the Reservoirs Act.
Later this month, the otter fencing will be erected around the syndicate lake to protect the fish from predators. A small grant from the Angling Trust helped towards the cost of the fencing.
Mr Leigh-Mallory has been asked to put forward his proposals for the long-term future of the lakes for the charity to consider.
At this stage no decision has been made on how the charity might proceed. Options include selling the lakes, keeping the lakes, or leasing the lakes, and it will obtain legal advice to ensure it complies with any Charity Commission regulations/guidance.
The land
The charity is leasing the land to local young farmer Rob Burridge until December 2022.
The charity was successful with its application to the Rural Payments Agency for the land to be included in a Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier Scheme. This means it will be able to receive grant monies towards tree maintenance, hedge laying and some fencing.
The land was damaged when various pieces of heavy agricultural machinery were removed following an auction. The charity is liaising with the purchaser with regard to reinstatement of the land.
East Devon Hunt has been told that it does not have permission to use the land.
At this stage no decision has been made on how the charity might proceed with selling the land, keeping the land, or leasing the land and it will obtain legal advice to ensure it complies with any Charity Commission regulations/guidance. As above
General Admin
The estate has now been settled and all monies transferred to the charity. The charity awaits confirmation from the land registry that the assets have been registered. The charity’s financial year-end is March 2022 and AC Mole have been appointed to prepare the accounts and tax return.
The charity plans to meet bi-monthly to move things forward.
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