VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RSPB Sevenoaks Group is holding an indoor meeting tonight (Thursday) at 7.45pm in the Memorial Hall. David Darrell-Lambert will give an Illustrated talk with slides entitled What’s that Noise? There will also be photographs on display plus explanations and examples of the calls of various British birds, mammals and amphibians. For more details contact 01959 563530 or email anneanddave.chapman@virgin.net

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Library invites you to go along and join in the fun and listen to some stories every Tuesday between 2.15 and 2.45pm Mums and Babies are also invited to join in their Baby Bounce and Rhyme Time session every Monday morning between 11.00 and 11.30am where you can play with the toys and sing along to some rhymes.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rockdale fund raising events continue with Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday March 13 at 7.30pm. 16 couples have been learning to dance since November ready for the Strictly Come Dancing Competition which is being held at Walthamstow Hall school. Tickets cost £12 including a welcome drink and canapés and a voting slip to vote for the best couple. There will be special lighting and professional dancers as well as a bar and the evening will follow along the lines of the BBC Programme with Judges and Announcers. A local celebrity is also taking part and The Italian Wardrobe, Tunbridge Wells, are providing all the dresses. For tickets either email: lynn.tier@rockdale.org.uk or telephone 01732 458762 or 468650.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Responses received to the Parish Plan questionnaire.
A presentation of all the results of the Parish Plan questionnaire was held on Saturday, 30 Jan 2010 at the Memorial Hall. It was very well attended but because of the volume of written comments many people asked if we could put it onto our Parish Plan site so they could study at leisure.

These are organised into a sub-forum Questionnaire Results within the Otford Parish Plan forum, under the headings:

1. A Safe Community - (A) Home
1. A Safe Community - (B) Roads and Pavements
2. A Caring Community
3. Having a Green Environment
4. Living in a Healthy Environment
5. Supporting a Dynamic Econcomy
6. A Sustainable Economy for Otford
7. Facing the Future
8. Older Persons Concerns
9. Young Peoples Concerns

You are warmly invited to read these and, if you wish, give any feedback.

“I would like to make a difference ...”
The results of the Parish Plan questionnaire have revealed certain concerns that residents of Otford would like resolved. They are listed in these sections, together with ideas for improving things. The purpose of a Parish Plan is to find ways to improve the quality of life for all who live in the parish and tackle problems which are perceived to exist. As a volunteer, you can join one (or more) of the ‘action groups’ involved with this work. Please complete the attached form, highlighting the headings you are particularly interested in. Then add your contact details etc. at the end of this form and we will get in touch with you.
Application form to join an Otford Parish Plan Action Team

Thank you. Rod Shelton, Chairman, Otford Parish Plan Committee.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Netball Club
The club has been established for many years and now has almost fifty members from Year 4 to Year 10.

We have training on a Monday night at Bradbourne School for Girls. Years 4 to 6 meet from 5 until 6.30 and Years 7 and above from 6.30 until 8.

We have five teams entered into the Sevenoaks Netball League and all players have a chance to take part in matches. We are always looking for new members to join our existing squad, we are a very friendly club and completely non selective. If you love to play that is all you need. We try to keep the costs down the fees currently are £70 for a full year, winter and summer league and a £3 match fee when you play in league games.

We are now launching an adult netball session just for exercise and fun on a Monday night again at Bradbourne School, time to be arranged. We can then work towards entering a team of adults into the league along with some of our older girls.

If you are interested in any more details either for our youth teams or adult teams please contact Angela Dadson 07770 884382 or netball@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The 1940s Society meet at 8pm tomorrow (29) in the Memorial Hall for An Evening with Humphrey Jennings presented by Carol Harris. Humphrey Jennings produced and directed some outstanding documentary films of the 1930’s & 1940s. His wartime films for the crown film unit are masterpieces and his social documentaries give a glimpse of the ordinary people. Carol Harris will be showing excerpts of many of his films and talking about the huge contribution he made to both the war effort and the documentary film movement.

Carol Harris is a journalist, speaker and author who specialises in the history of fashion in the 1930s and 1940s. She is the author of many books including, ‘Collecting Fashion and Accessories’ and ‘Women at War: The Home Front’. Carol has also contributed to exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum. The Society is delighted to have Carol coming to speak and welcomes you to what they are sure sill be a fascinating evening. Admission £3.

Further details from Ian on 01732 452505 or visit the website at www.1940.co.uk

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Enrol your child for a free two week trial at Otford’s Kumon Maths and English study centre between January 21 and February 20.

Maki Bates Kumon centre in the Memorial Hall is open every Tuesday and Friday between 3.30 and 6.00pm and is suitable for children of all ages and abilities. Kumon can help your child improve their ability in Maths and English, and encourage them to become independent learners, improve their concentration, develope good study skills and boost their confidence.

There will be a group information session at 4.30pm on Friday February 5 call 020 8333 9550 to book your place or to arrange an alternative time.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Citizens Advice Bureau hold monthly surgeries at the Parish Offices in the High Street on the first Tuesday of the month between 10am and 12 noon. These surgeries provide the opportunity for local people to seek advice, in confidence, on financial, legal, benefits and family problems. If you would like advice then go along and see them, no appointment is necessary. If you are unable to attend a surgery then the CAB can be contacted on 01732 457958.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society is holding a Cheese and Wine Evening on Tuesday February 2 in the Memorial Hall from 8pm. This is their first social evening of the year and the admission price of £2 includes a glass of wine or a soft drink and a buffet supper.

For details of all events please contact the Society Secretary, Janet Finney on 01959 523760, e-mail gardeners@otford.net or visit their website www.otford.info/gardeners.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Memorial Hall - Fund-raisers coming up soon!
Two more fundraisers have been organised for Village Hall funds. All profits from both events will go towards improving the facilities in the Hall.

The first is a 60's, 70's and 80's disco on Saturday 30th January from 8.00pm until midnight. There will be a licensed bar and a prize for the best costume (although fancy dress is not compulsory!). Tickets are just £7.50 per person and are available by either calling 01959 525181 or e-mail ovmh.manager@otford.net. No children under 11 years please.
[ Disco Event Poster ]

The second event will take place at 8.00pm on Saturday 20th February and will feature Ian Keable, one of the UK's leading Corporate Entertainment Magicians and Mind Readers - the Winner of The Magic Circle Comedy Award 2008/09. Ian reads minds and does magic tricks: but all done in a humorous presentation. Tickets are just £8.00 for adults and £5.00 for children. Family ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £21.00. Ian recommends that the event is attended only by children of 12 and over – not because the comedy is risqué but those under that age may not understand the humour! Again, tickets are available by either calling 01959 525181 or e-mail ovmh.manager@otford.net.

Please support these events and help the Village Hall to continue to provide an excellent facility for those many groups and clubs who meet there. We look forward to seeing you at one (or both!) events!

PARISH COUNCIL - JAN NEWSLETTER
The January edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Duck Sponsorship, Guide Christmas Post, Police Surgery, Otford Community Warden, KCC Grant, 'This is what you said', Village Hall Fundraisers, Otford & District Historical Society, 'We need friends', Otford Oast WI, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Evening WI, Otford Bridge Club, Otford & District Wine Club, Table Top Sale, Otford Methodist Wednesday Afternoons Women‛s Fellowship, Hatha Yoga Class, New T‛ai Chi and Quigong Classes, Bartholomew Concert, Children‛s Events at Otford Library, Otford Methodist Church, Knole DFAS, Sevenoaks DFAS, Sevenoaks Embroiderers‛ Guild, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery and Planning matters.

You can contact the Parish Council at The School House, 21 High Street Tel: 01959 524808, e-mail parishcouncil@otford.net with office hours 08:30 - 12:30 Mon to Fri.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Guides would like to thank all who supported the 2009 Christmas Guide Post Box in Otford Library and the Parish Council Office. These raised a total of £372.60 which has been divided between the girls’ chosen charities St John Ambulance Kent and Bradbourne Riding for the Disabled Association. They apologise for any late delivery of cards due to the adverse weather conditions. Thanks also go to Angela in the Library and Sue and Barbara in the Parish Office for helping and to Gerry Froggatt who continues every year to print the stamps and posters.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford & District Historical Society meet on Wednesday January 20 when Edwin Thompson will talk about ‘All change at Otford Junction’.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There is still time to book tickets for Otford & District Wine Clubs Burns Night on Wednesday January 27 in the Memorial Hall. The evening starts at 8p.m. and is free to paid-up members but guests will be charged £6. Ring the Secretary on 01732 761359 if you would like to attend.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church's new ALPHA course starts on January 27 with a meal followed by a video and discussion. For more information call Brian Pawlett 01959 522196 or Kate Baxter 01959 523687.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
On January 15 at 7.30pm Fidelity Weston’s talk ‘The Living Landscape Project’ starts at 7.30pm at the Jeffrey Harrison Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, previously known as the Wildfowl Reserve, and costs £3 per adult and £1 for the under 16’s. Fidelity has lived in the Sevenoaks area all her life and her involvement with the Trust started in the 1990s when she ran a Wildlife Watch group from her families organic farm in Underriver, south of Sevenoaks. Her local links and community involvement have been instrumental in promoting the Living Landscape Project. For more information contact David Nimmo on 01689 828831 or davidwnimmo@tiscali.co.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford & District Wine Club are holding their Burns Night on Wednesday January 27 in the Memorial Hall. The evening starts at 8p.m. hosted by their favourite Scotsman, with the velvet voice, Frank Haggarty, who will address the haggis and perform all the mysterious offices pertaining to a traditional Burns Night. Frank will lead the singing and there will be some Scottish dancing. As well as haggis, there will be oatcakes, and other seasonal refreshments. The evening is free to paid-up members but guests will be charged £6. Ring the Secretary on 01732 761359 if you would like to attend.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet tonight in the Church Hall, High Street, opposite the Bull dancing to recorded music. The club meets every Thursday from 8pm to 10pm and all are welcome for a friendly evening of all kinds of folk dancing. There is a caller for each evening who runs through each dance beforehand and calls as the dance progresses The emphasis is on enjoying the dance rather than technical perfection. The cost for the evening, including tea/coffee and biscuits, is £1.50. For more information contact Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Country Market is held every Friday between 2pm and 3pm in Eynsford Village Hall, opposite the Castle Pub selling fresh vegetables, savouries, cakes, plants, bread, preserves and crafts.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Citizens Advice Bureau hold monthly surgeries at the Parish Offices in the High Street on the first Tuesday of the month between 10am and 12 noon. These surgeries provide the opportunity for local people to seek advice, in confidence, on financial, legal, benefits and family problems. If you would like advice then please go along and see them, no appointment is necessary. If you are unable to attend a surgery then the CAB can be contacted on 01732 457958.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church is starting a new ALPHA course on January 27. If you are wondering “Does God Exist” and if he does, what are the questions you might like to ask, you are invited to join them and explore Christianity together over a meal followed by a video and discussion. For more information call Brian Pawlett 01959 522196 or Kate Baxter 01959 523687

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Library invites you to join in the fun and listen to some stories at their Storytime every Tuesday at 2.15 to 2.45pm. Mums and Babies, are also invited to join in their Baby Bounce and Rhyme Time Session every Monday morning at 11.00 to 11.30am where you can play with the toys and sing along to some rhymes. All Welcome and it's free.