VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford’s Community Warden Paul holds a weekly surgery to discuss any problems and community issues at the School House, High Street, every Tuesday between 11am and 12 noon.  He can also be contacted on 07813 713366.  

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Kent Group of the British Iris Society together with Christian Aid are holding an Iris Show and sale of gifts and plants at Otford Methodist Church hall between 12 noon and 4pm on Saturday (May 12).  Entrance is free and refreshment, including light lunches, will be available.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Art Group is holding an Open Morning between 10am and 12 noon next Tuesday (May 15) at the Methodist church hall.  There will be paintings and cards on sale and entry is free.     

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There will be a community walk and picnic at Oxenhill Woods at 2pm on Saturday May 26.  You are welcome to go along as a family and take a picnic if the weather is good.  There will be nature walks, leaf rubbing, identification of wild flowers and trees and orienteering or you can just take a stroll in this lovely woodland area.   

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
If you would like a programme of Otford’s official Jubilee Events this is obtainable from Otford Parish Council offices, High Street, or via the village website.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet at 9.30am on Thursday May 16 in the Memorial Hall for their AGM together with Phoenix cards and Jewellery therapy.  There is a crèche and your first visit is free.  For more details contact Julie Stevens 01732 450618.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meet tonight at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall for their AGM and resolutions.  For more information contact Sandra Thomas 0208 402 4634.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford & District Historical Society meet on Wednesday (May 16) for their final meeting of the Winter programme and Mike Rawcliffe will talk about Bromley: Market Town to Suburbia.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Library is holding a craft activity session between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday May 19.  This is a free activity session but booking is advisable to secure a place.  If you have any gold paper do take it along.      

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
On Saturday May 12 from 12 noon to 4pm Otford Methodist Church will again be joining with the Kent Group of the British Iris Society for a joint event to raise funds for Christian Aid.  There will be an Iris show, plant sale, gift and cake stalls.   Light refreshments, including light lunches will be available.  All welcome. Admission Free.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI is holding their Annual Meeting at 7.30pm on May 10 in the Memorial Hall when a new committee will be formed and the Resolutions for 2012 will be discussed.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Kent Dahlia Society May plant sale is being held on Saturday (5th) in the Memorial Hall between 9.30 and 11.30am, admission is free, and refreshments will be available.  On sale will be bedding plants, vegetables, annuals, shrubs, perennials and dahlias.  Everyone welcome. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Junior Photographic Competition.  As part of their Autumn Show on Saturday September 8, Otford Gardeners’ have a junior photographic class which is open to all under 16’s. The title of the class is ‘A Sporting Event’.  Photographs may be up to 18cm x 12cm and must not be mounted.  For further details contact Janet Finney 01959 523760 e-mail gardeners@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Parish Council is having a blitz on dog fouling on pavements, the recreation ground, the Petanque area, the allotments and the tennis courts.  The message is always pick up after your dog.  The dog warden has been made aware of the situation and will be patrolling the ground and issuing fines to offenders.  No warning notices will be issued you will simply be fined.  As well as very young children making their way to the outside play area many clubs use the recreation ground for football and cricket matches as well as to exercise.  There are plenty of bins available please use them and do not throw the bags into the hedgerow.  If the situation does not improve dogs will have to b kept on leads and could even be banned altogether from the recreation ground.  Don’t ruin it for everyone else just pick up please and dispose in the binds provided.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Bethany Crawley’s informal music concert is on Saturday (5th) at 3pm in St Bartholomew’s church with refreshments available afterwards.  The programme will include pieces for flute, piano (cello) and voice.  Tickets £7, children £5 available on the door or from Bethany 01959 525128 tootyflute@hotmail.co.uk.  Bethany, as a member of the churches Young Peoples Fellowship is going on a trip to Ghana in July with SABRE Trust (Saving Africa by Rural Endeavour) and needs to raise funds to get herself there and to pay for the project work she will be doing.  SABRE has plans to build a children’s play area at a junior high school along with other community work. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford has successfully secured £3,000 from Sevenoaks District Council’s Big Community Fund to refurbish the play area at Hale Lane Recreation Ground.  The Big Community Fund enables people from the local community to bid for money each month for community projects. The play area will be fenced and have five pieces of equipment including a climbing frame, different types of swing, a gravity bowl roundabout and a multi-activity toddler zone.  The Big Community Fund was one source of funding for this work the remainder coming from the Parish Council itself, Kent County Council and the SITA Trust.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford was well represented at the London Marathon on Sunday with both Mark Castleton and Marc Jenner running for Hospices of Hope.  Marc was dressed in a 7ft man made Bagpuss outfit. Oliver Postgate, creator of the popular children’s television series, Bagpuss, was a great supporter of the Romanian hospice and the children’s wing in Brasov is named after the loveable creature. Oliver, who passed away in December 2008, gave Hospices of Hope the right to use the Bagpuss name and character in their fundraising efforts. 
Another Otfordian running was Jon Drake who ran for children’s charity WellChild.  WellChild, the national charity for sick children, are working to ensure that seriously ill children and young people have the best possible quality of life through their innovative programmes of Care, Support and Research.
If you would like to donate visit the Justgiving website or drop your donation into Hospices of Hope in the High Street marked with the runners name.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A full, pull out, programme of Diamond Jubilee events being held in Otford between Saturday June 2 and Tuesday June 5 will appear in the May edition of the Otford Parish Council Newsletter and in the meantime events are listed in the April edition and on the Parish Council website www.otford.info/parishcouncil.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society meet at 8pm on Tuesday May 1 in the Memorial Hall when local film maker Barbara Darby will give a guided video tour of ‘Gardens around the world’.  Admission is £1 for non members and the admission price includes refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet at 9.30am today (26) in the Memorial Hall when Irene and John Palmer will talk about Darwins Orchid Bank.  There is a crèche and your first visit is free.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet tonight (26) at 8pm in Otford church hall, High Street, with Carol Hewson calling to recorded music.  The cost is £1.50. which includes tea or coffee and biscuits.   All kinds of mixed folk dances are on offer with a caller calling the dances to recorded music.   All are welcome.  Whether you have little or no knowledge, the caller will give help and your fellow dancers will also assist you.   The emphasis is on friendly enjoyment rather than perfection.   If you would like more information please ring Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Embroiderer’s Guild meet on Saturday (28) in the Memorial Hall with the morning session starting at 10am and the afternoon at 2pm.  The afternoon talk entitled ‘Wonderful Cloth Dolls’ is by Ray Slater and the day will end at about 4pm with tea and cakes.  For further details contact Sylvia Grafton 01732 542117.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Bethany Crawley a member of St Bartholomew’s church Young Peoples Fellowship, is raising funds for a trip to Ghana in July with SABRE Trust (Saving Africa by Rural Endeavour).  During her trip there are plans to build a children’s play area at a junior high school, along with other community work and to raise funds for this trip there will be an informal music concert in the church on Saturday May 5 at 3pm with refreshments available afterwards.  The programme will include pieces for flute, piano, cello and voice.  Tickets, £7 children £5, are available from Bethany 01959 525128, email tootyflutei@hotmail.co.uk or to buy on the door. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations there will be an exhibition in the Memorial Hall on June 2 and 3 of life in the village over the last 60 years.  Artefacts and photographs that illustrate daily life, events, sport, fashions and crazes over the six decades of the Queen’s reign are being requested and if you belong to a club or society perhaps they would like to mount their own display at the exhibition.  All items will be returned to you at the end of the exhibition.  If you can help contact Ken Gunderson 01959 522709 or Ed Thompson 01959 525969  ed@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There will be no June meeting for Otford Gardeners’ as it clashes with the Jubilee Bank Holiday but they will, as usual, have a stall at the Village Fete.

You are invited to join the Gardeners on their coach trip down to the Secret Gardens of Sandwich on Saturday June 16. As an alternative for those who are not horticulturally inclined, there will be a drop off in the lovely seaside town of Deal. The coach will leave Otford pond at 9.30 and return to Otford at around 6pm. For prices and tickets please contact Janet Finney on 01959 523760 or e-mail gardeners@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Annual Assembly of the Parish will be held in the Memorial Hall on May 21.  Refreshments will be served from 7pm and the meeting commences at 7.30pm.  All Parish sub-committees will be reporting on their activities during the past year as will village clubs, teams and organizations.  For an opportunity to find out how the village ticks put a note in your diary to go along. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
If you are interested in visiting our twin village of Hardelot in France during the weekend of June 9 & 10 then contact Jane Lawrey 01959 522360 or any other member of the Twinning Association Committee as soon as possible.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Library’s next free craft activity session is on Saturday.  To book a place ring 01959 522488. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Cricket Club who run two teams each Saturday and one each Sunday are seeking new members.  All abilities are welcome.  For details contact Peter Richardson 01732 848633 or Jonny Pyman 01959 524409.

New members are also being sought by the Colts.  If you are interested go along to their registration day on Sunday April 29 at 4pm or contact Mark or Angie Stevens 01959 523881 for further details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The summer term for Yoga classes in the church hall starts next week on Tuesday 17.  Beginners and all abilities welcome.  Classes start at 7.30pm and cost £8 per lesson. 
For further details and to reserve a place contact Brenda Hambrook 01959 525969 or visit www.otfordyoga.co.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Parish Annual Assembly is being held in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on May 21 with refreshments being served from 7pm.  This is your chance to ask questions about what is happening in the village and to hear reports from village organisations.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There is another opportunity to visit Hardelot, Otford’s twin village in France, for the weekend of June 9 & 10 by car, with overnight hospitality, or to visit for the day on Saturday June 9 by coach with opportunities to walk, paint, visit nearby places of interest, horse ride, play tennis, indulge in retail therapy or to sit or play on the lovely long sandy beach.  A knowledge of French is not essential.  If you are interested contact Jane Lawrey 01959 522360 or any other member of the Twinning Association Committee as soon as possible.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Library is offering a free craft activity session between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday April 21, making paper people. Take along the middle of loo or kitchen rolls if possible.  To book a place ring 01959 522488.  Other regular events include Baby Bounce & Rhyme Time Monday mornings between 11 and 11.30am, Talk Time Mondays between 11.30 and 12.30pm, Story Time, term time only, Tuesday 2.15-2.45pm, and Computer Buddie Tuesday 2 to 4pm, booking essential.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meet tonight at 7pm in the Memorial Hall for their birthday meeting.  For more information contact Sandra Thomas 0208 402 4634.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Darent Valley Choir will be singing on Saturday at 7.30pm at the Methodist church, The Drive, Sevenoaks.  Tickets available from Sevenoaks Bookshop and on the door.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Cricket Club have been preparing for the new season using the indoor nets at St Michael’s school sports hall every Sunday evening.  They run two teams on a Saturday and one on a Sunday and all abilities are welcome.  For details contact Peter Richardson 01732 848633 or Jonny Pyman 01959 524409.

Otford Cricket Club Colts coaching for boys and girls from 7 to 15 will begin on the recreation ground on Sunday May 6.  Coaching continues through to the end of July.  The club will be running Colts teams for all age groups from under 9 to under 15 and new members are welcome to attend the registration day on Sunday April 29 at 4pm.  If you are interested in joining a thriving and successful club contact Mark or Angie Stevens 01959 523881 for further details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
West Kent Archaeological Society is holding an Opening Evening from 7pm on Wednesday April 11 in the Memorial Hall.  Light refreshments will be provided together with the opportunity to see what studies have been undertaken in the local area.  This event is open to everybody and there is no entrance fee.  See what the Society do and if you are interested get involved with some community archaeology, no experience necessary.  WKAS was founded in 2009 and offers opportunities for the general public to discover and understand their local heritage by getting involved in community archaeology.  More details from Sally Sabin 01732 462932.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Your friendly yoga class starts a new term at Otford church hall on Tuesday April 17.  Classes are held weekly between 7.30 and 9.00pm and cost £8 per lesson.  Beginners and all abilities are welcome.  For further details and to reserve a place contact Brenda Hambrook 01959 525969 (www.otfordyoga.co.uk).

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
As a result of their recent very successful Fairtrade Café Otford Brownies have sent a cheque for £170 to the Fairtrade charity.  Please drop any Sainsbury’s Active Kid vouchers and Tesco for Schools and Clubs vouchers into their collecting boxes located in the Parish Office. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI’s annual birthday meeting is starting at the earlier time of 7pm on April 12. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The organising committee of the Bank Holiday Monday Village Fete are seeking volunteers to help with the set-up of the ground on Sunday June 3 and early on the day itself, June 4.  A great deal of organisation is required with such a large community event and involving more people lessens the burden on the reliable few.  If you could offer your time please contact patty.chatterjee@virgin.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks RSPB branch is meeting at 7.45pm tonight in the Memorial Hall for their AGM and a talk on ‘Futurescapes’ about landscape scale conservation in the South East.  Members £2.50, non –members £3.50.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist churches Wednesday afternoon women’s fellowship will not be meeting on April 11.  For details of this fellowship contact Rosemary Cracknell 01959 522325.