VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meets tonight (Thursday) to dance to recorded music with Margaret Browning calling. All are welcome to a friendly evening of all types of folk dancing in the Church Hall, High Street, opposite The Bull PH, from 8pm to 10pm. The caller runs through each dance beforehand and calls the dance as it progresses and the emphasis is very much on enjoying the dance rather than technical perfection. The cost for the evening is £1.50 which includes coffee and biscuits. More information from Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The new centre at St Bartholomew's Church is now complete thanks to the generosity of many. If you would like to see inside you are warmly invited to pop in for tea or coffee and biscuits between 6.30-8.30pm Monday to Friday 3rd-7th September. There will be the opportunity to watch part of a new DVD about the history of the church and 'Building On' Project.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Fox and Hounds Folk Club is every Monday at 8.30pm with a wide variety of performers and music. To find out more please contact Phil 01959 525428 www.myspace.com/foxandhoundsfolk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI’s still have a few places at their fund raising Quiz Night Saturday September 22, 7.30pm at The Scout Hut, take long your own drinks and nibbles. To pre-book a table of 6-8 people, at £5 per head, or to join with others, contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Kent Dahlia Society is holding its annual show in the Church Hall this Sunday. The show is open to the public between 2 and 4.30pm and blooms will be sold at the end of the afternoon. Admission is free and there will be a tombola and refreshments, including homemade cake. For further information please contact Shirley Winters 01732 847560.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Little Oast, High Street, will be open to the public next Sunday (9th) from 2-5pm as part of the National Gardens Scheme which last year raised over £115,000 in Kent for their beneficiary charities. Little Oast is just past The Horns PH in a private drive but please park in the village or Catholic church, car parks. This tranquil and peaceful garden has taken over 50 years to become what it is today full of mature trees, plants, ferns, grasses and scrubs with 3 summerhouses and a pond. Enjoy your tea and cakes in one of the seats in secluded corners. Admission £2.50, children free, visitors in groups of 10+ also welcome by appointment with Pam Hadrill 01959 523637.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks branch of Cancer Research is holding a Table Top Sale in the Memorial Hall between 10.00 and 2.00pm on October 6th . If you would like to book a table, at £6 each, then please ring Julie Ford 01959 533126.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church welcomes everyone to a cafe evening showing film clips and enjoying coffee and cakes this Sunday in their new church halls. Contact Kath Pawlett 01959 522196 for details. Their next 10 week ALPHA course starts soon in the new halls covering the basics of Christianity beginning with an introductory evening at 7.15pm for drinks and a meal followed by talk and discussion on Thursday September 27th. For further information please contact Kath Pawlett or Kate Baxter 01959 523687.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
August Bank Holiday Folk and Blues Festival is at the Fox and Hounds, Romney Street, starting at 9.00pm on Saturday with TY, Ayesha and Chris who play West Coast, Folk and Americana music. There are two performances on Sunday 26th one at 1.00p.m. featuring Bagge and Armer with Blues guitar and what boasts to be the finest harp player in the land and Fiddlefit at 6.00p.m. with folk club favourites in every style imaginable. On Monday 27th the Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play at 1.00pm, Danny Kyle and Pete Shaw with wonderful blues guitar are at 4.00pm and the Folk Club starts at 8.30pm with Missouri Gutts a great new Americana trio. Contact Phil 01959 525428 for further information www.myspace.com/foxandhoundsfolk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI’s fund raising Quiz Night is on Saturday September 22nd at 7.30pm at The Scout Hut. You can pre-book a table of 6-8 people, at £5 per head, or to join with others, but do take long your own drinks and nibbles. For further information please contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Autumn Flower and Craft Show by Otford Gardeners’ Society is on Saturday September 8th from 2.15pm admission 50p. Exhibits will include seasonal vegetables and fruit, flowers, potted plants, cookery, flower arrangements, photographs, art and handicrafts. The Junior Challenge Cup will be awarded for the best crop of tomatoes grown by a junior entrant and these should be taken to the Memorial Hall between 9.30 and 11.30am on the day. If you would like to compete in the Allotments Association’s sponsored Open Class of a trug, basket or tray, not exceeding 24”x25” (60cmx38cm), of at least 5 varieties of vegetables for kitchen use the contact the secretary on 01959 523760 for an entry form.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Cancer Research, Sevenoaks Branch, is holding a Table Top Sale in the Memorial Hall between 10.00 and 2.00pm on October 6th and tables are available at £6 each. Please ring Julie Ford 01959 533126 to book.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church welcomes everyone to a cafe evening showing film clips and enjoying coffee and cakes on Sunday September 2nd. Please go along and see them in their new church halls for an informal evening or ring Kath Pawlett on 01959 522196 for more details. The church is also about to run an ALPHA course in the new halls. It is a 10 week course which covers the basics of Christianity beginning with an introductory evening on Thursday September 27th entitled, Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant. The evening begins at 7.15pm for drinks and a meal, followed by a talk and discussion finishing no later than 9.45pm. For further information please contact Kath Pawlett or Kate Baxter 01959 523687.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church welcomes everyone to a cafe evening showing film clips and enjoying coffee and cakes on Sunday September 2nd. Please go along and see them in their new church halls for an informal evening or ring Kath Pawlett on 01959 522196 for more details. The church is also about to run an ALPHA course in the new halls. It is a 10 week course which covers the basics of Christianity beginning with an introductory evening on Thursday September 27th entitled, Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant. The evening begins at 7.15pm for drinks and a meal, followed by a talk and discussion finishing no later than 9.45pm. For further information please contact Kath Pawlett or Kate Baxter 01959 523687.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford - the past in pictures
This book published by the Otford & District Historical Society has been added to the Otford village gallery. A limited number of copies are still available from the Parish Council / Heritage Centre for £5.
If you have any information on the pictures shown, please do 'Add a comment' using the gallery facility.
Also, any other pictures you may have of the village would be very welcome. You can 'Register' and 'Upload them direct' .. any queries, please contact info@otford.net.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Remembered 1907
A community event sponsored by the Otford Society and the Otford Players:
Otford Remembered 1907 - A commemoration in words, vision and song.
Otford Village Memorial Hall, Saturday 15th September 2007 - 6.30pm.
Supper included. Tickets £8 (children half price) Otford 522709 or 522856.
A4 poster ... thanks Gordon

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Beer Fest - Rising Sun, Twitton
Come along to the Rising Sun, Twitton, Beer Fest August 17/18/19 2007 with a fantastic selection of Real Ales:
(Brewer/Beer)
- Dark Star/Over the Moon
- Spectrum/Dark Fantastic
- Millstone/Three Shires
- O'Hanlon/Gold Blade Wheat Bear
- Orkney/Red Macgregor
- Jarrow/Jobbling Swinging Jibbett
- Cottage/Silly Mid Whippet
- Westerham/Freedom Ale
- Harviestoun/Navigator
- Westerham/Little Scotney Bitter
- Hopback/Summer Lightning
Friday 17th, from 4pm - Steaks available (booking advised)
Saturday, 18th from 12noon - Hog Roast around 6.30pm
Sunday, 19th from 12noon - Ploughmans Lunches
Contact Sue / Colin 01959 525489 Rising Sun, Twitton Lane, Otford Kent [more]

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI's fund raising Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy Sale is this morning in the Methodist Hall between 10.00a.m. and 12.00 noon and you are warmly invited to go along or, if you would like more details, please ring Betty Medhurst 01959 522406.
They are also holding a Fun(d) Raising Quiz Night on Saturday September 22nd at 7.30pm at The Scout Hut. To pre-book a table of 6-8 people, at £5 per head, or to join with others, please contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156. Take your own your own drinks and nibbles.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society’s Autumn Flower and Craft Show is on Saturday September 8th from 2.15p.m. admission 50p. Anyone who has made a flowerpot man using a flowerpot or flowerpots of plastic or clay, or grown tomatoes for the Junior Challenge should take their entries to the Memorial Hall between 9.30 and 11.30am on the day for judging. The Allotments Association is sponsoring an Open Class, with 3 prizes, at the show of a trug, basket or tray, not exceeding 24”x25” (60cmx38cm), of at least 5 varieties of vegetables for kitchen use. Please contact the secretary on 01959 523760 for an entry form.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Stained glass creator and designer Stoney Parsons was the speaker at Otford Evening WI’s August meeting and her colourful slides showed the various styles of her work, from the Art & Craft Movement designs to abstract themes of flowers, water and sunlight. She uses only hand-blown glass and her creations for windows and door panels showed what a wonderfully talented artist she is.
Next month the curator of Smallhythe Place will be telling members more about that fascinating Victorian actress Ellen Terry so if you are interested please go along and join them at 7.30pm on September13th at the Memorial Hall.
A very few tables remain to be snapped up for their Boot Fair on September 22nd. At only £9 a table it is a chance not to be missed if you are having an autumn clear out and want to rid yourself of unwanted items. Ring Diana on 01959 522981 for more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Players are holding auditions for their next production, ‘My Friend Miss Flint', at 8pm on Friday 7th and Tuesday 11th September in the Methodist Hall. This production will be staged on March 13th, 14th and 15th next year in the Memorial Hall and more information can be obtained from Chris Masson 01959 522637.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
If you can spare a few hours each week then why not volunteer to work in Hospices of Hopes new antique shop, or their coffee shop, in the High Street to help raise vital funds for terminally ill children and adults in Romania. If you would like more information please telephone 01959 525110 about the antique shop or 01959 524322 about the coffee shop.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meet tonight at 7.30 in the Memorial Hall when Stoney Parsons will take along some of her lovely stained glass. Do go along as you would be most welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Allotment Association have been entertaining the Chipstead Art Group for the last two weeks as their beautiful site was selected as their subject and they have been lucky enough to sit and paint in the sunshine! More information on this Group is available from Marianne Shelton on 01959 522371, or if you are interested in taking up allotment gardening this season please contact Barbara Hine 01959 525468

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Aikido, a defensive martial art, is taught every Tuesday between 8.00-10.00p.m. in the Scout Hall, Station Road, and you are invited to go along and see for yourself, or for more information ring 01959 522011/07889 321643 or visit www.otfordaikido.co.uk. The club has recently received a grant from the Lottery Fund which has enabled it to buy the necessary equipment to increase the practice area within the hall and, as a result, is looking to increase its membership to anyone over 16, male or female, who would like to take up a defensive Martial Art.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Auditions for the next Otford Player’s production, ‘My Friend Miss Flint', are being held at 8pm on Friday 7th and Tuesday 11th September in the Methodist Hall. The play will be directed by Barbara Hine and involves the financial problems of a TV presenter, the Inland Revenue, and efforts by some characters to help or hinder. This production will be staged on the 13th, 14th and 15th March next year in the Memorial Hall and more information can be obtained from Chris Masson 01959 522637.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI are holding a Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy Sale between 10.00a.m. and 12.00 noon on Thursday August 16th for the WI Denman College Appeal and warmly invite you to go along or, if you would like more details, please ring Betty Medhurst 01959 522406.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
All aspects of the City of London feature in Stuart Robinson free talks and slide show and he is also available to guide walks which aim to provide interesting and entertaining commentary to an area of the City, describing buildings, events and personalities who shaped the history of this great metropolis from Roman times to the present day. These walks take about 2 hours and are available from 1st September. If you would like more information please contact Stuart on 01732 762942 or email sciprobinson@yahoo.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospices of Hope are hoping that you might like to volunteer to work for a few hours in their new antique shop in the village to help raise vital funds for terminally ill children and adults in Romania. If you would like more information, or wish to donate antiques and bric a brac please telephone 01959 525110

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Goshinaikikwai Aikido Club Otford is based in the Scout Hall, Station Road, and recently received a grant from the Lottery Fund which has enabled it to buy the necessary equipment to increase the practice area within the hall. As a result the Club is looking to increase its membership to anyone over 16, male or female, who would like to take up a defensive Martial Art.
Aikido is based on circular movements by which an attacker's aggressive force is turned against itself. Aikido exercises the whole body, it teaches and develops flexibility, co-ordination, balance and quick reaction and is an effective method of self defense. Go along on a Tuesday from 8.00 - 10.00 pm and see for yourself, or for more information ring 01959 522011/07889 321643 or visit www.otfordaikido.co.uk

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
If you are interested in talks and walks about the City of London then Stuart Robinson would like to hear from you. Stuart is offering free talks with slide shows on all aspects of the City of London including one entitled Curiosities of the City of London which is about an hour long and poses some interesting questions. He is also available to guide walks which aim to provide interesting and entertaining commentary to an area of the City, describing buildings, events and personalities who shaped the history of this great metropolis from Roman times to the present day. These walks take about 2 hours and are available from 1st September. If you would like more information please contact Stuart on 01732 762942 or email sciprobinson@yahoo.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society, on behalf of the Parish Council, is holding a Front Garden Competition with preliminary judging taking place throughout August. The competition is based on front gardens that would take the eye of a stranger to the village without having to peer over or around a hedge, fence or wall. You are encouraged to chat to the judges if you see them as they are all very friendly.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Mini Tennis Club is holding Summer courses at Russell House School for the under 5’s, 5-7’s and 7-8’s offering an opportunity to develop skills. These courses are on Thursdays between today and 16th August and booking forms can be colleced from the Parish Council office and Heritage Centre or ring Mary Evans on 01959 523701 or 07781 653936 for more details or visit their website www.otfordminitennis.co.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Breakpoint Tennis are holding courses for 7-16 year olds at Otford Lawn Tennis Club for the first three weeks of the summer holidays between 9.45am and 12.45pm more details from Jo Sharp 01580 212871 or booking forms are at the Parish Council Offices.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI are visiting Bedgebury Pinetum on August 16th with their children and a picnic and if you would like to go along or find out more about this young WI then please contact Barbara Craig 01732 454693.