NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
God’s Wallop Christmas 2007 - 4.3% ABV
Westerham Brewery is delighted to announce the launch of its Christmas beer. This year’s God’s Wallop is a FAIRTRADE beer, joining the William Wilberforce Freedom Ale as one of just three FAIRTRADE beers available on draught in the UK.

God’s Wallop combines pale ale, amber and dark crystal malts with FAIRTRADE Demerara sugar from Malawi, in an Old Ale style beer using 100% Kentish hops. Once again the beer is pitched at 4.3% ABV.

God’s Wallop is available throughout December. [more]

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Guide Christmas Post Box is in its 25th year and Guides and Brownies will deliver cards in Otford village.

The stamps have been designed this year by the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and all the proceeds will be divided between Hospice in the Weald and Valence School Children’s Wish List.

The post box is in Otford Library until Tuesday December 18th and a second box is in the Parish office Monday to Friday 8.45 to 12 noon. Stamps cost 20p per card and all the money goes to the charities. Please support them by posting early and make this 25th year a great success.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society / RADIO’s road safety survey forms are still available from Jeff Lee on 01959 525225 or via jeff.lee@waitrose.com. If you haven’t already done so please contact Jeff to obtain a form and details of how to return it.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Christmas Bazaar at Otford Primary School Saturday December 1st between 12.30pm and 3pm.

Stalls for all the family including Toys, Books, Toiletries, Tombola, a Raffle, Santa’s Grotto and refreshments.

Entrance 70p with all money raised used to fund school projects.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RADIO Christmas party and disco, Saturday December 15th Otford Memorial Hall 9pm till late.

60/70’s disco, free mulled wine and nibbles, licensed bar.

Tickets £5 each available from Keith 07798 767770 or Bryan 07733 228828.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club are dancing tonight (Thursday) to The Footnotes and all are welcome to a friendly evening of all types of folk dancing in the Otford Church Hall, High St. (opposite "The Bull") from 8pm to 10p.m.

The caller runs through each dance beforehand, and calls the dance as it progresses, with the emphasis on enjoying the dance rather than technical perfection.

Entrance £1.50 which includes tea or coffee and biscuits. Just go along or ring Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Village Fete committee’s AGM is tonight from 8pm in the Memorial Hall.

The committee is looking for new members as well as volunteers to help on the day. For more information please contact Tracey Rowe 01959 523642.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Christmas Social tickets are still available from Otford and District Wine Club's Secretary 01732 761359, Treasurer 01732 885356 or Olive Cherry 01732 458240.

The Social will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday December 8th from 7.15pm

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners Association fun quiz evening is on Tuesday December 4th in the Memorial Hall, doors open 7pm quiz starts at 7.30, take your own refreshments.

Tickets £2 per head with a maximum of six people to a table. Book a table from Janet Finney 01959 523760 e-mail gardeners@otford.net or turn up on the night.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Chevening Primary School is holding its Christmas Fair on Saturday December 8th between 12.00 and 2.30pm.

Tickets are still available for the raffle and if anyone would like to purchase some please contact Jane Hardy 07788 105271. Tickets cost £1 each and first prize is a much sought after Nintendo Wii.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Road Safety Survey of Otford is being carried out by the Otford Society and RADIO, as the start of a campaign to make life safer for all, but especially pedestrians of all ages, on the village’s roads and footways as reported in the October 25th edition. The organisers would like to thank all those who have completed a survey form but, if you haven’t yet done so, copies are available from Jeff Lee on 01959 525225 or via jeff.lee@waitrose.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Primary School PTA is holding a Christmas Bazaar at the school between 12.30 and 3pm on Saturday December 1st. There will stalls for all the family and refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RADIO have unfortunately had to change the date of the AGM to Tuesday December 4th, 8 pm at the Methodist Hall in the High St. They hope that as many people as possible will be able to go.

The event of the Christmas season will undoubtedly be the RADIO Christmas Party and Disco, Saturday December 15th Otford Memorial Hall 9pm till late. 60/70’s disco, free milled wine and nibbles, licensed bar. Tickets £5 each available from Keith 07798 767770 or Bryan 07733 228828.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club will be dancing to The Footnotes on Thursday November 29th and all are welcome to a friendly evening of all types of folk dancing in the Otford Church Hall, High St. (opposite "The Bull") from 8 to 10 p.m. The caller runs through each dance beforehand, and calls the dance as it progresses, with the emphasis on enjoying the dance rather than technical perfection!

The club meets every Thursday, dancing is usually to recorded music and always with an accomplished caller - usually resident caller Eddie. The cost for each evening is £1.50. which includes tea or coffee and biscuits. For more information please contact Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Christmas Bazaar in the new hall of the Methodist church this Saturday 10am until noon. There will be a variety of stalls and you can enjoy a cup of coffee while having your car washed.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club’s Christmas Social is on Saturday December 8th at 7.15pm in the Memorial Hall and tickets can be obtained from the Secretary 01732 761359, the Treasurer 01732 885356 or Olive Cherry 01732 458240.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Fun seasonal fun quiz evening by Otford Gardeners Association, Tuesday December 4th in the Memorial Hall, doors open 7pm quiz starts at 7.30, take your own refreshments. Tickets £2 per head with a maximum of six people to a table. Book a table from Janet Finney 01959 523760 e-mail gardeners@otford.net or turn up on the night.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Scout Supporters would like to thank all those who attended their bonfire on November 5th and made it another great success. Over £1400 was raised for the continued refurbishment of the scout hut and special thanks go to Otford Dry Cleaners, Copus, The Crown and Magnum Interiors for their support and help.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
The Otford Village Fete AGM is being held on Thursday 29 November at 8pm at the Otford Memorial Hall. Please come and support the committee. We are always looking for new members or volunteers. For more information please contact Tracey Rowe on 01959 523642 or tracey_rowe@btinternet.com

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford’s front garden competition, judged throughout August, was won by Roger and Dawn Yeldham, 59 Sidney Gardens, with Wolfgang Woestmann of 21 Coombe Road second and Gilbert Vickers, 57 Sidney Gardens, third.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospice in the Weald's annual Christmas Bazaar is in the Memorial Hall on Saturday between 10.00am and 2.30pm. There will be over 20 stalls to tempt all the family including gifts, toys and cards. Refreshments will be available throughout the day and light lunches will be served. If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, or require further information, please contact Janet Bavin 01732 761104.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Telston Lane planning notice for 5 residential dwellings has now been posted by SDC so residents, walkers etc. have until 18th November to object. Letters of objection should be addressed to: Mr A Bryne, Ref: SE/07/02652/FUL, Community & Planning Services, SDC, POB 183, Argyle Rd, Sevenoaks TN13 1GN or email: planning.comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Otford-Precigne twinning Quiz Evening is tomorrow (Friday) at 8pm in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall. Tickets from Jane Lawrey 01959 522360 £5 each to include ploughman's supper but take your own bottle and glasses. There will also be a Power Point presentation by two teenagers who recently visited Precigne, near Le Mans, France, and on display will be photographs of the visit to Precigne by adults in May.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI enjoyed watching Patsy Groom, aromatherapist, perform an Indian head massage on Linda Richfield at their meeting on November 8th. Patsy explained the purpose of the different techniques she was using and answered member’s questions. The Eco-team are now weighing their waste, and trying to reduce it, as well as shopping for locally sourced produce. Their enthusiasm is truly infectious.

The next meeting, at 7.30 on December 13th, will enjoy calorie-rich festive food while watching some “Christmas entertainment” from the drama group in the company of guests from other institutes in the District.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospices of Hope’s Christmas Fair is on Thursday/Friday November 22/23 between 10am and 5pm at The Barn, Byways, Bessels Green Road. Tickets cost £5, to include mulled wine and mince pies, from 07971 443325.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar is in the new hall from 10am until noon on Saturday November 24th. There will be a variety of stalls and you can enjoy a cup of coffee while having your car washed.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tickets for Otford and District Wine Club’s Christmas Social in the Memorial Hall on Saturday December 8th at 7.15pm can be obtained from the Secretary 01732 761359, the Treasurer 01732 885356 or Olive Cherry 01732 458240. After a welcome glass of sherry there will be a three course Christmas Dinner, with at least four choices of each course, followed by mince pies, coffee and mints, a raffle and joke competition. The evening will end with dancing to live music. Please take along your own glasses and liquid refreshment. Book early to avoid disappointment, members £19, guests £22.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society committee warmly invite you to a seasonal fun quiz evening at the Memorial Hall on Tuesday December 4th, doors open at 7pm, quiz starts at 7.30pm. There will be a ‘warm up’ quiz to get the evening going followed by an eight round general knowledge quiz with a running round. Prizes for the winners and a raffle. Take your own refreshments. Tickets £2 per head with a maximum of six people to a table. Book a table in advance or just turn up on the night. Janet Finney 01959 523760 e-mail gardeners@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The R.A.D.I.O. AGM (published in their last Newsletter to be held on 06/12/07) is now to be held on December 4th at 8pm.

PARISH COUNCIL - NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
The November edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Otford Christmas Shopping Festival, Guide Christmas Post, Police Surgery, Otford – Precigne Twinning, Young Achiever Award, Remembrance Day, Tree of Light, Boxing, St Bartholomew’s Christmas Market, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Methodist Church, Otford Art Group, Otford Evening WI, The Sackville Singers, Front Garden Competition, Otford Allotment Association, Citizens Advice Bureau, Otford Oast WI, Sevenoaks Music Club, Otford & District Wine Club, Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild, Knole DFAS, Picture of the Month, Eynsford & District Country Market, Sevenoaks DFAS, Darent Valley Choir, Otford Methodist Wednesday Afternoons Women’s Fellowship, Otford & District Historical Society, Dog Fouling, Otford Primary Top Draw 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
Volunteers needed for the scout hut path working party this Saturday at 9.30am. Meet at the scout hut with your loppers and strong gloves – refreshments will be provided.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
All households have received a Road Safety Survey Form from the Otford Society and RADIO asking for views about traffic and road safety issues in the village. We have had a great response so far but we need to hear from EVERY household if possible.
If you HAVE responded – thank you very much: please encourage your neighbours to do so as well.
If you HAVEN’T yet responded: please do so as soon as you can.
The deadline is 18 November, so please complete your form as soon as possible and put it in one of the collection boxes in the Post Office, the One Stop Shop, Yvonne’s Convenience Store (Telston Lane), Otford Pharmacy and the Otford Parish Council office (extra blank forms are there as well if you need one);
or direct to Jeff Lee, Tanglewood, Shoreham Road, Otford TN14 5RW. Tel: 01959 525225
Thank you – we need everyone’s views and ideas.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford - Precigne twinning. There will be a Quiz Evening with a French flavour on Friday November 16 at 8pm in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall. Please apply to Jane Lawrey on 01959 522360 for tickets at £5 per head to include ploughman's supper and bring your own bottle and glasses. There will also be a Power Point presentation by two teenagers who recently visited Precigne, near Le Mans, France, and an opportunity to see photographs of the visit to Precigne by adults in May. We do hope both adults and teenagers will support this international venture to ensure its success in bringing together young people in particular.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Remembrance Day is this Sunday with a special service at 11am. Please be aware that wreaths will be laid at the war memorial in the centre of the village and therefore the traffic will be stopped. Please avoid this part of the village at this time or be patient.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Sackville Singers present an evening of verse and song, featuring choral music by Edward Elgar in his anniversary year, verse from Christopher Smart and John Betjeman, and light-hearted choral arrangements, taken from 'The Memory of all that'. The concert will raise money for Hospices of Hope and takes place on Saturday at 7.30pm at St Bartholomew's Church. Tickets £10 from Hospices of Hope, 14a High Street, Otford TN14 5PQ, 01959 525110.

Hospices of Hope are also holding a Christmas Fair between 10am and 5pm on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd November at The Barn, Byways, Bessels Green Road. Tickets cost £5, to include mulled wine and mince pies, from 07971 443325.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
St. Bartholomew's Christmas market is on Saturday November 10th between 10am and 12 noon. There will be stalls for crafts, homemade cakes, bric-a-brac, toys etc and refreshments will be available. If you need further details contact Sally Aylward 01732 452344.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church is holding a Christmas Bazaar in the new hall from 10am until noon on Saturday November 24th. There will be a variety of stalls and you can enjoy a cup of coffee while having your car washed.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club next meet on Wednesday November 28th at 8pm in the Memorial Hall to hear Mavis Bubear, who bravely traveled to the ghastly prisons of the Ukraine last year to provide spectacles for the inmates, talk of about her worthwhile trip. Mavis has worked in the criminal justice system for over 20 years and has an interesting story to tell. Cheese and biscuits will be provided but please take your own liquid refreshments. Members free, guest £3.

The Club has also started selling tickets for their Christmas Social which will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday December 8th at 7.15pm. After a welcome glass of sherry there will be the usual Christmas dinner plus mince pies, coffee and mints, a raffle and joke competition, followed by dancing to live music. Please take along your own glasses and liquid refreshment. Members £19, guests £22, tickets from the Secretary 01732 761359. This is normally a very popular event as the club is now the only organisation in the area holding an annual Christmas Dinner.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
The next Otford & Sevenoaks Book Fair is on Saturday 8th December in the Village Memorial Hall 9am to 2-30pm free admission. 1000`s of secondhand books for sale. Due to success of the Fairs since transferring it from Sevenoaks Community Centre at Bat & Ball another 4 Fairs are planned for 2008. Enquires to Steve Marshall organiser 01892 618191.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Gardeners’ Society Committee warmly invite you to a Seasonal Fun and Quiz Evening at Otford Village Memorial Hall on Tuesday 4th December 2007. Doors open at 7pm and the quiz starts at 7.30pm.

There will be a ‘warm up’ quiz to get the evening going followed by an eight round general knowledge quiz with a running round. There are prizes for the winners. We will also be holding a raffle. Please bring your own refreshments The cost is £2 per head with a maximum of six people to a table. You can book a table in advance or just turn up on the night. Please contact Janet Finney tel. 01959 523760 or e-mail gardeners@otford.net.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
On November 2nd 5 Cub Scouts received the highest award possible for a cub from the DC, Jeanette Schwarz and Sevenoaks Town Mayor, Richard Parry. The cubs, from 1st Braeside, 1st Hicks Own and 15th Waingunga, each told us about their personal challenge as they collected the badge and certificate. It is not every cub that earns this award, which is gained by passing two challenges and a personal challenge and the fact that only five were at this ceremony shows that it is not given lightly. Congratulations too to the leaders that offer a wide range of activities for these cubs to take part in. [Newslink November 2007] Photos | Scouting in Otford

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Players need a man (men!). Are you between the ages of 30 and 50 and fancy treading the boards, if so they need you for their March 2008 production of ‘My friend Miss Flint’ a light hearted comedy. This production promises to be good fun so if you fit the bill, or you know someone who does, please contact Marian on 01959 522856 or Chris on 01959 522637.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There is still time to object to the proposed development in Telston Lane seeking to convert two existing fruit barns, belonging to New Barn Farm, into five residential dwellings as the District Council have not yet posted its planning notices.

Letters of objection should be addressed to: Mr. A. Bryne, Reference SE/07/02652/FUL, Community & Planning Services, Sevenoaks District Council, P.O. Box 183, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1GN or e-mail: planning.comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk or visit the RADIO website at www.otford.info/radio for details of grounds for objection or email radio@otford.net for help and/or guidance.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The café evening being held by Otford Methodist Church to discuss Climate Change is on Sunday starting at 6.30pm in the church hall. You are invited to go along for an informative evening with coffee and cakes or call Sue Ward on 01689 869081 for more information.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Don't forget Otford Scouts' Bonfire is on Saturday starting at 6pm in the Chalk Pit. To avoid disappointment please buy your tickets as soon as possible, price remains at £4 per ticket (children under 5 go free) and includes a burger or hotdog. Tickets can be purchased from Copus (the butchers), The Crown and Otford Dry Cleaners.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Graham Perrolls, founder and Executive Director of Hospices of Hope, based in the High Street, was last week appointed to The National Order of Faithful Service with the rank of Officer at the Romanian Embassy in London by the acting Romanian Ambassador to the UK Mrs. Raduta Matache. This prestigious award is the second highest honour it is possible for a civilian to receive in Romania and has been granted for Graham’s “contribution to the improvement of conditions of care and treatment for patients suffering from terminal diseases and for promoting the interests of Romania in relations with the United Kingdom”.

In receiving his award Mr Perolls was full of praise for the contributions made by all of the groups of people who have shared the vision and worked so hard to bring it to fruition including his wife and family, his deputy director, the Trustees, the staff of the hospices in Romania, the staff and volunteers in the UK, and the donors and supporters from both the UK and Romania, all of whom have made everything possible with their generosity.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford shops are opening on Sunday December 2nd between 11am and 4pm with street entertainers, a raffle, Father Christmas, Morris dancers and carol singing. Please make a diary note.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Parish Council request that you do not put your rubbish out the night before it is due to be collected as foxes have been spreading the bin bags contents and making a horrible mess in the village particularly in Station Road.