NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
The Kemsing Singers invite you to a musical journey round the world. Their Spring concert Chattanooga Choo Choo in St Ediths Hall, Kemsing is on Saturday 17th May at 8pm. The programme will include popular part songs and excerpts from The Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Please come, have an enjoyable evening, and support the Otford members of the choir.
Tickets are :- Adults £6 - Concessions £5 - Children £4
Available from 01959 523752 - at the door - or - from Barbara Darby 01959 523339.
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NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Please come and support The Otford Art Group on Saturday 3rd May from 9.30 onwards, at the Art and Craft Exhibition and Sale in the Otford Methodist Church Hall. Refreshments available all day. For more information, please contact Barbara Darby.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet tonight (Thursday) in the Church Hall, High Street, dancing to Roger Letley’s music with Eddie calling. All are welcome for a friendly evening of all kinds of folk dancing. Dancing starts at 8pm and tea/coffee and biscuits are available. First visit free, subsequent visits £1.50. Further details from Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RADIO remind you to book tickets now for their fund raising Horse Racing Night in the Memorial Hall at 7.00pm on Saturday May 17th. Enjoy a fun evening with buffet meal, licensed bar and raffle. Tickets from 07733 350934.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Embroiderers Guild meet on Saturday in the Memorial Hall at 10am for own work and then at 2pm Pat Trott will talk about ‘American Lace – My Mother’s Heritage’. There is also an exhibition of their work at the Heritage Centre viewable weekdays 9am to 12 noon and weekends from 2.30 to 4.30pm. Further details from Pat Curtis 01959 532391.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club’s South African wine and cultural evening is on Wednesday April 30 in the club room of the memorial hall starting at 8pm. They hope to create an ‘African atmosphere’ with some interesting wines and will also explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful country. If you have any queries please ring the Secretary 01732 761359.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Colts football team have reached the cup final in the Orpington and Bromley League and will be playing LESSA Albion Reserves at Bromley Football ground at 10.30am on Sunday for the Jack Standen Cup.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
West Kent Extra Furniture Project’s Open Morning is on Saturday between 9.30am and 1.00pm at Abacus House, Greatness Lane, Sevenoaks. For more information please contact Colleen Goode 01732-749420.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Kent Group of the British Iris Society are holding their Spring Show on Bank Holiday Monday May 5 in Otford Methodist Church Hall and visitors will be welcome from 12 noon to 4pm. Entrance is free and there will be irises and other plants for sale. If you would like more information please contact Chris Towers 01959 523017.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Enjoy a Women’s Breakfast in the new Methodist Church Hall at 8.30am on Saturday. Eat a full continental breakfast while listening to the guest speakers Max and Sue Sinclair talking about “You & Me” for a small charge of £4.00 payable on the day. Margaret Matthews 01959 522046 has full details.

There will also be a Coffee morning and bring and buy sale in the hall, in aid of the Meningitis Trust on Wednesday May 14 between 10am and 12 noon. Go along or contact Joyce Allen 01959 522915 for more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Three Peaks Challenge. Please support Dave, Paul and Sue as they take up the challenge and raise money for Otford Primary and Shoreham Pre-school. Sponsorship forms are available from the Parish Office or Telston Stores.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Mad Hatters Emporium in the High Street a leading retailer in the village for a number of years, selling gifts, cards and other items. From April 21 Clare and Sherree, the new owners, will continue the successful range of goods sold by the previous owners but will be adding some new ideas of their own. The shop will now also stock hand painted candles, homemade natural soaps and toiletries plus a range of dolls houses and furniture. They will be holding craft displays and demonstrations and offer children’s art and craft parties. Further details from the shop 01959 525578.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Village Memorial Hall is urgently looking for a new Hall Manager to replace Michael who is now leaving after 10+ years service. The role involves general maintenance work and liaison with hirers and assisting in the day-to-day running of the Hall. The new Manager would be required to attend the Hall for a couple of hours each morning – Monday to Friday - and to assist with clearing up and locking up after weekend evening social events – currently around nine or ten this year. There will also be occasions when the Hall will need to be opened at other times but we do try to keep these to a minimum. This position would, ideally, suit someone who has taken early retirement and is looking for some part-time work. An attractive salary package is available to the right applicant. For further details or a brief chat please call me, Ron Dullage, Chairman on 01959 522007.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Village Fete
The annual Otford Village Fete will take place this year on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May. This year’s theme is “That’s Entertainment!” so get out your topper and cane and join in the procession. If you and the children, or your group, would like to take part in the parade, please contact: Jacky Cottrell on villagefete@otford.net. It promises to be a good turn out this year, so come and join in. And if you love your dog, then this is your big opportunity. Otford will vie with Crufts in a top quality Dog Show and competition open to every pooch (and its owner) in Otford. It is being professionally organised by Elands Veterinary Clinic, the Dunton Green veterinary service. So, if your dog is big or small / a puppy or just a puppy at heart and pawing you to be there on the day, contact Elands for an entry form (01732 452333).

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club are holding a South African wine and cultural evening at 8pm on Wednesday April 30 in the club room of the Memorial Hall. They hope to create an ‘African atmosphere’ with some interesting wines and will also explore the flora and fauna of this beautiful country. Free to members but guests £4. If you have any queries please ring the Secretary 01732 761359.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Lawn Tennis Club is offering free coaching. The Club has appointed a new team of coaches and to launch the new term of lessons are offering free coaching for adults in the evenings of Monday April 21 and Wednesday April 23 between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. All standards are welcome, just turn up. Further information can be found on their website: www.OtfordTennis.org.uk, or you can telephone Mary Evans 07881-653936. The club is located at the recreation ground on the left just past the children's playground.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Cricket Club welcomes new senior members to play either on Saturdays, where they run 2 sides in the Kent County Village League, or on Sundays when the team play friendly matches. Matches continue throughout the Summer to the end of September but indoor nets are currently being held Sunday afternoons at St Michael's School. If you are interested in playing, umpiring, scoring or just getting involved with a successful local cricket club please contact Peter Richardson, Saturday 1st XI captain, on 01732 848633.

Otford CC Colts is also open to new members. The junior part of the club had close to 150 members last year and will be running 5 sides in the Mid Kent Youth League where they are defending champions at both under 11 and under 15. Coaching is available for ages from school year 2 (age 7) up to year 10 on Sunday mornings from 10.30am on the recreation ground. The first coaching session is on Sunday May 4 and every Sunday, except Whit Sunday, until July 20. For full details and to sign up for the 2008 season please contact Mark Stevens, Colts Manager, on 01959 523881.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
West Kent Extra Furniture Project is holding an Open Morning on Saturday April 26 between 9.30am and 1.00pm. They are open to the general public and everyone is welcome to browse for a bargain. Their first 50 customers will receive a goody bag containing Spring cleaning items and advice and tips on how to be "green" when you clean.

West Kent Extra is the community development arm of West Kent Housing Association (West Kent) and run The Furniture Project, which is based in Abacus House, a warehouse in Greatness Lane, Sevenoaks. They collect donated furniture and other household items (including recycled paints, small electrical items and white goods) and then sell them at a very competitive price. Initially they were only open to West Kent's tenants but since February 2006 the warehouse has been open to the general public as it was clear that the level of donations received would enable them to satisfy both markets. They are keen to promote the ethos that "Second Hand doesn't mean Second Best". If you would like more information please contact Colleen Goode 01732-749420.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Spring Boot Sale tables are available at Otford Evening WI’s event on the morning of Saturday May 10 from 9.30am in the Memorial Hall. Entrance is 50p, children free, and refreshments will be available. If would like a table, at a cost of £9 each, please contact Heather Tilley on 01959 522491.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Kent Group of the British Iris Society are holding their Spring Show on Bank Holiday Monday May 5 in Otford Methodist Church Hall and visitors will be welcome from 12 noon to 4pm. Entrance is free and there will be irises and other plants for sale. If you would like more information please contact Chris Towers 01959 523017.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Coffee morning in aid of the Meningitis Trust is being held on Wednesday May 14 between 10am and 12 noon. You are invited to go along or to contact Joyce Allen 01959 522915 if you would like more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Two 12 year old boys carried out a mugging of a 15 year old boy on The Parade at Otford last week, threatening him and then punching him and stealing a £10 note. What is horrifying is that this occurred in the centre of our beautiful village and was carried out by boys already known to the Police.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society's AGM is in the Memorial Hall tonight at 8pm.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Women's Breakfast is being held in the new Methodist church hall at 8.30am on Saturday April 26 when you can enjoy a full continental breakfast while listening to the guest speakers Max and Sue Sinclair talking about “You & Me”. There will be a small charge of £4.00 payable on the day. For further details or information please call Margaret Matthews 01959 522046.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
R.A.D.I.O. Horse Racing Night Fundraiser
RADIO (Residents Against Development In Otford) offers FREE membership. Established in 2005, RADIO now enjoys a membership in Otford representing over one third of households. Its success relies heavily on membership, so please contact them through the village website at www.otford.info/radio where you will find an on-line form, or contact Andrea Pinto ( for membership matters only) on Otford 525623.

RADIO now requires much needed funds and a Horse Racing Night fundraiser is set for Saturday 17th May at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall. Tickets are £5.00, which includes a buffet meal. A licensed bar will be operated. There will also be a raffle. This promises to be a fun evening, so please call 07733 350934 to buy your tickets as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment ! Thank you for your much appreciated support.

PARISH COUNCIL - APRIL NEWSLETTER
The April edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: W.I. Boot Sale, Road Closure - Pilgrims Way West, Annual Assembly, Police Surgery, Otford Allotments Association, Otford Society, Otford Community Warden, Girlguiding, Otford – Précigné, Otford Village Fete, Otford Solar System, Otford Gardeners‛ Society, Otford Methodist Church, 3 Peaks Challenge, Darent Valley Choir, Go Wild in the Garden, Family Nature Walks, RADIO Fundraiser, Knole DFAS, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Oast WI, British Iris Society, Otford Wine Club, Picture of the Month, Otford Players, Knockholt Outdoor Bowling Club, Sevenoaks DFAS, Sevenoaks Embroiderers‛ Guild, Otford Methodist Wednesday Afternoons Women‛s Fellowship, Free Tennis Coaching, Sevenoaks Music Club, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery, Otford & District Historical Society, Otford Primary Top Draw, T‛ai Chi Classes 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 Gardeners' Society held a very successful Spring Show on March 29 despite the recent cold and wet weather. There were over 200 exhibits, nearly half of them narcissi, and John Carter went home with the Narcissi Challenge Salver with Isobel Woodrow-Clark and Emma Beeson taking the honours in the junior 'best dressed floral welly' competition. The Summer Show, which features roses and summer flowers, early vegetables, photography, flowers arrangements, cookery and junior classes, will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday June 28.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Kent Group of the British Iris Society are holding their Spring Show on Bank Holiday Monday May 5 in Otford Methodist Church Hall and visitors will be welcome from 12 noon to 4pm. Entrance is free and there will be irises and other plants for sale. If you would like more information please contact Chris Towers 01959 523017.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Meningitis Trust will benefit from money raised at a Coffee Morning being held in the Otford Methodist Church Hall between 10am and 12 noon on Wednesday May 14. You are invited to go along or to contact Joyce Allen 01959 522915 if you would like more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need’s Spring Sale and Coffee Shop is in the Memorial Hall tomorrow (Friday) between 11am and 1pm. Gifts, bric-a-brac, toys, jewellery, books and clothes will be on sale together with coffee and cakes. If you would like more information please telephone June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RADIO are fundraising by holding a Horse Racing Night on Saturday May 17 at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall . Tickets cost £5.00, which includes a buffet meal, and there will be a raffle, and a licensed bar. This promises to be a fun evening, so please call 07733 350934 to buy your tickets.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society's AGM is on Thursday April 17 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. Nick Johnannsen, Chairman of the Kent Downs AONB association is the speaker and Jeff Lee will also provide an update on the Traffic Survey carried out on the Society’s behalf. Please contact Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or Tony Wiltshire 01959 524887 for further information.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church would like to invite ladies to their Woman’s Breakfast at 8.30am on Saturday April 26 in the new Methodist church hall. You can enjoy a full continental breakfast and listen to the guest speakers Max and Sue Sinclair talking about “You & Me” for a small charge of £4.00 payable on the day. For further details or information please call Margaret Matthews 01959 522046.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There will be a Book Fair in the Memorial Hall on Saturday between 9am and 3pm, admission free.

OTFORD' SOCIETY
The April Newsletter is now online, with Jeff Lee reporting on 'Traffic Matters!', the 'Chairmans Annual Report' from Tony Wiltshire, 'The Role of the PCSO' by Dennis Glasspool, together with the latest news from many aspects of the Society in village life.

The Annual General Meeting of the Otford Society will be held in the Village Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 17th at 8pm. All members are invited, and the meeting is also open to all interested in matters affecting our village. As well as the necessary business items there will be a presentation by Nick Johanssen, Chair of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Unit, and an update on traffic matters (road safety survey report and action). Contacts: Tony Wiltshire (Chair), tel. 524887; Carol Griffiths (Secretary) tel. 523140. We hope to see you there!

If you are not a member yet (over 1,100 in Otford), please consider joining the Otford Society, contact otfordsociety@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI are in need of wool, cotton fabric, stuffing, etc. to be made into items for charity. If you can help with any of these please call Barbara Roberts on 01959 522995.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RAIN (Rescued Animals in Need) are holding a Spring Sale and Coffee Shop in the Memorial Hall on Friday April 11 between 11am and 1pm. On sale will be Gifts, Bric-a-Brac, Toys, Jewellery, Books and Clothes. If you would like more information please telephone June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RADIO (Residents Against Development In Otford) offers free membership. Established in 2005, RADIO now enjoys a membership in Otford representing over one third of households. Its success relies heavily on membership, so please contact them through the village website at www.otford.info/radio where you will find an on-line form, or contact Andrea Pinto (for membership matters only) on 01959 525623.

RADIO now requires much needed funds and are holding a Horse Racing Night fundraiser on Saturday May 17 at 7.00pm . Tickets cost £5.00, which includes a buffet meal, there will be a Raffle, and a licensed bar. This promises to be a fun evening, so please call 07733 350934 to buy your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society's AGM will be held on Thursday April 17 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. The main Speaker will be Nick Johnannsen, Chairman of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty Association and Jeff Lee will also provide an update on the Traffic Survey carried out on the Society’s behalf. For further information please contact Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or Tony Wiltshire 01959 524887.

On April 23 the Society will celebrate St George’s Day and Shakespeares birthday at 12.45 in the Rose and Crown, London Road, Dunton Green. Tickets cost £19.50 per person and include a glass of red wine and 10% service charge. You are invited to book early to join in the commemoration of England’s patron saint and national bard. Tickets from Ken Gunderson 01959 522709.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Afternoon WI meet in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday to hear a talk about Rudyard Kipling by Mr Shearan. Meetings are held in the Memorial Hall on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 2pm. Please contact Joyce Shaw 01959 522736 for more details.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
The Otford Society has recently carried out a survey of residents’ concerns about traffic and road safety in the village. It took some time to analyse the answers and write them up, but there is now a copy of a report on the main findings which is available on-line.
The Society would like to acknowledge the efforts of all members involved in collating the information to produce the report - many thanks.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S
The April edition of the Parish Magazine is now on-line.

From The Churchwardens: Richard Worssam’s institution by the Bishop of Rochester and induction by the Archdeacon of Tonbridge will take place on Monday 28th April at 7.30 p.m. Attendance will be by ticket only and members of the congregation wishing to attend should apply to the Churchwardens or the Church Office. Numbers will be limited as there are a number of Diocesan, Deanery and Civic guests to be invited as well as Richard’s family, friends and supporters from his present parish. Please continue to pray for Richard, Donna, Christopher and Matthew as they prepare to move to Otford.

URGENT! St Bartholomew’s Church Fair White elephants need new home! Stall in danger of disappearing! The Church Fair Committee is keen to hear from anyone who might be able to provide space in a garage or garden shed to store the White Elephants prior to the church fair on Saturday 21st June 2008. If you think you can be of any help whatsoever, please contact Margie Torry on 01959 524463. It will be great pity we are unable to run this stall again this year but we do need help in order to be able to do so.

Come and Meet Martyn Berry at an Open Meeting of St. Bartholomew’s Cameo Group on Monday 14th April at 7.45 p.m. in the Church Centre. Martyn Berry is a Reader at Riverhead Church, a scientist and a man of wide interests. His subject at our meeting, to which everyone is welcome, is ‘Energy Conversion.’ He will demonstrate how to use the sun’s energy as a renewable energy source, moving towards a hydrogen economy and away from the use of fossil fuels. His demonstration will feature a bucket, water and a model car. It promises to be fascinating. Don’t miss it!

Annual Parochial Church Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 15th April at 8pm in the Church Hall. We do hope all parishioners will join us as we look back with thanksgiving and forwards with hope.

CU@5 Service. This popular informal service, held weekly in the Church Hall at 5pm, is taking a break for April (except 27th April) and will recommence for the early summer period from Sunday 11th May. Do come along if you haven’t been before – and if you have, do bring your friends!

Date for your Diary – Village Celebration Service The Otford Celebration Service, formerly known as the Civic Service, takes place on Trinity Sunday, 18th May at 9.30am.

St. Barts Church Office and the Churchwardens can be contacted at st.bartholomews@otford.net or 01959 523185.