VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Guides post boxes will be in Otford Library and the Parish Council Offices, in the High Street, during opening hours, from Tuesday November 25 to Tuesday December 16 inclusive.

Cards will be delivered over the weekend of the December 20-21 and all proceeds will be divided between Demelza House Children’s Hospice and Kent Air Ambulance Trust. Stamps will be 20p per card. The Brownies, their leaders and helpers, will continue to organise and run the Christmas Post for the village this year with the Guides who they hope will be able to meet again in the near future. If you would like further information please contact Jeanette Woodrow-Clark on 01959 523617.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) are being given a talk by Peter Van Dongen of Pennard Veterinary Group about his trip ‘Ascent of Machu Pichu’ at 7.15pm on Friday November 7 in the Memorial Hall. Entry £5, to include a finger buffet, booking essential via Jan Riches 01732 455354 or Marion Clay 01732 457834.

A recent talk by Ibbett Mosely on Auctioning and Valuations proved very successful and thanks to their supporters raised over £350.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Embroiderers Guild meet in the Memorial Hall at 10am tomorrow (31) for own work and again at 2pm for a talk by Walter McLaren on The History of Fans. Further information from Jane Barratt 01732 833588.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tickets for Otford Scouts Bonfire Night Saturday November 8, 6pm at the Chalkpit opposite the Scout Hut, can be purchased at Otford Dry Cleaners and The Crown pub on the pond.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Colour Party, a positive alternative to Halloween, for primary aged children is tomorrow in the Methodist Halls 4.30pm - 6.00pm including fun, games, food and crafts. For details ring Armanda Rowell 01959 522221 or Kath Pawlett 01959 522196.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Village Memorial Hall committee are planning a number of fund-raising events during 2009 in order to finance a series of initiatives to further improve the facilities offered to hirers.

One of the main events will be a Mid-Summer Ball to be held in a marquee on the recreation ground. This will be a black tie event and will include a three-course meal with wine, dancing and other entertainments until the small hours of the morning. A lot of the detail (including the date) is yet to be finalised but they are currently working on a ticket price of between £50.00 and £60.00 per head. If you would like to attend with some friends, group tables will be available. At this early stage they would like to get some indication of numbers so if, with no commitment whatsoever, you think it possible/probable that you would please let them know (including the number of tickets that you are likely to require) by either e-mailing ovmh.chairman@otford.net or calling 07887 780576 and leaving a message.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Aikido, based on the use of circular movements by which an attacker’s aggressive force is turned against itself, exercises the whole body, it teaches and develops flexibility, co-ordination, balance and quick reaction and is an effective method of practical self defence.

Classes, held in the Scout Hut, Station Road on Tuesdays at 8pm and Sundays at 7.30pm, are available to everyone, male or female, aged 16+, who would like to practice this defensive martial art. Beginners are individually taught the basics of Aikido before being absorbed into the main class and all the instructors are qualified through the British Aikido Board and have many years of experience of Aikido and associated Martial Arts. Go along, ring 01959 522011 for more information, or visit www.otfordaikido.co.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sincere and heartfelt thanks from Diana Jeremiah to everyone who sent cards and letters following the recent death of her husband. She was really overwhelmed by the affection shown to her by all the associations and friends in Otford and is very appreciative.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. At the annual meeting in October Diana Jeremiah was re-elected as President, and committee members were elected for 2009. The speaker at the November 13 meeting will be Mrs Kenwynne Barber taking members to the North Pole on one of the many marathons she has undertaken to raise money for cancer and children’s charities. For details ring Diana Jeremiah 01959 522981.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Allotments Association is holding their AGM in the Methodist Hall at 9.30am on Saturday. Awards will be presented for this year’s prize winning plots, & refreshments will be available. Further details are available from Pauline Garfield 01959 525075.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford school / VE Day reunion was held on Saturday August 30 at The Rising Sun, Twitton. Nick and Shirley wish to express their sincere thanks to Barbara Darby for her patience when producing a wonderful DVD and all proceeds from this will be donated to Hospice in the Weald. A good day was had by all the 68 who attended. Anyone who hasn't yet joined but wishes to please contact Shirley Reekie (nee Spong) 01752 691026.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Primary School has an Open Day tomorrow between 1.30 and 3.30pm. The school gates will be open during this Staff Development Day to new parents considering the possibility of sending their children to the school in the future. Take a guided tour of the school and grounds, view some of the children’s work and meet with the teachers in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. At 3pm in the hall the Headteacher, Peter Denereaz, will talk about the school’s recent successes, and outline some of the exciting plans for its future. No appointment is necessary.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Players are holding auditions in the Otford library at 8pm tonight and Tuesday October 28 for a series of one act plays and sketches to be performed in the Memorial Hall on March 13, 14 and 15 next year. You are invited to go along and audition for these performances. For further information contact Marian Wills 01959 522856.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Scouts Bonfire Night. For the 3rd year running the Scouts’ bonfire night ticket price remains unchanged at £4 per person, including burger or sausage, under 5 year olds go free. Tickets can be purchased at Otford Dry Cleaners and the Crown pub on the pond. The bonfire and fireworks will take place on Saturday November 8 at the Chalkpit, opposite the Scout hut, starting at 6pm. All monies go to support the scouts and maintain the hut.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) is holding an Autumn sale and coffee shop tomorrow (Friday) in the Memorial Hall between 11.00am and 1.00pm. As well as coffee and delicious homemade cakes there will be nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys and toiletries for sale. For further details contact June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The excellent DVD ‘Otford Remembered 1907’ produced by Barbara Darby last year as part of the Harvest Celebrations was recently shown at the Kent Film Festival held at Canterbury. It was awarded the Lazer Rush trophy for the best documentary depicting Kentish life with the judges commenting on Ken Gunderson’s well written narrative considering it an extremely valuable piece of history which will provide rich material for future historians.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club’s AGM is on Wednesday, October 29 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall followed by the usual buffet and wine, members free, guests £5.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Colour Party, a positive alternative to Halloween, for primary aged children Friday October 31 in the Methodist Hall 4.30pm - 6.00pm including fun, games, food and crafts. For details ring Armanda Rowell 01959 522221 or Kath Pawlett 01959 522196.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
UCANCRAFT club will be in the Church Hall at half term, 27/28/29, between 10.00am and 12 noon for £5 per session including juice and biscuits with all proceeds to Kallen dance school raising funds for costumes for the Blackpool competition. For details phone Claire Pegg 01959 525582 or 07894 916370

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Scouts Bonfire Night. For the 3rd year running the Scouts’ bonfire night ticket price remains unchanged at £4 per person, including burger or sausage, under 5 year olds go free. Tickets can be purchased at Otford Dry Cleaners and the Crown pub on the pond. The bonfire and fireworks will take place on Saturday November 8 at the Chalkpit, opposite the Scout hut, starting at 6pm. All monies go to support the scouts and maintain the hut.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) is holding an Autumn sale and coffee shop on Friday October 24 in the Memorial Hall between 11.00am and 1.00pm. As well as coffee and delicious homemade cakes there will be nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys and toiletries for sale. For further details contact June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Readers will recall the excellent DVD ‘Otford Remembered 1907’ produced by Barbara Darby last year as part of the Harvest Celebrations and this was recently shown at the Kent Film Festival held at Canterbury. It was awarded the Lazer Rush trophy for the best documentary depicting Kentish life with the judges commenting on Ken Gunderson’s well written narrative They considered the DVD to be an extremely valuable piece of history which will provide rich material for future historians.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI welcome Jane Barnes, a former employee of the Bill Skinner Studio, who now runs her own jewellery making business, this morning at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall. Jane will be demonstrating some of her techniques and there will be an opportunity to purchase and/or order some of her beautiful creations. Your first visit is free and there is a crèche for the younger children.

Tickets are still available for their fund raising Quiz in the Scout Hut on Saturday October 25 at 7.30pm. Ring Patsy Groom 01959 524156 for tickets or more information.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Nigel Britten, the local chairman of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, will be at Otford Society’s meeting tonight in the Memorial Hall starting at 8pm. Entrance is free. More details are available from Carol Griffiths 01959 523140.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club is holding their AGM on Wednesday, October 29 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall and the Committee would like to hear any suggestions you may have for the future of the club. The business element of the evening will be dispensed with as quickly as possible so that the usual buffet with wine can be enjoyed.

This year the Kirsch Cup competition has been extended to cover homemade savoury dishes (quiches, sausage rolls, salads etc) as well as puddings all of which will be included in the Buffet and marked by members. Entrants to the Kirsch Cup competition are requested to take along the recipe for their dish for eventual inclusion in the Otford Wine Club cookery book. The Kirsch Cup will be presented for the winning dish. As the usual the evening is free to members with visitors charged £5.

Tickets and menus for the Christmas Dinner on Saturday December 13 will be available to purchase during the evening.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford twinning with Précigné organisers are offering Mums, Dads and teenagers the opportunity to meet French boys and girls and stay with French families over next May’s bank holiday, from 2nd to 4th May, with travel arranged. If you are interested contact the Parish Office 01959 524808 or Jane Lawrey 01959 522360 for further details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club is hosting a 'Folk in Kent' dance in the Memorial Hall on Saturday October 25th between 8pm and 11pm with Geoff Cubitt and Kelly's Eye providing the music. Admission is £6.00 including tea or coffee. There will also be an 'American supper' where people are asked to take along a plate of food to add to the supper table. Tickets are available from Trish Hamilton 01622 817255 or at the door.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Jean Leverett and friends, on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support world’s biggest coffee morning, would like to thank everyone who supported their recent event which to date has raised in excess of £500 to support Macmillan nurses. Jean and friends are so grateful for the wonderful support shown.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Scouts would like to thank everyone for their support in making last year's annual bonfire night a great success. This year the bonfire and barbecue will be held on Saturday November 8 at the Chalk Pit (adjacent to the Scout hut) and tickets will be on sale shortly. All are welcome and full details will feature in a future edition.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Nigel Britten, the local chairman of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, will give a talk to Otford Society’s Autumn meeting on October 16 in the Memorial Hall starting at 8pm. There is no entrance fee and tea and biscuits will be served during the evening. Further details are available from the Secretary, Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or otfordsociety@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI’s fund raising Quiz is being held in Scout Hut on Saturday October 25 at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £5 per head are available from Patsy Groom 01959 524156.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist churches women’s breakfast is in the church hall at 8.30am on Saturday. A continental breakfast will be provided costing £4 and further details are available from Margaret Matthews 01959 522046

Tickets are also still available from Joy Billimore 01732 762692 or Kath Pawlett 01959 522196 to hear the Kemsing Singers and Melanie Jones in concert in the church hall on Saturday October 18 at 8.00pm.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Support the fundraising indoor boot fair at 9am on Saturday where there will be lots of things to buy including refreshments. Entrance 50p adults, children free. Help raise money to buy new outfits for 58 local girls to wear when they dance in the UK formation dance competition in Blackpool next April.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Christmas Menu at The Horns, Otford
Monday 8th December - Wednesday 24th December (not Sat / Sun) join us for your office / friends seasonal celebration. The Horns Christmas Menu at £20.00 per person offers superb value. Please do book early to secure the date and time you would prefer. Telephone us today for availability.
Thursday, 25th Christmas Day Lunch. Why not relax and join us to celebrate Xmas Day.
For all bookings, please telephone 01959 522604.
The Horns, 66 High Street, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5PH

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

St. Barts Church Office and the Vicar, Rev. Richard Worssam, can be contacted at st.bartholomews@otford.net or 01959 523185.

PARISH COUNCIL - OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
The October edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Otford Village Fete, The Pond, Otford Young Achiever Award, Living Stones – The interweaving of history and architecture in St Bartholomew’s Church, Road Closures, Otford Primary School – Open Day, Otford Allotments Association, Otford Community Warden, Fellowship at St Bartholomew’s, SRTA Annual Meeting, Otford Society, Darent Valley Choir, Otford – Precigne Twinning, What is a Soroptimist, Knole DFAS, Otford Methodist Church, Otford Methodist Exercise Group, Otford Short Mat Bowls Club, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Oast WI, Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery, Kemsing Health Walk, Otford Petanque Club, Otford Primary Top Draw, Hospice in The Weald – Fundraising events, Otford Methodist Wednesday Afternoons Women’s Fellowship, Dog Fouling and Planning matters.

STOP PRESS A date to put in your diary is Sunday 30th November between 11am and 4pm when our lovely shops will be open for you to get your Christmas presents and treats. Also there will be street entertainers and other surprises. LETS HOPE FOR BETTER WEATHER THIS YEAR!

Agendas and Minutes for Otford Parish Council meetings are now on-line.

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 Society Autumn meeting will be held on October 16 in the Memorial Hall starting at 8pm. The Speaker will be Nigel Britten, who is local chairman of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, who will talk in general about CPRE's work and what they're involved in. There is no entrance fee and tea and biscuits will be served during the evening. If you would like further details please contact the Secretary, Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or otfordsociety@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI are holding another FUN(d) raising Quiz night on Saturday October 25 at 7.30pm in Otford Scout Hut. Teams should be of 6-8 people, or you can book individually. Tickets cost £5 per head and take along your own drinks and nibbles. Please contact Patsy Groom on 01959 524156 if you would like to book a table.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Players and the Otford Society have joined forces for a community presentation in the Memorial Hall on Saturday October 4 commemorating the life of Elizabeth I and programmes, costing £6, can be obtained from Carole Cole on 01959 525404. The programme includes interval refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church would like to invite ladies to a women’s breakfast on Saturday October 11 at 8.30am in the Methodist church hall. A continental breakfast will be provided followed by a talk from Andy & Fae Mayo. The event will finish by 10.15am and cost £4.00. For further details call Margaret Matthews 01959 522046

The Kemsing Singers and Melanie Jones will be in concert at the Methodist church hall on Saturday October 18 at 8.00pm. Entrance is £8 including refreshments. For tickets and information contact Joy Billimore 01732 762692 or Kath Pawlett 01959 522196.

Serendip, the Otford Methodist exercise group, meet every Thursday between 9.30 and 10.30am in the church halls. The group is for men and women over 50 and is lead by a REPS level 3 supervisor. Afterwards refreshments and a chat are available followed by table tennis or chess. Cost just £2 per session. David Knight 01732 743056 can provide more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
All are welcome at the Otford Memorial Hall on Saturday October 11 for the fundraising indoor boot fair. Doors open 9am and close at 1pm. There will be lots of things to buy including refreshments. Entrance 50p adults, children free. This event is being held to raise money to buy new outfits for 58 local girls to wear when they dance in the UK formation dance competition in Blackpool next April. To reserve a table call Jackie on 01959 522912 or 07765 060032.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Citizens Advice Bureau’s monthly surgery at the Parish Offices in the High Street is on Tuesday 7 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.