VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
St. Bartholomew's Church invite you to their Village Christmas Market on Saturday between 10am and 12 noon at the Church Centre. The Centre will be decorated with winter greenery and there will be stalls for decorations, candles, winter woollies, cards, both Christmas and general, and homemade cakes.

For a small charge Santa’s helper will assist the children in picking a present from the tree and, as well as refreshments of Stollen, Christmas cake and mince pies, there will be a Christmas Raffle and a Christmas Hamper.

Please contact Sylvia Grafton 01732 452117 if you would like more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Pressure from Otford businesses has enabled the proposed closure of Pilgrims Way West (from Polhill to Filston Lane) to be delayed until January.

This section of road will therefore remain open to ensure that local shops, pubs and restaurants do not miss out on seasonal trade. Road closure dates that apply in early 2009 will be published as soon as they are available.

Otford businesses look forward to your support at this difficult financial time.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
After a five-month search for a new Hall Manager, Otford Village Memorial Hall has, at last, come up with a solution. Ron Dullage, who has been Chairman for the last six years will be standing down from this position but will be taking over as Hall Manager with effect from 1st November.

Michael Carter, who is currently Vice-Chairman, will be stepping up to take over the Chairman’s role and Ron will also be filling a position that has been vacant for about ten years now – that of Secretary to the Trustees. This means that all correspondence for the Hall (except matters relating to bookings) should be directed to Ron via the Village Hall. Ron can be contacted on 07887 780576 or by e-mail at ovmh.manager@otford.net.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Christmas Shopping Festival is on Sunday November 30 from 11am till 4pm.

The wonderful shops will be open and all day entertainment will be provided by Rob the fire juggler, Bobbo the clown, the Town Crier, Lady Morris Dancers and Otford school choir.

There will be chestnuts and mulled wine and the pubs, restaurants and tea shops will be open for refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar in the church hall and car park on Saturday from 10am - 12noon.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Guide Dogs for the Blind are holding a Christmas coffee morning between 10am and 1pm in St Bartholomews Church Hall, High Street, on Saturday, entrance £1.50 to include refreshments. For further information contact Millicent Wallworth 01732 451613.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Village Fete committees AGM is on Wednesday at 8pm in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall. Refreshments will be provided and all villagers are welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford & District Wine Club will welcome Geoffrey Meekums at their meeting on November 26, 8pm in the Memorial Hall. Geoffrey has led an interesting life, serving in the Royal Navy for 37 years and later with British Aerospace Dynamics. His talk will focus on the work of a voluntary engineering charity Remap (custom-made equipment for the disabled) as he presently acts as Regional Organiser for the South East, and chairs its Kent West Panel. As usual cheese and biscuits will be provided, take along your own liquid refreshments, and there will be a collection for Remap. Free to members, guests pay a small fee.

Tickets for the Christmas Social on Saturday December 13 will also be on sale, please ring the Secretary 01732 761359 for a menu which must be completed and returned by Wednesday December 3. Tickets £20 members, £23 guests.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Guides are running a Christmas post box between Tuesday November 25 and Tuesday December 16 inclusive during opening hours in the Library and Parish Council Offices, High Street. Cards will be delivered throughout the village during the weekend of December 20-21 for 20p per card.

All proceeds to Demelza House Children’s Hospice and Kent Air Ambulance Trust. Details from Janet Woodrow-Clark 01959 523617.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospice in the Weald are holding their Christmas Bazaar in the Memorial Hall on Saturday between 10am and 2.30pm. Choose Christmas presents from over 20 stalls and enjoy refreshments and light lunches. Janet Bavin 01732 761104 has more details.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otfords Joy Watt of EnerJoy holds exercise classes every Monday and Wednesday evenings that are suitable for everyone who wants to keep fit and mobile.

Exercise to music at 7pm on Mondays at Dunton Green Primary School or at 6.45pm at Farningham Village Hall.

Suitable for all ages, wear comfortable clothes, and take a towel along.

More information from Joy Watt 01959 525364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Nordic Walking is a good way to keep fit and Karen Harris, a local accredited instructor, is offering free taster sessions for anyone who would like to try it.

Walking with poles suits people of all levels of fitness so if you would like to try it in Swanley Park ring Karen on 01474 350390, 07780 844485 or email kharris8@sky.com to find out more.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Christmas Shopping Festival is on Sunday November 30 from 11am till 4pm when the wonderful shops will be open for you to choose an extra special gift for everyone.

All day entertainment will be provided by Rob the fire juggler, Bobbo the clown, the Town Crier, Lady Morris Dancers and Otford school choir.

The free raffle will be drawn by Father Christmas at 2pm in the Antiques Centre. Customers can get a raffle ticket on request after completion of their purchases at the participating village stores.

There will be chestnuts and mulled wine and the pubs, restaurants and tea shops will be open for refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar will have many seasonal stalls, refreshments and car washing available in the church hall, and car park, on Saturday November 22 from 10.00am - 12noon. Everyone is welcome to browse and buy.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Village Fete committees AGM on Wednesday November 26 at 8pm in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall. Refreshments will be provided and all villagers are welcome to go along.

For further information please contact Tracey Rowe 01959 523642, 07876 197077 or email tracey_rowe@btinternet.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford roads being closed in November to allow EDF to install ducts are Ivy House Lane for 3 days from 17.11.08, Rye Lane (from Station Road to Pilgrims Way West) for 4 days from 20.11.08 and Pilgrims Way West (from Polhill to Filston Lane) for a 6 week period from 24.11.08

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet this morning at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall. There is a free crèche at every meeting and your first visit is free. For more details please contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A new, easier to read guide to ‘Days Out by Bus and Train from Sevenoaks’ is now available from the tourist office in Sevenoaks. It includes new buses to Bluewater, Ightham Mote, Scotney Castle, Hever Castle and also details of how to use OAP free bus passes on National Express coaches.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Eynsford Country Market is tomorrow in Eynsford Village Hall between 2pm and 3pm. Seasonal produce, chutneys and pickles will be on sale as well as plenty of homemade cake to have with your tea.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Village Memorial Hall
After a five-month search for a new Hall Manager, Otford Village Memorial Hall has, at last, come up with a solution. Ron Dullage, who has been Chairman for the last six years will be standing down from this position but will be taking over as Hall Manager with effect from 1st November.

Michael Carter, who is currently Vice-Chairman, will be stepping up to take over the Chairman’s role and Ron will also be filling a position that has been vacant for about ten years now – that of Secretary to the Trustees. This means that all correspondence for the Hall (except matters relating to bookings) should be directed to Ron via the Village Hall. Ron can be contacted on 07887 780576 or by e-mail at ovmh.manager@otford.net.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Christmas Carillon with the Kemsing Singers
A lively selection of Christmas music and your seasonal favourites.

Please come and support the Otford members of The Kemsing Singers (All proceeds to Spring House Family Support Centre) Friday or Saturday 19th and 20th December 8pm. St Ediths Hall, Kemsing

Tickets :-Adults £6 Concessions £5 Children £4 from 01959 523752 or speak to Barbara Darby (video) 523339

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Kemsing Singers - Fanfare For Christmas
Come and support the Otford members of the Kemsing Singers Saturday 13th December 7.30pm at Church of St Mary, Kippington.

A lively selection of Christmas music with The Strelitzia String Quartet.

Tickets £10 from 01959 523752 or 01732 451632 or at the door.

All proceeds to Spring House Family Support Centre.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford village shops will be open on Sunday November 30 from 11am till 4pm when the Christmas lights will be switched on by Father Christmas.

All day entertainment will be provided by Rob the fire juggler, Bobo the clown, a Town Crier, and Lady Morris Dancers and Otford school choir will be singing carols. The raffle will be drawn by Father Christmas at 2pm in the Antiques Centre. This is a free raffle and customers can get a ticket on request after completion of their purchases at the participating village stores.

As well as the pubs, restaurants and tea shops the Methodist church hall will be open for refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar is in the church hall on Saturday November 22 from 10.00am - 12noon. There will be many seasonal stalls for all the family, refreshments and car washing and everyone is welcome to browse and buy.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RAIN would like to thank all those who supported their recent Sale and Coffee Shop on Friday October 24 which raised an incredible £710.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Kallen Dance Centre are holding a Fancy Dress Disco Dance, at Sevenoaks Community Centre, to include fish or sausage and chip supper on Saturday November 29th at 7.30pm with all proceeds being used to purchase costumes for the girls to wear at the Blackpool competition. Fancy dress is compulsory with the theme of TV, Film or Theatre.

Tickets £12.50, junior up to 14 years £7.50 from 01959 522314 or 01732 743652.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Village Fete committee is looking for an additional four members to join it. It is hoped that the new members would introduce fresh ideas and be part of this happy and focused group. If you would like more details please email patty.wallis@virgin.net.

Their Annual General Meeting is on Wednesday November 26 at 8pm in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall. All villagers welcome. Refreshments will be provided. For further information please contact Tracey Rowe 01959 523642, 07876 197077 or email tracey_rowe@btinternet.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford roads are being closed in November to allow EDF to install ducts. Ivy House Lane will be closed for 3 days from 17.11.08, Rye Lane (from Station Road to Pilgrims Way West) will be closed for 4 days from 20.11.08 and Pilgrims Way West (from Polhill to Filston Lane) will be closed for a 6 week period from 24.11.08 although it is hoped that this closure can be rescheduled so that village businesses do not suffer in the run up to Christmas.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford community warden, Paul Robertson, holds weekly surgeries in the School House, High Street every Tuesday between 11am and 12 noon.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet in the Memorial Hall at 9.30am on Thursday November 13 for their annual general meeting, which is an opportunity for members to volunteer to join the committee, and there will also be a sales table. There is a free crèche at every meeting and your first visit is free. For more details please contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156.

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Cow leads Otford man merry dance
A man was struck with a peculiar sense of deja vu following strange encounters with a cow, twice in as many nights.

Harry Nye, of Bubblestone Road, was walking home with a friend on Friday after a night out at the Rising Sun in Twitton Lane.

He said: "When we came down Pickmoss Lane there was this most enormous cow completely blocking the path. It was huge. I tried to get it back into the field, but it was not having any of that." [more]

BBC KENT
Rapist jailed after 1995 attack
A man has been jailed for eight-and-a-half years for raping a woman at a railway station in Kent 13 years ago.

Jason Clark, 37, of Mount Pleasant Road, Dartford, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to attacking the woman, who was 27 at the time.

Sentencing him, Judge Michael Lawson QC said Clark had destroyed the life of a "decent young woman".

Clark was arrested over the attack in Otford railway station car park after advances in DNA technology. [more]

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

As well as the normal pdf [] format, a 'page turn' digital version [] is also available to view.

Read 'Vicars Viewpoint' from Rev. Richard Worssam and other Church News: Harvest, Remembrance Sunday, Churches Together in Sevenoaks and District, Christmas Market, Advent, Mary and Joseph Visit Otford, Tree of Light Service, Christmas Choir Concert and Over £1,900 raised for Leukaemia Research.
Also, other sections for village and Parish Council news.

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