VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
FOOL's (Friends of Otford Library) are hosting a talk entitled 'What's Growing on in Otford' tonight in the village library. Barbara Hine from Otford Allotments Association and Janet Finney from Otford Gardeners' Society will be talking about all things horticultural here in Otford. The evening begins at 7.30pm and the admission is £1 which includes refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Ian White is giving a talk entitled “A childhood in the 1950’s’ in St Edith’s large hall, High Street, Kemsing on Friday February 6. Tickets and full details are available from Erica Cole 01732 761772.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church invite you to ‘An evening with Paul Field’ 6.30pm in the church halls on Sunday, refreshments will be supplied. Paul is an award winning song writer having composed music for stars like Cliff Richard and many of the modern Christian songs played in church. Further information is available from Kath Pawlett 01959 522196

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Citizens Advice Bureau hold monthly surgeries at the Parish Offices in the High Street on the first Tuesday of the month between 10am and 12 noon. These surgeries provide the opportunity for local people to seek confidential advice on financial, legal, benefits and family problems. If you are unable to attend a surgery then the CAB can be contacted on 01732 457958.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet tonight in the Church Hall, High Street, opposite the Bull, with Roger Letley playing and Eddie calling. The club meets every Thursday from 8pm to 10 pm and all are welcome for a friendly evening of all kinds of folk dancing. There is always a caller for each evening who runs through each dance beforehand and calls as the dance progresses The emphasis is on enjoying the dance rather than technical perfection. The cost for the evening, including tea/coffee and biscuits, is £1.50. For more information contact Peter George (01959 522105).

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Heritage Centre is seeking some volunteers to help with general housekeeping by way of some light dusting of the display cabinets, checking the larger exhibits and tidying leaflets etc. This would be on a rota basis of once every 4-6 weeks. If you can help please contact Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or carolgriffitsh@waitrose.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Indoor boot fair is being held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday March 7 between 9am and 1pm to raise money for a local dance school to purchase costumes for the girls to wear at the forthcoming Blackpool dance competition. Anyone wishing to book a table for £8 should ring Claire Pegg 01959 525582 or Donna Nicholls 01959 522230.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society is holding a Cheese and Wine evening on February 3 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall for members to meet up with friends old and new and find out what is planned for 2009. Details of all events are available from the Social Secretary, Janet Finney, 01959 523760, email gardeners@otford.net or visit their website www.otford.info/gardeners.

PARISH COUNCIL - NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
There will be a "safer plate" session at Sainsbury's on Friday 6th February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can have special screws fitted to your number plate to help prevent theft. This does not work on number pltes that are glued on.

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
At their meeting on January 8 Otford Evening WI welcomed Neil Arnold who's subject was Big Cat Research in Kent. Over 250 sightings of various large felines are reported each year and he confirmed some of these with photographs. Slaughtered prey such as deer and sheep have been found in the branches of trees, which indicated that a panther had been at large.

On February 12 members will hear about the vital work done by the Kent Air Ambulance. This WI has an interesting and varied list of speakers booked for forthcoming meetings throughout the year. Details are always advertised in advance on notice boards in the village and anyone wishing to join them for an evening will be given a warm welcome. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Guide Christmas post box raised a total of £343 which will be divided between the girls’ chosen charities Demelza House Children’s Hospice and Kent Air Ambulance Trust. The Brownies and Guides would like to thank all those who supported the 2008 post boxes in Otford Library and the Parish Office.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society meet on February 3 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall for a Cheese and Wine Evening. This social event is designed for members to meet up with friends old and new and find out what is planned for 2009. Details of all events are available from the Social Secretary, Janet Finney, 01959 523760, email gardeners@otford.net or visit their website www.otford.info/gardeners.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine are holding a traditional Burns Night on Wednesday January 28 in the Memorial Hall at 8pm and refreshments will be provided, members free, visitors £5. There will be readings of Burns poems, singing by the professional Scottish singer, Frank Haggarty, besides the usual sing-song everyone can join in. There will be an ‘Unwanted Present Raffle’ during the evening so if you received any presents you are not too keen on wrap them up and take them along, all contributions gratefully received. More information from their Secretary 01732 761359.

PARISH COUNCIL - JAN NEWSLETTER
The January edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Football Match @ Charlton, The Village Design Statement, Otford Car Park, Guide Christmas Post Box, Otford Young Achiever Award, Councillors' Allowances, The Otford Parish Plan, New PCSO, Otford Community Warden, Indoor Boot Fair, Otford Oast WI, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Evening WI, Otford Methodist Church, World Day of Prayer, Otford Gardeners’ Society, Sevenoaks DFAS, Otford Village Hall, Otford Allotments Association, Knole DFAS, Hatha Yoga Class, Otford Methodist Wednesday Afternoons Women’s Fellowship, Otford Methodist Exercise Group, Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild, Picture of the Month, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery, Otford Petanque Club, Otford Primary Top Draw, Yorkshire 3 peaks Challenge 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 Historical Society meet at 8pm next Wednesday, January 21, in the Memorial Hall when Bob Ogley will regale them with tales of the Hero’s and Heroines of Biggin Hill. The meeting is free to members with visitors paying £1. For more information contact Jackie Howe 01959 525434.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford's 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 and at 6.45pm at Farningham Village Hall. These sessions are suitable for all ages, wear comfortable clothes and take a towel along. More information from Joy Watt 01959 525364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist exercise group meet every Thursday at 9.30am in the church halls. This group is for men and women over 50 and is led by a REPs level 3 supervisor. Refreshments are available at the end of the session as are table tennis and chess. Each session costs just £2 and more details can be obtained from David Knight 01732 743056.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Indoor boot fair is being held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday March 7 between 9am and 1pm to raise money for a local dance school to purchase costumes for the girls to wear at the forthcoming Blackpool dance competition. Anyone wishing to book a table for £8 should ring Claire Pegg 01959 525582 or Donna Nicholls 01959 522230.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) would like to thank all their supporters for their help and generosity in 2008. Your efforts have enabled the charity to continue with its much needed work. If you can offer help, or would like to make a donation, please contact June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
UCanCraft club will be in the Church Hall during the February half term between 10am and 12 noon for £5 per session and dates will be published in a future issue.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Everyone who attended the Otford and District Wine Club’s Christmas Social agreed that it was a great success with an excellent Christmas Dinner prepared by Catercraft in the beautifully decorated Memorial Hall.

The club are pleased to announce that the festive season is not yet over as they are holding a traditional Burns Night on Wednesday January 28 in the Memorial Hall at 8pm. There will be readings of Burns poems, singing by the professional Scottish singer, Frank Haggarty, besides the usual sing-song everyone can join in with. Refreshments will be provided and you are invited to take your friends along for a fun night out. There will be an ‘Unwanted Present Raffle’ during the evening so if you received any presents you are not too keen on wrap them up and take them along, all contributions gratefully received. The evening is free to members with guests paying £5 each. More information from their Secretary 01732 761359.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet today at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall to hear local nutritionist Victoria Hitchcock talk about Nutritional Medicine. There is a free crèche at every meeting, your first visit is free, second visit £3 and annual membership is £29. Tea/coffee costs 50p. Go along and take a friend. Further details from Jane Dean 01732 460512.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Paul Field, the award winning song writer, will host Otford Methodist churches café evening at 6.30pm on Sunday February 1. As well as writing music for stars like Cliff Richard he has also written many of the modern Christian songs played in the church. Refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Kath Pawlett 01959 522196.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Gardeners Society and Otford Allotments Association are in Otford Library on Thursday January 29th at 7.30 to talk under the heading "What's Growing on in Otford". If you are interested in finding out more why not come along - you would be most welcome. Ring 01959 523760 or 01959 525468 if you would like to know earlier detail.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Over 60's Club
I thought you might like to know how much pleasure your very generous gift has given the Otford Over 60s Club.

So far they have been to:
1) The Rose and Crown for a meal of their choice
2) Pappas Barn for a Fish and Chip Lunch ( a real treat when one doesn't drive so cannot go to the fish shop when one fancies)
3) The Brown Trout at Lamberhurst for Christmas Lunch
4) The Wheatsheaf at Bexhill for a lunch And they still have a little left to maybe have a tea at Burrswood in the Spring when the trees are in bloom.
All this has been at no cost to themselves because of you ..
Jill Yates

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet on Thursday January 15 at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall to hear local nutritionist Victoria Hitchcock talk about Nutritional Medicine. She will answer the questions ‘What is it, and how can it help me?’ There is a free crèche at every meeting, your first visit is free, second visit £3 and annual membership is £29. Tea/coffee costs 50p. You are invited to go along and take a friend. Further details from Jane Dean 01732 460512.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet tonight in the Church Hall at 8pm and as usual there will be a whole range of dances covering Folk, Square and Barn Dances of English, American, Scottish and Irish origin. For more information contact Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Solar System is the title of a recently written book by the curator and creator of the model, David Thomas. It is in three sections and is available for £7 from Sevenoaks Bookshop or from the Heritage Centre. The small profits go to maintaining and improving the model. It is also hoped that jewellery with an associated astronomical theme will soon be created in Bill Skinner’s workshop (www.billskinnerstudio.co.uk) in the High Street.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Paul Field, the award winning song writer, will host Otford Methodist churches café evening at 6.30pm on Sunday February 1. As well as writing music for stars like Cliff Richard he has also written many of the modern Christian songs played in the church. Refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Kath Pawlett 01959 522196.

Coffee and a chat are available every Friday between 10am and 12 noon at the Methodist church halls, next to the library. Meet your friends, or make new ones, enjoy a relaxing break, everyone welcome and children are catered for. Just go along or ring Kath Pawlett as above.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Parish Council has on view new layout proposals for the village car park by the Memorial Hall in the High Street and further details of these will be published shortly.

There is also a display celebrating 100 years of Scouting which includes insignia, badges and photographs of the local troop from c1914 as well as more recent material.

KCC Community Warden, Paul Robertson, holds a weekly surgery at the Parish offices every Tuesday between 11am and 12 noon to discuss any problems and community issues you may have.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Afternoon WI meet in the Memorial Hall at 2pm on the second Tuesday of each month and on January 13 will hear a talk by Lt. Col. M. Marin entitled ‘Memories of the Second World War’. More details can be obtained from Joyce Shaw 01959 522736.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Road works on Pilgrims Way West by EDF commenced on Monday and will continue for the next 6 weeks. Look out for the diversionary signs and allow extra time for your journey.

ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S
The January 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.

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