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Cantate Choir come to Otford
7.30pm, Saturday 6 June 2009 - St Bartholomew's Church, Otford
The local chamber choir Cantate present their summer concert with something for all to enjoy.

After their sell-out recent performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ in Sevenoaks they return to more intimate surroundings.  The choir is making its first visit to the historic Parish Church in Otford, and has chosen this occasion to sing music from the past five centuries.  Music by Palestrina, Purcell, Parry and Arvo Pärt combine to make what promises to be a rich and varied evening. 

On the anniversary of the Normandy landings of WWII Cantate perform one of the great Romantic works for unaccompanied choir, the “Songs of Farewell” by Sir Charles Parry, settings of old texts with universal and constant relevance to us today.  The choir will be conducted by its Music Director, Robin Walker and will be joined by organist Iestyn Evans who will perform solo works by the same composers.

Tickets, priced at £10 including refreshments, are available in advance from Sevenoaks bookshop or from the box office: 01732 770570. www.cantate-choir.info

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Clubs and Associations Showcase on Saturday May 16 was a huge success with a large number of clubs and associations represented.  The village was crowded on that day with the Christian Aid coffee morning and car cleaning at the Methodist church halls, and the Showcase in the Memorial hall.  Newcomers to the village were able to participate and enjoy a wonderful village atmosphere. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Village Fete on Bank Holiday Monday starts with a procession leaving Hale Lane at noon, travelling through the village, around the pond, and into the Recreation Ground in the High Street.  The entrance fee to the Fete is £1, under 14’s free, and proceeds from the event will go to local organisations.
The theme this year is Fantasy and a fun day out for all the family is promised.   Joe Bazouki and the Missing Puddings, Alex Banks totally Sinatra, Gez, and RattleMac will provide non-stop music, the display area will be the focus of the Parade, Morris Dancers, Poi display and training and the Dog Show kicks off at 1.00pm. after registration at 11.30am.  First winners in each of the 7 classes will compete for the prestigious ‘Elands Veterinary Clinic Best in Show 2009’ prize. 
There will be a host of children’s entertainments including Face painting, Punch and Judy and Razzle Dazzle and Playspace’s activities include a Teddy Bears’ Picnic with children invited to take along their own teddy and enter the competition.   Village organisations are running their own stalls including ice creams, cakes, plants, teas, BBQ and a beer tent, there will be a shopping village and entertainment catering for all ages from Beekeeping to a Wheel of Fortune.
If you can help with the set up or close down, or would like further information, visit their website www.otford.info/villagefete or contact Andrea Pinto 01959 525623.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Lawn Tennis Club still have some spaces available for their senior coaching this summer in the Beginners/Rusty rackets course on Wednesdays between 7.30 and 9pm and Intermediate/advanced on Saturday mornings between 8.30 and 10am.  Pre booking with Jo Brookbank 01732 464743, 0780 6601995, Jo@OtfordTennis.org is essential.  The club are also holding Summer Holiday courses and will shortly be taking bookings for these.
Save the Children Fund will benefit from a 13 and under doubles tennis tournament at the club tomorrow between 10am and 1pm with winners going through to the Kent final.  For further details contact Mary Evans 01959 523701, 07781 653936 or email mary.a.evans@beinternet.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Congratulations to Sue Stephenson, assistant parish clerk, Paul Robertson, Community warden and ex-PCSO Dave Birchall who succeeded in conquering the three highest peaks in Yorkshire in 10 hours 44 minutes, on a lovely day, in the recent Three Peaks Challenge.  The money they raised will be distributed to local charities including the Over 60’s club and they also intend to purchase a novelty waste bin for the children’s play area on the recreation ground. They are still collecting sponsorship money and appreciate all the local support they received on this, their hardest, challenge to date.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet next Thursday (28) in the Church Hall, High Street, opposite the Bull when Carol Hewson will be calling to recorded music.  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 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 Gardeners’ Society welcome any donations of plants for the stall they are running at the village fete on Bank Holiday Monday May 25 on the recreation ground from 1pm onwards.  For details contact the Society Secretary, Janet Finney on 01959 523760, email gardeners@otford.net or visit their website www.otford.info/gardeners.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club hope that all members enjoyed their Winter programme of events which were well attended.  The Summer programme begins with the Ice cream Stall they are running at the Fete on Bank Holiday Monday.  You are invited to go along to help if you can and enjoy good fun in fine weather.  The Summer programme continues with a BBQ on Sunday July 5, an outing to see ‘The Wizard of Oz’ on August 1 and a flu-free Mexican Evening on September 30.  Fuller details of all events will be published in future editions but in the meantime if you would like more details you can ring their Secretary 01732 761359.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Anyone interested in seeing a demonstration on how to create hanging baskets
is welcome to join members of Otford Evening WI at their meeting on June 11 when Alan Harvey, from Plaxtol Nurseries, will be talking and demonstrating. The evening starts at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
In July the Evening WI will be holding their ever-popular Boot Fair between 9.30 and 12.30  on Saturday 18 in the Memorial Hall.   Stalls cost £8 each and further details can be obtained from Heather Tilley 01959 522491. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Embroiders Guild meet in the Memorial Hall on Saturday May 30 for an all day workshop with Kathleen Laurel Sage and mini-workshops.  Morning sessions begin at 10am and afternoon at 2pm.   Further information can be obtained from Jane Barratt 01732 833588.

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Otford Allotments Association will be running  a super plant stall at the Village Fete on Monday 25th. We will also be running our Human Fruit Machine game, where you could win (or lose) an incredibly small fortune! Although we have a small waiting list for plots  at the moment, do come along and meet our friendly allotment gardeners, and find out more about our association. Further information on www.otford.info/allotments

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Free for Tea?  Daphne Paterson would like to invite you to tea (or coffee) and a chat to support Coeliac UK’s Awareness week between Monday May 11 and Friday May 15.  Daphne will be at the Otford Methodist church hall today (14) between 9.30am and 12 noon and tomorrow between 10am and 12 noon or call her for more information 01322 863171. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Travellers Rest Folk Club meet tonight (14) at 8.30pm in The Crown public house.  Live music will be provided by Lyre Celtica, exciting celtic music from North of the border.  Admission is free, there will be a hat collection and raffle.  Singers, musicians and audience all equally welcome.  More details from 01255 67489.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society will be running a plant stall at the village fete on Bank Holiday Monday May 25 on the recreation ground from 1pm onwards.  For details of all events please contact the Society Secretary, Janet Finney on 01959 523760, or email gardeners@otford.net or visit their website www.otford.info/gardeners.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Coffee Morning and Sale in aid of Christian Aid is being held at the Methodist church halls on Saturday (16) between 10am and 12 noon, to include various stalls: Cakes, Plants, Books, and Bric-a-Brac.  You can also have your car cleaned while you enjoy a coffee and refreshments.  If you would like further information please contact Audrey Curnow 01732 885597.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford's clubs and associations will be showcased in the Memorial Hall on Saturday (16) between 10am and 3pm.  There will be a carnival atmosphere and you can find out about what is on offer and what clubs you might like to join.  A vast variety of activities will be represented including Sports, Art, Quilling, Petanque and many others and tea and coffee will be available.  Be certain to visit this free community event.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meet in the Memorial Hall tonight (14) to hear Rod Shelton talk about the village plan.   Details of the three Otford WI’s will be found on the Otford village web site www.otford.info and follow the link to the WI., or telephone Joyce Shaw 01959 522736.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospice in the Weald is holding its Annual Plant Fair on Saturday (16) in the hospice grounds, Maidstone Road, Pembury between 10am and 2pm and an Open Garden event at Sandyridge, Pine Tree Lane, Ivy Hatch between 2 and 5pm.  There will be a huge selection of plants, herbs, trees and shrubs, craft stalls, barbecue, refreshments and cakes at the annual plant fair. To visit Sandyridge to see this stunning natural two acre garden, lake, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells ring 01892 820530 for a map as this property is quite difficult to find.  Ample parking is available, teas will be served but no dogs are allowed.

PARISH COUNCIL - MAY NEWSLETTER
The May edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Otford Village Fete - Monday 25th May, Otford Pond, Otford Lunch Club, Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, Congratulations Paul, Conmen Information, Otford Clubs & Associations Showcase, Otford Cricket Club, Longacre Nursery, Otford Links with Neufchatel-Hardelot, Otford Petanque Club, Otford Allotments, St Michael‛s School Grounds, Poppy Appeal, Otford Gardeners‛ Society, Otford Oast WI, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Community Warden, The Darent Valley Choir Spring Concert, St Bartholomew‛s Church Fair, Otford & District Wine Club, Otford Evening WI, What a load of Rubbish, Sevenoaks DFAS, Kemsing Singers, Otford Players, Knole DFAS, Nepal Trek Presentation, Eynsford County Market, Sevenoaks Embroiderers‛ Guild, Picture of the Month, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery, Orienteering, Otford Primary Top Draw, Kent County and European Parliamentary Elections 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.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Clubs and Associations Open Day
Come and see the wide variety of clubs available to join in your village by coming along to The Clubs and Associations Open Day on Sat 16th May in Otford Memorial Hall from 10-3pm. This is a chance for you to get to know what clubs are available in the village.

Do come along it promises to be a fun day with music and refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Christian Aid will benefit from various events being held in Otford between May 10 and 16.  At 6.30pm on Sunday May 10 there will be a Commissioning Service at St. Bartholomew’s church and on Tuesday May 12  there will be a Christian Aid Frugal lunch between 12 noon and 2pm at Otford Methodist church.  A Coffee Morning and Sale is also being held at the Otford Methodist church on Saturday May 16, between 10am and 12 noon, to include various stalls: Cakes, Plants, Books, and Bric-a-Brac.  You can also have your car cleaned while you enjoy a coffee and refreshments.  If you would like further information please contact Audrey Curnow 01732 885597.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Chipstead Tennis Club invite you to join in the fun on Saturday May 9 from 2pm-4pm.
Everyone welcome, beginners and adults, members and non-members. There will be free coaching with the qualified coach, the official opening of the new clubhouse and prizes throughout the afternoon. Would you like to know the speed of your serve - then go along and find out. Prize for the fastest serve on the day.  The club is at The Old Garden, Chipstead. For further information contact Matt Doran 07931 247877 or email mattdoran@kidz4sport.com.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Afternoon WI meet at 2pm on May 12 in the Memorial Hall to discuss the issue that the WI are proposing to put to the Government this year, and which will be voted on at the Annual Meeting at the Albert Hall in June.  This year the Resolution is “SOS for Honey Bees”, putting concerns forward for the future of honey bees owing to the decline in the UK honey bee population, which play a vital role in the pollination of food crops and in the environment, thus making them central to the world’s existence.  John Edwards-Windsor, local Apiarist and President of the Kent Beekeepers Association, will tell members about the honey bees decline and answer their questions.  Visitors are very welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meet in the Memorial Hall on May 14 to hear Rod Shelton talk about the village plan.   
All other details of the three Otford WI’s will be found on the Otford village web site www.otford.info and follow the link to the WI., or telephone Joyce Shaw 01959 522736.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospice in the Weald has two fund raising events on Saturday May 16 their Annual Plant Fair in the hospice grounds, Maidstone Road, Pembury between 10am and 2pm and an Open Garden event at Sandyridge, Pine Tree Lane, Ivy Hatch between 2 and 5pm.  There will be a huge selection of plants, herbs, trees and shrubs, craft stalls, barbecue, refreshments and cakes at the annual plant fair.  Donations of plants to sell are welcome, take to the Hospice during the week before the fair or ring Ruth Fahie 01892 820508 for further information.    If you would like to visit Sandyridge to see this stunning natural two acre garden, lake, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells ring 01892 820530 for a map as this property is quite difficult to find.  Ample parking is available, teas will be served but no dogs are allowed.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Clubs and Associations showcase will take place between 10am and 3pm on Saturday May 16 when there will be a carnival atmosphere at the Memorial Hall.  Almost all the clubs and associations in Otford will be there. It will be a bit like a ‘freshers day’ event when you can find out about what is on offer and what clubs you might like to join.  Sports, Art, Quilling, Petanque, you name it the village offers it.  There will be tea and coffee available on the stage. This is another event to bring our community together.  Be certain to visit, it’s free and you won’t go away empty-handed.