OTFORD' SOCIETY
The September Newsletter is now online, with details of Living Heritage – a new Autumn Series of talks, The Passing Parade, Garden Party, The Memorial Hall - its history and the paper chase!, Butterflies and Wildlife, Who Do You Think You Are ? - The Otford Version together with the latest news from many aspects of the Society in village life.

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
John Pearce, a retired senior detective of Kent Police, was the speaker at Otford Evening WI’s September meeting and he talked through the case of "The Mystery of the Missing Nurse" which happened in Ashford in the late 1970s. He threw clues and red herrings along the way and the audience held their breaths for the conclusion.

On October 1 several members will be spending the day in Windsor, going by coach. The Annual meeting is also being held in October when a new president will be elected, Diana Jeremiah having served for four years in the post. Several new members have joined this year and more are welcome to their meetings which begin at 7.30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the village Memorial Hall.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Memories of wartime and post-war Otford were the toast of a reunion on Saturday September 12 at the Rising Sun in Twitton when former pupils of the village school gathered together.

Over 45 ex pupils, relatives and friends enjoyed the get together in wonderful weather and organiser, Nick Staples, was pleased with the turnout. This is their fourth reunion and they enjoy having the opportunity to reminisce about their old school and talk about what they remember as the idyllic 1940’s and 1950’s.

Also sharing in the nostalgia was 97-year-old former head teacher, Reg Byron, in charge of the school from 1947 to 1973. Barbara Darby has produced a DVD of the proceedings and the group want to thank her for the wonderful job she has done both on their behalf and for the community as a whole. The idea behind the annual reunion originated from a photo taken by the Chronicle of villagers on Otford Recreation Ground, who were celebrating the Allied victory in the Second World War. All of the people pictured in the photograph and Otford school pupils from the 1940’ and 50’s are welcome to attend the next reunion planned for September 4 2010 at The Rising Sun. Nick Staples can be contacted on 01752 691026.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church Ladies Breakfast is being held on Saturday October 3 at 8.30am at the Methodist church hall with Julie Sheldon as guest speaker. Call Margaret Matthews 01959 522046 to book your place or email Sue at johnandsueward@btinternet.com

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Celebrate the restoration of the village pond between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Sunday September 27. There will be a brief dedication followed by a Bring Your Own Picnic to be eaten while mingling with friends and family on the village green. For more details contact Elizabeth Ward 01959 522384.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Support Macmillan Cancer by attending their Coffee Morning at the Church Hall, in the High Street, on Saturday October 3 between 10am and 12 noon. Stalls will include cakes, crafts, plants and tombola and donations are welcome for any of these stalls. For details contact Jean Leverett 01959 523404.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Homestead Farm
Does anyone have any memories of Homestead Farm on Rye Lane when it was still a dairy farm? Rogers & Marchant Dairy was run by my great grandfather Frank Rogers and my grandparents Sidney & Hilda McCombe sold the farm in 1968.
Regards Steve McCombe
[ Ed - If you can help Steve, please reply via the forum post]

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild hold their next meeting in the Parish church centre on Saturday September 26. Morning sessions start at 10am and afternoons at 2pm. The morning session is for UFO’s and WIP’s and the afternoon session will start with the AGM followed by a talk on Ecclesiastical Embroidery and looking at a collection of altar frontals. More details from Sylvia Grafton 01732 452117.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI, a modern voice for women, meet in the Memorial Hall this (Thursday) morning from 9.30am to hear Jo Hall talk about Fairtrade Crafts. Jo is the founder of ‘The Bazaar’ and will be telling her audience how she started her fair trade crafts business after visiting India. There is a free crèche at every meeting, your first visit is free, second visit £3 and annual membership is £29. Tea or coffee is available at 50p. For more information contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Quilling Guild is holding a national display of work in the Memorial Hall on Saturday preceded by their Annual General Meeting. The display showcases the best modern quilling to be found in England annually submitted by members both in the UK and overseas and is open to the public between 2pm and 4.30pm. The church hall will display entries in the annual competitions entered by members with winners in each category being voted for by members in a secret vote. For further details contact Janet Hunt 01959 523820.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meets in the Church Hall on Thursday September 24 at 8pm dancing to Carol Hewson calling to recorded music. There will be a whole range of dances covering folk, square and barn dances of English, American, Scottish and Irish origin. The cost for the evening, including tea/coffee and biscuits, is £1.50. For more information contact Peter George 01959 522105.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
OVMH Fundraising Events - 1940's Style Tea Dance
Sunday 11th October see the first of a series of fundraisers aimed at improving the facilities at the Otford Village Memorial Hall. The Trustees will be hosting a 1940’s style tea dance in the Hall. Music will be provided by Jeff who regularly hosts swing dance parties in our Hall and he will provide a variety of music for ballroom and swing dancing to suit all tastes. We hope that as many people as possible will support us on this occasion as the Hall is a vital part of our community providing a venue for so many of our local clubs and societies. Come along just to listen and enjoy the atmosphere or join in! (1940’s dress is optional) Entry will be £5 in advance or £6 on the door which includes free tea/ coffee / squash and a doughnut – all profits will go to the hall funds. The event will run from 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm and tickets available in advance from Pam or Ron Dullage on 01959 525181 (hall booking line) or by e-mail on ovmh.manager@otford.net.

Watch out for further details of more fundraising events coming up including a 60’s and 70’s disco (date to be confirmed) and a show by Ian Keable, the Winner of The Magic Circle Comedy Award 2008/09 taking place on 20th February 2010.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A new term of Hatha Yoga classes for beginners and all abilities starts on Tuesday September 15 in the Church Hall in the High Street. Lessons are weekly in term time between 7.30 and 9.00pm and cost £8. For further details and to reserve a place contact Brenda Hambrook on 01959 525969.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Bridge classes with Chris Morgan start on Tuesday September 29 in the Memorial Hall between 10am and 12 noon. The 20 week intermediate course will include: Revision of basic Acol, Play of the hand, Defence, Slam bidding, Doubles and Sacrifice bids. You are invited to go along and improve the basic skills you do have in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For further details and to book contact Chris Morgan 01732 463449, or email chris.morgan@xpertemail.co.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church's Marriage Course starts on September 22 and offers the opportunity for young and old to strengthen the foundations of their marriage and enrich it. The course lasts for 7 weeks and is held on a Tuesday evening at the church hall. Each evening starts with a meal followed by video sessions and private individual communications. Its fun whilst at the same time challenging. For more information and to book ring Michael or Helen Harris 01959 525159

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Major works to the church hall are nearing completion and the final clean, prior to re-opening, took place last Saturday. The renovations include new fire doors, new entrances/exits, alterations to the access into the halls, safer paths, external lighting and the rebuilding of one toilet to modern standards including wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
First Steps for babies, toddlers and their carers next meet in the Methodist church hall on Wednesday September 23 from 9.30 to 11.30am. It is jointly run by St Bartholomew’s and the Methodist Churches and includes the opportunity for a chat, refreshments and a short bible story with singing and activities for the children.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI meet Thursday at 7.30 in the Memorial Hall to hear a retired senior detective talk about ‘The Mystery of the Missing Nurse'. As well are enjoying the speakers and activities taking place in their own Institute WI members benefit from the wider range of interests organised by the Pilgrim’s Way District and West Kent Federation.

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Man stabbed following Otford pub fight
A man was stabbed in the arm following a fight in an Otford pub on Saturday.
Police said the 36-year-old had been involved in a "disturbance" with another man while in the garden of The Crown, which is on the High Street.
When he left the pub at 12.30am, he was assaulted by at least two men, one of whom he believes was involved in the earlier incident.
Police would like to hear from anyone with any information about the incident. Officers can be contacted on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
See Thursday's Chronicle for the full story and exclusive interviews. [more]

PARISH COUNCIL - SEP NEWSLETTER
The September edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: The Pond – At last!, Parish Council, Parish Council’s Services Committee Report, Police Surgery, Free Monday Night Football, Buy with Confidence, Living Heritage - A new Autumn series of talks, Community Safety Day, Coffee Morning, Otford Community Warden, Otford & District Historical Society, Hatha Yoga Class, Otford Village Hall, T'ai Chi Classes, Otford Methodist Church Marriage Course, Otford Methodist Church Ladies Breakfast, Hospice in the Weald Events, Otford Gardeners’ Society, Otford Oast WI, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Allotments Association, Knole DFAS, Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild, Picture of the Month, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery 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
Italian Wine and Opera Evening
A very special evening at the Otford & District Wine Club!   On Wednesday, 30 September 2009, the Wine Club are hosting an Italian Wine and Opera Evening in the Otford Memorial Hall beginning at 8 p.m.   This will feature the professional opera singer, Graham Neal, who will be singing some arias from Italian operas and to get you into the mood, there will also be the opportunity to take part in an Italian Wine Tasting.   As usual, the evening will be free to members but visitors will be charged £6.   Please ring the secretary on 01732-761359 if you would like to come to ensure that we have enough wine to go round.   Members will note that this is a change to our program outlined in the recent newsletter, but the Mexican Evening will be held on Wednesday, 25 November 2009.   This is a fantastic opportunity to hear Italian opera, so do come along and have a wonderful evening.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Your Reunion needs you (last minute reminder)
4th Annual Reunion of Otford Primary School for pupils of the 1940/50's era.You will be assured of a nostalgic trip down memory lane,meeting old friends. Its this Saturday , 5th Sept at the Rising Sun in Twitton from 11.30 -5pm , maybe you could pop in for just an hour, Mr Byron will be there, please ring Nick Staples 01732 843116 for further information

< Mr Reg Byron, Headmaster of Otford Primary School 1947-1973 is hoping to attend again this year.

More Pictures in the Gallery

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society is holding its Autumn Flower and Craft Show in the Memorial Hall on Saturday September 5.   On show will be flowers, fruit, vegetables, preserves, cookery, floral arrangements, photographs, art, handicrafts and junior art work. The winner of the Best Front Garden will be announced and The Junior Challenge Cup will be awarded. Teas and homemade cakes will be available all afternoon and there will be a plant and produce stall.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club hope that all members enjoyed their Summer programme of events which were well attended.  This continues with 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
Kent Dahlia Society is holding its Annual Show at Otford Church Hall, High Street, on Sunday September 6.  The show is open to the public from 2.00p.m. until 4.30p.m.  and there will be a Tombola and refreshments including homemade cake. Admission to the show is free and blooms will be sold at the end of the afternoon.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The Vicar of St Bartholomew’s  is following on from his  last year’s successful Autumn talks with a series entitled ‘Living Heritage’.  These talks will focus on the historical development of the parish systems in these isles from Roman times through the formative period of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms to the spirituality of the early medieval church.  The talks will draw on local history and archaeology, on Saxon texts and medieval wall paintings.  You are invited to go along to the church centre at 8pm on four consecutive Tuesday evenings September 29, October 6, 13 and 20.