VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Allotments Association held their AGM recently, during which Roger Selleck was presented with his trophies for both the Best Small Plot, and the Best Plot Overall. Mike Richards won the Runner-up Shield, and Certificates of Merit were awarded to Peter Tizzard and Barry and Elizabeth Goldsmith. All the plots are being cultivated at the moment, with a small waiting list, you are however welcome to have a look around. If you ring Barbara Hine 01959 525468 she will be pleased to take you on a tour.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) would like to thank the many people who supported their sale and coffee morning on Friday October 16 in the Memorial Hall. They raised an incredible £961.86 which will be of great assistance in treating and caring for the 30 cats and kittens which they had to take in this week, all of which now have to find homes.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Art Group meets every Tuesday between 9.30am and 12.30 in the Methodist halls using water colours, oils, pastels and acrylics. Members enjoy painting as a hobby and have exhibitions, sales days and occasional visiting tutors. If you are interested go along any Tuesday morning.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tickets for Otford Players performances of the pantomime Alladin are nearly sold out. If you would like to see the show in the Memorial Hall on the evenings of Thursday November 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November with a matinee performance at 2pm on the Saturday then ring 01959 525404 before its too late.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Country Market is held every Friday between 2pm and 3pm in Eynsford Village Hall, opposite the Castle Pub. On November 11 there will be an Chutney Tasting Day, helping to celebrate 100 years of the Bramley apple with all the usual items for sale - fresh vegetables, savouries, cakes, plants, bread, preserves and craft and also an opportunity to place your Christmas orders.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
On Saturday November 14 Otford Scouts bring you their Annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Entrance by the Scout Hut, off Station Road. Tickets £4.00 (children under 5 free) available from Otford Dry Cleaners or The Crown PH, High Street. Hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks will be on sale during the evening and gates open at 5.30pm for a 6pm performance.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist church invite you to join them at 6.30pm on Sunday November 1 in the Methodist church hall for a Cafe Evening with singer songwriter Mike Rayson. There is no admission charge and coffee and cakes will be served. For further details contact Kath Pawlett 01959 522196. There are also holding a Colour & Light Party for primary school children on Saturday October 31 between 3 and 5pm in the Methodist church hall in celebration of Halloween. Cost £1 at the door. For more details contact Julie Thomson 01732 457137 or Armanda Rowell 01959 522221.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild meet on Saturday (31) in the Memorial Hall to hear a talk by Mr Walter McLaren entitled ‘The History of Fans’. Morning sessions begin at 10am and afternoon at 2pm. For more details contact 0208 304 4416.

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Train services to change without warning
Commuters arriving up for their regular 8.20am train in December could find themselves with a long and chilly wait on the platform. The "unofficial" connection to Sevenoaks leaving Otford at 8.20am, allowing commuters to join the 8.30am fast train from Sevenoaks to Cannon Street, is to be effectively cancelled. "As far as Otford commuters are concerned this is a serious backward step which eliminates Otford as a commutable station," said outraged passenger Tony Millward. "Most will not become aware of these changes until they find that suddenly they are unable to commute to the City directly from Otford." [more]

PARISH COUNCIL - OCT NEWSLETTER
The October edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Aladdin, Twinning, Halloween, Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day, Otford Primary School – Open Day, Bogus Callers, St Bartholomew’s Christmas Market, Indoor Boot Fair, Oxenhill Meadow & Shaw, Police Surgery, Otford & District Wine Club, Christmas Market, Pilates in Otford, Living Heritage A series of talks, Otford Community Warden, Otford & District Historical Society, Otford Methodist Wednesday Afternoons Women’s Fellowship, Hatha Yoga Class, Otford Allotments Association, Dog Fouling, Knole DFAS, Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild, Community Responders, Picture of the Month, Otford Primary Top Draw, 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.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Guided walk in Oxenhill Meadow and Shaw Saturday October 31 at 10.30a.m. To meet concerns expressed over the present coppicing regime there is to be a guided walk to explain woodland management starting from the bottom of Tudor Drive. All welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist church invites all primary school children to their Colour & Light Party on Saturday October 31 between 3 and 5pm at the Methodist church hall in celebration of Halloween. Cost £1 at the door. For more details contact Julie Thomson 01732 457137 or Armanda Rowell 01959 522221.

The church invites you to a Cafe Evening on Sunday November 1 for an evening with singer songwriter Mike Rayson in the Methodist church hall at 6.30pm. Coffee and cakes will be served and admission is free. Further details from Kath Pawlett 01959 522196

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI held their annual meeting on October 8 when Eve Wiltshire was elected their new president, succeeding Diana Jeremiah who had held the post so capably for 4 years. There has been a wonderful response to the collection of assorted items for our troops in Afghanistan and these will be sent in shoe boxes during the next few weeks. The November meeting is on the 12 when a flood development officer will talk about "Old Mills on our Stream". Meetings are held in the Memorial Hall and start at 7.30pm.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Oddfellows Sevenoaks Lodge are meeting at The Woodman PH, 2 High Street, at 7.45pm on Monday November 9 when local author Mr McCooey will talk on " Kent Scandals". Future meetings will be published in their "Events Diaries" for January-December 2010 in due course. Anyone who would like to know more about the Oddfellows can contact Mr Phil Leng 01892 521945.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Bonfire Night. On Saturday November 14 Otford Scouts bring you their Annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Entrance is via the Scout Hut, off Station Road, from 5.30pm. Tickets £4.00, children under 5 free, are available from Otford Dry Cleaners, on the Parade or The Crown public house, High Street. Hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks will be available.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A country market is held every Friday between 2 and 3pm in Eynsford village hall, opposite the Castle Pub. Tomorrow, Friday 23, there will be an Apple Tasting Day and on November 11 a Chutney Tasting Day, both events helping to celebrate 100 years of the Bramley apple. The usual items will be for sale including fresh vegetables, savories, cakes, plants, bread, preserves and crafts with an opportunity to place your Christmas orders.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Serendipity meets every Thursday morning between 9.30 and 10.30am in the Methodist church halls to exercise, with a qualified instructor, and then relax over a coffee before playing table tennis. If you are over 50 and would like to keep supple then you would be warmly welcomed. Just turn up wearing loose clothing and suitable footwear.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospices of Hope charity in the High Street have enlarged their premises to encompass a Christmas and craft shop, with a second hand book section, and are looking for volunteers to help them staff this new venture alongside their existing coffee shop and adjacent antique shop. If you have a few hours to spare on a regular basis please ring Gill Saunderson in the coffee shop on 01959 524322.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Advance warning - the centre of the village will be closed between 10.45 and 11.15am on Remembrance Sunday November 8. It is hoped that all sporting clubs using the recreation ground will delay the start of matches so as to avoid additional traffic disruption.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning held in the church hall on October 3 raised an astonishing £700+ thanks to all the helpers and supporters who attended. Jean Leverett would like to express her sincere thanks to all concerned.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Aladdin is being performed in the Memorial Hall by the Otford Players on the evenings of Thursday November 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November with a matinee performance at 2pm on the Saturday. Tickets costing £7 adult and £4 under 14 are available from 01959 525404.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Support Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) Autumn sale and coffee shop tomorrow in the Memorial Hall from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Stalls will include nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, and toiletries and coffee and refreshments will be available. For further details contact June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Kumon are offering children a free 2 week trial if they enrol at the Memorial Hall between Sept 21 and October 20. Find out how Kumon can help your child prepare for the future by contacting Maki Bates 0208 333 9550, otford@kumoncentre.co.uk. Kumon is available every Tuesday and Friday between 3.30 and 6pm.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club’s AGM and Pudding Competition will be held on Wednesday October 28 in the Memorial Hall at 8pm. The club will try to clear the business up as quickly as possible so they can enjoy the buffet and judge the Pudding Competition. Members are reminded that subscriptions will remain at £6 per head for the year and are due at the AGM so take your cheque books or cash. If you have any suggestions for interesting or entertaining evenings the Wine Club could hold during the year the committee would be pleased to hear from you. Menu’s for the Christmas Dinner are available from the Secretary 01732 761359 or can be seen at the AGM.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society’s Autumn Meeting is being held in the Memorial Hall at 8pm tonight with a talk entitled 'The Work of a Local Councillor'. Tea and biscuits will be served during the meeting. New members are welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Contact The Crown, High Street for a copy of their special events and entertainment programme. They have introduced a mid-week roast so that customers can enjoy a traditional roast dinner on both Wednesday evenings and Sunday lunch times. Senior citizens are offered a free dessert or cup of tea or coffee with any main meal purchased between Monday and Thursday 12 noon to 3pm excluding Bank holidays and Christmas.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford CP school is holding a Jumble Sale on Saturday October 17 and invite you to go along and grab a bargain.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Players debut Pantomime Aladdin is being performed in the Memorial Hall on the evenings of Thursday November 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November with an additional matinee performance at 2pm on the Saturday. Tickets costing £7 adult and £4 under 14 are available from 01959 525404.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rescued Animals in Need (RAIN) will be holding an Autumn sale and coffee shop on Friday October 16 in the Otford Memorial Hall from 11.00am to 1.00pm. There will be nearly new clothes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, and toiletries for you to buy while you enjoy a coffee and refreshments. For further details contact June McCullen 01959 533364.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Enrol your child at the Memorial Hall between Sept 21 and October 20 for a 2 week Kumon free trial. Find out how Kumon can help your child prepare for the future by contacting Maki Bakes 0208 333 9550, otford@kumoncentre.co.uk. Kumon is available every Tuesday and Friday between 3.30 and 6pm in the Memorial Hall.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club are holding their AGM and Pudding Competition on Wednesday October 28 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. Their aim is to clear the AGM business quickly then concentrate on enjoying the buffet, at which wine will be provided, and judging the Pudding Competition. However there can be no competition without puddings to judge so you are urged to start thinking now to stand a chance of winning the much valued Kirsch Cup. Further details of this event, and their future programme, in next weeks issue.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
HOPEFEST, a local festival of events to explore the big questions of our lives, has started with a Men’s Breakfast club on September 26, and a ‘Have I got news for you’ session on October 3 at the Stag. This festival continues with events in Bessels Green, The Kippington Centre, Town Church, Mill Lane and St Nick’s Undercroft in Sevenoaks and major events on November 21 and 28 and December 5 at the Stag Theatre. Further information from 01732 740340 or visit www.hopefest.org.uk. Otford churches participating are Holy Trinity Church, Otford Methodist church and St Bartholomew’s.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Winners of the Front Garden Competition, organised by Otford Gardeners’ Society on behalf or the Parish Council, this year were Roger and Dawn Yeldham of Sidney Gardens who scooped the prize for the third time. Mrs Yvonne Brown of Hale Lane and Mr & Mrs Brauns of The Old Walk came second and third respectively. Competition was fierce this year with a further three gardens being Highly Commended and no less than eleven being Commended.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society’s Autumn Meeting will be held on Thursday October 15 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. There will be a talk entitled 'The Work of a Local Councillor' with tea and biscuits being served during the meeting. New members are welcome.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Art Group
Exhibition and Sale of Paintings, Cards and Gifts Saturday, 10th October in The Hope Room, Otford Village Memorial Hall 10.15 - 3.30pm

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sunday October 11 sees the first of a series of fundraising events aimed at improving the facilities at the Otford Village Memorial Hall. The Trustees will be hosting a 1940’s style tea dance in the main hall with music provided by Jeff who regularly hosts swing dance parties in the hall. Jeff will provide a variety of music for ballroom and swing dancing to suit all tastes and it is hoped that as many people as possible will support this event as the Hall is a vital part of our community providing a venue for so many of our local clubs and societies. You are invited to go along just to listen and enjoy the atmosphere or join in and 1940’s dress is optional. Entry costs £5 in advance or £6 on the door and includes free tea/ coffee / squash and a doughnut with all profits going to the Hall fund. The event will run from 3.00 until 6.00pm and tickets are available in advance from Pam or Ron Dullage 01959 525181 (hall booking line) or by e-mail 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
Otford Society’s Autumn Meeting will be held on Thursday October 15 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall. There will be a talk entitled 'The Work of a Local Councillor' with tea and biscuits being served during the meeting. New members are welcome.

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. Today several members will be spending today in Windsor, traveling there by coach. The Annual meeting will be 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 Memorial Hall.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church Ladies Breakfast is on Saturday starting at 8.30am 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
Support Macmillan Cancer at the Church Hall on Saturday between 10am and 12 noon at their coffee morning with stalls including cakes, crafts, plants and tombola. Donations are welcome for any of these stalls. For details contact Jean Leverett 01959 523404.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society meet on Tuesday October 6 at 8pm in the Memorial Hall when Russell Bowes will talk about ‘The Painted Garden’. Russell is a garden historian and will demonstrate the portrayal of gardens in the art world. For details of these events contact the secretary Janet Finney by telephone 01959 523760 or by e-mail gardeners@otford.net.

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 advice, in confidence, on financial, legal, benefits and family problems. If you would like advice then please 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.