VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hatha Yoga new term of classes for beginners and all abilities starts on Tuesday 12 in the Church Hall at Otford. 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
On January 15 at 7.30pm Fidelity Weston will present ‘The Living Landscape Project’ at the Jeffrey Harrison Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, previously known as the Wildfowl Reserve. The Sevenoaks Living Landscape Project encourages local people to help increase conservation management and develop a richer wildlife habitat in their own local area. Currently Chairman of the Kent Wildlife Trust, Fidelity has lived in the Sevenoaks area all her life and her involvement with the Trust started in the 1990s when she ran a Wildlife Watch group from her families organic farm in Underriver, south of Sevenoaks. Her local links and community involvement have been instrumental in promoting the Living Landscape Project. For more information contact David Nimmo on 01689 828831 or davidwnimmo@tiscali.co.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford & District Wine Club don’t think the festive season is over yet as the grim, dark days of January will be lightened by their Burns Night which will be held on Wednesday January 27 in the Otford Memorial Hall. As usual the evening will start at 8p.m. and will be hosted by their favourite Scotsman, with the velvet voice, Frank Haggarty, who will address the haggis and perform all the mysterious offices pertaining to a traditional Burns Night. Frank will lead the singing and there will be some Scottish dancing. There will be haggis, oatcakes, and other seasonal refreshments. The evening is free to paid-up members but guests will be charged £6. Ring the Secretary on 01732 761359 if you would like to attend to ensure there are enough refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Contact The Crown 01959 522847 email: thecrown@otford.net for their latest newsletter detailing their New Year programme.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There was definitely a Christmas party feeling in the air at Otford Evening WI's December meeting. Members and guests were greeted with a glass of wine or cordial and after a warm welcome from the President sat down to be entertained by Barbara Darby who showed some of her amusing and clever short films. Maureen Bolton then skillfully demonstrated how to make a Christmas table decoration, which went in the raffle. More films from Barbara and then they sat back to enjoy a delicious assortment of finger food, with Tony Wiltshire playing a lovely medley of piano music in the background and everyone went home smiling. It was a great evening. Their January meeting is on the 14th when Chris McCooey will talk about "Kent Characters". Meetings start in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm and visitors will be made most welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church is starting a new ALPHA course on January 27. If you are wondering “Does God Exist” and if he does, what are the questions you might like to ask, why not join them and explore Christianity together over a meal followed by a video and discussion. For more information call Brian Pawlett 01959 522196 or Kate Baxter 01959 523687

The church invites you to their Christingle Service today at 5pm and to their Christmas Morning service tomorrow 10.00am.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tables at £10 each, are still available at the Table Top Sale in the Community Centre Bat and Ball on Saturday January 16 between 10am and 12 noon in aid of the Citizens Advice Bureau. The cost per table is £10 and to book call Anne 01959 523582.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church would like to wish every one in Otford a very happy Christmas and invite them to join in the following Services on Sunday 20 at 10.30am Nativity Service, and 6.30pm Carol Service, Thursday 24 at 5pm Christingle Service and Friday 25 at 10.00am Christmas Morning Service. For more details contact Kath Pawlett 01959 522196.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet on Thursday January 1 in the Church Hall, High Street, opposite the Bull when Footnotes will be playing. There will be an American Supper, dancers are asked to take enough finger food for one or two people. Ticket numbers are limited for this event so call Jean Leveret 01959 523404 if you are interested.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Citizen's Advice Bureau will benefit from a table top sale to be held in the Community Centre at Bat and Ball on Saturday January 16 between 10am and 12 noon. The cost per table is £10 and to book call Anne 01959 523582.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Grow your own continues to be popular particularly in these difficult financial times and Otford allotments are very much in demand. If you have an inclination to take one on ring Barbara Hine 01959 525468 to register your interest prior to the forthcoming growing season.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Art Group meet every Tuesday morning from 9.30am in the Methodist church hall and would be pleased to welcome anyone who enjoys painting in any medium.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Welcome to Miles Colman who has opened Milo’s Barbers in Otford Station. Milo’s will be open weekdays between 10am and 6pm, with late night opening on Thursday’s until 7.30pm, and 9am to 4pm Saturday. Miles already has a thriving business in Dunton Green and wanted to expand into Otford to offer his services.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
St. Bartholomews Church Carol Concert - the 27th annual Carol Concert will be held in the church at 7.30pm on Sunday. The choir, directed by Kevin Grafton, will perform a wide range of Christmas music, both traditional and modern and from England and Europe, including a choral version of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and several works arranged by David Willcocks who this year celebrates his 90th birthday. The concert is an informal occasion, with refreshments provided during the interval. Entrance is £5 (children under 16 free) with proceeds divided equally between the Choir Fund and the Childrens Society.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford’s Christmas shopping festival proved a great success, despite the weather, with villagers and visitors supporting the event from far and wide. The rain couldn’t dampen spirits and a lively day was enjoyed by all who participated. The proprietors of village shops, pubs and restaurants urge you to shop locally to help them through the current financially difficult times. It really is a question of supporting your local shops or losing them.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tree of Light Service takes place tomorrow (11) on the green at 7.30pm, followed by seasonal refreshments in the new St Bartholomew’s church centre. Labels for you to write your message are available from the Parish office between 8.30 and 12.30 weekdays or ring 01959 524808 and they will write your label for you. Cheques for your donations should be made payable to Otford Parish Council. All donations will go to The Hospice in the Weald and the tree will remain lit until the New Year.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Two Guide Christmas Post Boxes are now open one in the library and the other in the Parish office, High Street, during opening hours until Friday December 18. The cards will be delivered by the Brownies and Guides over the weekend of December 19-20 with all proceeds divided between St John Ambulance Kent and Bradbourne Riding for the Disabled. Stamps cost 20p each. Please give generously and support them by posting early.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There is a Police Surgery on Tuesday (15) in the Parish office and Paul Robertson, our KCC Community Warden, is also holding his weekly surgery at School House both between 11am and 12 noon.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet this morning in the Memorial Hall at 9.30am to hear Chris McCooey talk about Kentish Tales. You are invited to go along and be entertained with exciting stories about Rogues, Rascals and Rebels. There is a crèche for the younger children and your first visit is free.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford & District Wine Clubs Christmas Dinner and Social is on Saturday (12). The evening will begin with a glass of sherry; a full Christmas Dinner with five choices of each course, a raffle and dancing.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church would like to invite you to join them at the following events during December:
Tomorrow (11) at 7.30pm - Tree Light Service,
Saturday 12 at 8.30 am - Men's breakfast at Darenth Valley golf course,
Sunday 20 at 10.30am - Nativity Service,
Sunday 20 at 6.30pm - Carol Service,
Thursday 24 at 5pm - Christingle Service and
Friday 25 at 10.00am - Christmas Morning Service.
For more details on any of the above except the Men’s Breakfast please contact Kath Pawlett on 01959 522196. For the Men's Breakfast please contact Derek Baxter on 01959 523687.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club last monthly dance of the year is December 17 with Pilgrims Way playing and an American supper, dancers are asked to take enough finger food for one or two people. On New Years Day the Footnotes are playing and there is another American supper BUT numbers are restricted with tickets available from Jean Leveret 01959 523404. If you would like further details about these events call Peter George 01959 522105.

PARISH COUNCIL - DEC NEWSLETTER
The December edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: Otford Christmas Shopping Festival, Guide Christmas Post, Be Safe – Be Sure, Police Surgery, Otford Community Warden, Otford & District Historical Society, Otford Oast WI, Otford Afternoon WI, St Bartholomew’s Church Christmas Services, Otford Methodist Church Services, Table Top Sale, Otford Heritage Centre / Parish Council, Christmas /New Year Travel Details, Holiday Refuse Collections, Garden Waste Collections, Report from Otford Evening WI, Otford Allotment Association, Knole DFAS, Sevenoaks DFAS, Otford Art Group, Picture of the Month, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery, Christmas tree Recycling 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.