NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Green Team is hosting a free showing of the climate-change film 'The Age of Stupid' on Friday 9th July at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall. It stars Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite. Aftewards there will be a short discussion of the issues raised. The evening will be over by 9.30.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
At their June meeting Otford Evening WI members enjoyed a fascinating talk by Lesley Gould on the life of a Japanese Woman. They were delighted that their WAGS won second prize in the Village Fete procession at the end of May and thank all the customers who came to buy cakes and plants at their stall on that day, which helped both their funds and those of the Village Fete committee.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
There is a Public Meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday June 29 when proposals for the Parish Plan will be presented and the audience invited to participate in any discussion. It is an opportunity for the whole community to know what is being proposed and to be involved. The Parish Plan is a community initiative supported by the Parish Council.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church is running a Children’s Summer Holiday Club, for primary school children at the church halls 9.30am to 12.30pm daily between August 16 and 20 at a cost of £15 per child per week. Star Ship Discovery is their theme for the week and each morning will include games, craft, storytelling, puppet shows, Bible stories, acting and singing plus lots more fun. To register or for more information please phone Armanda on 07904 018987 or email on armanda.nick@dsl.pipex.com.

The church would also like to invite you to their ‘Cafe Evening’ in the church hall on Sunday July 4 when the title is ‘A Good Read’ an evening of book reviews and discussion which starts at 6.30pm and includes tea, coffee and cakes with no entrance charge. For further details please contact Sue Ward on 01689 869081.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospices of Hope are holding Round Two of their Quiz at 7.30pm on Friday July 16 in the High Street Tearooms. Tickets cost £12 per person to include a scrumptious supper and quiz. Contact Wendy at Hospices of Hope on 01959 525110 wendy@hospicesofhope.co.uk or purchase tickets from the tearoom.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rockdale Appeal Open Gardens continues on Sunday (27) from 11.00am to 4.00pm with 20 private gardens open to the public in the Sevenoaks area of which four are in Otford.. Tickets can be obtained from www.opengardens.org.uk, Sevenoaks Festival booking office, Rockdale reception and from any of the gardens on the day. Full details of all gardens can be found on the website.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Folk Dance Club meet tonight (24) in the Church Hall, High Street, opposite the Bull with Chris Turner 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
Sevenoaks Wild Life Trust is holding a ‘Nightjar Walk' tomorrow (25) with Bob Francis pointing out nightjars, woodcock, glow worms and bats at Mereworth Woods. Further details from David Nimmo on 01689 828831 or davidwnimmo@tiscali.co.uk

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners Club holds its Rose and Summer Show this Saturday in the Memorial Hall. The best show to go to if you are a fan of the scented garden. On display will be roses as well as other summer flowers and plants. Fruit and vegetables, floral arrangements, preserves, cookery, photographic and junior classes are included. The show opens to the public at 2.15pm, admission is 50p, under 16’s admitted free. Teas will be served until 4pm and there will be a sales table open all afternoon.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks branch of The Embroiderers’ Guild meet in the Methodist Hall on Saturday when Ann Dingsdale will be celebrating remarkable women with machine embroidered portraits. Morning sessions start at 10am and afternoons at 2pm. For more details contact Sylvia Grafton 01732 452117.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Parish Plan Open Meeting Public meeting: 7.30 p.m. Tuesday 29 June, Village Memorial Hall
After a year of hard work your community's Parish Plan for Otford is in its final stages of preparation. A wide range of proposals has been prepared for your approval. On Tuesday 29th June at 7.30pm there will be a public meeting in the Village Memorial Hall, to which all Otford residents are invited and where you can hear about and vote upon the proposed contents of the Plan.

A Parish Plan is not only for the here and now. It will set out aspirations and goals for many years ahead - goals which we hope will improve the quality of all our lives. That is why it is so important that you attend and ensure your views are represented. The final plan, when written, will include many sections. It will set out ideas about helping older residents and the young people of the parish; increasing safety for pedestrians; looking at ways for us to become a greener society; suggesting ways in which we might make Otford an even more attractive village; proposing ways to gain a healthier life-style (particularly as we all get a little older); looking at ways to support the businesses and shops of the village; and keeping our eyes open for outside influences which may affect Otford in the future. If you feel that any of these will affect you, or you have a view on anything else that might be included in the plan, please make every effort to be at the meeting on 29th June.

There will be hard copies of the presentation on display around the hall, and the proposals will also be available online from 22nd June at www.otford.info/parishplan. After each section of the Plan is presented, there will be some opportunity to put your case for amendments, suggestions and opposing views. Then those present will be asked to show their approval (or otherwise) for the proposals by show of hands. Of course we hope for a resounding vote of approval. Taking into account the outcomes of this meeting, the Otford Parish Plan will then go forward for final production. We hope it will fairly represent your views and aspirations. This meeting will be a major community event and an opportunity for Otford residents to further guide plans for the future of the community. Please do your best to attend.
www.otford.info/parishplan/news.shtml

OTFORD' SOCIETY
The June Newsletter is now online, with 'Community Spirit' from Tony Wiltshire, Annual Garden Party, Otford Village Fete 2010, Time to Vote for the Otford Parish Plan, The Solar System Merry-go-Round, St Bartholomew’s Church Tower Appeal, Squatter’s Rights?, "1940 Remembered", News on the ‘Smell’, The Value of Amenity Societies and 'Dates for your Diary'.

Summer Garden Party is on Saturday July 3 2010 at Broughton Manor, High St Otford by kind permission of Carol & Dennis Brown 6.00pm - 8.00pm Tickets £5.00 from Carol Griffiths 01959 523140.

If you are not a member yet (over 1,100 in Otford), please consider joining the Otford Society, contact otfordsociety@otford.net.

PARISH COUNCIL - JUNE NEWSLETTER
The June edition of the newsletter is now on-line. Read all about: St Bartholomew’s Church Fair, Otford Primary School Fete, Vote for Paul, Community Warden Surgery, Police Surgery, Concerned about speeding in your area?, Otford Allotment Association, Otford Gardeners’ Society, Home Library Service, Twinning, Sevenoaks Embroiderers’ Guild, Otford Oast WI, Otford Afternoon WI, Otford Evening WI, Picture of the Month, Otford Green Team, Voting for your Parish Plan, Hospice in The Weald Moonlight Walk, Hospices of Hope, The Sevenoaks District Council Garden Waste Service, Local Diabetes UK Group, Knole DFAS, Sevenoaks DFAS, Otford Primary Top Draw, Citizens Advice Bureau Surgery, The Stag Cinema to Introduce 3D Technology, Kent Open Weekend – Orienteering at Beacon Wood Country Park 25th July 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
Kemsing Singers - Hiawatha and Much More
Villagers of otford who are members of the Kemsing Singers would be delighted if you would support them as they sing in the Sevenoaks Festival performing Hiawatha and much more on Saturday 3rd July at 7.30pm, at The Methodist Church, The Drive, Sevenoaks. Tickets £12 , concessions £10 from the Festival Box Office at the Stag Theatre 01732 450 175. www.kemsingsingers.com and www.sevenoaksfestival.org.uk
View Poster.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
The Otford Pond Makeover DVD
Our pond is at last looking beautiful again. A short DVD is now available covering the three years of construction, delay and finishing. Follow the story of the ducks, village characters, frustration, history and the gathering and picnic following the opening and blessing of the pond by The Rev Worssam. On sale at the Parish Office or Heritage centre £5 - a percentage of the profit goes toward the Heritage centre.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Parish Plan. There is to be a full public meeting on Tuesday June 29 at 7.30 in the Memorial Hall. The proposals for the Parish Plan will be presented and the audience invited to participate in any discussion. It is an opportunity for the whole community to know what is being proposed and to be involved. The Parish Plan is essentially a community initiative, supported by the Parish Council.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Volunteer Centre is asking readers if you shop online because if you do you can support Sevenoaks Brighter Futures for free when you shop online at over 2,000 brand name retailers by visiting www.easyfundraising.org.uk/sbf. Funds raised help older people remain independent and active, volunteers help by driving, shopping, escorting, prescription collection, IT and form filling. Social trips and weekly exercise are also offered. The centre also needs volunteer drivers. You can pick your drives, it is rewarding and expenses are paid. Further information from 01732 469000 driving@vawk.org.uk.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Sevenoaks Amherst Rotary Club is organising two Open Garden days on Sunday June 20 and Sunday June 27 from 11.00am to 4.00pm in aid of the Rockdale Appeal. There will be 20 private gardens open to the public in the Sevenoaks area with four in Otford. Cost of tickets is £8.00 before June 20, £10 after the 20th and one ticket is valid for all gardens on both days. Tickets can be obtained from www.opengardens.org.uk; Sevenoaks Festival booking office, Rockdale reception and from any of the gardens on the day. Full details of all gardens can be found on the website.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society is holding its annual garden party between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday July 3 at Broughton Manor by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Dennis Brown unless it is wet when it will be transferred inside Broughton Manor. Tickets must be purchased and collected in advance from Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or email carolgriffiths@waitrose.com

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Angela Bishop's Studio is open between 10am and 5pm today (17) until Sunday June 20 as part of this years South East Open Studio event. Her garden will also be open as part of the Sevenoaks Festival ‘Open Gardens’ this Sunday and Sunday 27 between 11am and 4pm in aid of the Rockdale Housing Association appeal.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Top UK Folk Duo to play in Otford
The UK’s top folk-roots duo, Show of Hands, together with Miranda Sykes, will perform a special concert in St. Bartholomew’s church, Otford, on Thursday 14 October as part of their national ‘Spires & Beams’ tour.

Undeniably one of the strongest current forces in acoustic music, Show of Hands are England’s finest and most popular roots duo and something of a “people’s band”, regularly voicing the hopes, fears and life stories of scores of ordinary folk in song.

Show of Hands has won numerous BBC music awards and has sold out the Albert Hall on at least three occasions. This is a rare chance to see them play in a unique and intimate setting, right on your own doorstep!

Tickets cost £16.50 each. A special allocation of tickets has been set aside for Otford residents, call 07798 767770 to book now – first come, first served!

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Well done Otford. This year’s Fete topped the attendance levels and it stayed dry. The Fete was a huge success and thanks go to the organisers and everyone involved at all levels. Detailed figures will be available later and will be printed in this column when they are available.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society is holding its annual garden party this year between 6pm and 8pm on Saturday July 3rd at Broughton Manor by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Dennis Brown. Entry is by pre-paid ticket only and there will be a raffle, wine and canapés available. If the weather is wet it will be held in the memorial hall. Tickets must be purchased and collected in advance from Carol Griffiths 01959 523140 or email carolgriffiths@waitrose.com

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Parish Council held its Annual Assembly on May 24 giving an opportunity for electors of the Parish to hear about the Council’s achievement throughout the previous 12 months, by way of their various committee reports, and to ask questions about what is happening in the village. The meeting was well attended and a wide variety of questions were asked and answered. The Chairman, Cllr. Allen, thanked Council Officers for their continued hard work and for the progress they had achieved as well as thanking villagers for their ongoing support.

Sainsbury's Active Kids promotion has now finished so if you have any vouchers, or Tesco vouchers, there is a collecting box in the Parish Office where you can drop them in.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Folk dancing is available in the Methodist hall every Monday between 2pm and 3.30pm just turn up and pay or contact Kath Larkin 01959 522355 for more details. This is a small friendly group that would welcome new members.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
If you missed Sevenoaks Bowling Club’s Fun Day last Sunday but are interested in finding out whether Bowls is the game for you contact their Secretary 01732 810625 and he will tell you all about this small, friendly, club at Hollybush Lane that would like to welcome more members from the Otford area.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
A Flower Arranging Workshop is being held tomorrow (Friday) between 9.30 and 3.30pm at, and in aid of, Platt Memorial Hall new build fund. Cost £65.00, to include a full days tuition, demonstrations, 2 designs to take home, all materials and lunch. Contact Val Brooker 01732 780396 to see if any places remain.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
South East Open Studios runs between June 4 and 20 this year and Otford’s Angela Bishop is opening her studio and displaying her sculptures between 10am and 5pm on June 4-6, 10-13 and 17-20 June or by appointment at 5 Broughton Road, 01959 523203. Angela is also opening her garden as part of the Sevenoaks Festival ‘Open Gardens’ on two Sundays in June the 20 and 27 between 11am and 4pm in aid of the Rockdale Housing Association appeal.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI’s meet on June 10 with Lesley Gould telling members about the Life of a Japanese Woman. If you would like to know more ring Eve 01959 524887 or Joan 524304.