VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
The next Otford 1940's Swing Dance is on October 1 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.  Along with Jeff "Two-Tone Boggie" DJ'ing there will also be two guest DJ's - London's very own Top Swing DJ Swingin Dickie and The South Coasts Very Reverend Boggie. 
All money from the collection box will, along with a good percentage of the dance profit and all the money made from the raffle, will be donated to The Not Forgotten Association.  A letter of authorisation showing the charity number will be on display at the dance.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners Society members are busy preparing for their Autumn Flower and Craft Show to be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday September 10.  The show is open to the public at 2.15, admission 50p, under 16’s admitted free, with teas being served until 4pm and a sales table open all afternoon.  The Junior Challenge winners will be announced and there will be a marvellous display of late summer flowers and the harvest from the vegetable garden.  Floral arrangements, preserves, cooking and photographic classes will also be judged. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hospices of Hope need help in their charity shops and tea rooms in the High Street.  If you can volunteer a few hours on a regular basis to help out with the many jobs required to keep their customers happy from waitressing, manning the cash till, sorting and pricing donated books and items they would love to hear from you.  Call into the craft and coffee shop in the High Street or ring 01959 524322 and speak to Sue or Jo.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford High Street recreation ground is experiencing increased dog fouling this Summer which is particularly distressing given the large number of sports and children’s activities that take place on the field.  Very young children are particularly at risk due to their developing immune systems and their tendency to touch the ground during play.  Owners are reminded to use a disposable bag to clear away their dog’s mess and then dispose of it in the nearest dog bin.  Anyone caught not clearing up after their dog may be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £50.  Most owners are fully aware of their responsibilities and it is only a few who are not being vigilant.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Serendipidy, an exercise group for the over 50’s, would welcome new members to their classes on a Thursday morning at 9.30am in the Memorial Hall.  Exercises are tailored to capabilities and participants are friendly and welcoming.  Turn up wearing comfortable clothing and suitable shoes.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Gardeners’ Society is giving advance notice of its two events in September so that members can prepare for the Autumn Flower and Craft Show on Saturday September 10.  This event will provide a marvellous display of late summer flowers and the harvest from the vegetable garden.  There will also be floral arrangements, preserves, cookery and photographic classes.  The Junior Challenge winners will be announced and there will be art and handicraft classes.  The show opens to the public at 2.15pm in the Memorial Hall, admission is 50p, under 16’s admitted free.  There will be a sales table open all afternoon and tea will be served from 4pm.
On Tuesday September 6 John Grimwood will show members how to get their green spaces looking good with a talk entitled ‘Tips of the Trade for a better lawn’.  Meetings start at 8pm in the Memorial Hall, admission if £1 for non-members which includes refreshments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Hedges are growing very quickly with a number growing over the public footwall and causing a nuisance to pedestrians especially those in wheelchairs or pushing double buggies.  The Parish Council ask that you check your boundaries and if necessary arrange to get foliage that overhangs cut back as soon as possible. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Kent Karrier dial a ride services provide a service which takes members directly from their door to the nearest town centre, typically offering members access on at least one day per week.  Membership is £5 per year with a small fee payable for each journey.  You are eligible to join the Kent Karrier scheme if you have a medical condition that makes travelling on conventional public transport  difficult or you live in a rural area more than 500 metres from a conventional bus route or rail service.  Journeys should be booked at least a day in advance and a companion, for example your carer, can travel with you and does not need to be a member, they just pay the journey fare.  Copies of the scheme leaflet and an application form can be obtained by contacting 01622 605349.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI are looking forward to welcoming Isobel Yule to talk about Travels with her white stick.  Isobel is a local to the area and known to many members.  Last month’s Rave-up was replace by a very entertaining lady who took along a bottomless trunk of exquisite 20’s and 30’s outfits that had been found in an elderly relatives house.  The Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 8pm in the Memorial Hall and welcome visitors and new members.
Otford Afternoon WI next meet on August 9 for a members meeting and auction and the Oast WI meet for their Summer Outing on August 18.  Details of these meetings can be found on the Otford Village website www.otford.info with the link to the WI.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Community Warden, Paul, holds a weekly surgery in the School House, High Street, between 11am and 12 noon on Tuesdays to discuss any problems or community issues.  Just call in to see him or contact him on 07813 713366.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Fete Committee are inviting applications from Otford Associations for grants for any projects that require extra funding.  The closing date for the first round will be August 31 and an application form can be found on their website www.otford.info/villagefete. 

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford – Hardelot twinning committee are planning to run another coach trip on Saturday September 17  to Neufchatel-Hardelot in France for the signing of the twinning charter followed by lunch, provided by the Mayor.  The cost of the coach will be £25 per adult, £11 per child, or you can travel independently.  Contact the Parish Office 01959 524808 to register your interest.  A full report on the last Hardelot visit appears in the latest issue of the Parish Council Newsletter.