www.facebook.com/otfordsociety
www.instagram.com/otfordsociety
www.twitter.com/otfordsocietyWe may be a small community but we have a big voice.
Do remember that Otford Road Friends network is still active and able to assist people who need a little extra help during lockdown, for example with collecting prescriptions or a little shopping. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact your local Road Friend. If you're unsure of who your local Road Friend is you can email roadfriends@otfordsociety.org.uk.
DO YOU LIVE IN OTFORD?
Register your email and win a
prize!
The first issue of the Otford Village Voice, packed with news about
current and future projects and issues of concern to our community, was about
to go to the printers. However given that we’re now in lockdown for the
foreseeable future, delivery of paper copies to residents’ homes is no longer
an option. We are therefore encouraging everyone to register their email
addresses with us so they can be sent Otford Society news digitally. AND IF YOU
DO, your name will go into a PRIZE DRAW with a chance to win a generous gift
voucher to spend in the village when shops reopen. Please go to https://otfordsociety.hubspotpagebuilder.com/
and complete the form. Be assured that your data will be held securely and not
passed to any third party.
HOW TO CONTACT US
If at any time you wish to be removed from our mailing list, just email us at membership@otfordsociety.org.uk and let us know.
Do you have ideas for those little improvements or changes that could improve your life, and that of your neighbours and friends? Contact us with your proposals at enquiries@otfordsociety.org.uk.
About Otford
People have lived in the area for at least three thousand years; a Bronze-age urn was found in Greenhill Road in 1970, and there have been many Iron-age and Roman finds. The name Otford seems to have been used as early as 800AD and may be associated with the battle that Offa, King of Mercia, fought in the district against the Kentishmen about the year 776. The name Offa could have been corrupted to Ottenford and then to Otford. Some hundreds of years later a Canterbury scribe endorsed one of the king’s charters of 790: "The same Offa gave to the church of Christ in Canterbury a vill name Oteford". The Pilgrims Way passes through the village and its centre is the duck pond, which is unique in being designated a listed building.
The village has always centred around the church, the first stone church being built between 1050 and 1080, and the Bishop’s Palace. St. Bartholomew’s Church much added to and altered down the years is steeped in history. Part of the original 11th century wall is still to be seen. Otford Palace was one of the residences of the Archbishop of Canterbury from the ninth century until Henry VIII forced Archbishop Cranmer to relinquish it to the Crown. In the early sixteenth century Archbishop Warham built the Palace in size and splendour to rival Hampton Court. Sadly only one part of the gate house remains but it is thought provoking to gaze at brickwork and think that Henry Tudor did the same.
There are many interesting private dwellings in Otford such as Pickmoss in the High Street and Broughton Manor. Descriptions of these can be found in a leaflet published by The Otford Society, which is on sale at the library and many local shops at 30p. The Society also provides leaflets on two pleasant walks from Otford free car park at the same price.
LATEST NEWS
3 February 2021: 20 mph
at last for Otford?
As well as 20mph speed limits in parts of the village, the Otford Traffic Calming Scheme includes physical traffic calming measures such as speed tables, road narrowing, a pavement extension for the Pickmoss step and new and clearer crossing area. more
12 January 2021: A bridge too far?
Network Rail plan to replace the level crossing south of Otford Station with a high footbridge. The Otford Society has opposed this in the past, and asks for your support now. There has never been an accident on the crossing, but the 64 steps of the proposed bridge pose an accident risk to the very young and the elderly. more
22 December 2020: Otford Heritage Village, a new website
A fantastic new website has just been launched as part of the Heritage Otford project ... more
21 December 2020: Best Dressed Tree Competition
We are delighted to announce that four of the trees donated by the Otford Society particularly caught the judges’ eyes... more
20 December 2020: Christmas Eve doorstep jingle.
Let's all stand on our doorsteps, ring bells and sing a carol to celebrate our community and thank all those who've helped us through this difficult year... more
31 March: Spring Photo Competition winner
We are delighted to announce that Maria Assia has been chosen as the winner of our Winter Photographic Competition. more
24 March: Otford Easter Chick Chase
Mummy Duck is on the pond, but
her chicks are hiding: along the High Street, beside the footpath that runs
past the Palace, and even in some shop windows...
more
14 March 2021: National Day of Reflection
The
Otford Society is supporting the National Day of Reflection to mark the
anniversary of the UK's first Covid lockdown. more
1 March 2021: Spring Photo Competition - Hidden Gems in Otford
It's time to think about SPRING, and the green
shoots that are beginning to appear on plants and trees around our village - get your cameras out! more
We are delighted to announce that Maria Assia has been chosen as the winner of our Winter Photographic Competition. more24 March: Otford Easter Chick Chase
Mummy Duck is on the pond, but
her chicks are hiding: along the High Street, beside the footpath that runs
past the Palace, and even in some shop windows...more
14 March 2021: National Day of Reflection
The
Otford Society is supporting the National Day of Reflection to mark the
anniversary of the UK's first Covid lockdown. more1 March 2021: Spring Photo Competition - Hidden Gems in Otford
It's time to think about SPRING, and the green
shoots that are beginning to appear on plants and trees around our village - get your cameras out! more3 February 2021: 20 mph
at last for Otford? As well as 20mph speed limits in parts of the village, the Otford Traffic Calming Scheme includes physical traffic calming measures such as speed tables, road narrowing, a pavement extension for the Pickmoss step and new and clearer crossing area. more
12 January 2021: A bridge too far?Network Rail plan to replace the level crossing south of Otford Station with a high footbridge. The Otford Society has opposed this in the past, and asks for your support now. There has never been an accident on the crossing, but the 64 steps of the proposed bridge pose an accident risk to the very young and the elderly. more
22 December 2020: Otford Heritage Village, a new websiteA fantastic new website has just been launched as part of the Heritage Otford project ... more
21 December 2020: Best Dressed Tree CompetitionWe are delighted to announce that four of the trees donated by the Otford Society particularly caught the judges’ eyes... more
20 December 2020: Christmas Eve doorstep jingle.Let's all stand on our doorsteps, ring bells and sing a carol to celebrate our community and thank all those who've helped us through this difficult year... more
4 December 2020: The Otford Society brings Christmas spirit to our village. As we emerge from lockdown into Tier 3 we're delighted to announce that the Otford Society has donated Christmas trees to every shop in the village ... more
4 December 2020: Snow Dome TrailThere are twenty festive snow dome posters in Otford shops, each one featuring a different animal silhouette... more
24 August 2020: The Otford Society is relaunched!The Otford Society has been relaunched with a new team of trustees and we are working on a number of projects... more