Have your say on the future of Otford Memorial Hall

OTFORD MEMORIAL HALL: The trustees of Otford Memorial Hall have invited all those who use the hall to go along on 11 August between 11am and 4pm to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, see the improvements they have made so far and give them your opinion on how they can continue to refurbish and develop this valuable resource so that it remains relevant to future generations.

Trustees will be on-hand to explain their approach and seek your views on how they can best develop the Hall. This is not a meeting, but simply an opportunity for residents to express their ideas on how to best proceed with the next tranche of improvements.

Representatives from some local organisations and societies who make use of these facilities will be on hand to provide information on the way they use the hall. Otford Parish Council, although very supportive of the Hall are not its owners. The residents of Otford own the Hall and it is held in trust with the Charities Commission.  A Committee of Trustees manage the Memorial Hall which is a valuable village asset.

FAMILY FUN DAYS are back and four weeks of action have been planned throughout the school Summer holidays at Otford High Street Recreation Ground between 10am and 2pm from Wednesday 8 August. The days include everything from crafts to games and sport in a friendly, safe environment, and best of all they are completely free. No booking is needed, simply turn up and have fun but children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.  Activities are aimed at children under the age of 12, although may not be suitable for very young children.  Take waterproof clothing and sunscreen and perhaps check their website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/summerfun before setting off as the programme may be subject to change at short notice, especially if there is poor weather.

OTFORD GARDENERS’ SOCIETY is holding its Autumn Flower and Craft Show in the village Memorial Hall from 2.15pm on Saturday 1 September. Members have promised a marvelous display of late summer flowers and harvest from the vegetable garden, with floral arrangements, preserves, cookery, photographic, art and handicraft classes. Teas will be available until 4pm and there will be a sales table. The society’s gardening tips for August include keep picking tomatoes and peppers to encourage more flowers and do not cut the grass too short in this dry weather.

REMOVE HAZARDS. Don’t forget to keep your hedges and any foliage abutting a footpath or pavement trimmed as overhanging branches can cause a hazard to those with sight difficulties and people pushing wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. Check your boundaries and trim any overhanging foliage back from pathways to make it easier for those who walk past.

OTFORD EVENING WI will hold its annual Table Top Sale on Saturday 6 October in the village Memorial Halls between 9am – noon. You can book a table at a cost of £10 by ringing Chris on 01959 522485.

THE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU holds a surgery every Tuesday between 10am and noon in the School House on Otford High Street. There is no need to book but if you would like to make an appointment then call 01732 454443.

SUMMER FILM AND THEATRE WORKSHOP. There will be a 5-day Summer Film and Theatre Workshop in the village Memorial Hall between 13-17 August 13 for children aged four to 12 years. Workshops through the week include Stage Combat, Behind the Camera, Stage Technique, Film and TV Make-up, End of Week Show. For costs and to book contact Born2performstage@amal.com or call 07753 105594.

OTFORD EVENING WI meets at 7.30pm on Thursday 9 August in the Club Room of the village Memorial Hall when their speaker will be Sharon Lynn.  Her subject is Medical Detection Dogs – explaining how dogs can be trained to detect illness.  Visitors are welcome and if more information is needed, please contact the President on O1959 524831.

COMMUNTY WARDEN. Paul, the Community Warden who covers Otford, holds a weekly surgery to discuss any problems and community issues at the School House each Tuesday between 11am and noon. If you have any issues, go along and see him or he can also be contacted on 07813 713366.