Otford news
OTFORD SPORTS ASSOCIATION awards the Kirsch Cup every year to a promising young local sportsperson, or a person who has made a valuable contribution to any village recreational activity and it is presented at the Annual Parish Meeting which this year is being held at 7pm Monday April 16 in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall.
This year the cup will be presented to Bea Henderson, who is in Year 6 of Otford Primary School. Bea is an acrobatic gymnast who is so modest that even her classmates and children have only just found out how talented she is. She trains for a minimum of 15 hours a week, as well as keeping up her school work and has competed in her sport at regional and now international level. She will be competing in the World Championships and she is on track to represent her country in the next couple of years.
Although her sport is not currently part of the Olympics, she is working at an Olympic standard.
Bea was nominated by her School because of her modesty and the fact that she has kept this to herself and just got on with the training and dedication that is needed to progress in her sport while still achieving her best in her school work.
Other nominees were Suzie Brown, age 11, who does Irish dancing and whose squad came in the world top 10 at her age group. Suzie helps the leader organise the group as well as performing. She also plays several instruments, is in a band, and is a general ‘go to’ at school.
Martha Booth, age 11, sprinter/athlete. She is in every team the primary school has, excels at and wins all the sprints easily and wants to be an Olympian runner.
Henry Martin, age 13, skippers the Otford U13 cricket team, but far more impressively excels at fencing/epee at county level.
Laura Holmes, age 11, was county chess runner up in her age group.
Henrietta Booth is part of the Trinity School netball team which has won its inter schools league four years in a row.
Charlie Taylor, aged 10, plays for Otford United Junior Under 11 Football Team and has scored 51 goals already this season.
OTFORD EVENING WI meets on 12 April at 7.15pm in the Memorial Hall for a birthday meeting. Celebrations include a hot supper and a talk by Jonathan Fryer on ‘The humorous side of being an actor’. Tickets are available from Chris Bourne 01959 522485.
OTFORD’s ANNUAL ASSEMBLY of the Electors of the Parish, more commonly called the Annual Parish Meeting, will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 16 April in the Club Room of the Memorial Hall. You are invited to go along at 7pm for refreshments before the meeting starts. This is your chance to ask questions about what is happening in the village and talk to representative from village organisations who will be present.
OTFORD SOCIETY’S AGM will be held at 8pm on Thursday 19 April in the Memorial Hall when current committee of offices and trustees will stand together for re-election. Any nominations for new offices must be received in writing to chairman@otfordsociety.org.uk at least 24 hours before the meeting. Once the formal business is complete there will be reports on village projects including the Traffic Management Working Group and an outline of the Society’s fund raising plans for 2018.
VOCE CONCERT. This gifted group of formal choral scholars from Trinity College, Cambridge and friends return to St Bart’s Church at 7.30pm on Saturday 21 April. They will sing music ranging from the 16th century composer Allegri to a modern close-harmony arrangement of John Brown’s Body, and a selection of classic hymns of pilgrimage. As well as music performed by the full choir there will be items by a smaller ensemble – with string accompaniment, and an organ solo. Tickets at £15, which includes refreshments, are available from the church office, mornings only 01959 523185. Do go along with your friends to hear this talented choir on a spring evening in the newly refurbished church.
OTFORD LIBRARY offers a range of activities each week including: Story time, every Tuesday 2.30-3pm, term time only. No need to book and this is a free activity. Baby Bounce and Rhyme time, every Monday 11-11.30am throughout the year. No need to book and this is a free activity. Talk time, every Monday 11.30am-12.30pm. All welcome to join, sit in the library for tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat. They would love to see some new faces. Computer /IT assistance on Mondays and Saturdays 10am-noon. It is necessary to make an advance booking for this either by phoning 03000 41 31 31 and asking to be put through to Otford library or by going into the library to book an appointment. The library has free public Wi-Fi. When people join the library they can bring their iPad/tablet or laptop, are able to connect to the internet and get help from a volunteer. Alternatively customers are welcome to use one of the public computers. There is no charge for this service. Please do contact Lorraine if you would like further information. Lorraine Young, Otford Library, Kent County Council, 03000 41 41 41, email Lorraine.young@kent.gov.uk
HEARING DOGS FOR DEAF PEOPLE is holding a Great British Dog Walk from Ightham Mote at 9.30am on Saturday 21 April. The cost is £10 if booked online, or £12 on the day, children free. Take along your family, friends, dog and a picnic. A great way to spend a day while helping change deaf people’s lives. To sign up go to: www.greatbritishdogwalk.org.
OTFORD AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY meets on Wednesday 18 April when Francine Payne will talk about Joyce Green and the River Hospitals. You can find out more about Joyce Green and Dartford Hospital Histories by looking at Francine’s website at http://dartfordhospitalhistories.org.uk/. Meetings are held in the Memorial Hall, with adjacent free parking after 6pm. Doors open at 7.30pm when refreshments will be available. Talks start at 8pm. Membership for the year costs £10 and visitors are very welcome at £3 per meeting (there is no charge for students). You are able to renew your membership, or join the Society, at any meeting during the year
ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH is holding its annual service to commemorate departed loved ones at 3pm on Sunday 6 May. All welcome to attend.
OTFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB meets every Thursday at 8pm in Otford church hall, High Street, opposite ‘The Bull’. The cost is £1.50. which includes tea or coffee. All kinds of mixed folk dances are on offer and all are welcome. Whether you have little or no knowledge, the caller will give help and your fellow dancers will also assist you. The emphasis is on friendly enjoyment rather than perfection If you would like more information ring Mary Butson on 01732 458356.
OTFORD UNITED JUNIORS FOOTBALL TEAM is looking for a new under 14 goalkeeper for next season 2018/19. The team plays in the Crowborough League, with matches on Sundays at Hale Lane Recreation Ground, Otford. They are an inclusive and friendly club and, as well as playing matches and training, members also have an active social life that includes going to England matches and occasionally getting together for meals or World Cup parties. For more information please get in touch with Rob on 07970 701151, email info@oujfc.com, or see their website at www.oujfc.com.
OTFORD LAWN TENNIS CLUB invites you to join their small friendly club located within the High Street Recreation Ground at Otford just past the playground on the left. The club offers tennis for all ranges and abilities with year-round play under floodlights. There is both social and competitive tennis and coaching for adults and juniors available. Membership rates are very competitive. If you are interested in joining contact Alison Dykes, membership secretary, via email on: Alison.dykes@lwcdial.net who will provide details.
OTFORD HERITAGE CENTRE currently has a new display outlining the history of Otford Primary School. This includes a few class (and other) photos from the 1960s and 1970s. For those of you who attended the school, or have family who have attended, there is also a book in which you are invited to write any memories you might have of the School and school life.
MONTHLY DANCES have been held in Otford Memorial Hall for nearly 30 years on a Sunday evening. If you enjoy ballroom, Latin, and sequence dancing then this monthly event will be just right for you. Spend the evening dancing, have a drink, and a chat, while you dance the night away. So if this is something you enjoy go along and join the fun. Entrance is £5.50, times are 7.30 – 10.15pm, take along your own drinks. To find out more please call Les or Barbara on 01474 324759 or email l.johnson1@sky.com.
THE OTFORD SOCIETY is holding its AGM in the Memorial Hall on Thursday, 19 April. As well as the conclusion of a review of the Society’s constitution, which can be previewed at www.otfordsocieity.org.uk/constitution, there will be a guest speaker. Comments concerning the constitution can be registered before the AGM by emailing: chairman@otfordsociety.org.uk.
