Otford Parishioners invited to St Bartholomew’s Church to say final farewell as vicar prepares to move on
FAREWELL TO THE VICAR: A Farewell Service for Richard Worssam, the Vicar of St Bartholomew’s Church, takes place at 10am on Sunday, 25 August. It is an opportunity for parishioners to worship with him and his family before he takes up his next appointment.
Members of the church will be participating in The Friends of Kent Churches Bike and Hike being held between 10am and 6pm on Saturday, 14 September and potential sponsors will be most welcome. Volunteers are also required to make up a rota of people to welcome visiting cyclists and walkers to sign them in. If you can spare an hour or two, please contact the Church Office 01959 523185. The money raised is divided between Friends of Kent Churches and the Otford parish.
A STARSHIP HOLIDAY CLUB is being held at the Otford Methodist church hall’s complex for primary school aged children on Tuesday 27 August to Friday 30 August, from 9:45am to 12:30pm. The cost is £5 per child per morning or £15 for the whole four days. Registration is required. You will need to complete one form for each child and then post or deliver the forms to the church office or email forms to: office@otfordmethodistchurch.org.uk
OTFORD LUNCH CLUB, for older residents, takes place from 11.45am every Thursday in the village Memorial Hall. The Club is a welcoming place for local residents to go along and socialise with friends, old and news. It is run by a dedicated team of volunteers and members enjoy a welcoming cup of coffee or tea followed by a hot nutritious two course meal each week, except August this year. It may be possible to arrange transport. To find out more please contact Margaret Nicholson 01959 524147.
KEEP DANCING: If you enjoy Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence dancing then this monthly social event will be just right for you. Monthly dances have been held in the Memorial Hall for nearly 30 years on a Sunday evening, but the number of people ballroom dancing is on the decline, so if this is something you enjoy go along and join the fun. The sessions run between 7.30pm and 10.15pm and entrance is £5.50. Take along your own drinks. To find out more please call Les or Barbara on 01474 324759 or email: l.johnson1@sky.com
THE PETANQUE CLUB meets at 2.30pm every Thursday afternoon on the terrain adjacent to the football pavilion on the High Street Recreation Ground and have room for more members. They are even offering your first year’s subscription free. You can turn up and try out the game, even if you have never played before and they have spare sets of balls which can be loaned. If you are interested and need more information, please call Peter Wickenden 01959 524242.
FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, Sevenoaks Branch, meet on the borders of Otford and Kemsing at 8pm on the third Tuesday of each month. If you are interested in joining them contact John on 01959 524906 for more information.
GIRLGUIDING: For any girls or volunteers interested in joining Girlguiding Otford there is a website to register your interest. Log onto www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or call 0800 1 69 59 01. The village unit especially needs female adult volunteers, over 18, who would be interested in helping at the Guide meetings.
TWINS VISIT: If you would like to host any of Otford’s Hardelot Twins on the weekend of 27/29 September and/or join the coach trip to Hampton Court on Saturday 28 September, please contact Jane Lawrey c/o the Parish Council office on 01959 524808, as soon as possible.
OTFORD EVANGELICAL CHURCH offers coffee and chat between 2pm and 4pm each Tuesday afternoon in August. There is an open invitation to all those who would welcome an opportunity to meet with other local people in a relaxed and friendly environment. If you need transport please call 07510 909035, email otfordefc@gmail.com or visit www.otfordefc.orn.uk
MORE PLAY DATES: The next Summer Play dates provided by Sevenoaks District Council are at Chipstead Recreation Ground on Monday 19 August between 10.30am and 1.30pm and then at Sevenoaks Greatness Recreation Ground on Wednesday 21 August between 10am and 2pm. These days provide activities aimed at children under 12 years, although not very young children. No booking is needed you simply turn up and have fun but children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Take waterproof clothing and sunscreen and check www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/summerfun before setting off as the programme may change at short notice especially if there is poor weather. More info about the play days can also be found on this website.
The Otford village news is compiled by Kay Drake. If you have any news or events you would like her to consider for the My Sevenoaks Community village column you can email her at: drake_kay@hotmail.com
