Volunteers wanted to help run Girl Guides, Brownies and Rangers
OTFORD GIRL GUIDING is seeking new volunteers as the group needs regular unit helpers to assist the uniformed leaders, particularly for Brownies and Rangers. If you would like more information about volunteering please email ggkemsingotforddistrict@gmail.com or you can see what they get up to by liking them on Facebook at Girlguiding Knole Division.
OTFORD MEMORIAL HALL Trustees held an Open Day on Saturday 11 August with a number of user groups exhibiting their wares and providing information on what use they made of the hall. There was an opportunity for visitors to provide information on what improvements they would like to see, all of which will be analysed in order for the hall to continue as the heart of the village and provide the facilities necessary to make this happen.
RSPB. The Sevenoaks Local Group starts their indoor activities after the summer break on Thursday 6 September. John Lawrence will be making a presenation on Water Birds. The group meets at 7.15pm in Otford Memorial Hall. Admission for group members is £2.50 and for non members £3.50. The presentation will begin promptly at 7.45pm and there will be a refreshment break. Their outdoor activities continue on Wednesday 12 September with an exploration of Rye Harbour Nature reserve led by Anne McGregor – 01732 454304. Meet 10.30am at Rye Harbour. On Sunday 23 September John Waterman is leading a walk of North Foreland and Joss Bay. Meet Joss Bay car park. Text or call John on 07935 2066618 for details. There is no charge for outdoor events, but it is important you contact the leaders beforehand.
OTFORD METHODIST CHURCH is pleased to announce that it is hosting another performance by the SDA Gospel choir. This was a really great event last year and the church is delighted the choir can come back this Autumn. The performance starts at 7.30pm on Saturday 29 September and for tickets and info go to www.omc.org.uk or call 07948 309484.
OTFORD FOLK DANCE CLUB meets at 8pm every Thursday throughout the year in Otford church hall in the High Street, opposite The Bull public house. On Thursday 30 August Sean Goddard and John Porlock will be calling. The cost is £1.50 which includes tea or coffee and biscuits. All kinds of mixed folk dances are on offer with a caller calling the dances to recorded music. 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, 01732 458356.
OTFORD LUNCH CLUB. A reminder to members of the Otford Lunch Club, which meets in the Memorial Hall on a Thursday, there will be no Club meetings throughout September.
OTFORD ANTIQUES FAIR will be held on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August in the Memorial Hall. There will be over 50 traders selling modern and antique jewellery, silver/gold/glass, militaria, vintage clothing, china, pottery, furniture, retroware, postcards and much more. There will also be refreshments available. Dealers, traders, children, dogs on leads are all welcome. Earlybird admission 8am, general admission 9am, entrance fee £1.50.
COMMUNITY WARDEN SURGERY. Paul, the Otford Community Warden, 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 just go along and see him or he can also be contacted on 07813 713366.
OTFORD GARDENERS’ SOCIETY is holding its Autumn Flower and Craft Show in the Memorial Hall from 2.15pm on Saturday 1 September. There will be displays of late summer flowers and harvests from vegetable gardens, with floral arrangements, preserves, cookery, photographic, art and handicraft classes. Teas will be available until 4pm and there will be a sales table.
THE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU holds a surgery on the first Tuesday of the month between 10am and 12 noon in the School House, High Street and NOT every Tuesday as mentioned in a previous column.. There is no need to book but if you would like to make an appointment then call 01732 454443.
FREE CYCLE RIDES. Sevenoaks District Council organises free cycle rides in Knole Park and at Brands Hatch. They are open to people of all abilities including families with small children. Knole Park offers a 90-minute ride at a gentle pace with breaks in the stunning deer park and at Brands Hatch you can ride on the renowned racing circuit. You cycle at your own pace for up to two hours on a route that includes gentle hills. Brands Hatch Tuesday August 28 at 10.30am and 2pm, Wednesday August 29 at 10.30 and 2pm and at Knole Park Sunday September 2 and 16 at 10.30. These rides are bookable in advance by calling 01732 227000 or email communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, Sevenoaks Branch, meets 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.
