Do you know a Community Superstar?

Post published:16 August 2022
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Back in May we were delighted to present our very first award to Sue Stephenson. Is there someone you know who really deserves it this time around? A neighbour, a local businessperson, or even someone who until recently was a complete stranger – that person who goes the extra mile to support our community. It’s not too late to send your nomination to communitystars@otfordsociety.org.uk. In a few sentences, tell us what this individual has done for Otford. We’ll be announcing the winner at our next general meeting on November 10th and, with their consent, publicising their story in the local press and on social media. And don’t be discouraged if your nominee doesn’t get the award this time around, as we plan to repeat this twice a year from now on.

Local crafts at Otford Station

Post published:14 August 2022
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The Otford Craft Guild and the Friends of Otford Station are delighted to announce a new scheme to support local craft businesses. There will be two individual craft stalls popping up in the station building between 3.30pm and 6.30pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month: September 8, October 13, November 10 and December 8. Please pop by, say hi and support your local crafters.

Otford Station in bloom

Post published:12 August 2022
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Thank you so much to all of you who have volunteered to join the “Friends of Otford Station” group which is managed by The Otford Society working in close collaboration with the Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership. We now have 19 volunteers and you may have noticed some of the changes that have already taken place.

Following on from the new planter on platform 1 there are lovely new wooden window boxes freshly planted with flowers at the front of the station. The horticultural team, led by James Holdak, are co-ordinating the watering of these through the hot weather to keep them looking their best. Huge thanks must also go to Coolings Garden Centre for donating plants. There are further plans to plant spring and summer bulbs down the length of platform 2 to follow on from the autumn planting scheme in the window boxes.

A talented team is working on posters showing the history of the station which aim to be informative, attractive and fun. Look out for these in the coming months! Do follow us on our blog, and if you’d like to get involved email us at station@otfordsociety.org.uk.

What a wonderful evening!

Post published:9 August 2022
Post category:Uncategorized

It was brilliant to see so many of you join us at our annual Garden Party behind the gates of The Old Parsonage in Otford High St on Saturday. Courtesy of Tom and Anita Watson we enjoyed an evening of drinks, canapés, sunshine and great company, with our own violin duet playing. The raffle raised £205 in aid of the Ukraine Crisis Appeal, while proceeds from ticket sales will go towards our village projects. Thank you to everyone who attended, to the team of volunteers who made the event possible and most of all to our kind hosts.

Here’s some of the lovely feedback we’ve had from those who attended:

“What a grand occasion! Our thanks to yourself and to everyone who helped organise such a lovely event. It made me realise all over again what a wonderful place Otford is to live in!” (Alan)

“Just a word of thanks for a delightful evening yesterday at the Garden Party… We spent a very entertaining time chatting with people we know and some we didn’t – but do now! Very well organised all round, and a delicious range of edible goodies was constantly on stream. So again, thanks to you all and to your helpers and of course our gracious hosts. Such a perfect setting, too. Another corner of the village that we don’t usually get to see!” (Jeff)

“Many thanks to the generous hosts for letting us into their lovely garden. A very enjoyable evening!” (Jo)

“Thank you Otford Society, Tom and Anita. A lovely evening with excellent company.” (Sarah)

“It was a lovely evening! Thank you!” (James)

“A really lovely occasion that we thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to all who worked so hard and to our generous hosts.” (Betty)