This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Otford Solar System, and we’re giving it a space-age makeover! Thanks to a generous donation from Otford Parish Council, we’re installing a new colourful interpretation board and updating each planet marker with new signage featuring QR codes linking to fun and informative videos - perfect for visitors of all ages. We’re also adding what3words locations to help you navigate the solar system with ease (no more ending up at Pluto when you were heading to Mars!). Join us for the re-launch celebration on Saturday 26th July at 12 noon, at the far end of the recreation ground near the Sun marker.  At this event Janice McLean President of the British Astronomical Association will be unveiling the new interpretation board, and you can enjoy a glass of prosecco (free for Otford Society members!) and treat yourself to an ice cream while we toast this cosmic occasion. Can’t make the launch? No problem! You’ll be able to visit the Otford Solar System at your own leisure. There’s a whole universe waiting for you - right here in Otford.

All Otford Society Members are invited to our Annual General Meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 29th April (doors open at 7pm)  in the Otford Village Memorial Hall. The meeting will include refreshments and a talk by Rod Shelton entitled “In the Beginning”.  This talk traces the earliest origins of our Darent Valley.  How did it come into being? What where the animals and peoples it once supported.  The history of the river and the industries that once thrived along its banks – the origin of paper-making in England – the birth place of so many inventions and industry.  Amazing! Yet today the Darent is little more than a stream and its water is running dry.  Why? It’s a fascinating story so come along and find out more.

Attention egg hunters!   The greedy Dinosaur has stomped into Otford nearly a whole week early - talk about impatient! 🦖 To stop him from gobbling up all the hidden Easter eggs, we’ve moved the hunt forward. That means the adventure is live NOW, instead of starting on April 9th! So, sharpen up your sleuthing skills, and get ready to track down those eggs before the Dinosaur does! 🏃‍♂️🥚 Good luck, and happy hunting! 🐣🔍✨

From 9th April until Easter Monday, you'll find eggs hidden all around Otford village in our EGGciting annual Easter Trail.  They will be in shop windows, in the High Street and the Parade and hidden along the footpaths linking the two.  Children under eleven will be able to report how many they've counted to the lovely people in Mille Fleurs, Ibbett Mosely (on the Parade), Fine & Country (near the pond) or at Yvonne's shop in Telston Lane - and claim a small prize. If you take part in this fun event and you find an egg, please leave it where you found it to ensure other children can also locate it. Good luck and have fun everyone!

Robin photo courtesy of David Birchall Merry Christmas to everyone in our wonderful village from all of us at the Otford Society!   2024 has been another successful and busy year and we have even more fantastic events planned for 2025.  You can read all about them in The Village Voice.  Click on the button below to find out more.Wishing you all the very best for the holiday season.  See you in 2025! READ THE VILLAGE VOICE HERE

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to support the 3rd Annual Otford Village Christmas Fayre yesterday, despite the challenging weather brought on by Storm Bert!While 14 other events in the county were cancelled, our incredible management team pulled off a remarkable feat—replanning the entire event to move every single stall indoors in less than 24 hours! We couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of Otford’s institutions and wonderful people. To name just a few: St Bart's Church, Little Treacles Nursery, Otford Parish Council, The Methodist Church, Otford Scouts, The Sea Cadets, The Bull Pub, Otford Village Shops, Otford Library, Captain Fantastic, Sevenoaks Players, Father Christmas and, of course, our fantastic team of 40 volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.  Many of our stallholders reported excellent sales, with some even setting record sales despite the weather. Your support means the world to these small businesses, many of who are struggling to make a living. Thank you again, Otford—you made this event a success, and we are so grateful for your community spirit! We certainly showed Bert that the show goes on in Otford whatever the weather throws at us!https://vimeo.com/1033823257?share=copy

The Otford Society's bi-annual meeting is on Thursday October 31st at the Otford Village Memorial Hall.  The evening will start with a wine reception at 7pm. Join us to hear the latest updates and our future plans.  Additionally, there will be a unique presentation by Rod Shelton titled "Well I Never Knew THAT!"  a light-hearted and surprising exploration of the villages of the Darent. We look forward to seeing you there!

Have you seen the wonderful new Otford Heritage Trail sign next to the red phone box near the pond? The Heritage Trail is a series of  ten illustrated information boards located throughout the village. Each board tells the story of the near-by period homes. There are two pamphlet dispensers attached to the sign. One contains a small booklet of ten circular walks around Otford and the other contains a pamphlet with a map of the Heritage Trail. The sign, commissioned by the Amenities and Services Committee of the Parish Council, was illustrated by Rod Shelton and designed by Phil Clucas.   It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Otford Parish Council and the Otford Society & Fete Committee.   On Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August,  40 circular walk booklets and 20 Heritage Trail pamphlets were taken by visitors which just shows how popular Otford is with walkers!

We are delighted to be holding our annual Garden Party from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on July 13th, in the beautiful garden of Castle House. This  is one of the highlights of our summer calendar, and we are immensely grateful to the owners for making their garden available to us. It’s sure to be another hugely successful occasion. Tickets cost £25 general admission or £20 for Otford Society Members with a current paid-up membership (using the promo code sent via email)  and include a welcome drink and canapes throughout the evening.   There will also be a raffle and a pay bar.  Cash and cards will both be accepted.Only Members of the Otford Society with a current paid-up membership are entitled to the £5 discount. The discount does not extend to a booking which includes non-members. If you are a member and wish to bring non-members to the garden party, please book their tickets separately.  Would you like to take advantage of the special member discount for the Garden Party? If you join now you will be sent a promo code which will give you £5 off the cost of your ticket.  Annual membership is just £5.00 (if you set up a standing order) or £7.50 (by bank transfer or cheque). Please note a membership fee is per adult aged 18 years or older and not per household.Setting up a Standing Order is easy via your bank or building society using the following details:Name: The Otford SocietySort Code: 30-98-97Account Number: 83442563Reference: Your nameAlternatively, you can find all the details on how to become a member here on our website.We're looking forward to seeing you there!Please also note that this event is for Otford residents only.  PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE