Read more about the article We’re back at the Fete!

We’re back at the Fete!

Yes, once more we’re going to be at the Otford Village Fete between 11 and 4 on Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May. Do come by and get to know our Trustees and committee members, find out what we’ve been up to over the past year, and sign up to join or to help. The ever-popular Wheel of Fortune will be spinning as usual with a chance to win a bottle or sweets. Our stand will be right opposite the entrance, so you can’t miss us!

The Fete Committee is delighted to announce that there will be several new attractions this year including a Giant Jenga, an arcade of games. They’ve also booked Captain Fantastic, voted the UK’s Number One Children’s Entertainment Company, who will be performing three separate shows during the afternoon. On the food front the range on offer has been extended to include a Brooklyn Deli van inspired by the cuisine of the USA and a cocktail van; so why not try their Alabama Slammer for a truly American experience!

Elands Veterinary Clinic will be running the very popular and always oversubscribed dog show, with some amazing prizes for the winning entry in each class. Be sure to register early to avoid disappointment.

Entry fee is £3 for adults and children under the age of 11 get in free. Lots more information can be found at www.otfordvillagefete.org

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Read more about the article Annual General Meeting, 24 May

Annual General Meeting, 24 May

Notice is given that our AGM will be held in the Otford Memorial Hall Club Room at 7:30 pm on Wednesday 24th May. Do put the date in your diary now and plan to come along and have your say on issues that are important to our village. Doors open at 7pm when refreshments will be served. Dr Chris Gardner from the South East Rivers Trust will be giving a talk on “The River with a Bright Future”. Reports from officers and an agenda are available here ahead of the meeting. And our popular Otford Superstar award will be presented! Who will it be this time…..?

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Read more about the article Coronation BBQ on the Green, May 8th

Coronation BBQ on the Green, May 8th

Another big event at the Green this year! Otford Parish Council and the Otford Society are joining forces again to lay on a celebration of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.  The village barbecue will be on The Green from 12 noon to 4pm and everyone is welcome.

Enjoy juicy burgers and succulent sausages straight from our sizzling barbecue. There will also be a beer tent, a wine stall and stands selling soft drinks, cakes and ice cream.  Miss Vintage and Flashback will be providing live entertainment and there will once again be craft activities for children. 

There are no restrictions on the number of people who can attend this free event. However in order to plan the catering and ensure that nobody is disappointed on the day we are selling advance meal vouchers to guarantee lunch. These are available from the following: Ibbett Mosely and Otford Dry Cleaners in the Parade; Pond View Cafe, Mille Fleurs, Fine & Country, the Bull and the Parish Office, all in the High Street; and Yvonne’s shop in Telston Lane.  The vouchers cost £1 and  entitle the bearer to £2 off the cost of any BBQ meal. Note that these vouchers cannot be used on other food or drinks stands.

Bring rugs and chairs and settle down to enjoy what will be another memorable day for the whole community.

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Read more about the article Craft Guild April popup

Craft Guild April popup

The next one will be in Otford Station from 10 to 12 on the morning of Saturday, April 8th. The lovely craft kits from Kellys Cre8tions could be just the thing to keep the children busy and entertained in the Easter holidays. And for more seasonal treats they’ll be joined by KS Arts and Cards, with handmade eco-friendly designs which take inspiration from nature. Do make sure to call in and browse – and buy! Two different craft stalls will be at the station every month from now on – keep an eye out on our social media for days and times.

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Read more about the article Otford EGGxtravaganza

Otford EGGxtravaganza

In 2021 it was chicks, last year it was rabbits… this year it’s an egg-animal hunt! From April 1st until Easter Monday they’ll be hidden all around the village in our EGGciting annual Easter Trail. They’ll be in shop windows in the High Street and the Parade, and hidden along the footpaths linking the two. Children under 11 will be able to report how many they’ve counted to the lovely people in Ibbett Mosely (on the Parade), Fine & Country (near the pond) or Yvonne’s Shop in Telston Lane – and claim a prize. By the time you read this they may already be out, so get counting! And remember to leave them where you spot them for others to find. 

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Read more about the article You too could save a life!

You too could save a life!

Nearly sixty people attended  training sessions run at the Otford Village Memorial Hall on Saturday March 4th. As well as learning how to use the newly installed defibrillator, they all had a chance to practice CPR techniques. The feedback has been immensely positive, best summed up by this message from James, aged 10, a pupil at Otford Primary School.

“Did you know that for every minute that someone’s in cardiac arrest without receiving CPR and having a defibrillator used on them, their chance of survival decreases by 10%?

On the 4th of March I attended the CPR and Defib training run by the Otford Society with my father and younger sister. As one of the youngest people attending I initially felt nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, however the instructors and everybody there made me feel really welcome.

Within ten minutes of the session starting, I had already used the Defib and shown everyone there how straightforward they were to use. Then we split into groups to practice so that everyone could have a go.

I would recommend anyone, at any age to go on a CPR and Defib course, I now feel confident that I would be able to help if the need arises.”

Thank you, James!

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Read more about the article The Craft Guild is back at Otford Station

The Craft Guild is back at Otford Station

The Guild’s monthly popup shops are returning from this month at a new day and time. The first one is on Saturday March 11th from 10am to 12 pm. Lavender and Bows will be selling their luxury handmade hair accessories and gifts, while Jane Mucklow Photography will have a range of prints, cards, and jigsaws featuring local landscape and flower photos. Do be sure to pop down and support these local craft businesses. Perhaps this is an opportunity to buy that special Mother’s Day present? Two different stalls will be in the station foyer in the morning of the second Saturday of each month; keep an eye on our social media @otfordsociety for details of who will be there.

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Read more about the article What is it, and what’s it worth?

What is it, and what’s it worth?

The Otford Society is holding its own Antiques Roadshow between 11am and 4pm in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 4th March. Three experts on jewellery, art and collectibles will be on hand to give information and an estimate of value. You can bring up to three objects: a treasured ring, the old clock that never worked, that painting you inherited – anything you’d like a professional opinion on.

There will be a £5 entry (for those bringing items only – everyone else is free) and, just like the TV show, a chance to participate in some competitions – as well as enjoying some delicious home-made cakes!

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Read more about the article Can you help save a life?

Can you help save a life?

CPR and use of a defibrillator can really make the difference between life and death!

Following the recent purchase of a defibrillator for the Memorial Hall by the Otford Village Fete Committee, the Otford Society has arranged for the local ambulance service to give a short presentation and CPR demonstration on Saturday 4th March. Everyone is welcome to attend; your local Community First Responders and a South East Coast paramedic will be on hand to teach vital CPR skills, and show you how simple our new defibrillator is to use.

There will be three sessions in the Club Room at 12:00, 1:00 and 2:00. It’s free to attend, but places are limited and prebooking is essential. Email events@otfordsociety.org.uk with your preferred time to secure your place.

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Read more about the article We need your help

We need your help

We are very grateful to all those who responded to the request for donations towards our work in 2022, and to everyone who supported our fundraising events throughout the year. In order to ensure that this year’s programme can be equally successful we are once again asking Otford households to donate a minimum of £10, ideally by setting up an annual standing order; this would give us an assured income to help fund events and projects.

Full details of how to do this, and of other ways in which you can support the Society financially, can be found in our Membership section.   

We very much hope you will feel able to help.

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