The Otford Society Annual Summer Garden Party

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 Society

Sort Code: 30-98-97

Account Number: 83442563

Reference: Your name

Alternatively, 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. 

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The Chalk Pit – UPDATE

The Otford Society caught up with Cllr Irene Roy following the Press Release about the Chalk Pit closure.  Cllr Roy explained that she had arranged a site meeting at the chalk Pit with SDC Officers and Scout Group Leaders to provide an opportunity for Officers to set out the plan of action to ensure the safety of the Scout Land and answer questions.  We were pleased to hear that ground penetration surveys of the scout land will take place next week to ensure there are no safety risks to the area given the proximity of this land and the safety issues identified by the surveys of the Chalk Pit.  Cllr Roy has also re-iterated that the District Council has no plans to dispose of the chalk pit for development which is excellent news for the community.  Whilst the broader site will remain closed pending more detailed surveys, we understand that Sevenoaks District Council remain committed to restoring this Open Space for the benefit of the community and SDC understand the urgency required given the site’s importance to the community.

Continue ReadingThe Chalk Pit – UPDATE

THE CHALK PIT – A STATEMENT FROM THE OTFORD SOCIETY

The Otford Society is aware that Sevenoaks District Council has issued a press release announcing that the Chalk Pit between Tudor Drive and Station Road will be closed to the public. Full access to the Chalk Pit has already been restricted for an extended period and whilst it is important that the area is safe for those using it, the Otford Society share the deep concern of members of the local community at the prospect of such a cherished space within the village being lost.

This important designated Open Space has been used by generations of Otford residents, dog walkers and children, including Otford Scouts. It represents a vital piece of amenity land for the local community and the Society strongly encourages Sevenoaks District Council to work with some urgency on a clear plan to enable the Chalk Pit to be safely re-opened to the public.

Continue ReadingTHE CHALK PIT – A STATEMENT FROM THE OTFORD SOCIETY

Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 30th April

The Otford Society AGM will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 30th April in the Players Hall at the Otford Village Memorial Hall.  The meeting will include refreshments and an exciting talk by Kevin Froming of Otford & District Archaeological Group entitled “A Villa Full of Secrets” about the Roman Villa Excavations in Church Field.  

Come and have your say about the issues that concern you and hear our plans for the year ahead!

Continue ReadingAnnual General Meeting – Tuesday 30th April

Exceptional Public Meeting – Wednesday 14th February

The Otford Society is refreshing the manner in which it operates. No big changes but more a tidying up on what we do and how we do it. As we have grown over recent years, it has become apparent that our current Constitution may not fully capture the essence of our present focus and activities. In light of this, we hope you will agree that these updates to the Constitution better reflect our values and goals.

To approve these proposed changes, we have to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting. This will be at 7pm on Wednesday 14th February in the Otford Village Memorial Hall. It is really important that you make the effort to attend this brief meeting (glass of wine included) so that we can ratify the revisions to the Constitution.  Your feedback in advance of the meeting is highly encouraged. It means your thoughts can then be taken on board ahead of any discussion. 
 

Please take the time to review the revised Constitution and forward any comments or suggestions to chairman@otfordsociety.org.uk by 10th February 2024. This will allow us to address your input and make any necessary revisions ahead of the scheduled meeting.

We really value your commitment to The Otford Society. Your contributions to this constitutional update process are important to us. If you are unable to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting, you can consider appointing a proxy to represent your views. Just let the Secretary know by email at secretary@otfordsociety.org.uk.

Continue ReadingExceptional Public Meeting – Wednesday 14th February

Public Meeting, Monday 30th October

Doors open at 7 p.m. with refreshments. This is your chance to come along and have your vote on our proposed new Constitution.
 
There will also be a talk by Ed Thompson, a long-time well-known Otford resident. His dedicated collection of photos and early sketches has earned him the accolade of being the village archivist and historian. There is little he does not know about our past. His talks are always a fascinating insight into our earlier years.
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Santa’s Winter Palace

On four consecutive Saturdays from November 18th Santa and his elves will be once again welcoming families in the atmospheric ruins of Otford Palace. With food, drink and gifts on sale nearby, and a free present for every child, it’s not to be missed. Tickets cost £10 per child with accompanying adults, and can be bought online HERE. Full details, along with everything you need to know about our second Otford Christmas Fayre on November 18th, is being published on our Christmas page. See you there!

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“a marvellous party”!

A warm summer’s evening, stunning surroundings, fabulous canapes and delicious wine: the eighty Otford residents who came to our third annual Garden Party at Troutbeck all had a wonderful time. Exploring the lovely gardens or just sitting and chatting to old friends, it was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours. And thanks to their generosity and some great prizes, the raffle raised £200 for Phab, a charity devoted to inspiring and supporting disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults to make more of life together.  The money raised was used to buy jigsaws, and you can see their lovely thank you note below.

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Craft Guild popup returns!

We’re back at Otford Station from 10 to 12 on Saturday, July 8th. Two local craft businesses will be displaying and selling their wares. Rhi Love It produces stylish, hand-painted upcycled furniture, unique pieces to adorn any home. And there will be a range of wonderful handmade crafts for children from Kellys Cre8tions. Whether you’re taking the train or not, do be sure to ‘pop’ down and support these wonderful local crafters.

Continue ReadingCraft Guild popup returns!