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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

After many delays due to various unforeseen events, the horses will finally be running on Friday 13th January in the Otford Village Memorial Hall. Despite the date, it will certainly be a lucky night for some! Doors open at 7:15 pm and entry will be £5 per person, payable on the night. It promises to be great fun, with the first of eight races starting at 7:45pm and the chance to take home some winnings if the horse you pick comes in first. There will be a cash bar with a good supply of wine, beer and soft drinks and loads of snacks on offer. Why not get a party together for a convivial evening of horse racing, chatter and cheering?

The Christmas edition of the Village Voice is now available to view and download here. All of us at the Otford Society wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Due to huge demand, we are delighted to announce that Santa will be making a return visit to his Grotto in Otford Palace between 11 am and 3 pm on Saturday 3rd December. He’s very busy as you can imagine, so this is your last chance to see him in the wonderfully atmospheric setting of a Tudor tower. Online bookings only will be accepted, and you can make them here.  Family tickets are £6 and include the first child. Up to three children and accompanying adults can go into the grotto and additional children after the first are £6 each.

Thanks to everyone who visited and contributed to the huge success of Otford's inaugural Christmas Fayre & Markets! We welcomed thousands of visitors who enjoyed a rain-free day of shopping, entertainment, eating and drinking in a High Street closed off to traffic but open to the early festive spirit. Entertainment and activity occurred across the village. Our singers Pete Gardiner & Miss Vintage provided their sweet melodies on the High Street. The Scouts oversaw 'hawk throwing' on the memorial grounds. 'Silly Billy' entertained a packed hall of children and parents. A street magician mingled with and mesmerised the crowds and if that wasn't enough, the Merry Mondays Ukulele band played a selection of Christmas crackers throughout the afternoon. And over sixty children visited Santa in his magical grotto inside the Tudor tower of Otford Palace. Everybody contributed to a wonderful atmosphere! We are blessed with a vibrant village community, which in tough times can make all the difference. A huge thank you is in order to all members of the Otford Society, the scouts & volunteers that manned the streets. We especially wish to say a big thank you to Patty Chatterjee who oversaw all of the event planning, Jenny Kelly who organised the craft markets, Tash Logsdon who created the wonderful Grotto at the Palace, Claire and Mat Henry, Mrs Claus, and the team of young elves who welcomed children there all day long; and of course all of our local sponsors & shops who stepped up and contributed to a special day. Given the great turnout and positive feedback we're already planning a similar event for 2023. Have a happy Christmas!