I HOPE you have had a good Christmas and wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. RSPB Sevenoaks Group indoor meetings continue at 7.45pm in the Memorial Hall on January 2 with the Biking Birder Gary Prescott giving a talk which mentions a Tapir at the door. A Tapir is a pig like creature from the Jungles of South America where Gary has explored by bike whilst observing birds there. Gary has cycled to every RSPB reserve in the UK as well as throughout Europe and his presentation promises to definitely not be run of the mill. The charge for non local group members is £3.50 and £2.50 for group members. Details of all local group activities can be found at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/sevenoaks other news can be found on Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/RSPBSevenoaks/ TONBRIDGE & Malling Ramblers will be walking from Borough Green to Otford via the North Downs Way starting at 10am from Borough Green station car park on Wednesday January 8. Parking fee at the station car park and alternative parking in the Western Rd car park - fee payable. There are a few steep sections and some fantastic views with tea shops and pubs at the end before catching the train for a 8 minute journey back. This is a linear walk and dogs on leads are acceptable. Estimated finish time 2.15, contact Margaret 01732 885295. OTFORD Folk Dance Club’s first meeting in 2020 is their New Year’s Day dance on January 1 at Otford Village Memorial Hall from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. when the caller will be “Sibby”. Dancers are asked to bring an American Supper and the cost will be £7 per person. They hope to raise at least £200 for Macmillan Cancer Support. There will be no dancing on January 2. If you would like more information ring Mary Butson 01732 458356. OTFORD’s Traffic Management Plans are now available on the Parish Council website at www.otfordpc.kentparishes.gov.uk, select ‘Traffic Management’. Paper copies are available in the Parish Council Office. The traffic plans are also on display in the Heritage Centre between January 2-10 open from 8.00am to 12.30pm. If you wish to comment on the drawings please email: clerk@otfordpc.co.uk - deadline for comments Friday January 10 2020. ON January 18, 2020 the Trustees of the Otford Village Memorial Hall are holding an Opening Event to show off the new refurbished main hall. The Hall will be open from 12 noon until 4pm and you are invited to meet the Trustees, see the extent of the refurbishment and have a glass of Bucks Fizz or Orange Juice with some nibbles. This is a drop-in event and is free to Otford Residents. ANOTHER note for your diary: St Bart’s is holding a Burns Night on January 25 with a Burns night supper in the Church Centre. You can look forward to a hearty supper, a tot of Whiskey, traditional readings, a table quiz and some Scottish themed entertainment. More details in the New Year. THANK YOU to all contributors during 2019. Details of events can be sent to me at drake_kay@hotmail.com making sure you enter Community News in the subject heading box or call 01959 522727. This is a brilliant way of getting your event, club, organisation free publicity but copy dates are two weeks prior to publication so do please let me have your details as early as possible to ensure inclusion.
