The Parish of St. Bartholomew Otford Church and ... - Otford.info

The Parish of 

St. Bartholomew 

Otford 

Church and 

Village News 

No. 07 & 08 Volume 80 - July & August 2010 

50p 

www.stbartholomews.co.uk

SERVICES AT THE PARISH CHURCH 

Sunday in July 

and 

August 

8.00am 10.00am 6.30pm 

FIRST CW HC Church Family Worship Evensong 

SECOND 

CW HC 

Holy 

Communion 

Evening Prayer 

THIRD CW HC Morning Worship Evensong 

FOURTH 

BCP HC 

Holy 

Communion 

Evening Prayer 

FIFTH 

(Aug only) 

CW HC 

Morning Worship - 

CW = Common Worship. BCP = Book of Common Prayer. HC = Holy Communion 

Sunday Mornings 

SUNDAY CLUB (for ages 0-14) 

Crèche: 0-2 years (every Sunday) 

Infant (3-7) 

Junior (8-11) 

Senior (12-14) 

These groups meet in the Church Centre during the 10.00am service, except on first 

Sunday when in Church for Church Family Worship. 

Sunday Evenings 

YOUNG PEOPLE’S FELLOWSHIP every Sunday evening during term time in the 

Church Centre 6.30 - 8.00pm (except the second Sunday) 

FROGS: 11-14 years, second Sunday of month 6.00 -7.30pm in Church Hall 

HOLY COMMUNION 

Every Wednesday 10.00am (BCP) 

Saints Days and Holy Days as announced 

Weekdays 

If you would like to book a baptism or wedding, please contact the Church Office 

01959 523185 

VICAR’S REST DAY: Monday 

Cover photograph taken Richard Worssam at St Bart’s Fair 2010 

Magazine printed by Silver Pines Services. See page 36 

2

Vicar’s Viewpoint 

In our family we have just entered into the new chapter of driving 

lessons - Otford beware! As any good driving instructor will tell you, 

there are two vital skills in driving a car - knowing how to make it go, 

and also knowing how to make it stop. What is true of cars is also true of our lives. We are 

very good at making them go; but there are also times when we need to apply the brakes 

and be still. 

We tend to lead very full lives. It is good to have a sense of purpose and fulfilment, to 

have something that is worth getting up for, to make the make the most of the gift of each 

new day. However, it a fine art to maintaining an active life without becoming 

overburdened with busyness. Physicists talk about the difference between dynamic 

equilibrium and static equilibrium. For example, a pyramid sitting on its base 

demonstrates static equilibrium; but a pyramid balanced on its point illustrates dynamic 

equilibrium, ready to over-balance at any moment. In many ways we are like sprinters: we 

don’t have a balanced centre of gravity, but rather we have to rapidly take the next step 

forward to prevent ourselves from toppling over. Think of the effort it takes to clear the 

decks to go on holiday. The momentum of our lives propels us forward so that we cannot 

stop all of a sudden. Instead, its takes a lot of effort before we can slow down. 

Our modern condition is summed up well in the words of sign that hung on the door 

of one of my tutors when I was an ordinand: “I’m not in, and by the time you find out 

where I am, I’ll probably be somewhere else.” However, being too busy can be 

counter-productive. This is illustrated in an experiment conducted on a group of students 

supposedly on verbal retention. They were given the task of listening to a story, and then 

crossing a hospital complex to recite what they had heard to another researcher waiting in 

a room on the other side of the hospital. However, the research team had also arranged 

for an actor to play the part of someone who had fallen over in a corridor along the way 

and needed help in getting up. The researchers were primarily interested in the response 

of the students to this man needing help. They introduced two variables into the 

experiment. One group of students were told the story of the Good Samaritan. Another 

group of students were told a more general story, but they were instructed to hurry. 

Interestingly, the story of the Good Samaritan did not have much impact in comparison 

with other groups on whether the students stopped to help; but of those instructed to 

hurry, none of them stopped to help. 

Jesus knew about the pressure of a busy schedule, but he also had the ability to be 

still and to discern God’s work around him. Early on in his ministry we find him getting up 

early in the morning for a quiet time of prayer. He also said to his disciples in the midst of 

a demanding ministry, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some 

rest.” (Mark 6:31) So I hope that as the summer holidays are upon us we may find the 

opportunity for an enjoyable rest to restore the balance in our lives, and that we may 

know where to find the brake, as well as the accelerator. 

Your friend and Vicar, Richard 

3

DIARY FOR JULY 

AND AUGUST 2010 

Morning Prayer is said in Church on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 

each week at 9.00 am 

JULY 

3 10-4 Parish trip to “The Life of Christ” at Wintershall 

4 The Fifth Sunday after Trinity 

8.00 am Holy Communion (CW) 

10.00 am Church Family Worship and Sunday Club Prizegiving 

12 noon Baptism of Koco Hope Boulton 

6.30 pm Evensong 

5 7.45 pm Homegroup (17 Leonard Avenue) 

8.00 pm Fair Committee (‘Lorien’, St. Michael’s Drive) 

7 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) 

11.00 am ‘First Steps’ Summer Praise and Teddy Bear’s Picnic 

(St. Bartholomew’s Church and Vicarage Garden) 

8.00 pm PCC meeting (Church Centre) 

10 9.00 am Churchyard Working Party 

11 The Sixth Sunday after Trinity 



11.30 am Fabric Committee (Church Centre) 

6.00 pm FROGS (Church Hall) 

6.30 pm Evening Prayer (CW) 

12 7.45 pm Discussion: ‘Interests’ (17 Leonard Avenue) 

14 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Coffee afterwards 

8.00 pm Worship Advisory Group (The Vicarage) 

16-18 Church Youth Weekend away at Elm Tree Farm, Kent 

17 1.30 pm Wedding of Iain Glasspool and Mandy Wells 

3.30 pm Wedding of William Heathcote and Teresa Dilley 

18 The Seventh Sunday after Trinity 


10.00 am Morning Worship (CW) 


19 7.45 pm Homegroup (17 Leonard Avenue) 

21 9.30 am ‘First Steps’ Coffee and chat (Otford Methodist Hall) 

10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) 

4

25 The Eighth Sunday after Trinity 




26 7.45 pm Coffee and chat (17 Leonard Avenue) 

28 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Coffee afterwards 

31 3.00 pm Wedding of Richard Shilling and Deborah Digby 

AUGUST 

1 The Ninth Sunday after Trinity 


10.00 am Church Family Worship (CW) 


2 7.45 pm Homegroup (2A Bubblestone Road) 


8 The Tenth Sunday after Trinity 




9 7.45 pm Coffee and chat (2A Bubblestone Road) 

10 Magazine material by today, please, to the Church Office 

St.bartholomews@otford.net 


14 9.00 am Churchyard Working Party 

15 The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 




16 7.45 pm Rhine in Flames trip (17 Leonard Avenue) 


22 The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity: St. Bartholomew 




23 7.45 pm Discussion (17 Leonard Avenue) 


29 The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity 



6.30 pm Evening service 

30 Book Sale in the Church Hall 

7.45 pm Bank Holiday/Coffee and chat (17 Leonard Avenue) 

5

SUNDAY CLUB PRIZEGIVING 

This takes place on Sunday 4th July at the 10 a.m. 

service when the three Sunday Club groups will be 

contributing to different parts of the service and 

then members will be presented with small gifts in 

celebration of another year in the life of the Sunday 

Club. There will still be basic provision for children 

throughout the summer weeks. 

The CU@5 service takes a break for July and August and recommences on 12th September. 

PATRONAL FESTIVAL 

We shall be celebrating our Patronal Festival and remembering St. Bartholomew at the 

services on Sunday 22nd August. 

THE FRIENDS OF KENT CHURCHES will hold a sponsored ride and hike on Saturday 11th 

September between 10 am and 6 pm. Simon Wragg would be very pleased to hear from 

anyone who would like to take part in either cycling or walking. Potential sponsors will be 

most welcome. We are looking for a rota of people to welcome visiting cyclists and 

walkers and to sign them in - if you can spare an hour or two, please see Simon in church 

or contact him on 01732 462953. The money we raise is divided between Friends of Kent 

Churches and our parish, and this year we will be dedicating our share to the Church Tower 

Appeal. 

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY - 12th SEPTEMBER 2010 

Stewardship Sunday is an annual opportunity for each of us to reflect on our contribution 

to the life and mission of our church. Stewardship involves making the best use of the 

resources that God has given us – time, talents and money. There may be fresh avenues of 

service where we can give our time; new tasks where we can apply our talents; or financial 

needs to which we can contribute. We are very grateful for everyone’s generosity towards 

the Tower Appeal. We also need to ensure that we have sufficient resources to maintain 

the everyday ministry of our church. Thank you for all your help and support, both practical 

and financial. 

LIVING HERITAGE - THE MEDIEVAL ERA 

All sessions are at 8 p.m. in the Church Centre. 

28th September 

The Pilgrims’ Way and Pilgrimage (The Vicar) 

5th October Otford’s Archbishop’s Palace and Church-State power games 

(Rod Shelton) 

12th October 

19th October 

Medieval Stained Glass (David Reid) 

From 

St Bartholomew’s Church 

The spirituality of Julian of Norwich (The Vicar) 

6

CAMEO 

CAMEO - Come and Meet Each Other. This is what a group of us do on a regular basis. We 

join together instead of doing things on our own. We meet for Bible Study, general 

discussions, sessions when we focus on an interest, meals together, outings, short breaks 

away to places like the Eden Project, the Isle of Wight and Somerset, and even longer 

holidays further afield such as to Israel and New Zealand. Our sights are set on a trip to 

China next Spring, and later in 2011 to the Edinburgh Tattoo, and perhaps to Llandudno. 

If you are interested in any of our activities, please contact the Church Office or Margaret 

Lidbetter on 524831 for our programme. Don’t miss out on joining a friendly and 

welcoming group of Christians! 

ST. BART’S SUMMER FAIR 

A very big thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make our summer fair such a 

success. We are very grateful to Mark and Irene Roy for their generous hospitality in 

allowing us to hold the fair in the beautiful grounds of Castle House. It was a real village 

occasion with many hundreds of people enjoying the opportunity to mix and mingle, 

browsing the stalls, enjoying the games, listening to the music, savouring the refreshments, 

and catching up with friends. The financial outcome was also an excellent result, with the 

sum of £6,700 being raised. This now puts the Tower Appeal over the £50,000 mark, so our 

target of £70,000 by the end of the year is within range. Thank you to Colin Fleetwood and 

the Fair Committee for their commitment and dedication in many months of planning to 

make the event run so smoothly and successfully. 

Thanks to Irene & Lucinda Roy for 

taking these photos of the Fair. 

7

6th June 

6th June 

13th June 

20th June 

Baptism (Our Welcome) 

Samuel Luigi William Spagnoli 

Harry Steven Pockett 

Oliver Frederick Gunn 

Emily Ellen Newton 

Funeral (Our Sympathy) 

5th June Margaret Katharine Wood (aged 88) 

Church Offerings in May 2010 

Open Collections for Charities and Church expenses ….… £ 320.85 

Freewill Offerings ………………………………………………………… .£ 6181.00 

IN MEMORIAM - MARGO WOOD 

Margo was born in 1922 in Beckenham. She had five brothers, three older and two 

younger. She went to school in Beckenham and, on leaving school, she joined the Civil 

Service working in the department with the responsibility for the national telephone 

network. 

Ken and Margo met in April 1939 at a dance organised by the Beckenham Swimming 

Club. But then the Second World War intervened. Ken was called up into the army. Margo 

continued to live in Beckenham, despite the bombing, and she maintained her work with 

telephones. 

When the War was over, Ken and Margo were married in 1946. For their first home 

they lived in a flat in Anerley in south east London. In 1956 Ken and Margo began a new 

chapter in their life together, emigrating to Rhodesia, as it was then known, and living in 

Salisbury (now known as Harare). Here Ken worked with the Rhodesia Chamber of Mines, 

whilst Margo worked in local government. 

They returned to England in 1961 in order to look after Margo’s mother. They lived in 

Orpington briefly, and then moved to Otford in 1964. They have lived in their home in 

Coombe Road ever since. 

Margo was a good cook and she also enjoyed gardening. Margo and Ken celebrated 

their diamond wedding anniversary three years ago and they were devoted to one another 

throughout their married life. Margo will be sorely missed, and her memory lovingly 

cherished. 

8

MISSION MATTERS 

‘Bible Poverty’ Did you know that millions of people still lack the Bible in a language they 

can understand, in a form they can use or at a price they can afford 

Since the Bible Society came into being in 1804 the main aim of the charity has been to 

end this ‘poverty’. Today the Bible Society is part of a global network of 145 independent 

Bible Societies working in over 200 countries. 

In the first 50 years of existence the Society produced 28 million copies of scripture 

translated in 152 languages and dialects. By 1905 Braille scriptures were available in 17 

languages (now 35). In 1917 three million copies of the Bible were circulated in China (a 

total of fifty million have now been printed in China itself). Despite parts of the Bible 

being available today in more than 2400 languages and dialects, more than 4400 

languages still wait for even one book of the Bible to be translated into either audio or 

the written word. The Society is currently involved in more than 550 translation and 

retranslation projects. 

Translation is not the only side of the current mission of the Bible Society. Other areas 

of work include providing Bibles and colourful portions of scripture to children in danger 

or those traumatised by abuse in places such as Gaza and Zimbabwe and providing Bibles 

for refugees. 

Affordability is a huge issue. In Nepal, China, Vietnam and parts of Africa where 

Christianity is growing fastest, Bibles are distributed for free. Another project in some 

African countries is that of using ‘The Parable of the Good Samaritan‘ to train 

communities to behave and think differently with regard to the HIV epidemic. 

Sadly in our own country for many people the Bible is no longer a point of reference for 

everyday life. The Society has recognised that Christians often lack the confidence to 

apply the Bible’s message in a society that increasingly sees it as irrelevant. Therefore the 

Society works closely with the media and within politics, the arts and education to show 

how the Bible connects with our modern world. 

So for those of us that suffer from ‘Bible poverty’ lets make sure that it doesn’t take 

another ‘Bible Sunday’ to make us actually seek the knowledge and guidance that is so 

freely available to us by simply opening the Bible that may sit on our bedside cabinet. Let 

us not forget that for many in our world the Bible is still unobtainable and ‘Bible hunger’ 

is very much alive. 

For further information see http://www.biblesociety.org.uk 

Andrew Hill 

9

SEASONAL REFLECTION ON BANK HOLIDAYS 

How will you be spending the August bank holiday this year Traditionally, the holiday 

summons up thoughts of trips to the seaside, donkey rides, deckchairs and funfairs – and 

more recently, traffic! Perhaps it would be better to relax at home, watching a game of 

cricket on the television! Holidays are a time for recreation - quite literally a time to 

re-create ourselves, unburdened by the pressures of work. 

Before 1834, the Bank of England observed about 33 saints’ days and religious festivals 

as holidays. But the following year, this was reduced to just four: 1 May, 1 November, 

Good Friday and Christmas Day. 

Then in 1871, a Liberal Politician and Banker, Sir John Lubbock, introduced the Bank 

Holidays Act 1871, which laid down the following: 

England, 

Wales, Ireland 

Easter 

Monday 

Whit 

Monday 

1st Monday in 

Aug 

Boxing Day/St 

Stephen’s Day 

Scotland 

Good 

Friday 

1st Monday in 

May 

1st Monday in 

Aug 

Christmas Day 

Sir John was an enthusiastic cricket fan who wanted his employees to be able to watch 

and take part in matches. So the days reflect the dates of matches in the villages where he 

grew up! The English called these holidays ‘St Lubbock’s Days’ for a while! 

(The Act did not specify Good Friday or Christmas Day as Bank Holidays in England, 

Wales and Ireland, since they were already recognised as common law holidays. Scotland 

was treated differently because of its different traditions.) 

In 1903, a further Act of Parliament added 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, as a bank holiday 

for Ireland only. 

In 1971, a century after the first Bank Holidays Act, a new Act laid down the majority of 

our current bank holidays. The Whitsun holiday was replaced by the Late Spring Bank 

Holiday – the last Monday in May. From 1972, the date of the August bank holiday 

changed to the end of the month. 

There are currently eight bank holidays. These have to be proclaimed each year by Royal 

Proclamation and the same device is used to move holidays that would otherwise fall at a 

weekend – known as ‘a bank holiday in lieu’ or ‘substitute days.’ 

At first sight, it seems that the UK enjoys few bank holidays compared to other 

European countries. However, since these countries do not ‘move’ holidays falling at 

weekends, many are ‘lost’. 

Most campaigners for more holidays feel that 23 April, St George’s Day, and 1 March, St 

David’s Day, should be recognised. What do you think Whatever you do on 30th August, 

have a break and come back refreshed! 

Vicki Howie 

10

The fishermen, James and his brother John, were 

amongst the first disciples to be called by Jesus. They 

were the sons of Zebedee, who was also a fisherman, 

and of his wife Salome. Jesus gave the brothers the 

name ‘Boanerges’ meaning ‘sons of thunder’. It is 

thought that this may refer to their explosive 

temperament, as evidenced in Luke 9 51-56, when they 

suggested calling down fire from heaven to destroy the 

villages which refused Jesus hospitality. Alternatively, it 

could be a testimony to their later evangelical zeal. 

James and his brother John were evidently two of Jesus’ 

closest disciples. Along with Peter, they were the only 

disciples present at the raising of Jairus’ daughter and at the 

Transfiguration. Moreover it is these three disciples that Jesus asks to accompany him and 

keep watch in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he goes off to pray on the night before 

his crucifixion. 

James’ death is recorded in Acts 12 where we learn that King Herod Agrippa (grandson 

of Herod the Great) began to persecute some members of the church and had James ‘put 

to death by the sword’. This occurred in AD44. 

Apart from what we know from the Bible, most of the story of Saint James (also known 

as Saint James the Greater) takes the form of legend. It is claimed that prior to his 

martyrdom in Judea he spent a number of years preaching on the Iberian peninsula. 

Thereafter his body is said to have been returned, by a series of miraculous events, to 

Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain and his shrine in this city later became one of the 

most famous places for pilgrimage in the world. 

Nowadays the ‘Way of St James’ (Camino de Santiago), which is actually a collection of 

old pilgrimage routes covering all Europe, is still walked by many people, both believers 

and non-believers alike. Pilgrims who have walked at least the last 100km (200km if 

cycling) are eligible to receive a certificate known as a ‘Compostela’ from the Pilgrim’s 

Office in Santiago de Compostela. In earlier days pilgrims wore a scallop shell, the emblem 

of St James, to show that they were making a pilgrimage to his shrine. 

St James is the patron saint of Spain. 

SAINT OF THE MONTH…….ST JAMES 

Saint’s Day – July 25 th 

Christeen Malan 

11

OUT AND ABOUT 

THE OTFORD GREEN TEAM will be showing the film ‘The Age of Stupid’ at the Methodist 

Hall on Friday 9th July at 7.30pm. Please try and make this a date for your diary. The film 

might prompt you into ways of reducing your carbon footprint. 

OTFORD OAST WI On Thursday 15th July Otford Oast WI will welcome 

Biddenden Vineyards to tell us about the history and working of the 

Vineyard. There will be samples of cider, apple juice, and of course 

wine. Our meetings are in Otford Village Memorial Hall, and start at 

9.30. There is a creche and visitors are most welcome. For further 

details, please contact Patsy Groom 01959 524156. 

OTFORD AFTERNOON WI. At our May meeting and AGM Linda Dunning was re-elected as 

President and Kath Larkin, Secretary and Jeanne Barsby has been looking after our 

accounts since the resignation of Elaine Babbage. The Resolution at the AGM, which will 

go forward to the National Conference in June, was for compulsory labelling with country 

of origin of all meats and fish sold in the UK. 

We try to arrange an interesting programme to attract new members and on 13 th July 

there will be ‘A nostalgic look at shopping’ and on 10th August we have our Members 

Meeting. Otford Afternoon WI meets at 2pm on the second Tuesday in the month at 

Otford Village Hall. Visitors are very welcome, and further details can be found on the 

Otford Village Website at www.otford.info following the link to the WI, or telephone 

Joyce Shaw on 01959 522736 

OTFORD EVENING WI Our speaker in June was Lesley Gould who delighted us with a talk 

about the Life of a Japanese Woman, learnt at first hand when she spent five years in 

Tokyo with her diplomat husband. She passed round pictures of her two small daughters 

dressed in traditional costume and told us about the many other mementoes of her stay 

in that most diverse and fascinating country. We were delighted that our eight WAGS 

won second prize in the procession at the Village Fete in May and we all shared the spoils 

of their winnings by enjoying a slice of a very large chocolate or very large carrot cake, 

courtesy of the Cook Shop. Next month’s speaker will be Bob Ogley talking on Kent in 

the 19 th Century. At this meeting on 8 th July we shall also be SWISHING – are you 

curious Then come along and find out at 7.30pm, or ring Eve on 524887 for more 

information about our institute. Brenda Young 

SEVENOAKS EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD The next meeting will take 

place in the Village Memorial Hall on Saturday 31 st July, when 

there will be an all day workshop by Anne Winter, entitled Danish 

Whitework Embroidery – a taster, and also mini workshops led by 

members. Morning sessions begin at 10.00 a.m. and afternoons at 

2.00 p.m., during which tea and cake will be served. 

12

Please note that we do not meet in August; the September meeting will take place in the 

Village Memorial Hall on Saturday 25 th September, with the AGM in the afternoon, 

followed by a talk by Myfanwy Hart entitled An Afternoon with the Embellisher. The 

morning session (working on own projects or ongoing branch project) is at 10.00 a.m. 

More information can be obtained from Sylvia Grafton on 01732 452117. 

Magnificent Magnificat! 

The Russell House School Summer 

Concert had a dual purpose this year. 

Not only was it a wonderful 

celebration of the breadth and quality 

of music at the school, it also helped 

to raise money for the Church tower. 

The Junior Orchestra started the 

evening with a jaunty piece and were 

followed by a selection of Form 7 

soloists and a delightful recitation of two poems. String Power and the Russell Rockers 

ensemble groups provided spirited performances and led in to Senior Orchestra, 

Choristers and the evening’s crowning glory: a performance of Pergolesi’s Magnificat by 

the school Choristers and the Russell House family choir. 

The collection at the end of the concert raised more than £300 for the tower. All in all, it 

was an inspirational and successful evening’s entertainment. 

OTFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL 

Self-portrait in the style of 

Chuck Close. 

By Pippa Higham, Age 10 

Year 6 

13

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS 

Chairman: Mr John Allen 

Parish Clerk: Mrs Barbara Darby 

01959 524808 

email: parishcouncil@otford.net 

Web: www.otford.info/parishcouncil 

The Annual Parish Meeting 

Once a year people in Otford have a chance to hear what the Parish Council has done and 

is doing for the village. The meeting enables residents to learn, comment and question 

what has been done and express future wishes, so the Council can plan ahead. 

Over most of the past two decades about 1% of residents have come to the meeting, 

suggesting to me that the Council has generally understood and met needs. This year was 

the same, and again, the main topic for comment was the roads. These are controlled by 

the County Council of course, and the parish can only ask for repairs and changes - and 

does so. The Highways Department has never been able to afford all work in the District 

found necessary to reduce road congestion, injuries and deaths. Their assessments are 

based on statistics, and the roads in Otford causing most concern are not where the 

majority of deaths have occurred. 

At this year's annual meeting 1.2% of residents heard about the successes of the 

Primary School and some of the work done by our Community Warden and our PCSO. 

They learnt of the general state of our sports clubs, and the buildings and play areas this 

council provides. The allotments are in a healthy state and provide land for almost 

everyone who wishes to grow crops. 

Last year there were about three quarters of the planning applications received in 

recent years, and again most were found acceptable by the Parish Council. Councillors 

also cover many activities outside the village such as the M25 junction 5 slip-roads group 

that continues to provide much heat; the possible building plans at the Fort in Halstead 

simmer in the background. The council arranged just one theatrical event this year, of 

London standard, about a past visitor (Henry VIII). It was suitable for both children and 

adults; forty people came. 

Our model of the Solar System continues to float above all others in the world, 

recognised as the largest, and now appears on the latest O.S. maps (and can be seen on 

Google maps!). It is still carefully maintained. Further away it seems, is the prospect of 

many people engaging in twinning with our French village: Neuchatel-Hardelot, but a 

small and enthusiastic group regularly visit or stay there. It is a holiday resort with many 

varied attractions (two golf courses!) and a splendid beach. Moreover it can be reached 

more quickly and easily than many places in the UK. For young people it is a good 

introduction to Europe, where they can join in many different activities. 

The Parish Council managed all these with an increase in the precept of 2.5% on the 

previous year (and the current year also has the same percentage increase). The parish 

office is the centre of all this work and is open every weekday morning and is used by 

many in Otford for other purposes. John Allen 

14

Recently two big issues have been brought to my attention from residents in Otford and 

we are trying to resolve them. The first is the smell that wafts around the village from the 

area of the Vestry Trading Estate and the second is the problem of commuter parking, 

particularly in Tudor Drive and Tudor Crescent made worse by recent parking restrictions 

in Sevenoaks Town and the increase in parking charges at the station. 

Regarding the smell, together with the Environment Agency, Cory Environmental and a 

number of local residents I arranged a site meeting at the Cory landfill site on 3 rd June to 

see if the smell was coming from there and what could be done about it. Cory were very 

open and as helpful as they could be. It seems as though the smell is a mixture of the 

rubbish (even though it is covered each night with a thick layer of clay) and gases. The gas 

smell should reduce or go away completely due to new equipment they have invested in 

there, and now that they are aware of the rubbish smell they will look into what can be 

done about that. The Environment Agency did stress that if residents smell the smell they 

must call their free 24 hour hotline on 0800 807060. The more official complaints they 

receive the easier it will be for them to work out what the problem is and to resolve it. 

The commuter parking problem in the Tudors is a bit more complex. About 18 months 

ago, after receiving a number of complaints about the commuter parking, I pressed SDC 

for a consultation of residents which was carried out about a year ago. As it was an 

informal consultation only the residents immediately fronting the proposed restrictions 

were consulted and the results were inconclusive, so nothing was done. Since then the 

problem has been exacerbated, so again I am pressing for another informal consultation in 

the autumn. If the results are less inconclusive this will be followed up in December by a 

consultation process involving all residents with possible restrictions implemented next 

spring. However we have to get the process right, as once implemented the restrictions 

can not easily be undone and it is a very expensive process. 

I wish you all a lovely summer. 

With best wishes 

Cllr Michelle Lowe 

Cllr.Lowe@Sevenoaks.gov.uk 

DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS 

Telephone: 01732 227000 

www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 

Cllr.Lowe@sevenoaks.gov.uk 

15

KENT POLICE - Working with you in Otford and Shoreham 

To report a non-urgent crime 01622 690690 

Local Neighbourhood Officer PC Ben Clatworthy – 07980 770581 

Local Neighbourhood Officer PCSO Jane Wright – 07772 226036 

Speeding motorists and inconsiderate parking are two things that residents tell us cause 

concern in Otford. As a result local officers have been carrying out speed checks on a 

regular basis. We’ve been issuing fixed penalty notices to speeding motorists and 

advising drivers about their speed. 

As well as speeding checks we have been speaking to drivers in the High Street who 

have been parking on the pavement or in a way that is inconsiderate to pedestrians and 

other motorists. Having warned motorists, if the problem persists, we will issue penalty 

notices and we will continue with the speed checks. 

Hopefully when you read this we will all be enjoying beautiful summer weather, so now 

might be a good time to remind you make sure you shut and lock your doors and 

windows when you go to bed. Don’t leave your handbag, laptop or briefcase on view 

through any door or window. Burglary isn’t a major issue for this area but why make it 

easy for thieves 

When you’re in the garden you should still keep your premises secure and don’t leave 

tools and equipment lying about. 

If you would like some further advice on security or to talk to us about any local issues 

then please speak to one of the neighbourhood team or visit us at one of our regular 

public meetings in Otford Post Office. Details can be found at www.kent.police.uk or ring 

01622 690690. If you want to contact a member of the neighbourhood team you can 

also ring us on 01732 379371. 

PCSO Jane Wright 

PC Ben Clatworthy 

COMMUNITY CLOSE UP 

Focussing on…. Otford Gardeners’ Society 

by Christeen Malan - based on an interview 

“Our England is a garden and such gardens are not made 

By singing; -- ‘Oh how beautiful’ and sitting in the shade.” 

The preceding lines from a poem by Rudyard Kipling, entitled ‘The Glory of the Garden’, 

offer an opinion with which I am sure many in the Otford Gardeners’ Society would 

16

eadily concur. Evidence of their hard work is not only to be seen in their own gardens but 

also at the magnificent spring, summer and autumn shows which the Society organises in 

the Otford Village Memorial Hall (OVMH). However, it is a shared enjoyment of gardening 

as a hobby that lies at the heart of the Society, with the lectures and shows providing an 

ideal opportunity for an exchange of information and the learning of something new. 

With the exception of the holiday months of July and August, lectures given by a guest 

speaker take place on the first Tuesday of the month from March through till October. 

Wide-ranging topics are covered from growing your own vegetables to identifying birds 

and patio gardening. In September the Head Gardener from Fittleworth House in West 

Sussex will be addressing the Society and in October there will be a talk by a Kent County 

Council footpaths officer entitled, ‘A Four Seasons Walk through Kent’. For a modest entry 

charge, which includes refreshments, non-members are welcome to all of the events. 

Otford has had a horticultural society for over a century and the current society can 

trace its origins back to 1943 when the Village Produce Association was formed as part of 

the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. At a time when other villages’ clubs are closing down due 

to lack of support, the Otford Gardeners’ Society is very active with nearly 150 members 

of all ages, including some in their nineties. The Society is keen to encourage younger 

participants and has classes for under 16’s at all its shows. It also has good links with the 

Brownies and Guides. At the Spring Show, interested youngsters are given a seed or plant 

to nurture throughout the summer and to bring back to the autumn show to try to win a 

prize. 

The Society’s next big event will be the Autumn Flower and Craft Show in the OVMH on 

September 4 th at 2 15pm. Attractions will include an impressive display of late summer 

flowers and vegetables, as well as classes for flower arrangements, preserves, cookery, 

photography (with a ‘British Wildlife’ competition for under 16’s), art and handicrafts. 

Teas and plants will be available to purchase. With an entry fee of just 50p (under 16s 

free) why not come along and enjoy the display You may even feel inclined to join this 

thriving and friendly society. 

The Society’s website is: www.otford.info/gardeners email: gardeners@otford.net 

For further information contact: Janet Finney 01959 523760 

17

FAITH @ WORK 

A Day in the Life of John Bailey, Ecclesiastical Architect 

I have always been an early bird and am generally in the office 

soon after 6.30 a.m. Whilst this might sound insane, it allows 

me to catch up on emails, telephone messages, review work 

undertaken by my colleagues on projects under my direction 

and generally try to get straight before the phone starts ringing. 

No two days are the same and my work concentrates on 

conserving and repairing historic churches and assisting 

congregations to get the most out of their buildings through 

re-orderings or extensions. A typical day can see me providing 

specification for detailed conservation work, speaking to a 

churchwarden or vicar about a problem that has just arisen, or 

helping my colleagues. A great deal of time is spent out of the office visiting projects on 

site and ensuring they run smoothly and on time or meeting clients and discussing how I 

might be able to help them. The great joy is working with buildings, some of which date 

from the early 7 th century. This is only one generation after the landing of St Augustine and 

their care and future is entrusted to me which, on occasion, is a little frightening and 

certainly humbling. 

Much of a church architect’s time is essentially pastoral, helping a parish decide what it 

is they wish to do, helping raise money or just listen. You cannot charge for any of this and 

such work is part of your job and the wider commitment to the church. Many days can go 

well into the evenings as, often, parishes wish to meet to discuss projects in the evening 

when church members return from work. Arriving home at 10 p.m. is not unknown. You 

have to remember that to each congregation their church is the most important you deal 

with and so, whether it is Wakefield Cathedral or St James’ Bicknor (where they only hold 

six services a year), you have to try to treat them the same. 

Some days can be spent at one church undertaking a quinquennial inspection. This 

allows you to really get to know the people and building and try to understand it. I will 

often just sit for a moment listening to the quiet, and contemplate the generations who 

have worshipped for perhaps 1000 years in that place. Many churches really do absorb the 

prayers of past generations and God’s presence is tangible. 

They often say you have been born a church architect and, certainly, my work is 

vocational. It has to be, as you will never be rich financially but the rewards are beyond 

money. This is my witness to God. I was never going to be good enough to be a priest, but 

I can do buildings. I certainly have no regrets choosing what I do, and my work helps to 

ensure that church buildings stand as a witness to God. In time, nobody will remember my 

name, but my monument will be as part of the countless number of people who have 

ensured our churches still stand. 

18

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2010 – A REVIEW 

In 1633, the people of Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps made a vow. They would 

perform a passion play depicting the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ 

every ten years if God would protect them from the Black Death ravaging Europe. From 

that moment on, not another villager fell victim to the plague. True to their word, they 

performed in 1634 and have done so every decade since (except in 1944). We were lucky 

enough to see the 41 st production earlier this year. 

Imagine the dedication of this small village with a population only slightly bigger than 

Otford’s! The project demands a team of over 2,000 actors, musicians and stage 

technicians drawn from ordinary people holding down ordinary jobs. (This year, Mary 

Magdalene works as a flight attendant and Jesus is a psychologist!) 

Think of the commitment! The play runs from May to October – 102 shows in all. The 

team spends two years preparing for the event, designing and making more than 1,000 

costumes and building the set, not to mention learning lines for the 5-hour performance. 

The current theatre, built in 1900 to accommodate growing (multi-national) audiences, 

seats 4,700 and is under cover, although the stage is open to the elements. We were 

warmly dressed, but grateful for under-floor heating installed in 2000. 

The action begins with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a humble donkey. ‘Hosanna!’ 

roars the huge crowd filling the vast stage. At once we see Jesus’ love and care for 

individuals and the threat he seems to pose the elaborately-dressed high priests. 

However, the fickle crowd shouts ‘crucify him’ with equal force several scenes later. 

The crucifixion scene is shockingly realistic (without overdoing the violence), bringing 

home what Jesus endured on our behalf. As he breathes his last, the stage darkens and 

thunder crashes. Now we are moved by his mother Mary’s grief. Now we pity the 

bewildered disciples, scattered like sheep. 

We are shocked to watch Judas hang himself from a tree –a tragic figure who does not 

expect forgiveness. In contrast we see Peter’s hope, despite his repeated denial of 

friendship with Jesus. 

Elements that we didn’t expect were the beautiful choruses sung by a 48-strong choir 

with orchestral backing. The music, originally by Rochus Dedler (1779-1822), has been 

supplemented recently. 

Nor did we expect the colourful and dramatic ‘Living Images’ from the Old Testament, 

revealed between scenes and chosen to mirror events in the play. (How did the actors 

keep so still) 

For me, the play showed how all misunderstood Jesus: his friends expecting him to 

seize political power; his enemies fearful of the same. No-one foresaw that his strength 

lay in weakness. Dying on the cross, he opened the door to a heavenly kingdom. 

Vicki Howie 

19

RECIPE OF THE MONTH 

Cauliflower & Walnut Flan 

Ingredients: 

· 9” short crust pastry flan case, baked beforehand 

· 1 small cauliflower, cooked and divided into sprigs 

· ½ oz butter 

· 1 onion, finely chopped 

· 3 eggs 

· 5 fl. oz single cream 

· Salt & pepper 

· 3 oz walnuts, chopped 

· Pinch of grated nutmeg 

Method: 

1) Put the flan case on a baking sheet and arrange the cauliflower sprigs over the 

base. 

2) Melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes. 

3) Mix together the eggs, cream, walnuts, salt, pepper and nutmeg. 

4) Add the mixture to the onions, mix well and pour into the flan case. 

5) Put into a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F, gas mark 6) and bake for 40 minutes or 

until the filling is firm and golden brown. 

6) Can be served hot or cold. 

20

This summer, England will be playing Pakistan in a series of cricket test 

matches, but these will be only a few of the games played throughout the 

country, from the glorious surroundings of Lord's to the greens in the shadow 

of countless village churches – not to mention school playing fields and even 

beaches. It is truly England's summer game, and our word search this month 

contains words related to cricket and how it is played. 

WICKET BATSMAN FIELDER BALL 

BOWLER GOOGLY SPINNER SILLY 

CREASE YORKER BOUNDARY UMPIRE 

SLIPS MIDWICKET COVER CATCH 

STUMPED BAILS GLOVES BOUNCER 

WIDE DISMISS DRIVE HOOK 

21

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS 

Aerials 

Sevenoaks Aerials pg 23 

Architectural Design 

Classic Designs pg 23 

Builders Decorators Plumbers 

J Saunders and Sons pg 23 

Painting and Decorating - Ernie and Dennis pg 24 

Chaili Plumbing pg 24 

Newbury and Tapper pg 25 

Cars 

Banning Motors pg 26 

R&I Autos pg 25 

Westerham Motors pg 25 

Chimney Sweep 

David Fairman pg 26 

Chiropody 

Mobile Foot and Health Practioner pg 27 

Computers 

CML Software Solutions pg 27 

Need help with your computer (Prosphero) pg 26 

Education 

Longacre Day Nursery pg 27 

Russell House School pg 28 

St Michael’s School pg 28 

Estate Agent 

Sheffords Chartered Surveyor pg 29 

Ibbett Mosely pg 29 

Flooring 

Naos - Stone and wood floors pg 29 

Funeral Directors 

Francis Chappell and Sons pg 31 

Welham Jones pg 30 

Dove Funerals pg 30 

Garden Landscaping 

Woodstone Landscaping pg 31 

Garden Scape pg 32 

Heritage Landscapes pg 31 

Gas Services 

Wicks Gas pg 32 

Hair and Beauty 

Milo’s Barber’s pg 34 

Head to Toe pg 33 

Halls for Hire 

Otford Church Hall pg 33 

Leisure 

Darenth Valley Golf Club pg 36 

Hilden Park Health and Leisure pg 35 

Pharmacy 

Otford Pharmacy pg 36 

Printing Services 

Silver Pines Services pg 36 

Scouts 

15th Sevenoaks (Otford) Scouts pg 37 

Solicitor 

Ellicotts & Co. pg 32 

Stonemason 

Burslem pg 37 

Tailor 

Tailoring Alterations pg 22 

Taxi 

Space Travel pg 37 

Timber Treatment 

Gulliver Timber Treatment pg 38 

Treework 

Down to Earth pg 38 

Upholstering 

Upholsterer - Declan Quigley pg 39 

Watch and Clock 

M.J. Leach pg 26 

Water Softeners 

Softflo Water Softeners pg 39 

Kemsing Water Softeners pg 39 

Tailoring Alterations 

Ladies and Gents 

Call John on 01322 864077 

Mobile 07989 894 566 

22

PROPERTY REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS 

J. Saunders & Sons 

KEMSING KENT 

BUILDERS DECORATORS PLUMBERS 

Hot Water and Sanitary Engineers 

ESTIMATES FREE 

Telephone 01732 761389 

Please support our advertisers and mention this publication

ADVERTISING 

IN THIS MAGAZINE 

For future enquiries with regard 

to advertising please contact: 

Deborah Vigis 

st.bartholomews@otford.net 

We look forward to hearing 

from you 

Painting or Decorating 

CALL IN THE EXPERTS 

More than 30 years experience 

Internal and external 

Free quotations 

Fully insured 

Wallpapering a speciality 

Ring Ernie 

07960 866603 

or Dennis 

07957 168564 

or email: dennis.moore@o2.co.uk 

… for expert advice & service 

24 


NEWBURY & TAPPER 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painting / Decorating 

Interior / Exterior 

Wallpapering 

Glazing 

General House Maintenance 

Free Estimates 

Friendly Service and Competitive Prices 

01732 458705 Mobile 07813 455491 

R. & I. Autos Ltd 

Vestry Trading Estate 

Otford Road Sevenoaks 

M.O.T. Testing 

Repairs & Servicing 

M.O.T.s at our 

Special Discount Price 

0 1 7 3 2 4 5 0 6 1 0 

Please support our advertisers and mention this publication 

25

BANNING MOTORS 

MOBILE 

Car Repairs & Servicing 

M.O.T. Repairs 

by a qualified motor mechanic 

Proprietor: Mick Banning 

Tel: 01732 455975 Mobile 07989 092915 

email: Michael@mbanning.orangehome.co.uk 

M. J. Leach. 

Watch and Clockmakers and Repairers. 

SPECIALISTS IN THE 

SALES & RESTORATION OF 

ANTIQUE CLOCKS, WATCHES 

& BAROMETERS 

ALL WORK CARRIED OUT IN 

OUR OWN WORKSHOPS 

HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE 

ALL WORK GUARANTEED 

OUR SHOWROOM IS OPEN: 

TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY 

10am-5pm (Closing 1-2pm daily) & 

Saturday 10am-1pm 

Tel: 01732 886115 

www.mjlclocks.co.uk 

Member of the British Watch and Clockmakers Guild 

High Street, Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7AD. 

Need Help with your computer 

PC 

Support 

Web 

Design 

Friendly professional Advice and Support for business and home use 

Andrew Craner : 01732 742454 or 07957 648461 

Email: enquiries@prosphero.co.uk Internet: www.prosphero.co.uk 

26 


Computer problems Viruses 

For personalised help on your own equipment with Microsoft 

Office (Word, Excel, Access, etc) or with email and the Internet, 

call 01959-563767,cmlewis@btinternet.com 

No problem too small Competitive rates For home or business 

Catherine M Lewis BSc, CEng, MBCS 

 

MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER 

HOME VISITS - FRIENDLY SERVICE 

NAIL TRIMMING 

FOOTCARE FOR DIABETICS 

CORN & CALLUS TREATMENT 

TEL: 01732 742341 

MOB: 07960 727546 

PAM ELLISON - MPS Prac FHP 

LONGACRE DAY NURSERY 

A small private Day Care Nursery specialising in the quality 

care of young children from 3 months old. 

Qualified and Experienced staff and a Good Range of Play 

Materials allows us to provide a high standard of both 

Montessori and Traditional Nursery Care. 

Please telephone for further details on Otford (01959) 522473 


27

St Michael’s School 


Co-Educational Prep School (2 – 13 years) 

A successful school in exceptional surroundings 

Small class sizes, very well qualified 

teaching staff 

 

Outstanding facilities, including full 

size sports hall, 25m swimming pool, 

art and technology rooms 

Excellent exam results at 11+ 

(including Grammar Schools) and 

13+ 

 

Awards available for entry into 

Years 3 and 7 

www.stmichaels-otford.co.uk 

Tel: 01959 522137 

My best… 

...always 

At Russell House School, we 

believe children can do amazing 

things, given self-belief and opportunity. 

So that is exactly what we provide. 

All our girls and boys participate in a full curriculum which 

includes arts, music and sporting activities. In all of them, 

enthusiasm and commitment are the norm, not the exception. 

Our results speak for themselves. 

We have a proven track record for excellent 11-plus results, 

independent secondary school entry and scholarships. 

Call us to arrange a visit. Children join from the age of 2. 

Russell House School 

Station Road, Otford, Kent TN14 5QU. 

Tel: 01959 522352. www.russellhouse.kent.sch.uk 

28 


CHARTERED SURVEYORS 

The Local Estate Agents with the professional approach 

and the widest coverage of the Area 

Selling property in the Otford/Kemsing/Darenth Valley 

and Sevenoaks Area for over 100 Years 

Visit our website at www.ibbettmosely.co.uk 

The Parade, Sevenoaks Road, Otford 

TEL: 01959 522164 FAX: 01959 522487 

Email: otford@ibbettmosely.co.uk 

13 Offices covering Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London 

· Building Surveys · RICS Homebuyer Reports · Valuations · Rent Review Advice · 

· Development Consultancy · Property Refurbishment Consultants · Party Wall Matters · 

13 London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AH 

Email: 7oaks@sheffords.co.uk Tel: 01732 450860 

www.sheffords.co.uk 

Solid French Oak floors Underfloor heating 

Admonter engineered planks Subfloor preparation & correction 

Natural stone floor & wall tiles Restoration, cleaning & resealing 

Exterior natural stone paving Honest expert advice & an extensive, quality selection 

Contact Guy Milner or Dave Ryan for an appointment to view 

Tel: 01732 770222 

Woodgate Business Park, 16 Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1TB 


29

30 


A S Y M PAT H E T I C A N D 

U N D E R S TA N D I N G SE RV I C E 

F RANCIS CHAPPELL & SONS 

FUNERAL D IRECTORS 

01732 450203 

27 London Road, Sevenoaks 

Part of Dignity Ltd—A British Company 

Heritage landscapes 

Garden Maintenance & Landscape Design 

Landscaping Specialist 

All garden maintenance and landscaping work undertaken, 

including paving, brickwork, stonework, timberwork 

and water features. 

Also lawn mowing, weeding, hedge cutting, turf laying 

and planting. 

Friendly and reliable service 

Contact Alex Walsh on: 

Mobile: 07794 070261 Home: 01959 577684 

WOODSTONE LANDSCAPING 

07879 028 988 01883 722 589 

LANDSCAPING DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE 

WWW. WOOD S TO NE LAN DS CAP IN G.CO. U K 

All aspects of hard landscaping and garden maintenance provided 


31

ELLICOTTS & CO 

SOLICITORS 

For Wills, IHT Planning 

& Disputes 

Home visits by appointment 

Pond View House 

6a High Street 


Kent TN14 5PQ 

Tel 01959 522 442 

Wicks Gas 

SERVICE, REPAIR AND INSTALLATION 

Boilers and Fires 

Cookers and Hobs 

Radiators, Valves and Pipework 

Powerflushing 

Landlord Certificates 

Over 30 years experience 

Gas Safe Registered 

Tel: 01732 883544 Mob: 07748 780811 

Debit & Credit Cards Accepted 

32 


Available for:- 

OTFORD CHURCH HALL 

HIGH STREET 

Meetings 

Rehearsals 

Children’s Parties 

Receptions 

(Sorry! No discos or adult parties) 

Reasonable Rates – Free Car Parking 

Contact: Robert Hunt on (01959) 523820 for further details. 

H A I R , B E A U T Y & 

C H I R O P O D Y 

Complementary Therapies 

Reflexology, Reiki & Hopi Ear Candles 

Head to Toe 

22 High Street, Otford, Kent 

Tel: 01959 523666 

Late nights — Tues & Thurs till 8.00pm 


33

34 



35

Station Road, Shoreham 

Kent, TN14 7SA 

Welcomes you for morning coffee, 

light lunches or afternoon tea. 

Spacious function suite available for celebratory 

lunches, dinners and presentations. 

For further information call Debbie on 01959 522944 

www.dvgc.co.uk 

OTFORD PHARMACY 

4 HIGH STREET 

OTFORD 

NHS AND PRIVATE PRESCRIPTIONS DISPENSED 

LOCAL FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS 

OPEN MON-FRI 8.35am-6pm TELEPHONE 522072 

SATURDAYS 9am-5pm 

36 


15th SEVENOAKS (OTFORD) SCOUT GROUP 

H.Q. adjacent to Otford Station behind Gulliver Timber Treatment 

Cub Scouts Meetings: Mondays 6.30 - 8.00 p.m. or 

(Age 8 - 10½) 

Thursdays 6.45 - 8.15 p.m. 

Scouts Meetings: Fridays 8.00 - 9.30 p.m. 

(Age 10½ -14) 

All enquiries and hall bookings to Group Scout Leader: Ray Groom Tel: 01959 525413 

Stubby Grove Works, 

Bells Yew Green Road, 

Frant, Tunbridge Wells, 

Kent. TN3 9BT. 

Tel: 01892 750120 

Fax: 01892 752169 

enquiries@burslem.co.uk 

www.burslem.co.uk 

New Memorials, Renovations, 

Additional Inscriptions, Cleaning 

Also 

Bespoke Kitchens Worktops, 

Vanity Tops & Wetrooms 

PO Box 747 

Sevenoaks 

Kent 

TN14 5XF 

Fax 

0871 711 5429 

Mob 

07956 870 240 

Tel: 01959 524 747 

Luxury saloon car and 6 passenger MPV specialists 

Gatwick from £45 

Heathrow from £75 

Stansted from £80 

London from £75 

O2 from £60 

Ebbsfleet from £40 

Accounts Welcome 

E-Mail enquiries@spacetravel.co.uk 

Internet www.spacetravel.co.uk 

For the personal & reliable licenced chauffeur service. 

Any distance, anywhere, any time .... Travel in space and comfort. 

Established 1995 


37

WOODWORM, DRY ROT AND RISING DAMP SPECIALISTS 

Incorporating Surrey Timber Preservation Company 

Specialists in the investigation and treatment of: 

Woodworm · Dry Rot · Rising Dampness 

Waterproofing below ground Structures (Tanking) 

Resin Repairs · Wall Tie replacement 

For a survey: Tel: 01959 524966 Fax: 01959 525176 

Email: enquiries@gullivertt.co.uk Web: www.gullivertt.co.uk 

Bank Buildings, Station Road, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5QX 

Members of the: 

Property Care Association, Basement Living Group and Guarantee Protection Insurance Ltd. 

Excellence in arboriculture 

Your local Arboricultural Association approved contractor 

Glenn Morris BA Hons, RFS Cert Arb, Tech Cert. 

All aspects of tree care from planting to tree felling 

Hedge cutting 

Stump removal 

Established since 1980 

All work carried out to BS 3998 standard by highly qualified, experienced 

staff 

Tel: 01959 524623 The Oast, Preston Farm, Shoreham,Kent TN14 7UD 

Email: enquiries@downtoearthtrees.co.uk 

Website: www.downtoearthtrees.co.uk 

38 


UPHOLSTERER 

SPECIALIST in 

TRADITIONAL and MODERN 

UPHOLSTERY 

REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN – Wide Range of Fabrics available 

For Free Quote phone: Declan Quigley on 01474 872 307 

(eve: 01474 852 229) 


39

Who’s who in the Parish Church . . . 

VICAR: Revd Richard Worssam, M.A. The Vicarage, The Green, Otford 523185 

READERS: Mr Andrew Bratby, 39 Tudor Drive, Otford 525060 

Mr Peter Downing, 3 Beckets Place, Otford 522327 

Miss Dawn Hallam, 10 Flowerfield, Otford 526865 

Mr Bill Lattimer, “Holmesdale”, The Green, Otford 522058 

Mrs Margaret Lidbetter, 17 Leonard Avenue, Otford 524831 

Mr Brian Raynor, M.A., 5 Colets Orchard, Otford 523327 

Mrs Betty Reed, 66 Willow Park, Otford 523439 

PASTORAL ASSISTANTS: Mrs Susan Reid, “Burway”, Sevenoaks Road, Otford 523234 

Mrs Margaret Lidbetter, 17 Leonard Avenue, Otford 524831 

Mrs Donna Worssam, The Vicarage, Otford 523185 

HONORARY MINISTERS: Revd. David Casiot, M.A., 52 High Street, Otford 522588 

Revd Chris Reed, M.A., 66 Willow Park, Otford 523439 

CHURCHWARDENS Mr Derek Shilling, “Ivybank”, Shoreham Road, Otford 522059 

Mrs Janet Hunt, 14 Knighton Road, Otford 523820 

Organist and Choirmaster: Mr Kevin Grafton, M.A., F.C.A., 34 Dartford Road, Sevenoaks 452117 

Sacristan: Mr Tony Grogan, 93 Willow Park Otford 523649 

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 

Vice Chairman: Derek Shilling 

Hon. Secretary: Susan Reid, “Burway”, 

Sevenoaks Road, Otford 523234 

Hon. Treasurer: Colin Fleetwood, 

“Lorien”, St Michael’s Drive, Otford 523582 

Freewill Offering Fund: Brian Beacom, 

39 Well Road, Otford 524304 

PARISH OFFICE 

Monday to Friday 10.30-12.30: Susan Reid, 

Clive Southgate, 01959 523185 

Email: st.bartholomews@otford.net 

CHURCH HALL 

Manager and Booking Sec:Robert Hunt, 

14 Knighton Road, Otford 523820 

MAGAZINE 

Editorial team: Vicki Howie, Christeen Malan, 

Clive Southgate, Richard Worssam 523185 

Hon. Treasurer: John Miller, 7 Warham Road 

Otford 523943 

Advertisements: Deborah Vigis, 

‘Newlands’, Shoreham Road, Otford 523331 

st.bartholomews@otford.net 

YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S WORK 

‘First Steps’ (for parents and pre-schoolchildren) 

Contact: Najen Harris, 01959 522813 

SUNDAY CLUB (Sundays at 10.00am) 

Infants (3-7s): Donna Worssam 01959 523185 

Juniors (8-11s) Mags Southgate 01959 524720 

Seniors (12-14) Liz Cole 01959 525404 

FROGS (School years 7, 8 and 9) 

Contact: Richard Worssam 01959 523185 

or frogs@otford.net 

Young People’s Fellowship 

Contact: Dawn Hallam, 01959 526865 

OUTREACH 

Chairman of Mission Committee: 

t.b.a. 

CMS Correspondent: David Casiot, 

01959 522588 

FEBA Correspondent: Ruth Barclay, 

01959 522882 

Children’s Society: 

Hon.Sec.: Sylvia Grafton, 01732 452117 

BELLRINGERS: For all enquiries contact 

The Tower Captain: Bobbie Fairclough, 

Otford Benevolent Society: 

“Vailima”, St Michael’s Drive, Otford 522696 Almoner: Betty Reed, 01959 523439 

or Secretary: Janet Whitehead, 01959 524088 

Practice night: Thursday 7.45-9.15pm 

CHURCH COUNCIL 

The Vicar and Churchwardens, Gordon Aylward, Sam Barnett, Joan Beacom, Chris Bishop, Liz Cole, David 

Crawley, Russell Edwards, Colin Fleetwood, Dawn Hallam, Mark Holmes, Vicki Howie, Bill Lattimer, Heather 

Stanley, Margie Torry, Steve Vigis, 

Ex-Officio 40 (Deanery Synod): Margaret Lidbetter, Pat Mills, Susan Reid.

The Parish of St. Bartholomew Otford Church and ... - Otford.info

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