Bob Ogley presents £1000 cheque for the Mayor’s charities

Published: 13 January 2026

Before the Sevenoaks Town Council meeting on 12 January, local historian and author Bob Ogley presented a cheque for £1,000 for the Mayor’s charities: Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust and Citizens Advice in North & West Kent.

Bob has generously donated these funds from the proceeds of his latest book, ‘The Story of Knole Park’, a fascinating and detailed account of the history of one of Sevenoaks’ most treasured landmarks.

Bob officially launched the book late last year at a special mayoral fundraising event held at Knole. The event took place in the stunning setting of the Great Hall, where Bob delivered a heartfelt and engaging talk, sharing highlights from the book.

Bob commented, “I’m so grateful to the Town Council for arranging the launch to be held in the Great Hall. I’ll never forget the moment that I started to speak with the portraits of the Lord Sackvilles and Dukes of Dorset looking down on me. I would particularly like to thank Lord Sackville for writing such a wonderful forward for the book”.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Tony Clayton, expressed his gratitude to Bob, “My sincerest thanks to Bob for his very generous donation to my charities – Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust and Citizens Advice in North & West Kent. His book, 'The Story of Knole Park’ is an inspiring tale of local history, told from the heart by someone who knows every inch of this extraordinary piece of our heritage.

I was delighted to help with the launch at the Great Hall at Knole before Christmas – a magical event. If you haven’t heard Bob’s story about how he came to write the book, look out for further talks in the next few weeks. Both his presentations so far have sold out. Even better, buy the book. You can get a copy from Sevenoaks Town Council or from Sevenoaks Bookshop in the High Street.

Bob has offered another gift to these important local charities if he sells enough before May”.

The Story of Knole Park is available to purchase for £20 from the Sevenoaks Town Council office on Bradbourne Vale Road. It’s an excellent read for anyone who loves Knole Park.