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Our 2025 event can be found here
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ABOUT US
The Offham Society, formed in 1978, organises an annual programme of events ranging from talks and tours about local history, social events such as Lazy Sunday Jazz and the ever-popular village trivial pursuit evening. All residents are automatically members of the Offham Society.
If you would like to receive information about our events programme by email please sign up here if you are not already receiving emails from us.
The village, near the picturesque town of West Malling, gets its name from "Offa", the name of a Saxon landowner, and "ham", a village or homestead
Offham’s most prominent landmark is a quintain on the village green which was used in medieval times for practicing jousting. It is reputed to be the last English quintain in its original position.
The quintain is a wooden post around eight feet in height with a freely rotating arm on the top. One end of the arm is flat (the "eye") and the other used to attach heavy objects such as a leather pack. In a sport probably dating back to Roman times, a horseman would ride at the quintain at full pace with his lance extended to strike the flat end. Should he not be riding sufficiently quickly, the arm swung around and the heavy object would knock him off his horse. It was obviously more fun being a spectator than a participant!
Other highlights of the village include:
St Michael’s Church was founded by the Saxon lord of the manor who built a private chapel in the early ninth century. After the Norman Conquest, it was replaced by a stone church.
The King’s Arms is the only remaining public house in the village (there used to be three!). Built-in the sixteenth century, the King's Arms was originally two cottages, later owned by a saddler and harness maker who ran his business there until granted a licence in 1680. The thriving and very popular pub is the epicentre of village life running a host of events throughout the year.
If you would like to receive information about our events programme by email please sign up here if you are not already receiving emails from us.
The village, near the picturesque town of West Malling, gets its name from "Offa", the name of a Saxon landowner, and "ham", a village or homestead
Offham’s most prominent landmark is a quintain on the village green which was used in medieval times for practicing jousting. It is reputed to be the last English quintain in its original position.
The quintain is a wooden post around eight feet in height with a freely rotating arm on the top. One end of the arm is flat (the "eye") and the other used to attach heavy objects such as a leather pack. In a sport probably dating back to Roman times, a horseman would ride at the quintain at full pace with his lance extended to strike the flat end. Should he not be riding sufficiently quickly, the arm swung around and the heavy object would knock him off his horse. It was obviously more fun being a spectator than a participant!
Other highlights of the village include:
St Michael’s Church was founded by the Saxon lord of the manor who built a private chapel in the early ninth century. After the Norman Conquest, it was replaced by a stone church.
The King’s Arms is the only remaining public house in the village (there used to be three!). Built-in the sixteenth century, the King's Arms was originally two cottages, later owned by a saddler and harness maker who ran his business there until granted a licence in 1680. The thriving and very popular pub is the epicentre of village life running a host of events throughout the year.
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Spadework is Offham’s very own farm shop, garden centre, café and much, much more. The charity enables people to be more independent, feel less isolated and live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. It provides services to adults with learning and other disabilities, people experiencing problems with their mental health and those living with dementia. The Café, Garden Centre and Farm Shop are open to the public 7 days a week and hosts some amazing events each year, not least of all the hugely popular Pumpkin Patch in October.
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Offham Cricket Club. Formed in 1944 this thriving community led club is a quintessential part of village life.
Offham Village Hall hosts many of the Offham Society indoor events including Trivial Pursuits, guest speaker talks as well as specialist evenings such as Grape Expectations (wine tasting).
In addition, the Hall hosts the Offham Cinema Club, as well as numerous weekly classes covering everything from yoga to art lessons.
Email [email protected]
Offham Primary School.
Offham Parish Council. A dedicated team of parish councillors who strive to improve the appearance of the village and represent residents' views on issues such as planning applications.
Offham Village Hall hosts many of the Offham Society indoor events including Trivial Pursuits, guest speaker talks as well as specialist evenings such as Grape Expectations (wine tasting).
In addition, the Hall hosts the Offham Cinema Club, as well as numerous weekly classes covering everything from yoga to art lessons.
Email [email protected]
Offham Primary School.
Offham Parish Council. A dedicated team of parish councillors who strive to improve the appearance of the village and represent residents' views on issues such as planning applications.
Offham Tennis Club has two good private outside hard courts that are located next to the Cricket Club on Church Road. If you are interested in becoming a member or have any questions please call the Chairman, Andrew Field, on 07715801101 or 01732 780583 or email the club secretary Claire on [email protected].
