Ongar and District Community Association Events 

There are no ODCA events to report on this month, but upcoming events are: 

• Live At The Budworth launched on Saturday May 9th with Scam 69, one of the UK’s finest New Wave tribute acts. Report next month.  

• Don’t forget our next Comedy Club Night on Friday June 12th. Due to the popularity of these nights, book your tickets now at www.laughingchili.co.uk (scroll down to find Ongar) or via the link on our website. Doors and bar open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8:30pm. 

• The next Live At The Budworth event will be Brentwood Mac performing on Saturday November 14th. Save the date! Full details and ticket link available on our website and social media pages. 

News  

Although the clock still sadly remains stationary at 12 o’clock, ODCA have decided to proceed with the repair despite the cost.  Ongar Town Council has been asked for a grant as we feel it’s an such an important and historic landmark in the town. I explained it’s significance and why and when the clock was originally installed last month.  

A Brief History of Budworth Hall Part 4  

The ballroom.  

In 1910, a new ballroom, known initially as the Essex Hunt Ballroom, was constructed on the lawn behind Budworth Hall at a cost of around £700. (The original entrance to the hall was on the High Street.) Designed as an annexe to the existing building, it quickly became a focal point for local social life. 

A report in the Chelmsford Chronicle, dated 10 February 1911, records that the Essex Hunt Ball that year was the first dance held in the new venue, attracting more than 200 guests. The ballroom had been specially commissioned by a syndicate, led by the influential Mr H. E. Jones J.P, and the article goes on to describe the building in detail, along with a lengthy list of attendees. 

One of its most distinctive features is the sprung dance floor—a carefully engineered surface designed to absorb impact while providing a gentle, responsive give underfoot. Both practical and elegant, it reduces strain on dancers’ joints and enhances movement, and remains a feature highly valued by many of the venue’s regular hirers today. 

Next month, Budworth Hall becomes a convalescence hospital for sick and wounded service men during World War 1.  

Hire and Contact details 

The Ballroom, Concert Hall, Committee Room and Bar Area are available to hire seven days a week at competitive rates. For enquiries, email budworthhall-ongar@outlook.com or call 07918 462959 if email isn’tavailable. 

Visit www.budworthhall.co.uk for photos, event listings and availability, or to arrange a viewing for you’re planning a regular event.  

The Coffee Bar and Restaurant, run by Nerissa and Claire, is open Tuesday to Saturday. 

Jane Battersby for The Ongar and District Community Association.