Ongar and District Community Association Events
Our March Comedy Club Night was another sell out and a great evening was had by all. The next one will be on Friday 12 June. As these popular events nearly always sell out, 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, with the show starting at 8:30pm
We are delighted to announce the launch of ‘Live At The Budworth’ with ‘SCAM 69’ performing on Saturday 9th May. Scam 69 are widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest New Wave tribute acts, faithfully recreating the sound and energy of legendary bands such as The Clash, The Undertones, Buzzcocks, The Stranglers, and many more.
Tickets are £12.00 and available now via Ticket Lab: https://ticketlab.app/event/37577-Scam-69-tickets#/ For further information, please visit our website and social media pages.
Coming in November: Brentwood Mac – full details and ticket link available on our website and social media pages.
Other News and Updates
You will have noticed that the clock is still not working. Unfortunately, the repair is very costly, and we are endeavouring to find a way to fund the work.
As mentioned last month, I will be including a brief history of Budworth Hall month by month. The full history is available on our website.
A Brief History of Budworth Hall Part 2
Henry Gibson, who pledged up to £200 allowing the Hall to open debt-free in 1885, lived at the White House, Ongar, served as Clerk of the Peace for Essex and played a key role in the project, alongside his son Herbert.
Designed by Nottingham architect Fothergill Watson – his only building in the South of England -Budworth Hall cost around £1,600 to build, exceeding the £1,400 estimate. Subscriptions raised £846 0s 3d from 146 donors, most donating a guinea. The Epping Division of the County Constabulary and other members of the Force contributed £4 7s 6d. Gibson covered the shortfall as well as the cost of furnishings.
The first brick was laid in 1886 and the Budworth Hall was formally opened on 9 February 1887. An extract from the local paper of the time reports “The building is designed in a style suited to our old English towns, of quiet gothic character, it is of red brick with moulded brick strings and red tiled roof, the plinth being in blue hard burnt bricks and grey coloured brickwork below”.
Hire and Contact details
The Ballroom, Concert Hall, Committee Room, and Bar Area are available for hire 7 days a week at competitive rates. For enquiries, please email budworthhall-ongar@outlook.com with your name, telephone number, and enquiry details. Please only telephone us on 07918 462959 if you have no access to email. Leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our website www.budworthhall.co.uk has a photo gallery, regular clubs, events held at the hall, news and information about hiring our facilities. You can also check our online diary to see availability.
Thinking of starting a weekly or regular event? Contact us and arrange to have a look at our facilities.
The Coffee Bar and Restaurant is run by Nerissa and Claire and is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Jane Battersby for The Ongar and District Community Association.