Ongar and District Community Association Events
There are no ODCA events to report this month, but please remember that our Comedy Club Night takes place on Friday 6 March. The next event will be held on Friday 12 June These popular evenings nearly always sell out, so to avoid disappointment, please 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
Other News and Updates
Unfortunately, the clock has required a major repair to its motor. We hope to have it back showing the correct time very soon.
As many people are unaware of the history of Budworth Hall, and still believe it to be a council building, I will be including a brief history of the Hall month by month. The full history is available on our website.
A Brief History of Budworth Hall Part 1
Budworth Hall is a Grade II listed Victorian building on Chipping Ongar High Street, built in 1886 as a memorial to Captain Philip John Budworth of Greensted Hall, who died in 1885. The site, formerly part of Great Bansons field, was sold by the Trustees of his estate.
At a public meeting on 3 June 1885, it was agreed to create a permanent memorial in the form of a public hall. The Reverend F. A. S. Fane donated the site and £400 on the condition that Coffee Rooms were included, with further funds raised by public subscription. When costs threatened to exceed funds, committee member Henry Gibson pledged up to £200 to cover any shortfall, allowing the Hall to open debt-free.
Today, Budworth Hall remains a thriving community venue, offering a Ballroom, Concert Hall, Meeting Room, and Coffee Bar and Restaurant.
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.
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.
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.