Ongar and District Community Association Events
There are no ODCA events to report on this month, but upcoming events are:
- Live At The Budworth launches on Saturday May 9th with Scam 69, one of the UK’s finest New Wave tribute acts. 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.
- Comedy Club Night, Friday June 12th. Our Comedy Nights nearly always sell out, so to avoid disappointment, 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.
- Live At The Budworth continues on Saturday November 14th with Brentwood Mac. Save the date! Full details and ticket link available on our website and social media pages.
News and Updates
The clock sadly remains stationary at 12 o’clock, due to the expensive repair costs. We have asked Ongar Town Council if they can help and await their decision. A Brief History of Budworth Hall Part 3 (below) explains the origins of the clock. Many of you may not be aware of why and when the clock was originally installed but have enjoyed the fact it was there!
A Brief History of Budworth Hall Part 3
A public meeting took place on Tuesday, 22 March 1887 to decide how best to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It was agreed that a clock should be installed on Budworth Hall as a local memorial, funded through public contributions, and a Jubilee Committee was formed to oversee the project. Funds were raised primarily through subscription lists, with contributions sought from every household. Additional income included £10 from a concert, £7 from a chrysanthemum show, and five shillings from the sale of photographs.
In October, an order was placed with Gillett of Croydon (now Gillett and Johnson) for a three-dial clock featuring a 1.5 cwt bell and illumination, with each dial measuring four feet in diameter, at a cost of £85. The local builder, Mr Frederick Noble, charged £23.38 to install the clock in the tower. Gillett and Johnson continue to maintain the clock to this day.
Next month – the history of the ballroom.
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, email budworthhall-ongar@outlook.com with your details, or call 07918 462959 if email isn’t available.
Visit www.budworthhall.co.uk for photos, information about clubs and events held at the hall, and availability. If you’re planning a regular event, get in touch to view the 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.