Ongar and District Community Association Events
Our August Comedy Club night has been and gone but the next one to look forward to is on Friday 6th December. It will be a great pre-Christmas fun evening and if you have come to any of our previous Comedy Club Nights you will know how popular they are. So, remember to book your tickets now at www.laughingchili.co.uk, scrolling down to find Ongar (there is also a link on our website.) The door and bar open at 7.30pm, and the show starts at 8.30pm.
The Rolling Bones entertained us on the afternoon of July 21st. Our thanks to them.
Other News and Updates
As mentioned previously, prior to the ballroom refurbishment, planned for January and February 2025, some electrical upgrade work was completed during August. We are also hoping to obtain a grant to repair the bay window at the front of the building, which is unfortunately leaking into Nerissa and Claire’s Coffee Bar and Restaurant.
As one of our committee members has been researching the history of Budworth Hall, we are repeating our appeal for your help to see if we can uncover more about the fascinating past of this wonderful old building.
In 1962, Budworth Hall underwent significant changes. The entire building was reroofed, and there were various internal alterations including converting the reading room into the “Ladies’ Powder Room.” Several portraits, including that of Captain Budworth, were relocated within the hall, but many disappeared and have never been traced. It also appears that some other items, such as silverware, pictures, and artifacts, were sold or went missing and have never been found. Do you have any information about what happened to them, or do you have any pictures, items or information relating to Budworth Hall? If you do, please get in touch.
The Ongar Millennium History Society opened their museum in the Budworth Hall Bar on Thursday July 18th for the first time. Subject to staffing, it will be open every Thursday morning from 11am to 1pm.
As you know the ODCA are all volunteers giving up their time to keep Budworth Hall running for the local community, and to plan and implement improvements. If you feel would like to help, or have any skills which you think might be useful to us, please get in touch and become a Friend of Budworth Hall. We always welcome extra help and support.
Remember to check our website https://www.budworthhall.co.uk, where you will find a gallery of photographs, further information about the building and its history, the regular clubs and events held at the hall, hire rates and how to book. Our social media pages and notice board provides information about events being held in the hall.
Hire and Contact details: –
The Budworth Hall office is closed. The Ballroom, Concert Hall, Committee Room, and Bar Area are available for hire 7 days a week at competitive rates. For any enquiries, please email budworthhall-ongar@outlook.com with your name, telephone number, and the nature of your enquiry. Please only telephone us on 07918 462959 if you have no access to email, and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you are thinking of starting a weekly or regular event, please contact us and arrange to have a look at our facilities.
The onsite 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.