"Ongar's past is our future."

The Ongar Millennium History Society was formed to promote and foster an active interest in local history and to preserve it for future generations.

We encourage our members to use their skills and interests in various projects such as the photographic essay of the High Street, the recording of Memorial Inscriptions, looking at House History, compiling a 1940’s DVD and metal detecting. Many of our past projects are visible in the town including the Millennium Walk, the modernisation of the Budworth Hall clock, blue plaques on significant buildings, the altar kneelers in St Martin’s Church and the display cabinet in the Library.

The book Aspects of the History of Ongar was published by the Society in 1999 and is an authoritative guide to the history of the town.

Membership

 
Forthcoming Events

Ongar Millennium History Society has a varied programme with a mixture of talks, discussions, exhibitions and visits.

At our Annual Marion Slade Memorial Lecture we have been able to attract nationally recognised speakers such as Jon Stokes from the National tree Council and Jim Boutwood from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

Why not join us? The annual fee is currently £10 for a single membership or £18 for a couple which includes 4 newsletters per year. Overseas membership is £12 (payable in Sterling). If you are interested, please email info@omhs.org.uk

Report on the OMHS AGM
held on 2nd September

The AGM was well attended and after the formal business, talks were given by Judith Cook, the Deputy Town Clerk, updating the Town's plans on a museum in Ongar and Frank Knights showing a selection of historical finds in and around Ongar, demonstrating the need for a local museum.

Current Projects

  • Kneelers for St. Martin's Church are now completed.

  • War memories publication Ongar People Remember. World War II Stories. Price £6 available from Elisabeth Barrett (01277 362468).

  • House history - special interest group. For date and venue of next meeting please contact John on 01277 362461.

  • St. Martin's Church and Churchyard now completed and booklet with grave and memorial readings being prepared to display in the Church . Just started on the United Reformed Church.

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    Tuesday 5th February 2013.

    "The Essex Earthquake"
    A talk by Anne Brooks Free to members,
    commencing 8.00pm at the Ongar United Reformed Church Hall (opposite the fire station and through the arch). Members free, non-members £3.00.

    Friday 22nd March 2013

     "The 2013 Marion Slade Memorial Lecture"

    This will be held in the Essex Studio, Zinc Arts Centre, High Street, Ongar CM5 0AD at 7.45 for 8.00pm.
    Dr. Martin Bridge
    will talk on the subject of
    Dendrochronology, the art of tree ring dating
    of historic buildings such as Greensted Church and ships' timbers (e.g. the Mary Rose). He is from the Institute of Archeology, UCL, and has worked for English Heritage and The National Trust..
    A cheese and wine buffet will follow. Admission is £7.00. Tickets are available by calling 01277 362461. There is ample free parking.

    April 2013.

    Event for members with a visit to Waltham Abbey and Epping Forest District Museum..

    June 2013.

    Event for members with a walk along the South Bank, London..