"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 - next meeting of special interest group Tuesday 24 January 2012 at 2.15pm at 8 Kettlebury Way. 

  • Cemetery recording - St Peter's almost completed and St. Martin's will be started soon.

    •  
     

    Wednesday 7th December 2011 8pm

    Christmas Party for Members Only
    at the Ongar Town Council buildings

     

    Thursday 19 January  2012 8pm.

    Zoe Lee and Jean Easter David Livingstone URC

     

    Thursday 23 February 2012 8pm.

    David Welford film Old Ongar Church Rooms

     

    Friday 30 March 2012 8pm.

    Marion Slade Lecture
    The Buxtons - an old Essex family
    Speaker Georgina Green
     High Ongar Village Hall.
     

    Coming later in the year...

    James Betley  Clapton Rolfe  
    David Livingstone walk

    Visits to:

    • Hill Hall
    • Audley End
    • Saffron Walden
    • Copped Hall
    • National Archives at Kew