Ongar Hall Redevelopment – Update!

We are very pleased to announce that work on the refurbishment of the Halls at Ongar United Reformed Church are to commence on Monday 15th April, and will take approximately 4 months to complete. It is hoped that handover of the much improved facilities will take place towards the end of August.

The plans for the redevelopment where drawn up by architect Mr Cliff Paten of Lewis Patten Associates. Mr Patten has a well established relationship with HAEBEA having worked with several of our churches on a variety of projects, including the current ramp project at Epping Methodist Church.

Livingstone Hall

The Hall will have a new ramped accessed entrance lobby in Stanley Place and will be renamed 'The Livingstone Hall' in honour of David Livingstone who lived in the cottages next to the Church just before proceeding to his great work in Africa.

The complex will feature new accessible toilets, a refitted kitchen, and energy saving heating and lighting to make the halls more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.

Taylor Gallery

A lift and a re-styled staircase will lead to the upper floor which will be renamed the 'Taylor Gallery' in memory of Jane Taylor whose Father was one-time Minister in the 19th century. This space will will be used to display the Church history and local history in association with the Ongar Millennium History Society.

Project Cost

The project is budgeted to cost £ 400,000 and thanks extensive fundraising activities by the church members and various grants and donations (listed below) the majority of this has already been raised.

GRANTS

• URC Eastern Synod
• Ongar Town Council
• Epping Forest District Council
• HAEBEA (Herts and Essex Border Ecumenical Area)
• Stansted Airport

MAJOR DONATIONS

• Ruth and David Gould
• Margaret Lancaster
• Four Anonymous Supporters

Donations are welcome

If you would like to make a financial donation towards the scheme, please contact Brenda or Sandra
by email: mail@ongarurc.org.uk

Or contact the minister, Revd Cecil White. Tel: 01992 523630 or Mobile: 07483 147441