About OMH
It all began in 1905…
when the Memorial Hall in Smithfield Street Oswestry was built, under the instruction of Mrs Sarah Parry-Jones. She wanted the building to be a memorial to her two sisters who had tragically died within a week of each other in March 1895.
At an opening ceremony on 27th January 1906, Mrs Parry-Jones gifted The Memorial Hall to the town, for use as a community venue.
She hoped it would be a place to inspire and enable community spirit, where people could come together to support each other; as a fitting tribute to her two sisters.
And so it would be!
Resilience…
There have been many occasions in its history where the building faced closure. Most notably in the 1990’s, when the building was to be sold by the Town Council for development.
The council had taken responsibility for the running of the hall in the 70’s, but had themselves struggled to make it viable. At the eleventh hour, the building was saved, by a determined Borough Mayor and considerable public support. A new board of Trustees took over the running of the building, operating as a ‘village hall’ …
Surviving Covid…
In recent years, The combination of the Covid pandemic lockdown and the cost of living crisis saw the Memorial Hall close temporarily. A lifeline came with the arrival of Hadleigh Works in 2021, who acquired funding to renovate the first floor and offer a co-working facility to local professionals and business owners. The 3 year Hadleigh tenancy has now ended, but a new ‘management team’ has taken on the task of ensuring the building not only stays open, but also thrives as a community venue…
And to 2024……
A whole new chapter begins.
The new hall management team has brought energy, optimism and excitement to the hall. Working more closely with existing users of the hall, the team are helping promote and support their events and activities. Increased collaboration amongst hall users is helping to increase visibility and occupancy.
116 years after opening, the hall’s purpose is unchanged - to be a place that inspires, enables and supports community endeavour and community spirit. It is a home for many clubs, groups and events, but there is space for more.
The same challenges of viability and sustainability remain, but a collective resolve to maximise the use and community value of the building will help ensure it remains open: for business, community, and everyone!
