Terms and Conditions

1. The Committee wants those using the hall to enjoy their event while at the same time ensuring that:
(a) there is no nuisance to those living nearby;
(b) the hall is kept in good order for others to enjoy.
Hirers are expected to respect the premises by acting in a responsible manner.

2. It is the responsibility of the hirer to obtain all necessary licences from the Licensing Authorities. Hirers wishing to run a licensed bar should first apply for permission to the Hall Committee giving at least three month's notice. Failure to do so will mean cancellation of the booking.

3. Bookings will only be accepted with a £20 booking fee. The booking fee must be paid and this booking form must be completed and returned within 7 days of making a telephone booking. If a receipt is required please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. The full hire charge (less the £20 booking fee) and a £50 deposit is payable in advance 14 days before the event. The deposit will be held on file and refunded at the end of the booking providing all conditions have been met. Outstanding accounts will be subject to interest at the current bank base rate calculated on a daily basis. Interest accrued may be waived in special circumstances by application to the Hall Committee.

4. If a booking is cancelled within 14 days of the date of hire the deposit is non-refundable.

5. It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure the hall(s) and kitchen (if booked), the entrance area and toilets are left clean and tidy by the end of clearance time. All items used, including hob, oven or fridge, must be cleaned after use. All equipment, tables, chairs, crockery, etc. must be put away in the storage areas provided. The Community Hall has no refuse collection facility. All rubbish must be taken away from the premises by the hirer and properly disposed of. Any extra work incurred by the Caretaker and attributable to the booking will be charged at the rate of £10.00 per hour.

6. During the School term, on weekdays, the Community Hall Car Park will be unlocked between the hours of 8am - 5.30pm. Outside these hours The Hirer is responsible for unlocking the car park gate prior to the event and ensuring that it is locked after the event. The Hirer will be told the code for the lock when collecting the hall key. The Hirer is responsible for informing his/her guests that they can park in the Community Hall Car Park and ensuring that they know when the car park gate will be locked after the event. Parking is NOT permitted in the Churchyard.

7. Chairs and tables are handled at the hirer's own risk. Large tables should be used according to the manufacturers instructions, which are found on the underside of the tables. At the end of the event chairs should be stacked, no more than six chairs high, in two rows at the rear of the hall. The large tables should be returned to the storage trolley at the rear of the hall. The small tables should be stacked, no more than 5 deep, at the back of the hall.

8. No Smoking is permitted in any areas of the hall. The hirer shall ensure that s/he and the Hirer's invitees comply with the prohibition of smoking in public places provisions of the Health Act 2006 and regulations made there under. Any person who breaches this provision shall be asked to leave the premises.

9. The hirer will be held responsible for payment for damages to the building or equipment therein. This includes crockery breakages. Any such damage must be reported to the Caretaker at the end of the booking.

10. The safety and behaviour of all those using the hall is the sole responsibility of the hirer during the period of hire. All functions must be properly supervised in accordance with the Health & Safety and Security Regulations. All marshals must be familiar with the Fire Regulations and the fire fighting equipment, fire exits and evacuation procedures. To ensure you are familiar with all the regulations please read the induction leaflet, which is located on the notice board. The security code for the fire alarm control panel is written on the key fob. Since there is no telephone within or near to the hall the hirer is strongly advised to provide a mobile phone.

11. Liquid spills should be cleaned up using the mop and water. Wet floor signs (provided in the large store cupboard) should then be used to prevent slips.

12. External doors should not be locked during a function. The hirer must obtain prior agreement from the hall committee if it is essential that the doors are locked and must provide a removable bell to allow access to other permitted users.

13. The climbing frame is for school use only. There is a risk of climbing and falling from the bars. The hirer is responsible for the safety of all those using the hall and must ensure that the climbing frame is not used.

14. On the floor near the climbing frame are nine bolt holes. The hirer is responsible for covering these with hazard tape (provided in the kitchen cupboard marked with the first aid sign) if they pose a risk. The tape must be removed at the end of the event.

15. The kitchen cupboard marked with a first aid sign contains the first aid box, the hazard tape, COSHH# details for cleaning agents and a folder of instructions on how to use the kitchen appliances. Please record details of accidents in the book provided with the first aid. The book is regularly reviewed.

16. Noise from PAs, Discos and other amplification equipment MUST be kept at a reasonable level -- there are close neighbours to the Hall. The Hall is equipped with an Active Noise Pollution control system which will initially warn of and finally prevent uncontrolled noise levels. Hirers MUST ensure that ALL sound amplification equipment is plugged into the sockets shown in the diagram. The sockets to be used are marked with a green smiley face.

Four coloured lights on the ceiling indicate the noise level. Normally one light is on constantly. If the noise is moving towards an unacceptable level the orange lights will come on. The red light indicates that the maximum sound level has been exceeded and the electric supply will be cut for a brief period of time.

Noise should be kept to a minimum when arriving and leaving the hall, and outside the hall.
*Fire doors must not be opened unless there is an emergency. Electrical fans are available to cool the hall (switch next to the main light switch).
*All windows must be kept closed after 10.30pm.
*The event must close by 11.20pm. Breach of these times will incur financial penalty.

17. It is strongly advised that children are not allowed in the kitchen. If they are allowed into the kitchen it is at the hirers risk and a responsible adult must supervise them at all times. In any case children must be supervised at all times throughout the hall.

18. It is a CONDITION OF LAW that not more than 120 persons may be seated in the main hall for a performance, and that not more than 200 persons shall be permitted to the main hall at one time. Seating arrangements must allow sufficient space to comply with the Fire Regulations, (please see induction leaflet on notice board).

19. The hirer may adjust the heaters if required but must be aware that the heaters will become hotter to the touch if they are turned up. The heaters must be returned to their original setting at the end of the event.

20. Posters, balloons, paintings, etc. must not be stuck, taped or pinned to the walls.

21. The Committee can take NO responsibility for the use of bouncy castles; it does NOT have insurance cover. Use of bouncy castles is entirely at the hirers risk. The hirer MUST ensure that s/he has the correct insurance cover.

22. Furniture with unprotected feet must not be used on the wooden floor. Trainers worn on the wooden floor must have non-marking soles.

23. All lights, including the toilet lights, must be turned off on leaving the hall. The hall must be left secure - windows closed and doors locked. The hot water heater and other electrical appliances in the kitchen must be turned off. Fire doors must be left shut. Please check that they are properly closed. Keys must be returned to the booking officer, at the time agreed.

24. Hire charges:
Main Hall £17.50/hour; Committee Room £8/hour; Kitchen £5.50/hour.
Main Hall and Committee Room and Kitchen £26/hour.
All day hire: Main Hall £175; Committee Room £80; Kitchen £55.
All day hire: Main Hall and Committee Room and Kitchen £260.
A free 15 minutes will be allowed at the start and end of your booking.
# COSHH = Control of Substances Hazardous to Health