Hiring our Hall - Guidance for Hall Users

a) The Hall is available for hire between 09:00 and 23:00 to include all setting up and clearing up time. To comply with local bye-laws, all music must stop by 22:00. Music must be low and windows kept closed when music is played. The use of sound systems is strictly forbidden. The Hall must be clean, tidy and locked by 23:00. No hiring may be extended beyond this time. Hirers do not have access to other sections of the building that they have not booked.
b) The Hall is not licensed for public performances, public dances, public discotheques, or for the sale of alcohol.
c) St Stephen & St Thomas Church Council reserves the right to cancel or change a booking if the Hall is required for Church functions, or any exceptional need. Any fee paid for a booking which is subsequently cancelled by the Church, will be refunded. The right is reserved for a representative of the Church Council to enter the Hall at any time.
d) The maximum number of persons permitted in Hall is limited to 100.
e) No electrical appliance or outlet may be altered, modified or tampered with in any way. Normal projection equipment and sound equipment may be used. All electrical equipment used should comply with the Electrical Appliances at Work 1989 directive. The sound level should be kept low enough as not to disturb people in the neighbouring houses. Small electrical kitchen appliances may be used. The use of other electrical equipment is subject to the permission of the Bookings Secretary. Portable gas appliances, or other equipment involving the use of a naked flame, are not permitted.
f) Any loss of Church property, and all damage and breakages must be reported to the Bookings Secretary. A charge may be made for the replacement of missing or broken items.
g) The hirer is responsible for the safekeeping of any door and entrance-gate keys that may be loaned by the Church in connection with a booking. Keys should be kept securely at all times, both on and off the premises, so as to minimise the risk of loss. At the end of the booking, any keys to the building that are in the possession of the hirer, should be returned to a Church officer. A key deposit of £30 is payable which is refunded upon return of the keys.
h) At the end of each hire, the hirer should ensure that all external doors and windows are properly secured. Except as may be permitted under Note (l), all the hirer's equipment must be removed from the premises. The Hall should be left in good order with all tables and chairs returned to the correct places and the heating switched off. No rubbish or litter should be left anywhere on Church property. Rubbish should be taken away, but may be left neatly bagged at the corner of the Glebe Maisonette subject to prior arrangement with the Bookings Secretary. A rubbish deposit of £50 and a cleaning deposit of £20 are payable which are refunded when the Bookings Secretary is satisfied that these conditions have been complied with.
i) Adhesive tape or drawing pins must not be used to affix anything to the walls, windows, doors or woodwork. Cautious use of "blu- tack" is acceptable. At the discretion of the vicar, hall users may place their own material on the notice board provided.
j) Please do not leave any valuable items in the Hall (even if locked away in cupboards). The Church accepts no responsibility for the loss of personal possessions or injury sustained to any persons whilst the Hall is in the use of the hirer. A First Aid box and report book are located in the kitchen, and the Bookings Secretary should be informed of any accident or injury occurring.
k) Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen. Users should familiarise themselves with fire regulations and appliances. The Fire Brigade should be called out to any outbreak of fire, however slight, and the incident reported to the Bookings Secretary. No exits, including the fire exit, should be obstructed at any time. Highly flammable substances are not permitted in the Hall.
l) Items may only be stored in the Hall with prior agreement of the Bookings Secretary.
m) The right to refuse any application is reserved to the Vicar and the Church Council.

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