Thaxted Church Hall

HOUSE RULES

Thaxted Church Hall

HALL FAQ's

Q. How do I make a booking?

A. Use the bookings page or give us a call, you will need to complete a Hire Agreement.

Q. Can I hire the hall for a teenage disco / DJ'd party?

A. No sorry we can only accommodate children's parties up to the age of 12.

Q. Do you have kitchen facilities?

A. Yes we have an electric cooker, microwave, sink, tea urn, cups, plates, saucers and cutlery. However any items used need to be washed and put away after use.

Q. Do you have an alcohol licence?

A. No, you would need to get a special event licence if you want to sell alcohol.

Q. Is there disabled access and accessible toilet facilities.

A. Yes we have facilities to allow differently abled people to use the hall.

HOUSE RULES

The following house rules comprise the terms and conditions of any hiring of Thaxted Church Hall and give helpful information about its use. Please ensure you read them before completing the hire agreement.

Access and Security

Thaxted Church Hall does not employ a full-time caretaker; therefore the Hirer is responsible for all setting up and putting away of any equipment used.

Any letting of the premises will require a responsible person to be present from the beginning till the end of the letting period on each occasion that a letting is to take place to check that the facilities are in order and deal with any problem which may arise. The premises must not be left unattended during the period of the booking.

If a key is provided, then this must be safeguarded at all times and returned to the Caretaker at the end of the letting period or as soon as is reasonably possible. The keys shall not be copied nor given or lent to any third party. If keys are provided, it is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure that all fire doors and windows are closed, all doors locked and all lights switched off (including the toilets) at the end of the letting period.

Health and Safety

Whilst we will take steps to ensure the premises are safe to use, it is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure the safe conduct of their activity during the period of hire, including the presence of a suitably qualified First Aider if necessary. A First Aid box is available in the kitchen.

The Hirer will be responsible for ensuring that Security, Fire and Health and Safety requirements are met.

There is a telephone, situated in the kitchen, which may be used in emergencies.

Any portable electrical appliance or device brought in from elsewhere and used on the premises must have an up-to-date safety certificate which must be made available for inspection upon request.

The Hirer is not permitted to bring in supplementary heating appliances.

General

A strict No Smoking Policy applies to all rooms (including toilets). The premises are fitted with smoke alarms, which will be activated by cigarette smoke.

No adhesive or fixing material may be used which may damage the fabric of the premises.

Chewing gum is not allowed on the premises.

All rubbish must be taken from the premises by the Hirer.

All chairs and tables must be returned to their original location after use.

Responsibilities

The Thaxted Church Hall Trust will be responsible for providing facilities as agreed in good working order throughout the letting period.

The Hirer will be responsible for ensuring that all users are aware of the procedures for safe and correct use of equipment and facilities, and shall report any deficiencies on the occasion of each use.

The Hirer shall ensure that there is a responsible adult or adults present and able to supervise at all times during the letting. During the period of hire, the Hirer is responsible for the orderly behaviour of guests on and while leaving the premises to ensure neighbours do not experience nuisance.

The Hirer must leave the premises in a clean and tidy condition. Losses, breakages and damage must be reported, and paid for in full. Hirers may re-arrange tables and chairs in the premises, but must restore them to their original places immediately at the end of the letting.

Kitchen Use/ Refreshments

The Kitchen may be used for the preparation of tea, coffee and refreshments with the prior agreement of the Caretaker. It is the responsibility of an external Hirer to ensure that any persons using the kitchens are aware of the requirements of the relevant Food Hygiene Regulations and Food Safety Act Codes of Practice. Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the kitchen, kitchen utensils and crockery at the end of the letting. Any breakages must be reported immediately in writing and will be subject to an additional charge.

Indemnity and Insurance

The Hirer indemnifies the Thaxted Church Hall Trust, its trustees and Caretaker against all claims, demands, actions, proceedings, damages, costs and expenses arising out of their hiring, use or occupation of the premises. It is the responsibility of the Hirer to effect whatever insurance he/she requires to cover his/her liabilities. Insurance held by the Thaxted Church Hall Trust does not extend to a Hirer’s liabilities. The Thaxted Church Hall Trust accepts no liability for accidents or injuries to persons, nor damage to and/or loss of personal property as a consequence of using the premises.

Legal Requirements

Hirers must have in mind the provisions of the Children’s Act at any event involving children. Events attended by persons under 18 years of age must at all times be properly supervised by an adequate number of responsible adults, in accordance with the Children’s Act.

The Hirer shall not use the premises for any other purpose than that specified in the Premises Hiring Agreement, and is specifically forbidden to use, or allow the use of the premises or its surrounding grounds for any illegal or immoral purpose. Thaxted Church Hall Trust reserves the right to refuse any booking.

Compliance

Failure by the Hirer to comply with any or all of the terms of this Policy document where applicable, whether intentionally or not, may be deemed by the Thaxted Church Hall Trust to be just cause for immediate cancellation of any letting or series of lettings and may result in forfeiture of the entire security deposit.

Communication & Cancellation

The part-time volunteer Caretaker, Sam Rickards, may be contacted in case of need by leaving a message on the hall answerphone: 01371 831653.

If you wish to cancel the hiring, you must give the Caretaker notice of your intention to cancel either in person or via e-mail at least 48 hours before your hiring is due to start. Otherwise you will remain responsible for the full cost of the hiring.