Frequently Asked Questions
đź“… Booking & Payment
How much does it cost to hire?
How do I check availability?
How do I make a booking?
Do I have to pay all in one go?
Most bookings require full payment in advance.
Larger events may require a booking deposit, with the balance due at least 4 weeks before the event.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
For most small events, such as children’s birthday parties, no deposit is required. However, hirers are responsible for any damage or additional cleaning required as a result of their booking.
For larger or higher-risk events (for example evening parties, events involving alcohol, or external suppliers), a refundable security deposit of ÂŁ100 or more may be required.
The level of deposit is set by the Hall Management Committee depending on the nature of the booking and risk level.
All deposits are refundable provided the hall is left in good condition and all hire conditions are met.
All bookings are subject to our Standard Conditions of Hire and Payment, Deposit and Cancellation Policy.
Do I need to book time for setting up and clearing up?
Yes - you must allow sufficient time before and after your event for setup and clearing away.
For parties, we recommend at least 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after your booking.
Weekend hires therefore have a 3-hour minimum booking period.
Please note that bookings may run back-to-back, so setup time must be included in your booking. This is especially important if you are using external suppliers such as bouncy castles, caterers, or entertainers.
What if I need to cancel?
Please refer to our Payment, Deposit and Cancellation Policy.
How do I make the payment?
Payment instructions are shown on your invoice. If you cannot pay by bank transfer, please contact us.
When do I get my deposit back?
Deposits are refunded within 7 days of the end of your hire, provided all conditions have been met.
You will need to provide bank details (name on account, account number, and sort code).
🧹 Cleaning & Waste
What cleaning is required at the end of my hire?
Please leave the hall in the same condition as you found it.
Before you leave, please ensure:
- All rubbish is removed from the site, including anything left in the fridge
- Any spills are cleaned immediately and again before leaving
- Floors are swept and the hoover is used if necessary (especially carpeted areas such as the foyer)
- Kitchen surfaces are cleaned and all crockery, glassware, and cutlery are washed and returned to cupboards
- Tables are wiped and all furniture returned to the store room (please follow the layout photo on the wall)
- Chairs must be moved using the trolley provided — do not drag chairs as this damages the floor
- Toilets do not need cleaning, but must be left tidy
- Nappies must be taken home for disposal
Please refer to the End of Hire Checklist for a quick step-by-step summary.
What do I do with my rubbish?
There are two plastic bins with bin bags in the main hall for use during your hire. Additional bin bags are available in the kitchen.
Please remove all bin bags from the main hall bins at the end of your hire.
Rubbish must be placed in the blue wheelie bin on the access road.
If the bin is full, you must take rubbish home - do not leave it on the access road.
Do you have recycling facilities?
No - we currently do not have any on-site recycling facilities. All recyclables (cardboard, cans, glass, etc.) must be taken home.
đźš— Access & Parking
How do I access the hall?
Access instructions for the key will be sent by email once your payment is received, or at least 7 days before your hire date.
Is there parking?
Yes - there is a car park at the rear of the hall, accessed via the High Street, with space for approximately 30 cars.
The car park is shared and spaces cannot be guaranteed. Additional parking is available on Elin Way and along the High Street.
Parking is at users’ own risk. Overnight parking is not permitted.
When leaving late in the evening, please be considerate of neighbours and keep noise to a minimum.
🎉 Facilities & Events
Can I use the garden?
Yes - hirers are welcome to use the community garden responsibly.
The garden is well fenced but not child-proof, so children must be supervised at all times.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on site, including the garden.
Can I have BBQs, hog roasts, or fire pits?
No - these are not permitted due to fire risk and the timber-clad building.
Can I have food trucks in the car park?
Yes - but only with written permission from the Village Hall management.
You are responsible for:
- allocating space in the car park
- cordoning off the area safely
- ensuring public safety at all times
- providing insurance (minimum ÂŁ1m public liability)
Vehicles must not be driven on the paved garden areas.
All arrangements must be agreed in advance.
Can I bring outside catering?
Yes - but only with written permission from the Village Hall management.
All suppliers must hold appropriate insurance (ÂŁ1m+ public liability) and provide details in advance.
Electrical equipment and cables must be safely installed and secured.
Can I have a bouncy castle?
Yes - this must be stated on your booking request and approved under our Bouncy Castle Policy.
Bouncy castles must:
- comply with safety requirements
- fit within designated areas
- be installed and supervised by the supplier
They must not be placed outside designated safe areas.
Can I decorate the hall?
Yes - freestanding decorations such as balloons, arches, and table décor are welcome.
No fixing to walls, ceilings, or painted surfaces.
External suppliers are welcome for larger decorative setups.
Can I use the stage?
Yes - at your own risk.
Please notify us if you intend to use the stage for performances so we can discuss AV requirements.
Stage curtains must only be operated using pulley ropes. Do not pull the fabric.
Children must be supervised at all times and are not permitted on the stage without adult supervision.
🪑 Equipment and furniture
What equipment do you have in the kitchen?
The kitchen includes:
- Electric single oven
- Hob
- Microwave
- Air fryer
- Hot water boiler (instant hot water)
- 50/50 fridge freezer
- Crockery, glassware, cutlery, and cooking equipment
- Tea towels, cleaning cloths, and disinfectant
A full inventory can be provided on request.
What does the QEII meeting room have?
A self-contained kitchen area with sink, kettle, and under-counter fridge with small freezer compartment.
Tables and chairs are available from the storage room.
Are tables and chairs included?
Yes - available for both the Main Hall and QEII room:
- 18 Gopak tables (6ft x 2ft 3”)
- 160 stackable cushioned chairs
- 4 kitchen chairs
- 4 foyer/meeting chairs
- 14 small tables
- 30 children’s chairs
- 1 round display table
What is the capacity?
- 200 seated (160 chairs available)
- 150 for party/dance events
- QEII room: up to 15 people
🔊 AV & Equipment
Do you have a speaker for music?
Yes - portable Bluetooth speakers available to hire (ÂŁ10 each) with microphone and disco lights.
Do you have a projector and screen?
Yes - available on request with a ÂŁ20 setup fee.
Can I show a film?
Yes - but must be agreed at booking stage.
AV setup is required and carries a ÂŁ20 charge.
How do I operate the heating?
Heating is preset.
Please do not adjust wall heaters. Temperature can be adjusted via the thermostat in the bar passage.
Do you have air-conditioning?
No
Do you have WiFi?
Yes - details are displayed in the foyer.
♿ Accessibility & Safety
What accessibility features does the hall have?
Level access throughout main areas, accessible toilet, and hearing loop.
The stage is the only area with steps.
Do you have baby changing facilities?
Yes - in the accessible toilet.
Nappies must be taken home for disposal.
What do I do in an emergency?
Follow the Fire Policy and signage displayed in the hall.
Emergency contact numbers are on the front door.
In the event of a major incident, follow instructions from emergency services and use “Run, Hide, Tell” guidance where appropriate.
Do you have first aid equipment?
Yes - located in the kitchen:
- First aid kit
- Eye wash station
- Accident book
An AED (defibrillator) is mounted on the outside wall (Elin Way side).
đź“‘ Policies
Is smoking allowed?
No - smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on site, including inside, outside, and garden areas.
Can I serve alcohol?
Yes - but only for free and not included in ticket price.
Can I sell alcohol?
Only with a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) or appropriate licence.
Do I need permission for a TEN?
Yes - written permission is required before applying.
âť“ Other
Do you have lost property?
Yes - kept for up to 6 months depending on item type.
Can I view the hall before booking?
Yes - by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.