Terms & Conditions St Mary’s Hall Eaton Socon

Definitions:-

1. Accommodation

a The area available for hire is the Hall and Kitchen. A limited amount of crockery and cutlery is available for use. Hirers are expected to provide their own provisions, wash up AND PROVIDE THEIR OWN TEA TOWELS.
b There is a council car park available, which is entered from Great North Road(opposite Tesco). Alternatively, cars can be parked in School Lane. Cars are left at owner’s risk.
c Access is via the Church Centre doors. Fire Exits are for emergencies ONLY.

2. Timings

d The Hall is not available prior to the agreed time as stated on the Booking form. If you require access for any reason outside this time, this needs to be agreed with the Vicar.The applies to all bookings.
e A minimum of 15 minutes must be included before the meeting start time to allow for setup and arrival of it’s participants.
f A minimum of 15 minutes must be included after the meeting finish time to allow for the participants to clean up and vacate the premises prior to the commencement of the next booking.
g All evening bookings must vacate the premises by 10.30pm.

3. Charges & Payment

h Full payment is required at the time of booking. Cheque or Bank Transfer as below. Cleared funds must be available before hire starts.
i Management may request a refundable deposit of £50 at the time of booking, for children’s parties and other one-off events.
j Any subsequent costs incurred by the Management as a consequence of the booking, such as extra cleaning over and above normal Hall cleaning procedures, will be charged on to and paid by the hirer.

4. Cancellations by Hirer

k All bookings cancelled within one week of booking date will receive no refund.
l All bookings cancelled within two weeks of booking date will receive 50% refund.
m All bookings cancelled within at least two weeks notice will receive a full refund.

5. Cancellations by Management

n The Management is at liberty to terminate any agreement in relation to the hire of any part of the Hall if it considers that the Hirer has in any way damaged the buildings, fittings, fixtures or furniture or has subjected them to undue wear and tear or in any other way been guilty of a breach of the Conditions of Hire. Management liability shall be limited to the refund of any payment made by the Hirer, for that booking.
o The Management is at liberty to terminate any agreement if the nature of the hirer’s activities are deemed to be in conflict with the church’s ethos. Management liability shall be limited to the refund of any payment made by the Hirer, for that booking.
p If the Hall is required for an unforeseen Church event (e.g. a Funeral), this will take precedence over any booking. In the event that the Hall is required, every effort will be made to give the Hirer as much notice as possible. A full refund will be due to the Hirer in this circumstance

6. Hirer Responsibilities

q Cleanliness: The Hirer is responsible for leaving any furniture which has been moved. A Vacuum Cleaner is provided for this use. All rubbish arising from activities undertaken during the hire, must be removed by the Hirer from the Hall.
r Alcohol Licence: If alcohol is to be bought or sold in the Hall, then the Hirer is responsible for obtaining the appropriate licence.
s Music Entertainment Licence: The Hirer is responsible for obtaining such a licence if their activity requires it.
t Child Protection Policy: All regular lets that involve children must have their own Child Protection Policy. This is the responsibility of the Hirer, and Management may request to see it.
u Damage: The Hirer is responsible for maintaining the condition of the Hall during hire and is liable for all damage to the building, fixtures, fittings, furniture and items, belonging to the Management or any authorised third party, or stored with the permission of the Management (such damage being assessed by the Management or the owner).
ANY DAMAGE MUST BE REPORTED.

7. Special permission in advance of the booking is required for:

v Use of any church equipment, other than the vacuum cleaner and kitchen.
w The introduction of furniture or equipment. When permission is granted, it is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure that the item is in good working order and is operated by a responsible, well-trained individual. The Hirer also agrees to remove the item at the end of the booking. The Management will not accept responsibility for any injury cause by said items, or loss/damage of the item in the event that it is left behind.
x Making alterations or adaptations to the electrical installation, or introducing electrical appliances.