Hire our spaces

Conditions of Hire and Use of the Church Premises

Smoking and Alcohol:
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building, nor is the consumption of alcoholic drinks at the Stephen Hill site, nor without the prior permission of the Vicar and Church Wardens at the St Columba site. The sale of alcoholic drinks is not permitted under any circumstances. 

Restrictions and limitations on use:
- The foyers may only be used for purposes appropriate to a carpeted & well furnished entrance to a church. Wherever possible, prams and pushchairs are to be left in the entrance porch.
- Young people under the age of 12 are only permitted in the kitchen areas whilst under the strict supervision of an adult.
- The premises may only be occupied during the specific time for which they have been hired.
- The accommodation of the Stephen Hill Church Hall is limited to 160 persons standing or 110 persons seated and these numbers must not be exceeded. St Columba hall is a medium size with a maximum of 65 seated for a meal around tables or 80 persons standing.
- Flags, emblems, streamers, advertisements etc must not be displayed outside the premises without prior permission.

Child Protection:
Groups hiring the premises on an occasional basis for purposes which include activities for children and young people under 18 must confirm by the signing of the booking form, that they have appropriate insurance cover for the proposed activities and proper procedures for the protection of children.    

Safety:
- No additional lights or extensions from the light fittings are to be used nor must any electrical wiring be installed without prior permission of the Church Wardens.
- No illumination besides electric light is to be used in any part of the premises, no liquid gas cylinders, explosives or highly flammable substances are to be brought onto the premises.
- Fire extinguishers must not be removed or tampered with, and all users must familiarise themselves with the location, type and operation of the extinguishers.

Accidents:
In the event of any personal injury occurring as a result of an accident, details must be recorded in the accident book located in the kitchen.

Food Preparation:
The preparation of food stuffs must be confined to the kitchen and, prior to it's preparation, all surfaces likely to come into contact with the food stuffs must be washed and disinfected.   

Liability for Loss or Damage:
- The repair or replacement of any damage to the premises and contents or to the neighbouring property will be arranged by the Church Wardens but must be paid in full by the hirer.
- The church cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss or damage to any property brought onto or stored at the premises by the hirer.

Care of the Premises and Furnishings:
- Nothing can be pinned, glued, taped or otherwise attached to any part of the interior of the premises other than to notice boards.
- Hirers are expected to treat the premises with care and respect and to make every effort to ensure no damage is caused. Should any damage occur however, the hirer is required to report it to the Church office.

- Please do not take food or drink into the worship areas - without express permission, please respect the sanctity of these spaces.
- The chairs in the worship area and in the foyer must not be moved into the hall or anywhere else within the premises.

Vacating the Premises:
- Any property, including scenery, brought on the premises must be removed immediately after the end of the hire period, unless other arrangements have been previously made with the church office.
- The premises must be left in a clean and tidy condition at the end of the hire period. Folding tables are to be stored in the cupboard in the hall or neatly on the stage, and the stacking chairs to be stacked, either in the cupboard in the hall, on the stage , or in the corner of the hall immediately in front of the stage access stairs. Please consider our neighbours as you leave the premises, particularly if it is after 10pm.

Charges for Hire:
The agreed charge for the hire of the premises must be paid promptly to the church office or by bank transfer (information is on your invoice) £10 NON RETURNABLE deposit secures your booking. Payment in full to be made by 1 week BEFORE your event.
The Vicar and Church Wardens have the authority to terminate the hiring arrangements if these conditions are not met.

 The above charges may be varied by the Vicar and/or Treasurer in individual cases where such variation would seem appropriate.