Events and Hiring

We hold  events in our church to bring members of our communities together on a regular basis. We also run events for special occasions.   We would be delighted to accommodate your event if possible. The following information sets out the terms and conditions which apply to the use of the church by external organisations and groups.

Contact

Please get in touch if you would like to hold an event in our church.

Health & Safety

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is responsible for the health and safety of people using the church. We will supply you with our risk assessment for using the church of which you should take note and communicate to your team. You will be asked to provide your own risk assessment as well to cover any aspects not in our own risk assessment.

Fire is the principle hazard and our guidelines permit a maximum of 200 people attending an event inside the church. The required exits should be unlocked and free of obstruction for the duration of your event. If your event is held in the hours of darkness you may wish to consider lighting the paths around the church yard as external lighting is limited to the south and east side of the church.

Insurance and Public Liability

Our own public liability insurance provides cover for up to £2 million for persons for third party use of the church. However you will need your own public liability cover for any damage to the building. You will need to show us evidence of cover before the event can be confirmed.

Facilities

The church has a small kitchenette and a toilet. It is important that these facilities are left as you found them after your event.

There are good stocks of crockery, cutlery and glasses. There are no warming or cooking facilities but there is a water boiler and kettle.

The west end of the church has a clear carpeted space which can provide room for up to 6 rectangular tables seating 6-8 persons each. Folding chairs are also available.

The church has a good working organ and a good grand piano. These can be used with permission from the Church Organist. Please enquire through the Parish Administrator.

Fees

The PCC makes a charge for using the church for external events. This will depend on the scale of the event but is usually 10% of takings on the door. Sometimes the church can be used for no charge for registered charitable organisations but a donation to PCC funds may be invited. Other charges are made for costs such as heating and lighting, staffing etc.

Seating

The church seating is mainly wooden pews all facing the east end of the space except for the pews in the chancel which face each other. The folding chairs can be set out in the space at the west end of the nave.

Lighting

The church has a good level of lighting inside the building. It is zoned but not dimmable.

Heating

If required the heating can be turned on which will bring the space to a comfortable temperature. There is a fee for this.

Publicity

The PCC operates a Facebook page and has a presence in the Church of England website A Church Near You, and publishes a weekly notice sheet. If we can help you promote your event please let us know.

Food & drink

At any event open to the public a Temporary Event Notice is required if alcohol is provided, whether it be offered for sale, for a suggested minimum donation, or even for free. It is the event organiser’s responsibility to provide this and evidence of this must be submitted to confirm the booking. If you are providing alcoholic drinks in the context of a private party no such notice is required.

Music licensing

The church has a Performing Rights Society licence for the performance of copyrighted music at a fee paying event. A charge for this will be made if required.

Supervision

In most cases a PCC supervisor will be present throughout the duration of your event to help and ensure your activity runs smoothly. The supervisor will greet you and lock up after your event has concluded.

Environmental impact

It is important that noise is kept to reasonable levels during your event as the church is set in a residential area. Please inform the parish administrator about the nature of your event and any possible impact on our neighbours.

Practical arrangements

When you make your booking we will ensure that you have time included for both setting up and packing away.
It is important that the church is left in the condition you found it. There is often limited opportunity to set things right for church services after hiring events, so your help in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Parking

There is no designated parking but the lanes around the church can accommodate parking for most events that could be held in the church.

Charges

Heating if required: £40

PCC supervisor: £30

Music license: tbc 

Temporary Event Notice: £25