Hall Frequently Asked Questions

Can we have the hall earlier or the day before?

The setting up and packing away time must be included in the period of hire.  You will be unable to come into the hall the day before, or earlier than booked unless this time is paid for.

Can we bring a microwave or any other kitchen appliances?

All Appliances must be PAT tested before they can be used in the hall.  There is a microwave in the kitchen at Abbey Hall and in the main kitchen at Hound Parish Hall.

Can we have a Hog Roast?

Hog Roasts and BBQs are permitted, but you must pay an additional fee for permission to do this in a public open space.

Can we open Hall doors?

You are permitted to open the Emergency exit doors, please ensure that they have been shut properly before vacating the hall.

What are the table sizes?

6ft x 2ft.5 (1.83m x 0.76m) at Hound & 6ft x 3ft at Abbey Hall

How many tables and chairs are available?

In Abbey Hall there are 20 tables and 140 chairs.  Hound Parish Hall contains 10 tables and 120 chairs in the Main Hall, and 9 tables and 26 chairs in the Small Hall.

How many can sit round a table?

Six people may sit comfortably around a table, but up to eight people can be sat around the table at a squeeze.

Can we put decorations up on the wall?

Decorations are permitted providing that they are hung with non-permanent sticking solutions, i.e. blue tac or tape. Nails must not be used. If damage should be caused to the walls or wood frames, your deposit will be withheld.

Can we come back the following day to clear up?

No.  Clearing away time must be included in your hire period and all rubbish must be collected and taken with you when you leave. The hall, kitchen, and toilets must be left in a clean and tidy state, with tables wiped down and put away correctly. The floor must be swept, and all spillages mopped clean. This is part of the contracted agreement you make when you carry out the hire of the hall. Failure to do so may cause your deposit to be withheld.

Do we clean up after our event?

See above answer.

Can we use a smoke machine?

Smoke machines are not permitted, as stated in the conditions of hire.

Who do we call if Alarms are sounding?

Please call one of our Caretakers, Alex or Barbara. Their numbers are supplied in the information pack you received on booking your hire.  In the case of a fire please call the Fire Brigade.

What do you supply?

We supply toilet paper, washing-up liquid, small bin liners, and a small amount of cups and saucers. We do not supply large black bin sacks, or crockery.  There are brooms, dustpan and brush and a mop for you to use.

Do you have a freezer, cooker, microwave, kettle, and tea urn?

We do have a large domestic gas cooker, microwave, kettle, tea urn, small fridge and separate freezer at Abbey Hall.  The main hall at Hound has a small fridge, domestic gas cooker, kettle, tea urn and microwave. The small hall has a small fridge, kettle and tea urn.

Is the car park for our sole use when hiring premises?

The car park is for your use, however please be flexible in allowing visitors to the recreation grounds some parking spaces.  It is a public car park and not exclusive to hirers.

Do I switch all lights off after the event?

Where there are light switches, yes the lights must be switched off.  However, some are on a sensor and will automatically switch off.

Can we have a Bouncy Castle in the Hall?

It is possible to have a bouncy castle at Abbey Hall but there is a height restriction of 15'.  The supplier would need to provide the council with a copy of their risk assessment and public liability insurance.  It is not possible to have one at Hound Parish Hall due to the ceiling height.

What are the measurements of the Main Hall?

Abbey Hall measures 53ft x 25ft (16.15m x 7.62m) approximately. Meeting room 11ft x 14ft (3.61m x 4.35m).  Hound main hall measures 59ft x 27ft (18m x 8.5m), Hound small hall measures 22ft x 22ft (7m x 7m)

Is there a hearing loop system?

Yes, both halls have a hearing aid loop system.  If you need help with this, please speak to Alex when collecting the hall keys.