| Question |
Answer |
| How far in advance do we need to book? |
Bookings must be made at least 2 weeks in advance, or 4 weeks for non-standard or larger events. |
| How long should we book for? |
There is a minimum 2-hour booking period. However, you should consider carefully how long your event might take and make sure you include the time needed to set-up and clear away. |
| Are you open in the evening? |
We are normally only open after 19.00 for community / charity events. If you wish to run an evening event, please email bookings@houghtonvillagehall.org.uk and we will send you a form to complete, so the Trustees can decide whether to accept your booking. |
| Do you charge a deposit? |
We charge a minimum deposit of £50 (Main Hall) and £25 (Meeting Room). This is returned if you leave the room clean and tidy, remove your rubbish and do not disturb the neighbours. |
| How much does it cost? |
The hire charge depends on the room, length of time, if it is weekend or midweek, and whether you are a Houghton resident. Our hourly rates are at: https://www.houghtonvillagehall.org.uk/houghton-village-hall-charges2022/. |
| Is there a carpark? |
There are 2 accessible, off-street, parking spaces. The only other parking is on the road outside the hall and along nearby roads. The hall cannot accommodate events which require parking for more than a dozen or so cars. Motor vehicles are not allowed onto the field. |
| How do we get access? |
An advisor will meet you at the start of your hire period. You must be on time and be on site for the whole of your hire period. The advisor will take you round and explain everything. At the end of your hire period, you will complete a checklist to show that you have checked and cleaned the hall and toilets and leave this for an advisor to check. |
| Do you have disabled access? |
There is disabled access from the street to the main door, from the car park to the main door, and also from the carpark to the side entrance. Inside, there is an accessible toilet. |
| What is the capacity of the hall? |
The maximum capacity of the hall is 96 and we have tables and chairs for this number. However, if you wish to have some tables to serve food, the capacity will be reduced. |
| Can we view the hall before booking? |
We are happy to arrange a viewing. Please email bookings@houghtonvillagehall.org.uk suggesting two or three times when the hall is free (check the bookings schedule online first), and you are available. One of our volunteers will get back to you to confirm the viewing time. |
| What do we do with our rubbish? |
You must remove all your rubbish and recycling from the hall. You may not put anything into our bins. |
| Is there heating in the hall? |
Yes, we have central heating. This will be turned on for you in advance and you will need to turn the thermostat down again before you leave. |
| Is there a music system? |
Yes, we have a music system which can be linked to an ipod, phone or similar. If using this, you need to keep all external doors closed so the music does not disturb our neighbours. |
| Can we put up decorations? |
Yes, you can put up decorations as long as they are removed at the end of the hire, and you ensure that you do not damage the walls etc. Damage to paint work would incur a deduction from your deposit. |
| Can we have a bouncy castle inside? |
Yes, you can have a bouncy castle inside. There is no additional charge for this, but you must put down the protective mat first. |
| Do you allow animals? |
Only guide dogs and similar service animals are normally allowed inside the hall. If you wish to have, for example, small animal petting for a party, you will need to seek explicit permission from the Trustees using our special form. |
| Can we live stream (e.g.) football matches etc.? |
No |
| Is there WiFi? |
There is free WiFi for up to 15 users at one time. To access go to the Wifi settings on your device and choose BT_Guest_Wifi then follow the instructions on your device’s internet browser. |
| What fridge / freezer space is there in the kitchen? |
We have two undercounter fridges, one of which has an icebox. There is no separate freezer. |
| Do you supply cutlery and crockery? |
Yes, we have cutlery, crockery, and glasses for 96 people as well as teapots, jugs, and trays etc. |
| Do you supply tablecloths and napkins? |
No, you have to supply these yourself. Tea towels are included. |
| What sort of cooker do you have? |
We currently have a gas cooker with 5 rings and two ovens. There is a range of saucepans, oven trays and cooking utensils. |
| Can we have fireworks? |
We do not allow fireworks or any other incendiary devices. |
| Can we have a marquee on the field? |
No, we do not allow marquees. You may, however, use small temporary structures such as gazebos. |
| Can we have a bouncy castle on the field? |
Yes, but there is an additional charge for this. |
| Can we have tables and chairs on the field? |
Ours are not suitable for outside use. If you need outdoor furniture, you will need to supply these yourself. |
| Is there an outside electricity supply? |
There is no outdoor electric supply, so a generator is needed if you want to have a bouncy castle etc. |
| Can we bring mobile food vans onto the field? |
Mobile food vans, such as wood-fired pizza vans, are not allowed on the field. It might be possible to park one on the road outside the hall. |
