Blackthorn Village Hall

General Rules

1. Any parties for persons under 18 must have a supervising adult in charge on the premises at all times.

2. We have neighbours so every effort should be made to keep noise to an acceptable level.

3. Every effort will be made to hand the hall to you in a clean and tidy state; the Hirer must ensure that it is handed back in the same condition or a further charge may be made for cleaning. Refuse should be placed in the bins outside or taken home.

4. There is a NO SMOKING policy throughout the premises. Receptacles with sand are provided outside for extinguishing cigarettes.

5. All bookings shall normally end at midnight, so clearing up must be done before that time or arrangements made for the following morning, if available.

6. Alcohol may be brought onto the premises by the hirer or their caterers. If alcohol is to be sold the hirer is responsible for obtaining a Temporary Event Notice from Cherwell District Council (link to TEN).

7. The use of sticky tape, glue, nails or drawing pins is not permitted except on notice boards. If you need to hang something on the walls please use blu-tack or discuss with the committee beforehand.

8. Hirers should leave the hall secure, windows and doors locked and return the keys promptly to the bookings secretary.

9. The floor of the main hall is laminate and care must be taken to protect this.
Please ask your guests not to wear stilettos.

10. Each group leader must be aware of, and convey to their group, the rules covering use of the hall and of the fire procedures.

11. The group leader is responsible for getting out, and returning, any equipment used.

12. Any maintenance issues should be brought to the attention of the bookings secretary at hand back.

13. No animals allowed on the premises, except guide dogs.

14. Care should be taken when using the audio visual equipment. If you are unfamiliar with its use the committee can arrange for a short demonstration prior to your booking.

Booking Conditions

1. Bookings will only be accepted from persons over the age of 18.

2. Hirers shall pay the fees due as they collect the keys, along with a £20 deposit against replacement or repair of any loss or damage. The deposit will be returned within 7 days.

3. Cancellations – please advise the booking secretary promptly if you need to cancel your booking. Deposits will be refunded if the Hall is required to be used as a polling station on the selected day or the hall becomes unusable.

Hirer's Responsibilities

1. Ensuring the General Rules covering the use of the hall are complied with.

2. Supervising the activities and behaviour of your group.

3. Protecting the fabric and contents of the hall, to avoid unnecessary damage.

4. Supervising car parking arrangements to avoid obstruction of the highway.

5. Obtaining any licences necessary in connection with the booking; other than those already held by Blackthorn Village Hall.

6. Complying with the conditions and regulations made in respect of the premises by the Fire Authority and Local Government Authority.

7. Ensuring the hall is not used for any unlawful purpose or in any unlawful way and that your group do not bring onto the premises anything which may endanger the premises.

*premises to be vacated and locked by midnight.

We have audio visual equipment available, but please advise us if you wish to use it.

A £20 deposit to secure a booking is required at the time of booking and will be returned after use providing no damage has occurred.

If you wish to hire the hall for regular sessions a special event or for a longer period of time please contact us to discuss how we can work together.