Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE IN NORTHCHURCH ARE YOU?

We are in the older part of Northchurch - just off the High Street on the lower section of Bell Lane, opposite the end of Loxley Road. Directions from Berkhamsted Town Centre (Hertfordshire) – proceed along the A4251 towards Tring. Turn left at the Durrants Lane traffic lights, third exit at the roundabout and then second road on the right is Bell Lane. The Social Centre is about 40yds down on the left hand side.

DO YOU HAVE CAR PARKING FACILITIES?

Yes, we have a large free car park which can take up to 30 cars. Hirers are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are parked responsibly and considerately so that access for emergency vehicles is maintained at all times, and that local residents are not disrupted in any way.

HOW EARLY CAN I GET INTO THE HALL?

You can get into the hall at the start time of your booking. If your booking starts at 10am, that is the time you should enter. If you require an earlier start or finish, that should be booked and is chargeable. It is unfair to other hirers if you come in during their paid booking time, even if they are “just clearing up”.

DO WE NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT?

A deposit is required to secure a booking and should be paid at the same time as completing the booking form. The deposit will be returned after your event providing the hall is left in good order, floors swept and kitchen/ small hall floor washed as appropriate.

DO YOU HAVE DISABLED FACILITIES?

Yes, the Centre is all on one floor, has a large level car park and is fully accessible with double doors to enter both halls from the foyer, a ramp entrance and wheelchair accessible toilet.

DO YOU HAVE COOKING FACILITIES?

The Centre has a kitchen with a small fridge, large kettle, hot water dispenser and urn. It also has a cooker and heated cupboard which can be used to reheat and serve food. The kitchen should be used for reheating food rather than cooking food from scratch. There is a serving hatch from the kitchen into the small hall.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN WE INVITE TO OUR FUNCTION/EVENT?

The maximum seating capacity of the large hall is 220 persons and that of the small hall is 90. When the Centre is being used for the purpose of dances or other social functions, the hirer or user must ensure that the total number does not exceed 310 persons in accordance with Fire Regulations.

HOW DO WE COLLECT THE KEYS?

We issue codes to the key safe a couple of days before your event. If you wish to collect a key, please contact the Centre Manager to arrange. The office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am.

HOW LATE CAN WE USE THE HALL ?

Your function/event must be finished by 11.45pm, with music turned off by 11.15pm. You then have up to one hour after the event to clean and tidy away. Please be respectful of our neighbours when leaving late at night or arriving early in the morning.

DO WE NEED TO CLEAN UP AFTER OURSELVES?

Yes, you are expected to leave the halls and kitchen in the condition you found them with the floors swept and kitchen/small hall floor washed as appropriate. All tables and chairs should be stacked away neatly (please ensure they are not dragged across the floors as this causes damage). Please note that your deposit may be witheld in full or part if the hall is not left in an acceptable condition.

CAN YOU ORGANISE FOR CLEANING COSTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE HIRE ?

It may be possible for you to organise for us to employ our cleaners to help you after your event. However this must be agreed in advance with the Centre Manager and will incur extra costs.

CAN I HIRE THE SMALLER HALL FOR A CHILDREN’S PARTY?

Yes, both the large and small halls are available for one off functions such as birthday parties or meetings. There is generally a reduced hire charge for children’s parties, however the general policy of the Trustees is that the hall will not be available for teenage parties nor 21st birthday parties.

HOW NOISY CAN WE BE?

Music may be performed or played at the Centre. In view of the proximity of the surrounding houses all users are requested to ensure that the volume of sound is kept to a reasonable level especially when amplifying equipment is in use. Please have regard for the circumstances e.g. when windows are left open in warmer weather and please can you also ensure that you are respectfully quiet when exiting the building and in the car park, especially late at night.

CAN I HIRE THE HALL FOR AN 18TH OR 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY?

No, it is the general policy of the Management Committee that the hall is not available for hire for 18th or 21st birthday parties or any other teenage party.

For any further questions, please contact info@northchurch-social-centre.co.uk